4Real Forums: Death of a Grandparent

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Picture Book Discoveries
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Topic: Death of a Grandparent

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MaryM
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Posted: Oct 02 2010 at 3:11am \| IP Logged

This is a topic that hits home with our family this year, with my father's death in May. This is the first grandparent that my children have lost. I was not looking but came across a couple really nice picture books dealing with the loss of a grandparent. I also then remembered a couple I had read before. It also got me searching for others. Have you come across others that would be good to add here to a resource list?

Grandpa Loved - Josephine Nobisso
Grandma's Scrapbook - Josephine Nobisso
Both of these Josephine Nobisso books are excellent. They aren't about death itself but rather the remembering and memories. Beautiful and heart-warming.

The Language of Doves - Rosemary Wells
I really found this one moving. It isn't one of those books that is primarily about death and dealing with it. It is just a beautiful story about a grandchild/grandparent relationship, and sharing a special interest togther. It's also shares historical information about WWI. There is a priest at the house after the funeral and as a boy the grandfather describes his life in the monastary orphanage so has nice Catholic elements which I loved.

Dancing with Dziadziu - Susan Bartoletti
One I found years ago in an immigrant study. An elderly Polish immigrant grandmother who is nearing the end of her life shares memories of her life with granddaughter. (Includes Catholic elements like Easter traditions and a priest coming for a special visit –last rites I think though it doesn't say so).

Nana Upstairs, Nana Downstairs - Tomie DePaola
It's been a long time since I've read this one. I remember it being well done.

You have to wade through the ones that are new agey about death or descibe dead loved ones as angels, etc. to find good ones.

I've seen more on Amazon searches but haven't had a chance to request any. What books can you share on this topic? Love to hear of other titles. Especially ones where the primary purpose isn't to help a child deal with death and dying but rather ones where it is more just woven into a nice story.

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Mary M. in Denver

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JennGM
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Posted: Oct 30 2010 at 8:03am \| IP Logged

I missed this thread. I found two to add here:

Gift For Abuelita / Un regalo para Abuelita: Celebrating the Day of the Dead/En celebracion del Dia de los Muertos by Nancy Luenn

Touching story about a granddaughter, Rosita, and her closeness with her grandmother/abuelita. Together they made tortillas, gardened, learned to braid.... When Abuelita dies after a sudden illness, Rosita is very sad, and misses her. She creates a wonderful gift that helps her recall her Abuelita. The Mexican Day of the Dead traditions help recall the fond memories of the family member and console the grieving. Very sweet and touching. The part about the spirit returning is treated very well here, as it's shown more as "warm memories" rather than souls returning, which is more in keeping with the Church's teaching.

Abuelita's Paradise by Carmen Santiago Nodar.

This is another touching story of Marita recalling her grandmother/abuelita from Puerto Rico. The beginning has her father giving her rocker and blanket, saying Abuelita wanted her to have it. Marita then recalls Abuelita telling her stories of her childhood, and Marita then decides she will go to her grandmother's land when she gets older. The pictures are sweet, with the spirit of Abuelita embracing Marita and her mother rocking in the chair.

I may have another one to give, I Remember Abuelito, but I'm waiting for it from the library to provide a good description. We've read it before, but my memory is hazy.

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Jennifer G. Miller
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MaryM
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Posted: Oct 30 2010 at 10:21am \| IP Logged

Sweet, Sweet Memory (Jacqueline Woodson)

Story about a little girl remembering her grandpa duing the day of his funeral while all the family has gathered to share stories. Common theme of one of his sayings everyone remembers - "A little bit at a time. Everything and everyone goes on and on." Ties it in to the coming harvest - a little bit at a time.

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Mary M. in Denver

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DivineMercy
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Posted: Nov 02 2010 at 9:25pm \| IP Logged

Remember the Butterflies Anna Grossnickle Hines.

It has been a while since we read this one, but if I remember correctly, I thought it dealt with the death of the grandfather really well.

Michelle

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