Andrea Cheng, illustrated by Ange Sang,
Grandfather Counts
Lee & Low Books, 2000.

Grandfather Counts is Andrea Cheng’s touching story of a grandfather slowly bonding with his grandchild. Cheng intersperses the roaring of a train, the stroke of a calligraphic brush, and counting with one’s fingers as ways to encounter invaluable life lessons. At first, Yin Hua resents her Grandfather taking over her room. She also is wary of his silence and of his reluctance to move from his chair – will he ever do anything else besides read his Chinese newspapers?

In time, the two bridge the generational and cultural gap between them. They share the ritual of waiting for the passing train that goes right by their house. They also learn from each other the magic of language–both written and spoken. Thus, Gong Gong becomes to Yin Hua much more than a grandfather.; Yin Hua has found a priceless confidante and a much admired mentor.

Zhang’s illustrations go very well with the story’s quiet unfolding; the hue of the sky over the Yin household is always a peaceful shade, be it in the lemon brightness of day or in the purple comfort of dusk. The pleasures of Grandfather Counts are infinite.

Fatima Lim-Wilson