My Grandpa
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.)