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Островът на дядо
Сид обича Дядо. Дядо обича Сид. И това никога няма да се промени.
Красива и нежна история, която показва как тези, които са ни скъпи, остават близо до нас, независимо колко далече изглежда, че са.
Красива и нежна история, която показва как тези, които са ни скъпи, остават близо до нас, независимо колко далече изглежда, че са.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published July 2, 2015
11 people are currently reading
878 people want to read
About the author
Benji Davies
254 books264 followersBenji Davies is the illustrator of the Bizzy Bear books, Bizzy Bear: Let’s Go and Play and Bizzy Bear: Fun on the Farm. As a child, Benji knew that when he grew up he either wanted to make films or draw pictures in books. He is still working out which he likes best, and currently divides his time between illustrating children’s books and directing animation.
He has worked on a huge range of subjects and platforms, with clients as diverse as such Waterstone’s, Sainsbury’s and Oxfam, and in countries as different as India and Australia. He’s illustrated for several major publishers and is pleased to be working on Nosy Crow’s start-up list.
He lives in Hackney in London.
He has worked on a huge range of subjects and platforms, with clients as diverse as such Waterstone’s, Sainsbury’s and Oxfam, and in countries as different as India and Australia. He’s illustrated for several major publishers and is pleased to be working on Nosy Crow’s start-up list.
He lives in Hackney in London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 266 reviews
March 27, 2017
Proficient readers bring a lot of assumptions to text, that young children need to be taught explicitly or else learn implicitly though wide reading and life experience. Even though I read Grandad's Island to my class, following the news of a death in our community, no child made any connection between that event and grandad's decision to remain on the island. The children loved this book mostly for the illustrations - the ship, birds, waterfall. No-one read any deeper meaning into what is so clearly a metaphor of loss for adult readers. I chose not to push my views, leaving it for children to explore at their own pace.
July 25, 2015
Grandad's Island is a beautiful story about a young boy who is trying to understand why his Grandad father won't be in his life anymore. It's a story about losing a loved one and while this might put some people off from reading, it could actually help you more than you think.
This book couldn't have come at a more perfect time. My 4 year old has recently started questioning a lot of the normal day to day things and losing a loved one or even knowing that she could at some point die, it was an emotional thing for her understand and she would keep getting upset and asking more and more questions. So like I said, when Grandad's Island arrived - and we honestly didn't know much about this book before hand - while reading it I noticed that everything slowly came into place for her and I could see she could understand it that much more. Someone dying is definitely a difficult subject to tackle but I have to applaud Davies for doing it so subtly and in all honestly, in such a clever way that this story can really help your little one understand a hard subject.
In all, Davies has created a honest and touching story that is rich in detail with vibrant illustrations that capture the story perfectly. For me, this was definitely a win of a story and it's one that we'll keep for a long time.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for giving us the opportunity to review this in exchange for an honest review.
This book couldn't have come at a more perfect time. My 4 year old has recently started questioning a lot of the normal day to day things and losing a loved one or even knowing that she could at some point die, it was an emotional thing for her understand and she would keep getting upset and asking more and more questions. So like I said, when Grandad's Island arrived - and we honestly didn't know much about this book before hand - while reading it I noticed that everything slowly came into place for her and I could see she could understand it that much more. Someone dying is definitely a difficult subject to tackle but I have to applaud Davies for doing it so subtly and in all honestly, in such a clever way that this story can really help your little one understand a hard subject.
In all, Davies has created a honest and touching story that is rich in detail with vibrant illustrations that capture the story perfectly. For me, this was definitely a win of a story and it's one that we'll keep for a long time.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for giving us the opportunity to review this in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2016
A great book about love for grandparents, adventures and more.
I do have to say that I didn't read the blurb. I just saw Benji Davies + a gorgeous new picture book and I just had to get it. So I have to say I was a bit confused with the book, especially with the ending. Then I read the blurb and after that I re-read the book and saw some small hints that indeed hinted to that blurb.
What I thought was that this was just a magical book about a boy making a journey with his granddad in a magical boat or that it was a dream where a boy has a wonderful trip with his dear grandpa. The ending also doesn't particularly help. If the book is about loss, where is that letter coming from? Or is that letter not even real? Is it is just a drawing from that kid? Or a letter from heaven?
Sorry if I sound dumb, but really, I am just kind of confused with it all. I have too many questions left about things. Maybe I missed something, or maybe I just don't see it.
