Review by Booklist Review
Ages 4-7. Mr. Griggs has worked at the post office for many years, sorting letters and watching the stamps change. He loves his work so much that even in the off-hours he thinks about mail-- the whereabouts of a gone-astray fruitcake or the cost of mailing a letter to New Zealand. When Mr. Griggs takes ill, he spends the day at home for the first time in his working life. His enforced isolation makes work seem even sweeter, and upon returning, he pats, sniffs, and looks lovingly at his domain. Rylant's celebration of an involved life is matched by Downing's captivating pictures, reminiscent of Stephen Gammell's art. Mr. Griggs, in his regulation blue sweater, is a charmer, his love of life evident; the familiar post office setting takes on a new shine when seen through his eyes, and the illustration of the lost fruitcake being contemplated by penguins perched on a slab of ice is priceless. Although the themes that make up Rylant's work are adult in concept, she does a fine job of bringing them within the realm of a child's understanding. IC.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
As portrayed in Downing's comfortingly realistic pastels, Rylant's gentle celebration of a postmaster's passion for matters of mail could serve as a model employee handbook--for any trade. Ages 4-7. (Mar.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-K-- Elderly Mr. Griggs works at the old post office and is very dedicated. He loves his work, and he thinks about it even after hours. When he gets the flu it's almost unbearable to him that someone else is in his place. At his return, it's a toss up as to who is more delighted, Mr. Griggs or his postal customers. Pastel and pencil drawings in full color bring this kindly neighbor to life. Mr. Griggs' absorption in his work will irritate some adults and amuse others. (He can't even pass a bluejay without thinking ``express mail.'') His evident dedication is touching, however, and small readers will have fun sharing his vocation in these pages, which shine with the writer and the illustrator's humor and admiration. --Anna Biagioni Hart, Sherwood Regional Library, Alexandria, Va. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Old Mr. Griggs--who works for the U.S. Post Office--lives, breathes, and adores his work: he still wonders what became of a Christmas fruitcake, missing for 15 years; he is so fascinated with the minutiae of postal rates that he sometimes gets up in the middle of the night to look them up. Holes always remind him of mailboxes, and chipmunks of a 1978 commemorative stamp. After a day out sick, he returns to the post office like a swain to his lost love. This is not just a valentine to the Protestant Ethic; it's also a prescription for a truly happy existence--an example of a character who takes satisfaction in doing rather than in having. Mr. Griggs should intrigue children with his ingenuous single-mindedness, a deliciously witty alternative to ""the good life."" In a departure from the elegant style used for Prince Boghole (1987), Downing's illustrations here are pastel drawings on textured paper, their lively informality extending the story's humor. Good for group-sharing; and don't forget to give this to teachers of primary classes studying community helpers. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
