Auction

by Jan Andrews

Hurt and angry that his grandfather is selling the family farm, Todd has come to help him prepare for the auction that will take place the following day. Deep into the night, Gramps recounts the treasured stories of his life there, stories Todd knows by heart but asks to hear again and again. In this way, both are reassured that the story-making and -telling that characterized this vanishing life will continue to flourish despite the farm’s change of hands. Jan Andrews’s evocative prose and Karen Reczuch’s realistic watercolors make this tale of facing and overcoming loss an unforgettable one.

Genres: Picture Books

Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Jan Andrews lives down the end of a road on a lake and has a passion for the Canadian wilderness. As a storyteller, she has a particular love for the traditional folk and fairy tales. She has read from the world’s great epics and, during summer weekends, has organized complete retellings of both The Iliad and The Odyssey. Her writing comes out of a conviction that young people can find, within themselves, all they need to manage in their lives. She also knows the power of humor as a means of finding the way through the darkness and delights in a rollicking good tale. She is the author of ten books for children, several of which have been shortlisted for major awards.

Reviews

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautiful children's book about one of our collectively sad stories in the USA - selling the family farm. A Grandpa and grandson get ready for the last days of the sale together. (We are cleaning out the house and garage today and this beautiful book is going by the side of the road in the "free" pile. May someone else enjoy it.)

[Kary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The illustrations were soft and cozy, the story was a sweet ode to grandparents. Has only ever been checked out once. I think I might display it and see if I can get some readers.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sad and yet hope-filled story. A boy is upset that his grandfather has to sell the farm, but he's there to help his grandfather with the auction. They reminisce and tell funny stories, then work on a special and fun project until late at night. Superb illustrations.

[Robert Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is sad 😔.

[Carol Royce Owen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Todd is hurt that his grandfather is auctioning off all of the equipment on his farm. He is comforted with the stories his grandfather shares even though both are truly hurting over the loss of the farm and grandma. The book has a satisfying ending that helps both take some joy in the situation.

[Ezekiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a way to talk about grief. Oof.