The Grannyman
Written and illustrated by Judy Schachner
Dutton Children’s Books, 1999
978-0525461227, hardcover
978-0142500620, paperback

Simon the cat is so old that most of his parts have stopped working, but just when he is ready to breathe his last breath, his family brings home a new kitten for him to raise.

Awards and Recognition
Golden Sower Award (K-3), 2002
Arizona Young Readers’ Award, 2002
The Center for Children’s Books Best Books of 1999
Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award Nominee
Young Hoosier (Indiana) Book Award Nominee K – 3
The Mockingbird Award Books (Abilene, TX) Nominee

Reviews
"Schachner’s warm, emotional text is echoed in her softly colored illustrations…Owners of aged pets will surely ‘Aw!’ at Simon’s plight…"—School Library Journal, starred review

"Schachner’s artwork is tender and apt, capturing nuances in the postures struck, the cock of the head, the bend of the tail."—Kirkus Reviews

"Schachner’s expressive watercolor-and-mixed-media artwork mirrors the affection, humor, and warmth of her finely crafted text. Together, art and words describe the ideal relationship between pets and humans—growing up and growing old together with compassion, consideration, and love."—Booklist

"This story of old age revered and rejuvenated is a pleasure from the ends of its whiskers to the tip of its tail. "—Publishers Weekly

"Schachner’s illustrations are stunning."—Riverbank Review

"This beautifully told and lovingly illustrated picture book is a treasure that will speak equally eloquently to cat lovers and families with beloved aged relatives."—Judy Katch, Children’s Literature