The book is really good, and I just absolutely adore the illustrations, they are so colourful and full of details. It was great fun looking at the illustrations and finding hidden things. This is the biggest reason I bought the book. Benji Davies has a way with drawing that is just mesmerizing and beautiful.
Would I recommend this book. Yes, even though I was quite confused, it was an adorable and fun book and the illustrations are beautiful.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I do have to say that I didn't read the blurb. I just saw Benji Davies + a gorgeous new picture book and I just had to get it. So I have to say I was a bit confused with the book, especially with the ending. Then I read the blurb and after that I re-read the book and saw some small hints that indeed hinted to that blurb.
What I thought was that this was just a magical book about a boy making a journey with his granddad in a magical boat or that it was a dream where a boy has a wonderful trip with his dear grandpa. The ending also doesn't particularly help. If the book is about loss, where is that letter coming from? Or is that letter not even real? Is it is just a drawing from that kid? Or a letter from heaven?
Sorry if I sound dumb, but really, I am just kind of confused with it all. I have too many questions left about things. Maybe I missed something, or maybe I just don't see it.
The book is really good, and I just absolutely adore the illustrations, they are so colourful and full of details. It was great fun looking at the illustrations and finding hidden things. This is the biggest reason I bought the book. Benji Davies has a way with drawing that is just mesmerizing and beautiful.
Would I recommend this book. Yes, even though I was quite confused, it was an adorable and fun book and the illustrations are beautiful.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
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October 19, 2018A touching and comforting book that could be used to deal with the loss of a grandparent, as well as a good every day read. The illustrations are bright and full of detail which can be explored further.
July 4, 2018
Prachtige illustraties. Zo fantasierijk en vol kleur. Het verhaal was ook prachtig. Zielig aan het einde maar toch ook op een hele mooie manier gebracht.
September 13, 2018
The sentiment in this book is beautiful as it so sensitively deals with the loss of a much loved Grandad. The simple, yet thoughtful writing and colourful, detailed illustrations combine to leave the reader both hugely comforted and uplifted. Each page is worthy of time and discussion as they lead us to understand the changing emotions that accompany the final adventure Grandad and Syd have together. Watch the pictures carefully as themes, objects and animals reappear! This is a super book.
November 5, 2018
A beautiful book with great illustrations and a lovely story, which may help children with the loss of a grandparent.
Would defined recommend for KS1 children.
Could also be used in KS2 as a stimuli for lessons.
Would defined recommend for KS1 children.
Could also be used in KS2 as a stimuli for lessons.
July 13, 2021
Joj i ovo je jedna divna pričica, pomalo tužna. Bavi se temom rastanka od voljenih osoba.
Ilustracije su isto predivne, prepune zanimljivih detalja.
Ilustracije su isto predivne, prepune zanimljivih detalja.
July 9, 2019
Syd and his Grandad set sail for a very special island in this metaphorical exploration of death and grieving for the picture-book set. The tropical paradise they discover serves as a substitute for Grandad's final resting place, and Syd sails back to the 'real' world alone. Missing his grandfather, Syd is comforted by the idea, as represented by the letter from the island that he receives, that his Grandad is in a good place...
From the praise I have seen heaped upon Gradad's Island by other online reviewers, it would seem that the narrative here works very well for most readers, allowing them to explore the idea of death, and of parting from a loved one, in an imaginative and helpful way. While I respect that, and am glad for those who find solace in Benji Davies' story, I have to confess that something about the formulation here just didn't work for me. I could see what the author/artist was trying to accomplish, but somehow I didn't find the narrative as poignant or eloquent as some others. The recent Danish picture-book, Cry, Heart, But Never Break , was much more to my taste, when it comes to examinations of death in children's stories. Still, there's nothing really wrong with this one, and it might be helpful for some, as an exploration of these issues. The artwork, moreover, is every bit as colorful and appealing as you would expect from a Davies picture-book. Recommended (with the caveat that it might not really work for everyone) to those looking for picture-books addressing the loss of a grandparent.
From the praise I have seen heaped upon Gradad's Island by other online reviewers, it would seem that the narrative here works very well for most readers, allowing them to explore the idea of death, and of parting from a loved one, in an imaginative and helpful way. While I respect that, and am glad for those who find solace in Benji Davies' story, I have to confess that something about the formulation here just didn't work for me. I could see what the author/artist was trying to accomplish, but somehow I didn't find the narrative as poignant or eloquent as some others. The recent Danish picture-book, Cry, Heart, But Never Break , was much more to my taste, when it comes to examinations of death in children's stories. Still, there's nothing really wrong with this one, and it might be helpful for some, as an exploration of these issues. The artwork, moreover, is every bit as colorful and appealing as you would expect from a Davies picture-book. Recommended (with the caveat that it might not really work for everyone) to those looking for picture-books addressing the loss of a grandparent.
