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Grandpa's Corner Store: An Award-Winning Picture Book About Community, Neighbors, and Working Together for Kids
When a giant new supermarket moves into the neighborhood, Lucy's grandpa plans to sell his store. But with the help of friends and neighbors, Lucy is determined to keep this from happening. In another of her loving and lively portraits of community caring, DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan tells the timely story of what can happen when the whole neighborhood gets involved. "2001 Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies (NCSS/CBC)"
40 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2000
1 person is currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan
41 books10 followersBorn in Brooklyn, New York, DiSalvo attended the School of Visual Arts before working for Hallmark Cards. Published since 1980 her award winning illustrated books include renowned authors, Beverly Clearly, Mary Pope Osborne, Jean Fritz, Jane O'Connor, Patricia Reilly Giff, Jean Marzollo and Amy Hest.
Writer and Illustrator, her trade mark theme of "helping neighborhoods," has been featured on Reading Rainbow, (Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen) and theatre productions, (City Green). She received a Congressional Commendation from the State of New Jersey for her book, Grandpa's Corner Store, a story which makes "children...realize that they are not always powerless, that they can make a difference."
Writer and Illustrator, her trade mark theme of "helping neighborhoods," has been featured on Reading Rainbow, (Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen) and theatre productions, (City Green). She received a Congressional Commendation from the State of New Jersey for her book, Grandpa's Corner Store, a story which makes "children...realize that they are not always powerless, that they can make a difference."
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 25, 2020
Text-to-World Connection
I really enjoyed reading this book and thinking about the ways communities can come together and work as a team when they need to. The family that ran the corner store offered personal service to the people of the community and that was rewarded when the big new supermarket came into town and the many of the townspeople stayed loyal to the corner store and even helped to clean it up and do a little remodeling at the behest of the granddaughter.
I think there is a text-to-world connection with this book and feel that the connection can be used when talking to our children and to future students about the current events surrounding the coronavirus. As we shelter in place and business close to avoid spreading the virus, we can see how important small businesses can be in our lives. From restaurants to pharmacies, small businesses across the country are trying to stay open by changing the way they do business. It is up to the people in the communities to help these businesses, not only now but especially after all of this is over, in order to help them survive and continue to provide a personal touch that many larger businesses cannot provide. When parents and teachers get the inevitable questions about today's current events, this book can help to provide some insight on how much caring for your neighbor and the people in your community can help to not only survive what is happening but recover after it is over.
I really enjoyed reading this book and thinking about the ways communities can come together and work as a team when they need to. The family that ran the corner store offered personal service to the people of the community and that was rewarded when the big new supermarket came into town and the many of the townspeople stayed loyal to the corner store and even helped to clean it up and do a little remodeling at the behest of the granddaughter.
I think there is a text-to-world connection with this book and feel that the connection can be used when talking to our children and to future students about the current events surrounding the coronavirus. As we shelter in place and business close to avoid spreading the virus, we can see how important small businesses can be in our lives. From restaurants to pharmacies, small businesses across the country are trying to stay open by changing the way they do business. It is up to the people in the communities to help these businesses, not only now but especially after all of this is over, in order to help them survive and continue to provide a personal touch that many larger businesses cannot provide. When parents and teachers get the inevitable questions about today's current events, this book can help to provide some insight on how much caring for your neighbor and the people in your community can help to not only survive what is happening but recover after it is over.
January 1, 2018
When questioning a myriad of friends and family what characteristics they would most want to expose their children for a book series I write, I did not once receive the answer: “a sense of community.” In a world where we are so focused as parents and as people in ensuring that we and our children as individuals are successful, we so often overlook the importance of a strong community. Grandpa’s Corner Store, a picture book by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan, will forever be one of my most beloved children’s stories. Each time one of my daughters chooses this book to be read, I get a rush of excitement and emotions as this is truly a moving story.
The story follows a local small business (Grandpa’s corner store) as it is threatened by the addition of a large, chain supermarket. The owner's granddaughter narrates the story, giving such a personal and vivid account of her fears as the corner store faces the possibility of closing. In a true act of kindness, family, and a love for community, the granddaughter organizes the entire town to help Grandpa’s corner store to survive, creating a story of perseverance, pride, and family. This story sends all the right messages to our children. I am consistently in awe of how inspired I feel when this book is closed, and often, I read the final pages through teary eyes. It is truly an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind tale that belongs on all of our library shelves.
The story follows a local small business (Grandpa’s corner store) as it is threatened by the addition of a large, chain supermarket. The owner's granddaughter narrates the story, giving such a personal and vivid account of her fears as the corner store faces the possibility of closing. In a true act of kindness, family, and a love for community, the granddaughter organizes the entire town to help Grandpa’s corner store to survive, creating a story of perseverance, pride, and family. This story sends all the right messages to our children. I am consistently in awe of how inspired I feel when this book is closed, and often, I read the final pages through teary eyes. It is truly an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind tale that belongs on all of our library shelves.
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January 28, 2011Such a sweet book about the importance of small town stores and their influence and need in the community. The students in the book are also creating a map of their town. This could be a good book to incorporate into a social studies lesson about maps and directions. The relationship between the grandpa and girl is so sweet and can probably relate to many students with close grandparents.
July 2, 2019
Sweet and heartwarming story about what happens in a neighborhood when a new supermarket moves in.
October 31, 2019
I like that this book would be a great choice to read to elementary age students in order to teach them the value and importance of teamwork and what can happen when everyone works together.
May 12, 2017
I like how this book teaches children about the importance of community and friendship through an economics lesson. I thought the book provided young readers with a good introduction about how mom and pop shops are being pushed out by wealthy corporations. It also teaches readers that they have a voice and that they can rally their community together to support small businesses.
