Grandfather Gandhi

If you know someone that struggles with an anger issue, or if you are wondering how to respond without judgement to another person, or if you are just looking for an amazing book to read or give as a gift, Grandfather Gandi by Arun Gandhi and Bethany Hegedus is a new book you should definitely find.I have been looking forward to this book ever since I heard it was about to be released and it has far exceeded my expectations. I knew that Arun, the grandson of Mahatma Ghandi would enchant me with a good story, but I was thrilled to see that every detail about the book is beautiful. The illustrations by Evan Turk combine watercolor, paper collage, cotton fabric, cotton, yarn, gouache, pencil, tea, and ten foil. They are exquisite. The illustrations are matched with words that provide beautiful imagery such as this statement, “The tin bowls and utensils we used clanged, making a funny-sounding music.” The main focus of the book, which is about Arun feeling inadequate to live up to his grandfather’s reputation, shares a story about Arun becoming angry on the soccer field and then being overwhelmed with embarrassment as he tells his truth to his grandfather. His grandfather responds by telling him that anger is like electricity, it can strike like lightening and split a tree in half, or it can be channeled, transformed and like a lamp, switched on to shed light in the world.I’m so thankful Arun was willing to share his story. In a time when anger and self judgement threatens our world, this story is a blessing of healing. The publisher, Simon and Schuster did an incredible job bringing this book together. Whether you are a librarian, teacher, grandparent, parent, or the best aunt ever, I think you are going to want to get this book to share with those special kids (or adults) in your life.

This book is very cute with bright, bold illustrations that use an interesting art technique. The book is from the perspective of the little boy (Gandhi's grandson) as he works to learn how to channel his anger into more productive routes while worrying how he can live in the shadow of someone like his grandfather. As an elementary school teacher, I loved reading this book with my students and discussing the different themes such as Indian culture, what it feels like when you aren't good at something, and how can we act when we're angry. I could see this book being used in K-3 or K-4 classrooms. It is a little longer so the younger ones might have a little trouble sitting through it, but great message!

It's a great book, well written, with gorgeous pictures but what moved me most about it is Bethany Hegedus' story of how it came to be. Seeking solace after 9/11 she went to hear Arun Gandhi speak. His speech moved her so much she got it in her head that she would write a book with him. She was not even a published author at the time she approached him. What a crazy and amazing idea. And more crazy and amazing is that he didn't brush her off... he said "yes." It took 12 years to get the project to this point... but how awesome and amazing that it even happened.

Great customer service and a beautiful book. Thank you!

While the perspective of the grandson is refreshing, I got this as a book to introduce my 6 year old to Gandhi. My 6 year old loves historical figures and biographies. This book assumes you already know a good bit about Gandhi. I am thoroughly disappointed because it was so highly recommended and actually turned my son off from wanting to read about more about Gandhi. Only gave it as high as a three because I found it a refreshing perspective and interesting read, but then, I already know about Gandhi.

Beautiful story. Gorgeous illustrations. This was a wonderfully simple story about human emotions. We used it as part of a home school curriculum.

I think this story has a wonderful message for children. It is great that it is a picture book that can be read to young children as that the reader can also learn a valuable lesson. If only everyone could follow the advice, the world would certainly be a better place. I donated this copy to my local library in hopes that it will be read by many.

Evan Turk's wonderful illustrations bring this story alive for children of all ages. What makes this lesson in nonviolence so valuable is that it is a true story, told to Bethany Hegedus by Arun Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, from memories of the two years he spent living on his grandfather's compound, beginning at age 12. Hegedus, who was moved by hearing Arun Gandhi speak shortly after 9/11, catches his gentle spirit in the retelling.

My daughter enjoyed the book! Very nice message:)

I purchased this for my young nephew, I hope it will be passed around all the families. Beautifully illustrated and leaving a message for everyone, reader and young one.

Nice concept but assumed your kid already knows who Ghandi was - and it is hard to get them engaged if they don't.

This is a lovely book, both the text and the illustrations. The only "but" is that to appreciate the story, the child would have to know quite a bit about Gandhi's philosophy. I got this well in advance of an upcoming birthday, so I will have time to lay the groundwork of his ideas before gifting the book. If you are able to do that, reading it together will be an enriching experience for both child and adult.

Great illustrations and storytelling