March 6, 2019
I love all picture books by Benji Davies, but this one is the best yet! Such a beautiful way of helping children (or adults for that matter) to deal with losing a loved-one!
January 20, 2019
This story is of a young boy and his grandfather as they journey to an exotic island on their boat, they have an amazing time, leaving the boy feeling sad at the realisation that they will soon have to return home. To the boys surprise, the Grandad states that while the boy need to return home, he would like to stay at the island. The boy then journeys back home, a journey which seems all the more difficult and tiresome without his grandfather present. Upon returning to his grandfathers home, he realises the metal door they both left through to get to the island is no longer there.
A beautiful story containing a metaphor for death which may not be entirely obvious to younger children. This would be a great story to read to children for them to learn to cope with oncoming death, or if they have experienced loss at some point.
A beautiful story containing a metaphor for death which may not be entirely obvious to younger children. This would be a great story to read to children for them to learn to cope with oncoming death, or if they have experienced loss at some point.
June 27, 2024
Labai nuostabi dar viena šio autoriaus knyga, puikios iliustracijos!! Patiko labai labai!
October 10, 2018
Benji Daviesin "Vaarin saari" (Karisto, 2016) on kaunis kuvakirja, jossa käsitellään vertauskuvallisesti isoisän kuolemaa, ilman minkäänlaista uskonnollista leimaa tai painolastia. Kuvituksessa on hienoja yksityiskohtia ja valaanpyrstön kokoinen viittaus tekijän Toivo-kirjoihin.
October 2, 2018
A vibrantly coloured picture book that has a great approach to a rather tricky topic. Grandad's island tells the tale of a boy and his grandfather adventuring to and from a mystery island, however when Grandad stays on the island Syd is left to navigate the world by himself.
This picture book deals excellently with a tricky topic about family members leaving which can be difficult to explain to young children. However, this books positive tone throughout could really aid this discussion in the primary classroom by navigating a sad topic in a memorable way.
Not only is there an overall positive tone and message in the story; the illustrations and in taking this book from good to exemplary. This book is filled with vibrant colours and eye catching images of the rainforest and animals! But the use of colour also extends here in aiding to communicate the characters emotions as at times the colour reverts to a brown...maybe highlighting the emotions people feel during grief.
Overall, although this book deals with a difficult topic it's still an excellent resource in any KS1 primary classroom! It's illustrations and messages allow for this to be an ideal resource in initiating discussion and communicating the difficult messages in an understandable and relatable way.
This picture book deals excellently with a tricky topic about family members leaving which can be difficult to explain to young children. However, this books positive tone throughout could really aid this discussion in the primary classroom by navigating a sad topic in a memorable way.
Not only is there an overall positive tone and message in the story; the illustrations and in taking this book from good to exemplary. This book is filled with vibrant colours and eye catching images of the rainforest and animals! But the use of colour also extends here in aiding to communicate the characters emotions as at times the colour reverts to a brown...maybe highlighting the emotions people feel during grief.
Overall, although this book deals with a difficult topic it's still an excellent resource in any KS1 primary classroom! It's illustrations and messages allow for this to be an ideal resource in initiating discussion and communicating the difficult messages in an understandable and relatable way.
May 7, 2023
Gosto muito dos livros de Benji Davies e este não é excepção. Apenas achei estranho Cid receber uma carta do Avô no final da história... Deixou-me um pouco confuso, pois percebi que esta história tratava o tema da morte de um familiar... Receber a carta de um ente que já partiu deste mundo não fez muito sentido para mim... No entanto, presumi que se tratava de mais uma pequena fantasia, que fazia a ligação com a fantasia maior que foi a viagem de Cid e do Avô até à ilha maravilhosa.
As ilustrações são fantásticas, como é costume nos livros deste autor. Um livro que vale a pena ler e apreciar diversas vezes!
As ilustrações são fantásticas, como é costume nos livros deste autor. Um livro que vale a pena ler e apreciar diversas vezes!
November 18, 2015
This is a beautiful book, both the visual elements and the written story.
