(A Bus Called Heaven) [By: Bob Graham] [May, 2013]

by Bob Graham

Could a broken-down bus really bring a whole city neighborhood together? Could it all start with a small girl named Stella?One morning in front of Stella's house, an abandoned bus appears, looking sad as a whale on a beach. On its front, held up with packing tape, is a hand-painted sign that says Heaven. Right away, the bus brings change to Stella's street when people stop to talk about it instead of rushing by. And as Stella looks past all the empty bottles and cans inside, as she sees the sparrows nesting in the engine, she changes, too. "This bus could be ours," she declares. With a master's eye for finding the magic in the mundane, Bob Graham creates an encouraging story about community - a whimsical tale about neighbors of all ages and stripes coming together, and about one little girl who comes into her own.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Friendship, Realistic Fiction, Family, Fiction, Buses

Paperback

First published October 1, 2011

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

An Australian children's author and illustrator. His books include Max, which won the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize Gold Award, Jethro Byrd, Fairy Child, which won the Kate Greenaway Medal, and "Let's Get A Pup!" Said Kate which won the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aww.... Implausible as written, but a good fairy tale for all ages... and plausible if you imagine all the left out details. Anyway, it's a Bob Graham, and I always feel my heart growing stronger and warmer when I read his books. The queen should knight him.

[Zahra tavakoli · Rating 4 out of 5]

داستانی تصویری دربارهٔ اتوبوسی قراضه که تبدیل می‌شود به محل تجمع همسایه‌ها و تقویت همدلی و روابط همسایه‌ها با هم. مثل بقیه کتاب‌های باب گراهام تصاویر پر از جزئیات و جذاب است. به نظرم مناسب بالای پنج سال.

[David Crumm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Care about diversity? Drive 'A Bus Called Heaven'!

“OURS!” little Stella cries in A Bus Called Heaven. That’s the defining moment in Bob Graham’s new book and the words stand alone in a big double-page spread, echoing through his urban landscape.

There are thousands of children’s books that celebrate creativity, compassion and fanciful good fun. In fact, as a Baby Boomer who loved reading books to my own kids, I often regret that we didn’t have more of these colorful picture books back when I was a kid in the ‘50s and ‘60s. We’ve come a long way in throwing open the windows to childhood imagination. But, to this day—there aren’t that many picture books for kids that specifically tackle the challenges of building a diverse community.

Over the years, as a journalist covering cultural diversity, I have highlighted gems about hospitality and diversity for all ages. For example, I’ve been a strong supporter of the delightful mouse-and-bear books by Bonny Becker and Kady MacDonald Denton. (See links below.) As much as we like the tales from that team—they haven’t reached the kind of vivid, clear-eyed vision of diversity that Bob Graham summons in A Bus Called Heaven.

In Graham’s world, we see Muslim women in hijab, Orthodox Jews in broad-brimmed fedoras, street kids in hoodies, bikers with tattoos, Hindus in neatly folded caps and Catholic priests in the full regalia of black suit and collar. We meet grandparents, parents and kids.

The main character is little Stella, who sees only the best possibilities in her neighborhood. One day, she spots a beat-up old bus that could be a dangerous eyesore for her neighbors. Instead, Stella sees a sacred space. Well, she doesn’t call it “sacred,” but it’s obvious in Graham’s tale that this derelict bus is a slice of heaven for everyone. Of course, only Stella can see this truth, at first. Only Stella calls it: “OURS!”

Go on! Get a copy of A Bus Called Heaven now from Amazon, while it’s still available. Such books may sell forever, or may vanish after a season. This will become a family classic and, if you’re involved in education or volunteer in your community—there’s not a better book to share with kids. (And, of course, adults of all ages, too!)

A Visitor for Bear
A Bedtime for Bear

[Andrew Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

'A Bus Called Heaven' is my second picture book of Australian origin, this one written by celebrated Sydney children's author Bob Graham, and it tells the enchanting tale of how an old bus left for scrap is transformed into heaven for its local community through the inspirational imagination of a small girl called Stella and her parents. Neighbours bring along sofas and games to furnish the vehicle, animals and insects make its old engine and tyres their home - even graffiti artists tagging it overnight are invited to come back during the day and decorate the whole bus in much brighter, more welcoming colours. Inevitably enough, a villain emerges in the form a scrapyard boss who wishes to remove the vehicle to his twisted mountain of metal entitled 'the boneyard'; but Stella even manages to vivaciously win him round and secure the bus' future in bringing joy and building community for all. Endorsed by Amnesty International for its contribution to understanding human rights, Bob Graham helps children appreciate the significance of values such as inclusion, generosity and empathy which often feature high on school values or ethos - and helps them question traditional adult behaviours around industry and business, especially those sectors' frequent disregard for the environment as envisaged here by the scrap dealer's 'boneyard'. This story could link to geographical local study around industry or transport, to artistic redecoration or reinvention of scrap materials, to scientific consideration of creature habitats and how humans can re-use unwanted materials to provide creative homes for wildlife, or to PSHE and RE: throughout the book, the illustrations make every effort to show a mixture of races, religions and cultures enjoying the bus together, indeed we even see a Christian vicar, Jewish rabbi and Muslim Imam or Sikh leader praying together for the bus' survival at the hands of the scrap dealer. Some schools nowadays are even acquiring second-hand buses to form outside libraries or 'reading buses': could introducing Bob Graham's picture book to primary schools help more of them consider following this path?

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Having heard that Bob Graham was like Australia's Robert Munsch, I was really excited to read this CBCA-nominated title. I was really disappointed. It is a needlessly long-winded story about some people who come together over a bus that someone names Heaven for absolutely no reason at all. The only way this story induces any pleasure for me is if I imagine it as an allegory for the mass suicide of an entire city neighbourhood. Not going to be recommending it like that to any parents anytime soon, though.

It keeps on winning awards, which I can only think is because the awards people regret not giving Graham an award for an earlier work that is much better, or maybe they feel like it's time he got an award since he's written so much and everyone seems to love him. The comparison with Munsch seems to be that they have both written hella tonnes and lots of people who grew up with him have an eternally soft spot in their heart for his books. I'd read something else by him if it was recommended by someone who never read any of his books as a child. Until then, the Australian people have lost their picture book recommending credibility.

I want to understand this love people here have for Bob Graham. Even my most cynical co-workers talk in that soft voice of admiration when they speak about him. I want to like his books. The illustrations are quite pleasant to look at, and they tell so much of the story themselves, so I can imagine there might be some book of his I would enjoy. But this story blew hard. So boring. Seriously don't understand why it keeps getting nominated for stuff.

[Valerie Barnhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was inspiring that a young girl could have such an impact on the whole community. The bus becomes a place for people of the community to express their artistic abilities and positive interactions. This community needed this place. When the tow truck takes it away, the community comes together to get it back.

Several professional reviews are found: http://www.booksinprint.com.leo.lib.u...#

One of things that surprised me was connection of the little girl's name as Stella, meaning night. I was connecting the bus name of heaven with the images of different religions and symbolically with the place where these people of different ages and backgrounds came together to fellowship. The concept that the night is dark, scary, and an end is frightening to young children. Stella takes the bus and turns it around to a place of fun, lights, and many things happening.

[Amy Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think there's an author-illustrator who can best Bob Graham at creating community narratives...I really, truly don't.  He does such an incredible job of illustrating folks from all walks of life and bringing them together.  After a girl named Stella suggests turning the bus into a place where everyone can hang out, each and every person adds something special.  This book honestly warms my heart, and I'm so glad I read it.  It's definitely worth reading as a child, to a child, and as an adult.  It's just so sincere and genuine, which are two top-tier traits in my book.

Review cross-listed here!

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

According to the May/June 2012 edition of The Horn Book Magazine (pg 66), Bob Graham actually saw a an old bus labeled "Heaven" on the street. He turned the sighting into a lovely and heartwarming community story.

I probably wouldn't use it in a program, but I certainly will display it often in the hopes that patrons will enjoy the humor and delight in what this diverse group of characters create together.

[Danica Midlil · Rating 3 out of 5]

This reminded me of the feel of Stone Soup . I love how Bob Graham always includes so many different kinds of people in his illustrations.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Graham's books are always populated by a charming cross-section of urbanites. In this book they band together to rescue an old bus and make a refuge for the community -- babies to seniors. There are a number of gaps in logic as the story progresses, but the charm of the effort is pleasing.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Bob Graham picture book is always something to look forward to.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Bus Called Heaven by Bob Graham won the 2012 Children's Book Council of Australia Award for Picture Story Book Award. This story is about a bus, with a sign that read "Heaven," that broke down on the side of the road. Stella is the color of moonlight, and while the other characters are colorful in the illustrations, Stella is colored completely white. A community once separated comes together, and a girl once shy finds her voice. Bob Graham teaches his readers to use their voices to stand up for the things that they want. This book would appeal to intermediate grades.

Graham gives us a little a small peek into the Australian culture by teaching readers that soccer is called "football." While I would have liked to learn more about Australian culture, Graham does a great job at making sure that this was not a primary aspect of this story.

This book was found on the Database of Award-Winning Children's Literature (DAWCL).

