Grandfather Twilight (Paperstar Book)

I remember reading this book to children I cared for and now read it to my daughter who is in love with Grandfather Twilight's world and night-time routine! Such wonderful illustrations and beautiful story!

I looked high and low for this book and found it here. It was in stock, arrived quickly and in a padded envelope. The book was in perfect shape and my son (20 months) likes to have Daddy read it to him before bed. Beautiful pictures.

I read this book to my now grown sons all the time when they were very young. I wanted to give it to my niece for her baby shower. I recieved the book in excellent condition. However, since it was from a library sale all the call numbers, library card pouch and thus were glued on to it. I had to remove the cover and a couple pages or it would have looked like I stole it from a library! Nonetheless, I know it is a story she will love to read to her little one!

I looked high and low for this book and found it here. It was in stock, arrived quickly and in a padded envelope. The book was in perfect shape and my son (20 months) likes to have Daddy read it to him before bed. Beautiful pictures.

I read this book to my now grown sons all the time when they were very young. I wanted to give it to my niece for her baby shower. I recieved the book in excellent condition. However, since it was from a library sale all the call numbers, library card pouch and thus were glued on to it. I had to remove the cover and a couple pages or it would have looked like I stole it from a library! Nonetheless, I know it is a story she will love to read to her little one!

This is one of the best bedtime stories I have found over the years. Not only is the message peaceful and dreamy, but the simple text, while not rhyming, most certainly is mellow and soothing.

Grandfather Twilight, who lives among the trees, spends his day is a soft, overstuff chair reading a book surrounded by his ever-present animal companions; a cat, a dog, and wild forest creatures. When the day is done he prepares himself for his evening journey. He unlocks a wooden chest which is filled with an endless string of pearls. From this strand he selects one perfect pearl and his journey begins.

Dog and cat accompany him as he walks and as the story progresses the pearl grows and grows in the palm of this hand. The pearl, which symbolizes the moon, is eventually lifted from palm into the sky, above the sea and twilight ends and night begins. Grandfather Twilight, with his animal friends then prepares for bed...all is well...and he goes to sleep.

The art work featured here is 80 percent of the story; each picture is executed in soft but glowing colors. It is as if you are viewing the world (more so as the story progresses) through a slightly out of focused lens. Grandfather Twilight more and more blends into his forest surroundings as he makes his journey through the forest to the sea. As he makes his daily trip he is surrounded my by small forest creatures; birds and small animals. The cat and dog are always with him as he moves bring peaceful twilight to the world.

Now I admit to the fact that I cannot be truly objective when I read this work. Twilight is my favorite time of the day; the time of day when I am torn between enthusiasm and vigor...I find it fascinating; always have. I note that children react in the same way. For some reason this time of the day brings great peace, while at the same time great promise of what is to come. Also, if you believe is such thing, (and who doesn't?), it is the best time to hear and catch glimpse of fairies, elves, pixies and the like. Anyway, it is a great time of the day when all is said and done.

This is a wonderful bedtime reading book for the little ones and is good for those two years old and up. It is most certainly a small book that should be added to your child's collection.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks

From the very first page you step into a mystical magical lushly colorful world of flowers and friendly animals that accompany Grandfather Twilight on his journey to place the moon in the sky. The moon is symbolised by a small pearl, taken from an endless strand, that grows with each step he takes on his evening walk, twilight spreading like mist behind him, until he releases it above the ocean into the sky. Then he walks home and tucks himself in to bed, surrounded by his animal companions. The illustrations are populated by so many interesting animals and things to look at and comment on that one quickly becomes absorbed in the world that Barbara Helen Berger has created. As other reviewers have pointed out everything about this book is soft and peaceful. There are very few words. Some pages don't even have words, you simply follows the events laid out in the illustrations. This book is a keeper. As enjoyable for adults as for children. They offer the age of 4 to 8 for this book. I would venture to say that this book could be an excellent first book for a child, as early as a few months. My two year old adores it. I have a soft spot for all of this authors books, but 'Grandfather Twilight, 'The Donkey's Dream', and 'When the Sun Rose', are my favorites. All three of these books will have a special place on my book shelf to be shared with my grandchildren some day, and you never know, maybe my great-grandchildren too:)

