Mr. Griggs' Work

by Cynthia Rylant, Julie Downing (Illustrator)

Mr. Griggs so loves his work at the post office that he thinks of it all the time and everything reminds him of it

Genres: Picture Books

30 pages, Library Binding

First published February 1, 1989

About the author

An author of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for children and young adults as well as an author and author/illustrator of picture books for children, Cynthia Rylant is recognized as a gifted writer who has contributed memorably to several genres of juvenile literature. A prolific author who often bases her works on her own background, especially on her childhood in the West Virginia mountains, she is the creator of contemporary novels and historical fiction for young adults, middle-grade fiction and fantasy, lyrical prose poems, beginning readers, collections of short stories, volumes of poetry and verse, books of prayers and blessings, two autobiographies, and a biography of three well-known children's writers; several volumes of the author's fiction and picture books are published in series, including the popular "Henry and Mudge" easy readers about a small boy and his very large dog.

Rylant is perhaps most well known as a novelist. Characteristically, she portrays introspective, compassionate young people who live in rural settings or in small towns and who tend to be set apart from their peers.

from bookrags.com

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Griggs is a Post Master in a small town--he's an old man now and has been working at the post office his whole life. He loves his job and thinks about it even when he's not working--holes in trees where squirrels hide nuts make him think of post office boxes, and when a bird zooms past he thinks, "Express Delivery" ;-) When he gets sick one day and can't go to work for the first time in his life, he gains an even deeper appreciation for his job. This is a very sweet, "quiet" little story about finding joy and purpose in your work. While I don't think it's Rylant's best work, I really enjoyed it--especially since I've always been a bit obsessed with the post office (I used to want to work there when I was little!) and Mr. Griggs' one is so much cuter and more fun than our local office!!!

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Griggs' Work was a great picture book! The author really stresses the important of work, and how important it is to be proud of the type of work you do whether you are working in a post office, or if you are a garbage man. Mr. Griggs' somewhat reminded me of myself because I work at a grocery store. He know's all of his customers that come into his post office, and that reminded myself of how it is when I work at the grocery store, because I know all of my customers. The moral of this story is to be proud of your work that you do, and take pride in how you do your job!

[Rosa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a different sort of children's book; one to help show children that adults are 'people' too. Mr Griggs is the postmaster. And everyone enjoys him. He knows everyone and he loves his work. When he gets sick and has to take the day off he worries about what is going on at his post office. So when he starts feeling better he goes back and he is so glad to see everyone and everyone is glad to see him too.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit of an ode to the postal service, but more so an ode to finding your passion. Children can be amused by details like the blue jay Express delivery and the expressions on Mr. Grigg's face that can be seen by a careful observer, and they can learn, in a subtle way, the difference between a job and a career. Adults can take a moment to think about how to appreciate their own work better, and giggle at the word-play.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book about a man who loves his postal job. He gets sick and really misses his work and he does an excellent job. It gives him purpose and a reason to live. To me it is sad that he is by himself. I hope there is more to life than my job.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was strangely moved by this little picture book.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a pleasant surprise! A man who actually enjoys his work.

This is somewhat dated, but that's okay. We still do have post offices, and this will give kids some idea as to what is sent through the mail.

There aren't any children in the story, but that shouldn't matter. Kids will still enjoy it. I'd probably ask them a couple of questions, such as: What do you think you'd like about this job? What wouldn't you like?

Perfect to use with kids who collect stamps or have a stamp collector in the family. (Not much about stamps, but they are mentioned.)

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. Griggs’ Work By: Cynthia Rylant, ISBN 0531057690, 1989.
Mr. Griggs is a Post Master, who loves his job. He thinks about it all the time even when he’s not there. He became very upset when he had to miss his very first day of work because he was sick. He is very happy when he returns to work and see all of his customers again.

**This book teaches the importance of a proud and productive citizen in society.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contained minimal plot, but it was a simple story with a nice look into a happy life. In fact, this was one of those sort of comfortable stories that you could read while sitting on a soft chair in a nice, warm, softly lit room. It was a very nice story. The worst problem faced was a sick day for someone who really enjoys his job. This, come to think of it, is very similar to A Sick Day for Amos Magee, the 2011 Caldecott winner. A nice, simple book.

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mr. Griggs so loves his work at the post office that he thinks of it all the time and everything reminds him of it.

[Paul Hankins · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Ladder" this one up with A SICK DAY FOR AMOS MCGEE for a celebration of work and vocation.

[Jodi Gilroy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite work by Rylant. Great for my students to practice retelling the story.