If you have never read Sam Usher (British), I want to introduce you to his art. He has illustrated for other authors, but in this post I want to focus on the books he has written and illustrated. I love these books because of Usher’s ink and watercolor art, and enormous (9×12) album size! They are perfect for story time because the text is brief and everyone can see the illustrations. The imaginative stories match the bigger-than-life size of the book and are a pleasure to lap-read as well.
All of the books feature Granddad and the boy protagonist, whom some reviewers have labeled as Sam. I like having a name for they boy, so I will refer to him as Sam in this post.
Grandparents in Children’s Literature
All the books follow a chronology. Sam wakes up in his bed by a large window, sometimes with hints of the story title. Him and his Granddad start off doing something mundane that turns into an extraordinary adventure. The last spread is always of Granddad and the boy sitting at the kitchen table, musing on the day’s adventure. Details of the day’s happenings lay about the kitchen floor, or are tagged onto the refrigerator door.
Since Sam wakes up and his room usually looks pretty lived in, because of the familiar way in which they communicate, and the way the boy knows his way around the house, I think Sam lives full time with Granddad. Of course, it could be that he visits him every weekend, or once a month for a long weekend. I think readers could apply it to any of these situations. My son actually spends time with his grandpa every day, in his environment, since we live so close, so there’s that type of setup as well. Whatever the set up, these books definitely capture the intergenerational connection between a child and a grandfather. There’s time to take your time, play, imagine, explore, bask in the long short days of childhood and retirement.
Granddad is not portrayed as frail or impaired in any way, quite the opposite. His mind is sharp, he takes long hikes, can climb trees, and even pirate ships! Sam treats him as an equal, knowing Granddad will be up for the day’s adventure.
The prose in all these stories is brief and definitely toddler approved and easily able to be translated. The language is easy enough for beginning readers to tackle on their own.
Snow is the first in the “seasons” quartet. Sam is eager to go out to play in the snow with his friends, but Granddad needs a little more time to get ready. Eventually they make it out and have snowball fights with the neighborhood kids, pets, and… elephants?
This book could be read on a rainy day throughout the year. Sam is actually willing to go out in the rain and “splash in puddles and look at everything upside down.” But Granddad is preoccupied trying to write something. Once they finally leave the house to deliver Granddad’s “important letter” they are accompanied by a cacophony of characters on gondolas.
We read this repeatedly this summer. Sam and Granddad take advantage of a sunny day in summer to go on a picnic. Granddad is set on finding “the perfect spot,” however, which takes them on a long hike to a cave. I particularly liked how Usher illustrated the summer sky in this volume. It begins in azure blue, transitions into yellow and orange, and oppresses the tiny hikers as an endless span of red as the afternoon arrives. Living in Texas, it sure feels like the sky is fire many days is summer!
You can see some souvenirs from past adventures on Sam’s bed in this book. Woken up by a gust, Sam has plans to “lean into the wind,” a lovely expression and activity which now I have to try next time we have a windy day! Granddad suggests they fly a kite, and between searching for it, they also find Granddad’s souvenirs. Given that this is the conclusion to the quartet, it makes sense that this book makes allusion to the other three. They go on their own flying adventure in this volume, always with the town in tow. I loved how Usher changes the lighting in his street spreads, as the coming storm approaches. A moody stormy night or subtle Halloween read.
Free can definitely be a Spring read. “One of the birds” feasting from Granddad’s birdfeed is not feeling well. Sam and Granddad spend the day nurturing him while nurturing themselves. Aside from their birding hobby, I love how this book revolves around the meals shared between Sam and Granddad: pancakes, tripple-decker sandwiches, tea and cookies, and a special “midnight feast.” Usher’s artistry is evident in the gradient of his skies and of course, the details, patterns, and color dedicated to the birds.
If Free is a study in birds, Wild is definitely a study in felines. Sam and Granddad are pet sitting a cat for someone. Disappointed that the cat doesn’t seem to like him as he refuses to participate in all the sitting activities Sam has planned, he and Grandad must finally chase him out into the “wild.” Usher definitely makes outside look wild with his forest green spread of Granddad’s backyard. The pair trek through a jungle, finally spotting the escapee and joining him at a feline party!
Not yet available in a U.S. edition, this may be why not many U.S. libraries yet carry this title. Hopefully we can get it soon, otherwise you can spend ~$18 for a hardback or ~$11 for a paperback. This one may have a follow up called FOUND, according to Sam Usher’s instagram profile.
There you have it! These books are honestly gorgeous in person. The covers feature raised and cut engravings that add texture. These are definitely gift worthy as the affordable quartet season collection, or individually.
As adults we know that the adventures are likely all in Sam’s imagination. But through his masterful brush strokes, Usher pulls in Granddad, many other neighbors, and readers to participate in the expeditions. The “extras” always feature joyful or knowing expressions, and readers are convinced of the habitual wonder that accompanies Usher’s universe.
You can opt to check these all out at once, or take your time and read them slowly through the seasons. I secured 2 copies from BCLS, and the rest from FBCL.
Biblioterika 