The other great goodnight book is, of course, GOODNIGHT MOON. But this is every bit as good as that classic, although much less known. It is also one of the most extraordinarily illustrated children's books of any type.
This is also one of the very best books I know for children who have a bit of trouble going to sleep at night. It is masterful at presenting calming, peaceful, positive images of going to bed. The story is so simple that even a two-year-old can completely grasp it. Grandfather Twilight each night, accompanied by his German Shepherd, takes a single pearl out of his chest, walks to the shore, and places the pearl, which becomes the moon, in the sky. He then returns to his bed, with twilight descending upon the world, and goes to bed.
The details in the illustrations are exquisite. My daughter loved, for instance, finding the dog and the cat on each page. This remained one of our nonoptional nighttime books for at least two years. I think it will be among the favorites of any preschooler, as well as their parents. I do believe that this is among the best-illustrated books for young children ever produced.

I have owned Grandfather Twilight as part of my classroom collection for years. It is a magical book and the children love it and ask for it often. The illustrations are delightful and the story mystical and appeals to children's imaginations.

Grandfather Twilight is one of the best picture books, for everyone from the youngest toddlers to the grandparents that read it to them. I rank it in the top four of my favorite picture books, along with Turnbull's and Foreman's The Sand Horse, Blyler's and Blake's Finding Foxes, and Clements's and Kiesler's Temple Cat. Each of these books offers, in the simple format of a picture book, the sort of profound concepts that form the basis of the greatest literature. In the case of Grandfather Twilight, Barbara Helen Berger presents a beautifully illustrated myth of her own creation, giving young readers a gentle introduction to the concept of metaphor in its anthropomorphic title character. The text is classically slight and spare, and so able to avoid any hint of saccharine condescension. The surreal illustrations manage the neat trick of being bright and vibrant, while conveying a feeling of soothing calm.

Berger has written and illustrated several other excellent picture books, including Animalia, and a wonderful book for older children, Gwinna. These, along with Grandfather Twilight, will be on children's shelves for many generations to come.

This was one of my favorite books as a child, so I am thrilled that my own son has taken to it. We read it a lot at night time as it does seem to have a peaceful effect - the illustrations and the flow of the words are just right. My son (14 mo) loves to point at the animals in the book and asks me to read it to him several times everyday now. The text is just enough for a good short bedtime story, and the illustrations are just right for keeping a child's attention. The illustrations are beautiful and memorable, and I think even had something to do with my love of art as a child (and now adult). I hope this book will impart the same sense of appreciation for nature and art in my son that it did for me. Highly recommend!

This beautifully book tells a story about 'Grandfather Twilight', a magical looking man who begins the journey in which he gently brings nighttime to the world. As the reader, you walk the path with him as he travels through the forests with his animal friends. He summons the moon to her full beauty (the moon grows from pearls he has that grow bigger and bigger with each step on the path). He reaches the beach, and the pearl he started his journey with, no bigger than a pebble, has grown into the Moon, and he sends her forth into the night sky, and returns to his home to sleep. Reading this story and studying the illustrations evoked a wondrous sense of calm in my 2.5 year old son. The pictures foster his growing ability to count, identify trees, the sky, and the animals in the story and his world. The story itself captivated him and caused him to pay close attention -- a difficult thing to do at his lively age. I love this book and recommend it to everyone!

I cannot recommend this book highly enough! Both my children (ages 7 and 3) love it, and we read it often, sometimes just for a bit of a break during the day. This beautifully illustrated, almost-wordless, story of how Grandfather Twilight prepares the world for sleep is food for the soul on many levels:
1. First is the simple story of Grandfather Twilight taking a pearl from an endless strand in a magic chest, then walking to the sea where the pearl gets larger and larger and finally becomes the glowing full moon, which then hangs in the night sky and lights his way home. Grandfather Twilight lives in a house made of trees with his companions, a dog and cat.
2. What are Grandfather Twilight's other occupations? How does he spend his day? Who is, he, really? Wouldn't we like to live in a house like his? Where did he get the chest full of pearls? How does the pearl get larger and larger? These questions and more arise from the vivid, detailed illustrations.
3. The illustrations themselves warrant study. My son (age 7) and I were awed one day sitting on the porch swing when our actual twilight sky became the *exact* colors of the twilight emanating from Grandfather's beard and hair.
Get this book, you won't be disappointed!

