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| Sometimes It's Grandmas and Grandpas, by Gayle Byrne and Mary Haverfield |
Not Mommies and Daddies
Written by Gayle Byrne
Illustrated by Mary Haverfield
Abbeville Kids, 2011
First U.S. edition, Macmillan, 2009
Grade K-2
Themes:
Diversity, Family, Grandparents
Opening:
"We cuddle a lot together, Nonnie and me."
Synopsis:
Sometimes It's Grandmas and Grandpas is a quiet book told from the perspective of a girl who lives with her grandparents. The narrator tells about the different activities she does with her Nonnie or her Poppy. She explains why they are wonderful and briefly mentions how that is different from many of her friends who live with their moms and dads instead. The book includes links for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. It is based on the author's own experience as a guardian grandparent and her desire to find a book that reflects her granddaughter's home situation.
What I Love:
While I would not call this book perfect, I had to include it in the list because it is written with lots of heart, illustrated beautifully, and fills an important need. I love how illustrator Mary Haverfield chose to portray the grandparents. Nonnie is a jean-wearing, working woman. She may have white hair, but she is not a generic old-fashioned grandma. The text meanders a bit with no actual storyline, but it has some sparkle. For example, "Nonnie holds me tight and tells me in a whisper, 'We're two lucky girls.'"
and
"Poppys can twirl and spin just as good as daddies."
I was charmed by the simple acts of love shown through the family's everyday activities. I think readers from all family backgrounds will be too.
Bonus:
1. Why not celebrate the grandparents in your life, not just on Grandparents' Day. Try this clever craft from PaperVienz, 52 reasons I love you.
2. Make an "I love you" card from a child's handprint or send a huge hug by tracing around a child's arm's and head on a huge sheet of paper.
3. Find resources to assist modern grandparents at the American Grandparents Association site.
4. Check out these and other Perfect Picture Books at your local library.
Have you missed any of my October PPBF reviews?
If you have reviewed a Perfect Picture Book along this theme, please leave the link in the comments below. Thanks!
Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday
for October 16, 2015 available on Susanna Leonard Hill's blog.
First U.S. edition, Macmillan, 2009
Grade K-2
Themes:
Diversity, Family, Grandparents
Opening:
"We cuddle a lot together, Nonnie and me."
Synopsis:
Sometimes It's Grandmas and Grandpas is a quiet book told from the perspective of a girl who lives with her grandparents. The narrator tells about the different activities she does with her Nonnie or her Poppy. She explains why they are wonderful and briefly mentions how that is different from many of her friends who live with their moms and dads instead. The book includes links for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. It is based on the author's own experience as a guardian grandparent and her desire to find a book that reflects her granddaughter's home situation.
What I Love:
While I would not call this book perfect, I had to include it in the list because it is written with lots of heart, illustrated beautifully, and fills an important need. I love how illustrator Mary Haverfield chose to portray the grandparents. Nonnie is a jean-wearing, working woman. She may have white hair, but she is not a generic old-fashioned grandma. The text meanders a bit with no actual storyline, but it has some sparkle. For example, "Nonnie holds me tight and tells me in a whisper, 'We're two lucky girls.'"
and
"Poppys can twirl and spin just as good as daddies."
I was charmed by the simple acts of love shown through the family's everyday activities. I think readers from all family backgrounds will be too.
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| Courtesy Built by Kids |
2. Make an "I love you" card from a child's handprint or send a huge hug by tracing around a child's arm's and head on a huge sheet of paper.
3. Find resources to assist modern grandparents at the American Grandparents Association site.
4. Check out these and other Perfect Picture Books at your local library.
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| Reviewed by Susanna |
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| Reviewed by Patricia |
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| Reviewed by Joanne |
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| Reviewed by Lonie |
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| One Leaf Rides the Wind |
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| Boing |
If you have reviewed a Perfect Picture Book along this theme, please leave the link in the comments below. Thanks!
Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday
for October 16, 2015 available on Susanna Leonard Hill's blog.
Sounds like a great addition to a classroom too.
ReplyDeleteYes, thanks. I hope this will be helpful to teachers. We can thank my librarian for highlighting this book for fall.
DeleteGrandparents are special, even if they aren't the full time caregivers. This looks like a good family read.
ReplyDeleteMy kids are very blessed to have all four of theirs living close by. Thanks for your comments.
DeleteI love the idea of sending a hug! thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI found it on Pinterest, of course! Thanks for reading.
DeleteAww, this reminded me of the times I spent with my grandparents during school holidays up by the beach. I loved it. We played cards after dinner, walked on the beach, and took me for drives and picnics... I loved the times I spent with them. This is a lovely book and one that will be treasured.
ReplyDeleteHmm. Sounds like you have a book idea there. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteI love it when grandparents are not portrayed in stereotypical ways! This one is a winner and so many kids these days are being raised by grandparents.
ReplyDeleteMe, too. Thanks for stopping by!
Delete