“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.
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Summary
“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.
Description
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.
Best Middle-Grade Fiction 2021, Kirkus.
Critic Reviews
"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.
-- IBBY UKAbout the Author
Ulf Stark (1944–2017) is one of the world's great writers. Author of over 30 books for children and young adults, he has won many prizes, including the German Youth Literature Prize and the Astrid Lindgren Prize. He was shortlisted for the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2018.
Anna Höglund is a Swedish illustrator and author. Her work has been recognized with Swedish and international awards. She has worked with many well-known authors including Barbro Lindgren and Ulf Stark.
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