Super Grandpa
PreSchool-Grade 3–This heartwarming story (Tortuga Press, 2005 rev. ed.) about 66-year-old Scandinavian bicyclist Gustaf Hakansson is narrated by author David M. Schwartz (How Much Is a Million?,G Is for Googol) who brings drama to this inspiring tale. Hakansson was called Stalfarfar (Super Grandpa) by the citizens of Sweden for his perseverance when he was rejected by the race officials to compete in the Tour of Sweden in 1951 because of his age. Hakansson was so determined to win that he rode his bicycle over 600 miles to get to the start of the race, and then raced 1000 miles to the finish line, surprising himself and others by coming in first. This title will be especially appropriate for intergenerational audiences, and is a good reminder that we all have dreams, regardless of age. The CD includes a fine rendition of a Swedish waltz. This timeless, meaningful tale will delight listeners and should be considered an essential purchase.–Kirsten Martindale, formerly Menomonie Public Library, WICopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.