markwillnevercry's review against another edition
3.25
Pretty short book about not having a grandfather, then getting one and then understanding that he is dead. It was pretty good and I get why this is a part of required reading in Ukraine.
shighley's review against another edition
4.0
A bit unusual, but predictable. A bit unrealistic, but touching. I read this because it is on Betsy Bird's 2021 list of best early readers/chapter books, and I have a friend named Johanna.
evuks16's review against another edition
5.0
Otrā grāmata no Ulfs Starks, otrā par vectēvu! Lielisks darbs, liek aizdomāties un atcerēties bērnību ar vecvectēvs. Ļoti, ļoti jauki...
ljrinaldi's review against another edition
4.0
This is a sweet, but predictable story of a boy who wants a grandfather, so goes to an old folks home to pick one up.
Yeah, pretty much as easy as that. And old Ned just accepts that Berra is his grandson, and then starts to do things with him, such as steal cherries from someones garden, and make a kite with a silk scarf of his late wife.
It is a sweet story of things that kids and grandparents do together, and Old Ned tries to teach Berra how to whistle the song "Can you whistle, Johanna"
Of course, the ending will make you cry, but it is sort of telegraphed as to what will happen.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
Yeah, pretty much as easy as that. And old Ned just accepts that Berra is his grandson, and then starts to do things with him, such as steal cherries from someones garden, and make a kite with a silk scarf of his late wife.
It is a sweet story of things that kids and grandparents do together, and Old Ned tries to teach Berra how to whistle the song "Can you whistle, Johanna"
Of course, the ending will make you cry, but it is sort of telegraphed as to what will happen.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
brice's review against another edition
5.0
Pavisam īss stāsts, kuru izlasīt vienā elpas vilcienā. Izlasīt sev. Izlasīt bērnam. Pakavēties pie ilustrācijām. Pakavēties domās. Domās par to, cik daudz patiesības cauri savām acīm un sirdij var izlaist tāds mazs cilvēks. Un... vai Tu proti svilpot?
Vairāk par grāmatgu var lasīt blogā: https://gramatas.austra.lv/2019/08/23/ulfs-starks-proti-svilpot-juhanna/
Vairāk par grāmatgu var lasīt blogā: https://gramatas.austra.lv/2019/08/23/ulfs-starks-proti-svilpot-juhanna/
dostojevskijs's review against another edition
5.0
"Han var i alla fall min morfar."
Det är en av mina favoritfilmer någonsin, så det var ju bara att låna denna när jag såg den på biblioteket. Även om jag föredrar filmen - illustrationerna var inte dåliga på något sätt, men min bild av berättelsen är så präglad av kortfilmen att det kändes lite fel - så var det en fin läsning; man blir både glad och ledsen under berättelsens relativt korta gång. Jag vet faktiskt inte riktigt vad mer jag kan säga om den. Den är liksom bara... så vacker.
Det är en av mina favoritfilmer någonsin, så det var ju bara att låna denna när jag såg den på biblioteket. Även om jag föredrar filmen - illustrationerna var inte dåliga på något sätt, men min bild av berättelsen är så präglad av kortfilmen att det kändes lite fel - så var det en fin läsning; man blir både glad och ledsen under berättelsens relativt korta gång. Jag vet faktiskt inte riktigt vad mer jag kan säga om den. Den är liksom bara... så vacker.
perdiana's review against another edition
4.0
When I was 7 or 8 years old, I read this book as homework. I liked it, but because of my slow reading (I had some learning difficolty) I could not finish it.
This short story had left me a tender reminder about the relationship between a young boy and a no-bio grandfather!
After 14 years I finished reading it! In less of two hours and with an enormous affection. I think I have made happy the child in me.
The aspect of this book more interesting is the grieving process in way peaceful and carefree. Very nice!
This short story had left me a tender reminder about the relationship between a young boy and a no-bio grandfather!
After 14 years I finished reading it! In less of two hours and with an enormous affection. I think I have made happy the child in me.
The aspect of this book more interesting is the grieving process in way peaceful and carefree. Very nice!
periparaparasakura's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
erine's review against another edition
5.0
A rent-a-Grandpa situation where Ulf extols the virtues of his own Grandpa and Berra is kinda bummed he doesn't have one. So the two young boys head down to the local old folks' home and find one. The situation is both ridiculous and heartwarming, especially as Grandpa Ned embraces the concept of his new grandson and friend. They go on a few adventures together, Grandpa Ned teaches Berra how to whistle, and then one day he is gone.
The ebbs and flows of life are on full display here, in a frank but gentle fashion.
The ebbs and flows of life are on full display here, in a frank but gentle fashion.
marywahlmeierbracciano's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
What a lovely book! This Swedish classic follows Berra, a little boy who doesn't have a grandfather. His friend suggests they find him one at the old folks' home, and that's how they meet Grandpa Ned. They form a beautiful, touching intergenerational friendship full of hilarious hijinks and lots of love. Can You Whistle, Johanna? goes to show that sometimes, family is chosen.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death and Dementia