Yonder

by Tony Johnston, Lloyd Bloom (Illustrator)

Johnston's exquisite poem and Bloom's extraordinary paintings illuminate a family's history until it begins to match that of readers. 31 full-color illustrations.

Genres: Picture Books, Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Childrens, Family

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Tony Johnston has written many acclaimed books for young people. She and her husband lived in Mexico for fifteen years, where they raised their children. She now lives in San Marino, California.

Reviews

[Brianna Bratrud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe my all-time favorite picture book. A lyrical story of seasons and generations of fruitfulness starting from one farmer and his bride. I cry almost every time I read it.

[juani · Rating 5 out of 5]

If everybody read this book and understood it, it would change the world. Not only is it beautiful, in its prose and illustrations, it’s beautiful in its simple story, which seems to make your soul cry silently, and laugh softly. The gentle but incredibly real emotions you feel through such a small book is an accomplishment of the author. I love this book. It made me love life more, and fear death less. (And want a whole lot of babies and love and laughter and nature and God.) Five stars for a work of art!

[Asho · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember really liking this book when I was a kid. The painted illustrations are lovely and calming, and the story is a sweetly repetitive journey through the seasons of the year and the seasons of life. I read it to my toddler at bedtime and he didn't latch onto it as he does with some books lately, but it was a nice one to help him mellow out at bedtime. I had forgotten that the grandfather dies, but I don't recall that upsetting me at all when I was a child. This will be a good one to remember when my child is old enough to start wondering about death.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was slightly confusing with its repetitiveness, but I think what I took most out of it was the changing of seasons and going through life. I liked that they planted a tree for the Grandpa at the end to bring in the idea of nature and continuing his life through the tree (that's what I took from it anyway). I also really enjoyed the illustrations in this story. They were colorful and vibrant and really added to the story since there were so few words.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars First off, I love the pictures! Beautiful, and colorful and detailed. I also really liked the story. Very poignant about how life is. It is well written. I want to just stare at the pictures!!

[lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book because the Grandpa died and people planted a tree for him, and they had kids and they had a farm over there, just over there.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite book as a child. The story and pictures are beautiful.

[Rima Halig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a beautiful calming story about a family who is together year by year and just grows and enjoy life together.

[Bri Zabriskie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guess I kinda liked the sentimentality of this book, it has some overly used poetic symbols but maybe that's ok in a children's book cause they have to learn then somewhere.

[Kayla Soliday · Rating 3 out of 5]

shows life. maybe for older grades.

[Prw41894 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the illustrations throughout this book. I loved how it described the importance of family and life through colors and few words.

[Ariel Rudicel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the illustrations in this book and the morals.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful way of showing The passage of time, generations, and the cycle of life. Soft illustrations with beautiful plum tree blossoms.

[Mary Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would be a neat book for children who enjoy reading books about farming and the pioneer days. Although I didn't care for it myself, others may find it rather interesting.

[flopsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

tugs at the heartstrings

[ElleryS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contemporary realistic
K-1st grade reading level
This is another beautiful story, full of pathos and gentleness. The words and illustrations fit perfectly, serving to calm and enchant. The colors of the illustrations are vibrant and beautiful, and even though the style is not photorealistic, the colors sell the images and make them look "real." They also illustrate the changing seasons in absolutely gorgeous detail. This is a lovely book, another one that will appeal to adults as well as children.

[Alexandria Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful illustrations and tells a good story of a family.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, home-y story

[Danette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful!
This was a lovely story about the seasons in a family's life. I love the trees!

7/1/21 Read with Julia

[Caitlin]

A tender, poetic story of the passage of time. My full review is over yonder: https://essentiallyanerd.wordpress.co...

[Emily Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautiful ode to seasons, family roots, and legacy. Will make you want to go plant trees that may one day offer shade to your great-grands. 🌳

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rhythm (lack thereof, and no rhyme scheme either) sometimes felt a little clunky, but overall a neat story about family, work, and legacy.