[Alex Baugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

When an abandoned bus with a hand painted sign that simply says Heaven on it is discovered in front of Stella's house, the whole neighborhood is abuzz with curiosity, including Stella. Loaded with trash and in desperate need of a good wash, Stella sees nothing but possibility. Soon, the bus is transformed to a little bit of heaven as everyone pitches in and fixes it up. And what a wonderful community center for these very diverse neighbors to gather in and spend time getting to know each other. Even the birds settle in, building nests in the old engine. It's all good until...the tow truck shows up and off goes Heaven to the junkyard. Will the concerted efforts of Stella's friends and neighbors be enough to save their community bus from a crushing fate?

I loved this book. Not only does it shows how one person can make a difference, but also how a united community with a shared interest can also effect change. The ink and watercolor illustrations add just the right amount of whimsy and young readers will find much to explore in them. Pair this with The Night Gardener by Terry and Eric Fan, another fable in which a young boy helps transform and unite his diverse neighborhood.

[Alison · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't sold on this one. It's a nice story about an abandoned bus being turned into a de facto community hub, and its all very kumbuya ... theres even a rabbi, priest and imam who stand around together. I think the unoriginality of it and the your-convictions-don't-matter, 70s vibe are what i found droll and predictable... and not even the table soccer match could redeem it, really.

**Spoilers**
Abandoned bus gets done up by a mysteriously cooperative community who seem not to have anything better to do, and sit around playing cards, chess and soccer; then the evil regulations enforcers pounce and take it to the tip; then a little girl convinces them to give it back; so the community all help push it to a vacant lot back where it was ... but they couldn't have pushed it 20m there at the beginning so it didn't get confiscated?

[Neda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This bus called 'Heaven' is restored by neighbors and becomes something like a resort for the neighbors; they have fun there, young and old and enjoy this togetherness. However, as a small part of it sticks out into the pavement, there is somebody coming from Boneyard to crush the bus! However, Stella, how appears to play the role of an angel in this picturebook is able to convince the man in charge to let the bus go as there are birds living in the engine. So this is fixed and they find a good place for the bus and everybody is happy and joyful again because of Stella!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

An abandoned bus leads to better relationships in a neighborhood. Stella convinces her family and neighbors to rescue a bus left on their street. They move it to the family's yard and work to clean it up and turn it into a neighborhood center. Sadly, it gets towed for being over the sidewalk. Again, Stella comes up with a plan and rescues the bus from the junkyard crusher. The neighbors work together to push it to a new home in a lot behind Stella's home. Lovely story of cooperation and commitment with illustrations that capture the emotions well.

[Kelly Hutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Bus Called Heaven" is a touching story that recognizes the strength of community and the ability of individuals, like Stella, to make a difference. The book receives a strong 4.5 out of 5 stars for its appealing artwork and uplifting content. I liked how the story passionately captures the complex artwork of people together around a common goal, which emphasizes the joy and pleasure that come from collaboration and togetherness. Therefore, I believe this story will inspire both kids and adults due to the attractive illustrations and inspirational message.

[Mackenzie Hoolihan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about how a little girl, Stella, wants an abandoned bus to be “ours”. She wants the bus to be a community bus, so the community helps her fix it up. The bus is not like a regular bus, it is a place where community members get together to hang out. They fill the bus with chairs, tables, books, toys, etc. I like this book because it shows a community coming together to make something great. I think this book is cute and funny, and I love Stella’s determined personality.

[Alyssa Dangerfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great for teaching children to embrace their creativity. It follows the story of a young girl determined to fix up this abandoned bus with the help of the community. They are faced with hardship along the way. The moral lesson is that even something small, like an abandoned bus, can become important in someone's life by bringing people together to create something special they all can be proud of. Overall it's an adorable book.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a surprise arrives on a street everyone is curious, which is unusual for this neighborhood. Why is a bus here? What will happen to it? Whose is it? What if we used it for.................

This book shows how a neighbor can come together and work on something as a team to change they way they view the world. Great problem solving skills.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

When an old bus is abandoned in their neighborhood, it takes a community's work and presence to turn it into what it is labeled -- Heaven.

When it's towed away for violating regulations, the community goes after it and brings it home, this time to a vacant lot.

[Tori Neale · Rating 3 out of 5]

"A Bus Called Heaven" by Bob Graham is a story that illustrates togetherness and the ability to work as a team to achieve a goal or a purpose. There is a good selection of diversities involved, and it includes problem solving skills, but I'm a bit confused on some minor details of the story.

[Maren Prestegaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Bob Graham picture book. I think I want to read more.

[Emerson and Theodore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Theodore and I read in morning. Very good.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a sweet story! There's lots to look at in the illustrations. I particularly like that the rabbi, the priest, and the imam (?) are always standing right next to each other, looking pensive.

[Aidan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading this book because it has a bus in it!

[Mrs Tupac · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok

[Syntha Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

a sweet story

[Suzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really a fairy tale, but would never happen in real life.

[Lara Bate · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book about inner city living and making the most out of an abandoned bus. The bus brings in a sense of community and turns into a meeting place.