Art and family transcend differences in language and culture in this sensitively told, exquisitely illustrated story of a child starting a new school.
When Shu Lin starts at her new school, she wears yellow rain boots and a pink coat. At recess, she stands alone in the playground. At lunchtime, she eats by herself from little boxes of brightly colored food. Her classmates aren’t sure what to make of her. But one day, when Shu Lin’s grandpa comes to school to share his amazing artwork, everything changes. With a stunning double-gatefold spread revealing a beautiful Chinese painting, this uplifting story shows the transformative power of art and imagination in developing cultural understanding and empathy.
SHORTLIST
| 2022 Kate Greenaway Medal
A simple narrative that leaves a quiet impression. . . invites readers into the classroom alongside the characters. —Kirkus Reviews
With an inclusive message and Asian-inspired illustrations, this picture book is truly a work of art. —Brightly
Matt Goodfellow was a primary school teacher for more than ten years before becoming a full-time poet and author. Shu Lin’s Grandpa is his first book with Candlewick Press. He lives with his wife and children in Manchester, England.
Yu Rong grew up in the countryside of China, where she began her studies in Chinese painting and contemporary art. She is the author-illustrator of A Lovely Day for Amelia Goose and the illustrator of Tracks of a Panda by Nick Dowson. She lives with her husband and children in the countryside of Cambridge, England.
Art and family transcend differences in language and culture in this sensitively told, exquisitely illustrated story of a child starting a new school.
When Shu Lin starts at her new school, she wears yellow rain boots and a pink coat. At recess, she stands alone in the playground. At lunchtime, she eats by herself from little boxes of brightly colored food. Her classmates aren’t sure what to make of her. But one day, when Shu Lin’s grandpa comes to school to share his amazing artwork, everything changes. With a stunning double-gatefold spread revealing a beautiful Chinese painting, this uplifting story shows the transformative power of art and imagination in developing cultural understanding and empathy.
Awards
SHORTLIST
| 2022 Kate Greenaway Medal
Praise
A simple narrative that leaves a quiet impression. . . invites readers into the classroom alongside the characters. —Kirkus Reviews
With an inclusive message and Asian-inspired illustrations, this picture book is truly a work of art. —Brightly
Author
Matt Goodfellow was a primary school teacher for more than ten years before becoming a full-time poet and author. Shu Lin’s Grandpa is his first book with Candlewick Press. He lives with his wife and children in Manchester, England.
Yu Rong grew up in the countryside of China, where she began her studies in Chinese painting and contemporary art. She is the author-illustrator of A Lovely Day for Amelia Goose and the illustrator of Tracks of a Panda by Nick Dowson. She lives with her husband and children in the countryside of Cambridge, England.
