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Grandad's Gifts
This is a chilling picture book with a twist in the tail, as Paul slowly brings a fox back to life by feeding its fur with lemons from the tree above its grave. But its the lemons above Paul's grandfather's grave that give the fox its final gift, sight...
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
About the author
Paul Jennings
255 books340 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Paul Jennings was born in Heston near London, and at the age of 6 emigrated to Melbourne, Australia on a boat. He was on the boat for 5 weeks with his family. He attended Bentleigh West Primary School and Caulfield Grammar School.
After graduating from school, he went to Frankston Teachers College (now part of Monash University) and became a teacher. He taught students at Frankston State School, Kangaroo Flat State School, the Turana Youth Training Centre, and the Royal Children's Hospital State School in Mount Eliza. He later went on to study at the Lincoln Institute of Health Science (now part of LaTrobe University) and became a speech pathologist, then worked as a Lecturer in Special Education at Burwood State College (now part of Deakin University). In 1979 he became Senior Lecturer in Language and Literature at Warrnambool Institute of Advanced Education (now part of Deakin University).
In 1985, Jennings' first book of short stories, Unreal! was published, during which he worked as a lecturer and wrote part-time; in 1989, he made the decision to devote his full time to writing. Many of his short stories, published between 1985 and 1991, were also adapted into the first and second series of the popular Australian television show Round the Twist.
Winner of the Dromkeen Medal (2000).
Paul Jennings was born in Heston near London, and at the age of 6 emigrated to Melbourne, Australia on a boat. He was on the boat for 5 weeks with his family. He attended Bentleigh West Primary School and Caulfield Grammar School.
After graduating from school, he went to Frankston Teachers College (now part of Monash University) and became a teacher. He taught students at Frankston State School, Kangaroo Flat State School, the Turana Youth Training Centre, and the Royal Children's Hospital State School in Mount Eliza. He later went on to study at the Lincoln Institute of Health Science (now part of LaTrobe University) and became a speech pathologist, then worked as a Lecturer in Special Education at Burwood State College (now part of Deakin University). In 1979 he became Senior Lecturer in Language and Literature at Warrnambool Institute of Advanced Education (now part of Deakin University).
In 1985, Jennings' first book of short stories, Unreal! was published, during which he worked as a lecturer and wrote part-time; in 1989, he made the decision to devote his full time to writing. Many of his short stories, published between 1985 and 1991, were also adapted into the first and second series of the popular Australian television show Round the Twist.
Winner of the Dromkeen Medal (2000).
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 6, 2016
I remember reading this book when I was a child. There was something about it that stayed with me - I've always been fascinated by things that were on the spookier side, and this book was definitely one of those kinds of books.
I looked high and low for this book - went to a bunch of second hand shops with no luck. The book is sadly out of print, but I managed to track down a hardcover copy of it online for just under $40. Not the kind of money I would usually spend on a book, but it was the cheapest price I'd seen for a second hand copy.
Having received it in the mail and read it again as an adult, I'm glad I did manage to track this one down. This will be added to my collection of cherished children's picture books. :)
I looked high and low for this book - went to a bunch of second hand shops with no luck. The book is sadly out of print, but I managed to track down a hardcover copy of it online for just under $40. Not the kind of money I would usually spend on a book, but it was the cheapest price I'd seen for a second hand copy.
Having received it in the mail and read it again as an adult, I'm glad I did manage to track this one down. This will be added to my collection of cherished children's picture books. :)
November 29, 2014
Such a beautiful tale. A true classic. Originally included in one of the un-books, but oh so worthy of a publication of its own!
August 25, 2023
when reading this short story by Paul Jennings, it was very menacing and abstract to say the least.
I read it with a couple of people and we did giggle a bit at some writings but that's them being immature and not creative enough. it was good, reading through all the scenes was like watching a movie in the cinema. Paul Jenning wrote with great imagination, explaining what he sees through words and creating a picture for us all to see of a dead fox that has been locked away by the grandfather.
As well as writing about the boy going out, grabbing lemons from the tree to feed to the fox to regain its body parts so it can be released from captivity in the closet door that locked it away for years.
it was mysterious and a twist that gave a scare at first but later on give remorse for the fox and jubilee for its freedom, well done Paul. outstanding!
I read it with a couple of people and we did giggle a bit at some writings but that's them being immature and not creative enough. it was good, reading through all the scenes was like watching a movie in the cinema. Paul Jenning wrote with great imagination, explaining what he sees through words and creating a picture for us all to see of a dead fox that has been locked away by the grandfather.
As well as writing about the boy going out, grabbing lemons from the tree to feed to the fox to regain its body parts so it can be released from captivity in the closet door that locked it away for years.
it was mysterious and a twist that gave a scare at first but later on give remorse for the fox and jubilee for its freedom, well done Paul. outstanding!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2019
i whant to know what happens
July 16, 2021
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August 23, 2023Grandad's Gifts was an amazing short story to read, the plot twist at the end was something I didn't expect at all! It kept me hooked the entire time even when it started to get a little boring, I wanted to know what would happen at the end!
Paul Jennings has a way with words, making you second guess your reading because it's so unbelievable! Grandad's Gifts is a true tale and classic making it such an enjoyable story to read. This is a truly chilling and original story as many of Paul Jennings's books are! I can't wait to read more and discover what other amazing stories they've written.
Paul Jennings has a way with words, making you second guess your reading because it's so unbelievable! Grandad's Gifts is a true tale and classic making it such an enjoyable story to read. This is a truly chilling and original story as many of Paul Jennings's books are! I can't wait to read more and discover what other amazing stories they've written.
February 9, 2014
I read this book as a child, was suddenly reminded of it for some reason. It's one of those spooky ones that you kind of look back on and think to yourself, "was that really a children's story?". It's a lovely little tale though, and despite the spookiness it is one I'd love to share with my kids (though maybe when they're a bit older, a little less imaginative, and can read it for themselves).
June 15, 2011
Beautiful for all ages. Wonderful illustrations too
February 21, 2013
Loved this as a child!
October 15, 2013
I loved this story when I was little. It was the first story that truly struck me and has stayed with me ever since.
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May 15, 2016I never read it.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews