The follow up to the quirky Garmann's Summer. In this fun new book we get to follow Garmann, see how he deals with bullies and all the fun and crazy personalities of his neighbors and the people that surround his home.
Stian Hole (born 20 March 1969, in Tønsberg, Norway) is a Norwegian graphic designer, illustrator and writer of children's books. He has made numerous book covers and three picture books which have gained national and international recognition. His book Garmann's Summer earned him an Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award in 2009. In 2009 he won the Nordic Children's Book Prize.
I use this book to teach about conclusions, as my class tend to love the first half of the book, but not the last half. We rewrite the end and talk about the importance of a strong conclusion. LOVE this story!
Fin, fin, fin! Litt drøy språkbruk og tematikk. "Roy i fjerde sier at Frimerkemannen er en jævel. At han dreper kattunger". Men gir også mulighet til å snakke om maktbalanse, press, redsel og retten til å si nei. Aktuelle spørsmål underveis i lesestuden: - Hvorfor tror dere alle hører på Roy selv om han lyver? - Hva tror dere pappa mener når han sier at "livet er aldri helt trygt"? - Hva betyr det å være en feiging? - Har dere noen gang blitt kalt for en pyse eller feiging før? Hvordan kjentes det? - Hva betyr det å være modig? - Hva hadde dere gjort viss dere gjorde at det begynte å brenne? - Hva tror dere Garmann mener når kjenner seg helt "tom i hodet"? - Hva tror dere kongen skriver i brevet til de som blir hundre år? - Hvordan tror dere at Garmann synes det er å alltid bli valgt sist når klassen velger fotballag? - Hvorfor tror dere at Roy begynte å holde i sykkelstyret igjen? - Hva kan dere se ut fra deres vindu? Hva skjer i deres nabolag?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Skønne, skønne bøger han laver, ham Stian Hole. Denne er flot præmieret, men jeg kan bedre lide 1'eren. Når det så er sagt, er der intet, der slår Holes illustrationer.
Det bästa med den här boken var bilderna - de var så coola men samtidigt så läskiga på sätt och vis. De gav en överhängande orolig känsla till den rätt allvarliga berättelsen, vilket jag tycker var väldigt snyggt gjort av författaren.
Jag måste säga dock att andra halvan av boken var mycket mindre fångande än den första, vilket är synd då jag tyckte om första delen. Överlag lämnade jag boken med en känsla av “Meh, den var okej. Men bilderna var coola!” Jag är dock ändå glad att jag läste den som en del av kursen - det var intressant att se hur olik den var i både bild och text till de andra bilderböckerna vi fick att läsa.
Published in 2010 by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. Interest Level: 2nd-5th Grade
This book is about Garmann and two major experiences that he has near his home. The first is a bullying experience where he then participates in a devastating wildfire, and the second is about his encounter with a neighbor he calls "The Stamp Man". The title page and various stylized decorations on the pages with text reflect the idea of stamps, letters, and postmarks. The text is matter-of-fact in an almost surprising way, since such serious topics are covered, such as bullying, destroying property, and mentoring. The story does not veer into moralistic tones, but instead maintains a safe distance from morals and states just what is so.
Although these themes and events may be life altering, it is not clear through the book that Garmann learns anything expect an appreciation for his neighbor and mentor the Stamp Man. The bulliying instance almost seems unnecessary and convoluted compared to Garmann's interactions with his neighbor. What I particularly enjoyed were the illustrations and the mix of photographs and artistic backgrounds along with the stamp details and the several pages where the metaphors or crazy statistics were illustrated so well. Garmann is a young boy who is experiencing life in a very real way and the reader is brought along with him through a non-linear storyline.
“Garmann’s Street” is about the relationship that develops between Garmann and the “Stamp Man” after a near disastrous incident. It is the sequel to “Garmann’s Summer.”
I liked this book. It did not have the humor of “Garmann’s Summer” but it was an enjoyable book nonetheless.
The book is Norwegian with translation done by Don Bartlett who is the same person who translated “Garmann’s Summer.” I did not feel that any dialogue was lost in the translation. Nor did I feel that there was any “foreign” information that required explanation.
The intended audience for this book is any child living anywhere in the world who would enjoy reading it. The book is not geared toward or targeted to Norwegian children. Any child can read the book or have the book read to them and immediately identify with Garmann, either personally or through someone they would know.
My rating for this book is five stars. The book did not have the sense of humor Stian Hole’s first book in the series had but it was an enjoyable book all the same. Children will be able to relate to the characters of Garmann and Roy; adults will enjoy reading about the sensitive and tender relationship that develops between Garmann and the Stamp Man.
This is as good as his first, Garmann's Summer. These are about the most complex picture books around--so much to look at in the unique illustrations (I'm pretty sure the guy with the leaf blower near the end is Elvis Presley), and so much to think about within the story. Stian Hole won the 2009 children's literature prize by the "Nordic Association of School Librarians" for this book, and other awards for Garmann's Summer. Let's hear it for the Norwegians!!!
I thought that the book was confusing and it felt like pieces of information was missing. In the story, they tell facts and information that both the old man and the boy new and I liked that piece of the story. It would be a good book if you were teaching children about math. But, I wouldn't recommend to others to read.
This book was very different and even though it is written as a picture book would be more appropriate for an older child. It covers a few topics such as bullying, facing your fears and finding friends in unexpected places. The illustrations were creative but dark and a little scary, the text was hard to follow for a child.
Crazy, wonky illustrations that incorporate photographs. Weird, dijointed tale about a Norwegian kid, his bully and the creepy old man down the street whom he befriends after accidentally setting the man's yard on fire. I don't know if kids would like this, but I did.
This sequel to the BolognaRagazzi Award winner Garmann's Summer is as equally perplexing and beautiful as its predecessor. Stian Hole's books are not for every child (or adult) but they are certainly unique and memorable.
a great tale about an intergenerational friendship and common(ish) passions. But is this about bullying as well, or is it that the book does not need to have a clear message, and the author simply wnats you to 'enjoy the ride'?
I did not like this book at all. I thought it was inappropriate for children, the colors were dark, the pictures were weird and creepy, and the book was all over the place. One minute they were talking about a fire and the next minute about flowers. Absolute horrible book.
These are the strangest books, but I just keep going back for more. Very intriguing pictures but unsettling story lines. Nothing overtly offensive... Just "off" in a strange sort of way. I'll have to read them all.
Another sophisticated, delicately told masterpiece from Stian Hole. It's subtle, finely tuned story gently but authentically tackles every day subjects like bullying, friendship, guilt, social hierarchy, and death with Hole's characteristic grace.
Not for the typical picture book audience in my opinion. Too dark and frightening to read to my little ones. The art is pure talent and odd. Those who love the bizarre, will love the story and illustrations.
My favorite part was the leaf blower....he looks like one only my sons.
Very powerful book about an unlikely friendship as a result of an unfortunate event. The illustrations are slightly surreal and just off kilter enough to be both unsettling and confrontational while still familiar. A definite winner for older students
I thought that the book was confusing and it felt like pieces of information was missing. In the story.I would no recommend this book for any grade I feel like they would also be confused.