GRANDFATHER TWILIGHT isn't just a dreamy, fantasy story to read your child before bedtime, it is a beautifully illustrated, Magical read to remind us of Peace. Yes, Peace. Each day comes and goes and at night there is a pearl that has been made that day which you can CHOOSE to do as Grandfather Twilight does, and gently give the pearl to the silence above the sea OR you can keep it in your treasure chest and save it. IT IS YOUR CHOICE. There isn't a right answer. Or is there? As long as you do give away your pearls to others--perhaps it doesn't matter when. Just that YOU DO!
One thing is for certain. My daughter and I are Barbara Helen Berger fans for life ...I am convinced all of Barbara's books are must owns. Be sure to get WHEN THE SUN ROSE as well. Next on the list to get, DONKEY'S DREAM!
LOVE AND SOAR!

Barbara Helen Berger's "Grandfather Twilight" is one of the three greatest bedtime stories ever written (the other two being Dr. Seuss' "The Sleep Book" and "Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown). Yet even such praise seems empty before a work as wonderful as this book.
Berger has created more than a bedtime story. "Grandfather Twilight" qualifies as a great piece of Myth-making. This is done through the combination of Berger's typically luminous illustrations and her hauntingly spare language.
I've said this before and will say it again...Barbara Berger is the greatest living Children's author. Her books are consistently great. I cannot recommend the work of this remarkable woman enough.
Get a copy today.

Every evening, Grandfather Twilight "puts down his book", takes out a pearl from the chest in his home among the trees, and begins to walk. The pearl grows bigger and bigger, trailing rosy clouds and bringing the serenity of dusk, until he lifts it up into the sky as the moon.
This book is enchanting, and was my favorite bedtime story from as far back as I can remember. The story seems to flow like the stream and the sky that trails beautifully behind Grandfather Twilight, and the illustrations are wonderful-- just peaceful, feel-like-you're-there-and-want-to-be pictures! Reading gives you the most peaceful and sleepy feeling, and helps you to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature-- one of those stories that makes you just glad to "be."

This is a very simple story about Grandfather Twilight, vivid old man who looks like the early evening sky. Each day when work is through, Grandfather Twilight takes a pearl from a treasure chest and goes for a walk to the sea, holding the pearl in the open palm of his hand. At the end of his walk, Grandfather Twilight places the pearl in the sky.
An interesting idea. Also, the illustrations, especially those of Grandfather Twilight, are a delight to look at.

I have had this book for many years...way before I got married and had children. The illustrations of this, as well as "When the Sun Rose" are so extraordinarily beautiful I just had to make it part of my collection.
I started reading this to my 7 year old when she was 2, and we read it and "When the Sun Rose" every night for years! We both have it memorized and often times we take turns reciting it to our 2 year old. We change the wording a bit...it's "Paka Twilight" instead of "Grandfather Twilight" because he looks just like my Dad...who the kids call Paka. It makes it all the more special, because Paka helps me get the girls to sleep at night, even though he's on the other side of the Country!
This is just a beautiful, lulling, gentle book that we LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!

Expect everyone to maintain a peaceful hush as you read this book aloud. A sense of serenity permeates through the words and is perfectly matched by the illustrations. The imagery captures your senses and the story pulls at your heartstrings. Grandfather Twilight is an endearing character that makes you feel warm and safe. This wonderful book is sure to appeal to all ages (preschool to an older adult). And, it isn't just for bedtime either.