It still surprises me to this day, the number of Picturebooks for children that address the theme of loss and bereavement, without actually addressing it as 'death'. It is written in a lovely, heart-warming way, and I can imagine it could be really valuable for use in the classroom, PSHE, or for a child to read with parents.
It still surprises me to this day, the number of Picturebooks for children that address the theme of loss and bereavement, without actually addressing it as 'death'. It is written in a lovely, heart-warming way, and I can imagine it could be really valuable for use in the classroom, PSHE, or for a child to read with parents.
August 27, 2022
Ou sou eu que estou a aprender a ler isto, ou é mesmo este que é bom. Tem carácter e ideias próprias. Dá para ler várias vezes. E continua a ser bonito.
November 22, 2017
I love this book. It is about a little boy called Syd who goes to visit his Grandad and one day he can't find him, until he sees that he is in the loft and then they go on at adventure together by going through a door, but Grandad loves it so much he decides to stay. This book deals with a very sensitive subject of losing grandparents and it is a situation I have seen many children experience and this book may help them to understand the situation. Grandad and Syd going on one 'last adventure' is almost like a representation for the Grandad going to heaven, which is a beautiful place and he is happy. The story is written really well and the illustrations complement the text; it is incredibly poignant. This book may be close to home for some children, particularly children who live with their grandparents and may make them sad - as a child, losing my grandparents was something I really feared because I am incredibly close to them. However, with how the story portrays Grandad going to heaven, it deals with it in a sensitive way that children can understand and may help them not to be as worried. I highly recommend this book.
August 22, 2021
3,5
„Cudowna wyspa dziadka” to wartościowa książka dla najmłodszych czytelników, których zachwycą nie tylko przepiękne kolorowe ilustracje, ale również zaskakująca historia.
Ta pozycja opowiada o pięknej relacji pomiędzy wnukiem a dziadkiem. Wydaje mi się, że każdy z nas może zinterpretować ją na swój sposób.
Czy podróż mająca miejsce w książce odbyła się naprawdę? Czy dziadek opowiadał kiedyś wnukowi o swoich przygodach? Czy chłopiec sam ją wymyślił, aby poradzić sobie ze stratą? No właśnie, bo czy dziadek umiera, czy po prostu gdzieś wyjeżdża? Myślę, że każde dziecko zrozumie tę historię na swój sposób a my jako rodzice/nauczyciele, możemy jedynie pomóc im ją przyswoić.
„Cudowna wyspa dziadka” to wartościowa książka dla najmłodszych czytelników, których zachwycą nie tylko przepiękne kolorowe ilustracje, ale również zaskakująca historia.
Ta pozycja opowiada o pięknej relacji pomiędzy wnukiem a dziadkiem. Wydaje mi się, że każdy z nas może zinterpretować ją na swój sposób.
Czy podróż mająca miejsce w książce odbyła się naprawdę? Czy dziadek opowiadał kiedyś wnukowi o swoich przygodach? Czy chłopiec sam ją wymyślił, aby poradzić sobie ze stratą? No właśnie, bo czy dziadek umiera, czy po prostu gdzieś wyjeżdża? Myślę, że każde dziecko zrozumie tę historię na swój sposób a my jako rodzice/nauczyciele, możemy jedynie pomóc im ją przyswoić.
August 16, 2024
گفتن از مفهوم «مرگ» و توضیح دادنش برای بچهها یک امر چالشیه، خصوصا که یک وقتهایی خود بزرگترها هم دقیقا نمیدونن با چه چیزی مواجه شدند، سردرگم و حیرانند.
این کتاب با یک قصه لطیف و پرمهر سعی کرده مفهوم مرگ رو به کودک منتقل کنه. نکته مثبتش اینه که از رفتن به جهان دیگر هم حرف زده و اصلا با تکیه به همین مسئله، مرگ رو تعریف کرده و نه «نیستی».
وقتی از مرگ حرف میزنیم شاید رنگهای ذهنیمون سرد و تیره و افسرده باشند ولی تصویرسازی این کتاب زنده، خوشرنگ و قشنگ بود.
در مجموع دوستداشتنی و خوب بود.
این کتاب با یک قصه لطیف و پرمهر سعی کرده مفهوم مرگ رو به کودک منتقل کنه. نکته مثبتش اینه که از رفتن به جهان دیگر هم حرف زده و اصلا با تکیه به همین مسئله، مرگ رو تعریف کرده و نه «نیستی».
