Title: The Swing on Ginny’s Porch
Author: Brenda M. Jenkins
Publisher: Author’s Tranquility Press
ISBN: 1959930133
Pages: 26
Genre: Children’s Books
Reviewed by: Liz Konkel

Read Book Review

The old porch swing is the ideal setting for special moments between a grandmother – lovingly called Ginny – and her grandchild. Together they spend their days counting fireflies and watching the train go by, simply taking each moment to find the beauty in their backyard. Then one day Ginny’s curls are gone and she’s wearing a hat. This only has one explanation: Ginny has cancer. But the diagnosis does not stop the two from enjoying moments on the old swing nor does it prevent them from finding laughter and love. The genuine bond between the two is at the heart of the story and is told from the child’s perspective which will appeal to any age.

Using this perspective creates a heartwarming tone which reflects the innocence of a child and effectively crafts a childlike attitude. The bond between grandmother and grandchild is at the heart of the story which makes it feel wholesome and uplifting. Through the writing, you’re able to see the genuine love between them and how vital the relationship is to both of the characters. The focus is entirely on the two with them being the only two characters in the book which makes it so that your attention never wavers from their bond. The format is attentively crafted so any ages can read together, and is a perfect read for a grandparent to share with a grandchild. The tone never strays from being joyful with Ginny representing what makes the child feel safe and loved, especially through her ability to soothe anything wrong.

The swing is the only setting in the story and has a presence which makes it a character in itself. This is the location where everything important occurs and where each sweet moment takes place. Each special memory can be connected to the old swing whether it’s counting fireflies or eating popsicles. Specific moments are highlighted that represent the bond between them such as singing together or watching the train. The one thing that the moments have in common is the tranquility in them which shows the peace they find with each other. The story takes an emotional turn when Ginny is revealed to have cancer which is told in a childlike manner. This turn in the story is not abrupt and can make for a way to broach the topic and perhaps spark needed conversations if a child is experiencing a loved one with cancer. Despite the more serious topic, the story stays light and carefree with a hopefulness that hits all the right emotional punches.

A spiritual element can be found in the story through Ginny’s desire to say a prayer for the child and explains that her curls were now for little angels to wear. This element adds more to the character of Ginny which works well since the story focuses on who she was to the child. Ginny is a realistic character that is full of grace and heart, and will perhaps remind children of a grandparent in their lives. The illustrations have a classic style to them which fits the tone of the dynamic and the writing. This specific choice in aesthetic creates a timeless attitude which helps to establish the story as perfect for any age to get something out of it. These pair well with the story, showing the moments between the two and capturing the joy in each moment.

 The Swing on Ginny’s Porch is a charming tale which depicts a sweet relationship that finds beauty in just being together, and serves as a great catalyst for difficult conversations about cancer.