Description

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Gustaf Håkansson was sixty-six years old. In 1951, he was barred from joining the Tour of Sweden due to his age. He participated unofficially, riding his bicycle over 1,000 miles and, to the delight of his countrymen, finished first. Award-winning children’s author David M. Schwartz calls him “Super Grandpa” and brings his historic bike ride to life. Schwartz’s zesty narration, enhanced by sound effects and Swedish fiddle music, will captivate listeners ages 4 and up. Older audiences too will cherish this story of a figure who shattered stereotypes about the elderly, and inspired generations to pursue their dreams.

Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People
Smithsonian’s Notable Books for Children
Film Advisory Board Award for Excellence
Junior Library Guild Selection (Spanish edition)

About the Author

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David M. Schwartz is the author of numerous books, including the award-winning math titles How Much Is a Million?, G is for Googol and If You Hopped Like a Frog. When he is not speaking at schools and libraries around the U.S. and abroad, he can sometimes be seen on his bicycle, climbing the hills near his home in Oakland, CA. 

Praise For…

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“This title will be especially appropriate for intergenerational audiences, and is a good reminder that we all have dreams, regardless of age. The CD includes a fine rendition of a Swedish waltz. This timeless, meaningful tale will delight listeners and should be considered an essential purchase.” —School Library Journal


“Schwartz brings out the story’s inherent drama, nicely enhanced in Dodson’s watercolors, where the white-bearded biker is affectionately characterized and his setting carefully evoked." —Kirkus Reviews


“A classic children’s book . . . should pedal its way onto the bookshelves of both grandparents and grandchildren.” —UPI Arts & Entertainment

“Supergrandpa shattered stereotypes of the elderly and showed people how to make dreams come true, and this is the spirit of the book. Dodson’s watercolors in double-page spreads capture the event, spurring the reader to root for the old guy, a man who certainly earned his folk-hero status." —Booklist


“Schwartz, the author of the popular How Much Is a Million?, is witty and deft. The watercolors are the next best thing to a week in the Scandinavian countryside and a bowl of lingonberries." —Smithsonian Notable Books for Children