وقتی از مرگ حرف میزنیم شاید رنگهای ذهنیمون سرد و تیره و افسرده باشند ولی تصویرسازی این کتاب زنده، خوشرنگ و قشنگ بود.
در مجموع دوستداشتنی و خوب بود.
November 17, 2020
A lovely story about a young boy who goes on an adventure with his grandad. I understood there to be an underlying metaphor of death and a beautiful underlying message about our loved ones and no matter how far they are, love will never be lost.
I would love to explore this message with children and see what they think the letter at the end might say.
I would love to explore this message with children and see what they think the letter at the end might say.
January 20, 2019
I think this book is a metaphor because they go to an island that doesn’t really exist. The grandad goes there with his grandson and then stays because I believe he knows he is going to die.
The illustrations are wonderful because they are detailed, filled with colour and dark.
The illustrations are wonderful because they are detailed, filled with colour and dark.
November 9, 2020
A lovely story about the relationship between Syd and his Grandad and their adventure to a fantastical island. A very thought-provoking book which could be used to expand KS2 students thinking regarding the realism of the story and coping with grief.
October 10, 2021
Prvé knihy od Benji Davies preložené do slovenčiny ma až tak neoslovili, príbehy boli tuctové. Táto kniha preto prekvapila, spracovala tému odchádzania (smrti?) citlivým, krásnym a zaujímavým spôsobom.
November 21, 2019
This book was so lovely and capture such a very special journey between a grandfather and his grandson. My interpretation of the island was that it was a metaphor for 'heaven' and it's all about the boy having to let go of his grandfather but knowing he'll always be loved and thought of. I think it would be a great book to read with children who may have lost a grandfather
September 4, 2025
Whoa. Not what I was expecting. A beautiful children’s book that touches on something all people struggle to understand.
January 17, 2025
It is the most emotional childs book that i have read so far. My eyes were watery when i was reading it to my child. It is handling a very difficult topic of loosing a family member. A kid trying to understand why his grandpa wont come back and will be happy in his new house…
January 19, 2021
"A ilha do avô" é mais um dos fantásticos livros ilustrados de Benji Davies. Voltamos a ter Noe no papel principal, desta vez acompanhado pelo seu avô. Com linguagem simples e desenhos de uma ternura inigualável, vemos o quanto pode ser doloroso despedirmo-nos de alguém de quem gostamos muito. Vemos o quanto pode custar estarmos longe de quem, antes, estava connosco sempre e nos mostrava as curiosidades mais engraçadas sempre com um sorriso terno. Num momento tão dramático como aquele em que atravessamos, em que tantas crianças se veem impedidas de despedir daqueles que partem, este livro pode ser uma forma de abordar o assunto com os mais novos. Sem nunca os desligar totalmente da realidade da partida da pessoa de quem gostam, explicar que estão num lugar melhor, mesmo que seja uma ilha imaginária, pode tornar todo o processo um pouco mais fácil nas suas cabeças ainda tão jovens. Um livro carregado de ternura a que é impossível ficar indiferente...
March 25, 2016
Poignant, gracefully told story about a young boy trying to understand why his Grandad father will no longer be in his life.
September 28, 2019
So I thought I’d read some picture books to set me up for writing my Uni notes... I had picked up this book because of the beautiful bright colours and sweet illustrations on the cover that I wanted to have a try at sketching...
I had not expected this story to take the turn it did!
This beautiful, colourful and imaginative book is all about the relationship between Syd and his grandad, and creating a metaphor for his passing.
Grandad takes Syd exploring a far away island in his attic, where he decides to stay and enjoy himself. It then tells the story of Syd’s difficult journey sailing home by himself, and the empty house he returns to.
The immense and heavy subject of death is handled so honestly and blatantly for children in this book, that it almost become less of a sadness and more of a beautiful fact of life.A fact of existence and the continuation of a beautiful journey for Syd to remember.
I had not expected this story to take the turn it did!
This beautiful, colourful and imaginative book is all about the relationship between Syd and his grandad, and creating a metaphor for his passing.
Grandad takes Syd exploring a far away island in his attic, where he decides to stay and enjoy himself. It then tells the story of Syd’s difficult journey sailing home by himself, and the empty house he returns to.
The immense and heavy subject of death is handled so honestly and blatantly for children in this book, that it almost become less of a sadness and more of a beautiful fact of life.A fact of existence and the continuation of a beautiful journey for Syd to remember.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 266 reviews