Can you whistle, Johanna?
Ulf Stark author Julia Marshall translator Anna Hoeglund illustrator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Gecko Press
Published:3rd Feb '21
£7.99
Available to order, but very limited on stock - if we have issues obtaining a copy, we will let you know.
“Can You Whistle, Johanna? is possibly my favourite book of all time. Ulf Stark is a truly great writer. He makes me laugh, cry, think deeply and think again—often in just one sentence.” Julia Marshall, Publisher Julia Marshall, Publisher
Can You Whistle, Johanna? is a funny, sensitive illustrated chapter book about two boys searching for a grandfather-there are plenty at the retirement home-and friendship across generations. It is an international award-winner and a classic in many countries.Why doesn’t Berra have a grandfather? And how can he get one? There are plenty of old men at the retirement home, Ulf suggests. They go there together to find one—ideally one who eats pig’s trotters, invites you to tea and can teach you to whistle. Can You Whistle, Johanna? is an international award-winner and classic in many countries by one of the world's great writers.
"Together, the words and illustrations... tell a story that is sad and happy at the same time. It’s a story that makes sense to everyone who ever had - or wanted - a grandfather."
-- The School Magazine (NSW)"This is an extraordinarily tender, beautiful story of friendship and loss. Stark combines searing poignancy with joyous humour and the most lyrical phrases to produce a quirky, endearing story that deeply touches the heart"
-- The Sunday Tasmanian (AU)"This story touches the heart. It manages to be charming, warm, funny, poignant and sad all at once and it’s told in such a way that a grandparent can reminisce and a young person can understand about friendship and loss not just through their own eyes but through the perspective of a much older person."
-- PETAStarred review. A sweet, tender, never maudlin evocation of an intergenerational friendship.
-- Kirkus Reviews5+ One of those rare perfect ones.
-- Youth Services Book ReviewCan You Whistle, Johanna?... is a heartwarming and emotional tale of human connection, and its importance at any age.
-- NetGalley ReviewerA book that demands to be shared and enjoyed.
-- IBB- Winner of Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis (German Youth Literature Prize) 1994 (Germany)
ISBN: 9781776573264
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
92 pages