The pictures were fantastic, and the text was quite amazing.
It was intriguing that the author portrayed the moon as a
pearl. I was captivated by the book completely. I thought
the book was quite a sucess. It was a children's
masterpiece. It was descriptive, and my opinion was that it
is wonderful. It has the potential to be one of the classics.
The book was inspiring. Pure INSPIRATION!

My favorite part of this story are the lovely magical illustrations. These soothing images and sweet story line of Grandfather Twilight beginning the evening in is a perfect nighttime tale to share with your little ones.

This was my favorite book to read to my daughter when she was little. It was also just MY FAVORITE BOOK to look at. The illustrations are beautiful. The story has few words, so you are also able to use your imagination while looking at the pictures and thinking about the story.

I highly recommend adding this book to your collection - whether or not you have children or grandchlidren.

I grew up first having this book read to me and then reading it myself. This is one of two books that were always part of my bedtime ritual (the other one being When the Sun Rose, also by Barbara Helen Berger). It is a very peaceful soothing story about Grandfather Twilight who take a pearl out of his chest every night to place it in the sky where it becomes the moon. The illustrations are simply amazing and contributed to my lifetime appreciation of and fascination with art. It is a treasured part of my childhood and it makes me glad to see other children also have a chance to read this amazing book.

By far, Grandfather Twilight was the most breathtakingly illustrated book I ever read as a child. It tells the story of twilight with such lustrous and rich illustrations that draw you into the story without words. This book is pure genius.

What a sweet, wonderful book! I read this many, many times to my now 16 year old daughter, and now that I have a new baby, I'm excited to have a good excuse to read it over and over again! The other reviews I read are right on track, you won't be disappointed in this book. You'll want to believe the story is true! (Who knows, maybe it is!)

My boys, aged 2 and 4 both immediately calm down and get ready for sleep when we read this book. It is written and illustrated to propote a calm, peaceful atmosphere. There is something special about this book that stands out from the typical night time book crowd.

This book is a mystical bedtime story that tells a modern myth of where the moon comes from- -Grandfather Twilight takes a pearl out of his trunk each night and places it in the sky. The book is big on pictures and light on words (only about 100), with fewer and fewer words as the story progresses.

I remember reading this book on my 3rd birthday, my mom's friend got it for me and it still has her little message on the inside cover! I LOVE this book, it has the most beautyful illistruations of any book I have read. If you like this book you will Most likley like "When the Sun Rose" by the same author. I love this book and continue to read it when I feel like I need peace and calm. If you're thinking of buying please do you will love it!!

I was unfamiliar with this book, which was given to us as a gift after the birth of our son. I have given it in turn as a gift. The illustrations are enchanting; the storyline sweet and magical. A wonderful bedtime read that parents will enjoy as much as their child(ren). Makes a lovely keepsake gift.

Gorgeous drawings, lovely story. My children loved this book and still do. We have given it to several children over the years--their parents always rave about it. It's truly a beautiful classic and definitely unforgettable.

Oh, let me please be like Grandfather Twilight when I am old! Another dreamy, mysterious, and magically poetic masterpiece from Barbara Berger. Ever wonder how the moon finds its way up into the sky at night? "Grandfather Twilight" reveals this secret. It is the perfect book to quiet the soul before bedtime. A childhood favorite.

If you are looking for a book to end the day with,for your child before sending her/him off to sleep; look no further. I love this book and my little girl requests it every night. This is the last book we read before turning out the light. Grandfather Twilight is a simple story with wonderful illustrations that relaxes you right into sleep. Good night;)

Our 10 year old daughter said, "You know Mom, I think I appreciate the beauty of the moon because of the book Grandfather Twilight." We read it to her every night when she was little,per her request. It's a beautiful book and parents can make up their own story with the glorious illustrations.

Grandfather Twilight is a gentle excursion into peace. Its gentle artwork, simple words and timeless story combine to create a soothing experience of peace and serenity. We found it a relaxing bridge toward sleep for both the listener and the reader.

This book has beautiful artwork. The images are quite soothing which makes for an especially good bedtime (or any quiet time) read. This simple story and its rich illustrations reach deep inside helping to relax the mind-body. My kids could read it over and over!