The Best Winds

by Laura E. Williams

A warm, poignant story of a young boy who learns the craft of kite making--and the art of patience--from his loving grandfather. In the Korean custom, Grandfather practices the ancient craft of kite making. "Tonight I will show you how to make a kite," he tells his grandson, Jinho. "For the best winds will be here soon." Grandfather teaches him how to trace the kite on paper, paint it, and build the frame from bamboo sticks. When the kite is completed, it's so beautiful Jinho can't wait to fly it. And he does—without Grandfather, and without the best winds.

Genres: Picture Books, Cultural

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 28, 2006

About the author

Laura E. Williams is the author of Up a Creek and Behind the Bedroom Wall, which was named a Jane Addams Peace Award Honor Book. She lives in West Hartford, Connecticut.

Reviews

[Sarah Denney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story Of a boy and his grandfather. The boy learns from his grandfather about how to make a kite.

[Katiena Frazier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a Korean grandfather who comes to live with his grandson and his family in America. The boy and his friends don't understand the old man's ways so they mock him and make fun. The grandfather wants to make a kite with his grandson like his grandfather did with him, because the best winds are coming. The boy reluctantly helps his grandfather each day instead of skateboarding or playing video games and each day, he ignores the story that his grandfather tells. When the kite is finished, the boy decides to go show it off to his friends and he ends up breaking it. His grandfather is very disappointed and sad that the boy couldn't wait just one more day for the best winds to fly the kite with him. At this, the boy realized he had made a mistake and woke up very early to fix the kite. After he shows it to his grandfather, they go out to fly it together and he finally listens to the story his grandfather tells. This story is interesting and gives children many things to think about. They can wonder why the grandfather dresses and speaks the way he does and why he desperately wants to make the kite with is grandson. They can think about why the grandson doesn't want to make the kite with the old man. There is a problem and resolution in the story and the characters are realistic. The illustrations are accurate and go along with the text of the story. In this book, children get the perspective of the grandfather and the grandson and their lifestyles are genuine. Both the author and illustrator of this book are Korean and have experience with the beliefs and customs.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young boy learns the art of kite-making from his grandfather who has recently moved in with the boy's family after the death of his grandmother.

At first, the boy is embarrassed by his grandfather and spending time with him feels like a chore. Then, the boy damages the kites by taking them out in unsuitable winds and the disappointment he views on his grandfather's face hits him hard.

He works hard to repair the kites and it is then that grandfather and grandson share a special moments flying kites.

Acrylic illustrations offer some unique views of the story. A swirling brushstroke is used which seems to highlight facial expressions (at least for this reader). The overall effect is fresh and inventive; it made certain features of the artwork stand out to me and the visual texture was very appealing.

[Christine Medunycia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like how this story depicts an American child interacting with his grandfather. He behaves like a typical boy, wanting to do many things other than hang around his grandfather. I knew the author wanted the reader to be upset by the boy's lack of respect, and it worked. But, it seems patience wins over impatience. There are many lessons that can be incorporated into this story. The culture is touched upon via the grandfather, and then finally the boy understanding why it is important to listen - and that you may hear something that is worthwhile if you give it a chance. The illustrations were very pretty. There is an overlay of patterns and lines to the drawings that bring importance to specific details. It is very cleverly done.

[Paul Hankins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A grandson comes to terms with his grandfather's "strange" ways while helping him to construct a kite in anticipation of the "best winds." Multi-generational interactions make this a nice book to share with younger readers to appreciate what older people have to offer.

[Aquinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plausible and meaningful intergenerational story. Expresses the mixed feelings - reticence and immaturity, love and respect - of children who learn to cherish their grandparents. The illustrations soar with emotion.

[Loren · Rating 4 out of 5]

a book for older children(school age) that teaches Korean customs (kite making. Beautifully illustrated and the page with the grandfather's face in the middle of the kite is an excellent example.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jinho finds his grandfather kind of boring and embarrassing. However, the Grandfather is determined to make a kite with him. While flying the kite they are able to bond and appreciate each other.

[Katie Sicking · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a Korean child whose grandfather teachers him the ancient art of kite-making. It's about the relationship between grandson and grandfather as well as the virtue of patience.