July 2, 2018
A beautiful narrative mentor with a thoughtful message about community. Teachers of writing will revel at the emotions displayed in this writing.
August 2, 2022
A great story the deals with emotions around closing a business, community impact, and kindness.
March 6, 2025
Heart warming story about the impact local shops and their owners can have on a community. Plus, the change that can be made when a community works together. Would be a nice winter read aloud.
November 8, 2016
Summary: There is a little girl named Lucy who loves spending time in her grandpa’s corner store. This store sells everything you need and is shopped at by the whole community. When a new supermarket is being built around the corner her grandma as well as the rest of the community worry that his store will go out of business. In Lucy’s class they are drawing a community map and Lucy wants to add her drawing of her grandpa’s store. Unfortunately, he plans to sell the store and soon puts up a for sale sign in the window and Lucy gives her drawing to him thinking she wont be able to add it to the map now. Lucy cant imagine this community without his store so she gathers up all the people she can to surprise her grandpa with everything they’ll need to make repairs, renovations to make the place as good as new. Her grandpa is overjoyed and takes down the for sale sign and tells Lucy she’ll need her drawing of the store back to add to the map.
Theme: The theme of this story is the importance of community and cherishing friendships and loyalty. Even though the community is gaining a bigger and better supermarket they felt a sense of loyalty to the grandpas store. Throughout the book he knew all the customers by name, he gave people deals when they couldn’t afford things, and knew orders and things people needed. When the store was up for sale the community came together to help in any way they could and show their appreciation for all he does.
Rating: 5 stars
Personal Response: I really enjoyed this book and it made me think of the nail place I go to at home. It sounds silly but the owner of the nail salon has created such a sense of community be remembering everyone’s names and always going out of his way to stop by and ask how everyone is. He even asks how my mom and sisters are every time I come in so he knows people’s families. It is places like this that make customers want to continue coming because they feel a sense of friendship and a special bond with employees. Like the grandpa in this story, storeowners can gain a lot of appreciation for building relationships with customers. My favorite quotes is “milk, juice, butter, eggs- it has everything you need close by but best of all, it has grandpa.”
Recommendation: I would recommend this book to children of all ages. It has a wonderful story to tell as well as a great lesson behind it. It was a great read and I would love to share this with children I know to remind them of the importance of community and building relationships with people you encounter. Kids these days get caught up in technology and activities that constantly consume their time so its great to encourage them to slow down and focus on what is truly important.
Theme: The theme of this story is the importance of community and cherishing friendships and loyalty. Even though the community is gaining a bigger and better supermarket they felt a sense of loyalty to the grandpas store. Throughout the book he knew all the customers by name, he gave people deals when they couldn’t afford things, and knew orders and things people needed. When the store was up for sale the community came together to help in any way they could and show their appreciation for all he does.
Rating: 5 stars
Personal Response: I really enjoyed this book and it made me think of the nail place I go to at home. It sounds silly but the owner of the nail salon has created such a sense of community be remembering everyone’s names and always going out of his way to stop by and ask how everyone is. He even asks how my mom and sisters are every time I come in so he knows people’s families. It is places like this that make customers want to continue coming because they feel a sense of friendship and a special bond with employees. Like the grandpa in this story, storeowners can gain a lot of appreciation for building relationships with customers. My favorite quotes is “milk, juice, butter, eggs- it has everything you need close by but best of all, it has grandpa.”
Recommendation: I would recommend this book to children of all ages. It has a wonderful story to tell as well as a great lesson behind it. It was a great read and I would love to share this with children I know to remind them of the importance of community and building relationships with people you encounter. Kids these days get caught up in technology and activities that constantly consume their time so its great to encourage them to slow down and focus on what is truly important.
February 7, 2017
My nephew wasn't too crazy about this book, but that is probably because it was our third book of the night and wanted to watch Finding Nemo for the hundredth time this week.
However! *I* did read it and found it to be uplifting.
Lucy is proud of her grandfather and his little corner store. Except, there's a supermarket being built not that far from the store and she's afraid that he will sell and move away to Florida like the nice man who owned the hardware store.
Lucy comes up with a plan and I absolutely adored it.
Overall, this is a great book that teaches kids about community and how one person can make a difference with their good works.
However! *I* did read it and found it to be uplifting.
Lucy is proud of her grandfather and his little corner store. Except, there's a supermarket being built not that far from the store and she's afraid that he will sell and move away to Florida like the nice man who owned the hardware store.
Lucy comes up with a plan and I absolutely adored it.
Overall, this is a great book that teaches kids about community and how one person can make a difference with their good works.
January 31, 2011
Our elementary teachers requested this book - good for community lessons, basic economy lesson.
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February 14, 2013Great book about a close community!
February 26, 2013
This book would work nicely with a family unit. I like how the main character, Lucy, makes a difference in her family's history. She helps her grandpa keep his grocery store open.
March 12, 2013
The story of a family and neighborhood business faced with change, urbanization and growth and how a community pulls together to value those who live and work among them.
June 19, 2016
A nice story about community working together. Big Box vs Little Box *Made me cry!
July 31, 2016
Great message - use as mentor text to teach theme. Can also use as community mentor text - use to support PBL and small businesses.
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December 16, 2010Community Counts - unit 1
Theme Library
Theme Library
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June 9, 2017Grandpa’s Corner Store is a heartwarming story about Lucy and her Grandpa’s Store. When a new supermarket comes to town Lucy’s grandpa considers selling his store the supermarket is promoted as bigger and cheaper. Lucy shows determination in keeping grandpa’s store open, she riles up the neighbors and gets them all to show support at her grandfather’s store. Ultimately Lucy proves to her family and classmates that while the supermarket is bigger Grandpa’s store is better.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews