Here’s my Perfect Picture Book Friday choice:
My Grandpa
Written and Illustrated by Marta Altés
Abraham Books for Young Readers, 2012
Fiction
Suitable for: Ages 2 and up
Themes/Topics: Grandparents, Family, Aging
Opening Line: My grandpa is getting old …
Synopsis: (from Amazon) My grandpa is getting old … But that’s how he is, and I love him
This unique look at old age through the eyes of a young bear is big-hearted, poignant, and beautifully observed. Whether they are boldly traveling the world in an armchair or quietly listening to the song of a hidden bird, the mutual adoration of grandfather and grandson is warmly evident. This moving and memorable book about the very special relationship between an elderly grandparent who is beginning to lose his memory and his adoring grandchild is just the book to have on hand for families in a similar situation.
Link to Resources: Write a letter or draw a picture for Grandpa. Lesson plans on Grandparents Day. After reading the book, we talked about things that my son does with each Grandpa.
Why I Like This Book: It’s simple in text and art. I found this book through our own Julie, who was looking for other thoughts on the book. Enzo, who’s a huge Grandpa fan {he calls both sets of grandparents Grandpa & Grandpa}, enjoyed the book.
If you are looking for something fun like How to Babysit a Grandpa by Jean Reagan and Lee Wildish, My Grandpa won’t fill your need for a fast-tempo adventure. My Grandpa is quiet and that’s why my son’s laugh out loud reaction to the text and illustration surprised me. It’s also realistic about aging with lines like “Sometimes he feels alone” or “Occasionally he doesn’t recognize me … but my hugs can solve it.”
My Grandpa has received a Starred Review from Kirkus Reviews and flattering words from The New York Times Book Review, School Library Journal, and Booklist. When I wrote this review, the Amazon reading public was mixed. The book had two reviews a four-star and a one-star. The one-star review begins: “Are you kidding me? Creepy, depressing and insulting to grandfathers everywhere.” I didn’t view the book as creepy or depressing. I shared my thoughts in my own Amazon review.
The book was first published in Great Britain in 2012. The book has been published in nine languages according to Altés’ website.
For more PPBF selections, visit Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog.
(I’m sorry to flood you with three posts this week. Thanks for hanging with me, as I had a guest post on Meg Miller’s bog for Petite ReviMo. The ReviMo challenge has me scheduling revision time on my calendar. And, I love Perfect Picture Book Friday and didn’t want to miss. My apologies for missing the books last week. My library hold list is almost empty — evidence I haven’t read the PPBF list! I plan to catch up this weekend.)
I looked at this book after Julie’s question, too, Stacy, but I just read about it – I have yet to actually read it. It doesn’t really surprise me that the reviews would be so disparate – that seems to be the case with all books – some people love them and some people hate them, especially when they’re a little different in some way. Love that Enzo calls his grandparents Grandpa and Grandpa 🙂
You’ll have to let us know what you think Susanna. My Grandpa may not be perfect to everyone, but it was perfect to us.
I finished reading this a few days ago. Meant to put it on Goodreads but haven’t yet. It’s sweet…really, bittersweet in a way. Love the art in it!
The art is very nice. I really need to get my books in Goodreads. I heard an author mention his reading journal of several decades … I need to track my reading better.
Well, I think it looks like a lovely book. I look forward to reading it. Thanks for your review.
I hope you enjoy it Joanne.
Sometimes it’s nice to be soft and quiet, and get the energy of Grandpa… Not every grandparent is rollicking, full of action like a video game, especially the one who’s declining. I am glad that kids are being exposed to real issues like dementia in a gentle way. ♥
I believe the issue is presented in a sweet way. The illustrations are very nice. Soft.
This really is a special book. My kind of book. With people living longer, we need books like this for young children. I especially love the line “Occasionally he doesn’t recognize me … but my hugs can solve it.”
I know Patricia. We used to visit a woman with dementia. Since we met her after she lost her memory, she became “grandma” when Enzo and I visited. She passed away, but I can see how this book would be a good introduction to some of the issues of aging.
This one seems so very sweet. And I love the cover illustration.
The illustrations are great Mike and I really need to put more of this author’s work on my library list.
Thanks for letting me know that ‘my book buddy’ laughed out loud! I decided to ask if I could sit in on some of my library’s story-times, so I could witness more reactions first hand, and was surprised that I had forgotten how young the crowd is, or maybe I had my kids home longer than most?
Yes. It’s funny to see a group of kids at story time. The reader is also crucial (as we writers know for picture books). I mean my enthusiasm over the story, could have influenced Enzo. Of course, we read it for the first time together, out loud. Thanks again for the recommendation.
I am fascinated with Enzo’s reaction and want to get hold of a copy just to see how it could provoke such disparate reactions on this subject.
Joanna, I’ll be interested to hear what you think. Enzo is certainly a fan of Grandpas, so this may have influenced some of his reactions (as he’s been talking more and more about his time with his Grandpas).
Sounds sweet and sensitive on a subject so many of us face. It’s hard for me to understand that the need for a book like this is not recognized by some. Certainly, not all books interest everyone – but there is a need for books that address special subjects. Thank you for sharing Stacy.
True. Not all books interest everyone Laura Anne. I’m happy Julie mentioned this one and put it on our radar as my son really likes this.
It sounds lovely. Grandpa ought to have special books just about them.
We liked this one Catherine. When I checked out Amazon, I was surprised by the number of books about grandpas.
Hmmm. This sounds interesting. I will have to check it out for myself. Thanks for telling me about it.
Yes Rosi, check it out and let me know what you think. Lots of different thoughts on this one.
Grandpas are a special breed of humans. The ones that I know have very big hearts. Thanks for sharing this book. I’ll have to check it out.
Rhythm, Grandpas are great humans.
Oh, I love the artwork on this one. This would be a perfect read before a visit with aging grandparents. Thanks, Stacy!
The artwork is very nice.
I have to read this! I love Grandpas of all sorts. My Dad likes to wear many hats (literally and figuratively) and my daughter’s first name for him was Grandpa Haaaaaaaat. She would reach up to pull the hat off his head and they would play a sweet peek-a-boo game. Now 11, she doesn’t remember, but it sure melted everyone’s hearts at the time!
We have a soft spot for Grandpas too. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.