Children - Fiction & Literature

Remembering Grandpa

Name: Remembering Grandpa
Author: Uma Krishnaswami
ISBN: 9781590784242

by Uma Krishnaswami, Layne Johnson

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Overview

Daysha's grandma has come down with a bad case of sadness over the loss of Grandpa, but said isn't how Daysha remembers him. Grandpa has been gone for more than a year. Daysha sets out to cheer up Grandma by collecting things that can bring happy memories: a button that fell off Grandpa's coat, flowers from the field where she and Grandpa chased butterflies, Grandpa's old guitar. She places all of the objects near the back porch of Grandma's house. As Daysha had hoped, they bring back happy memories. Grandma agrees that this is the best way to remember Grandpa. Uma Krishnaswami's simple and heartfelt story is illustrated with loving care by Layne Johnson.

About the Author, Uma Krishnaswami

Uma was born in India and currently lives in Farmington, New Mexico. She is the author of several books for children, including Monsoon and The Happiest Tree: A Yoga Story Ms. Krishnaswami leads writing workshops in schools and communities nationwide and on the Internet through Writers on the Net. She is married and has one son.

Layne Johnson has created art for more than twenty books for children, including the Western Heritage Award winning Off Like the Wind, The First Ride of the Pony Express (by Michael P. Spradlin) and the acclaimed Farmer George Plants a Nation (by Peggy Thomas), a picture book biography of George Washington's life as a farmer, inventor, and scientist. Mr. Johnson speaks frequently in schools and libraries and enjoys traveling to historic sites. He lives in Texas with his wife. You can visit him on the web at: laynejohnson.com.

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Editorials

Children's Literature - Mary Hynes-Berry

When a grandparent dies, a young child can easily feel sad and confused, not just from the loss but from the distress of seeing the grief of adult family members. Remembering Grandpa takes on this complex topic with a story that may be helpful to children whose circumstances match those of the child in the story. Pulling her red wagon, little Daysha decides to bring her sad grandmother a collection of special things that she remembers making her grandfather happy. These objects are all from nature, such as the leaves that Daysha remembers hearing her grandfather say "you could make needles and paintbrushes from leaves like this and soap from the root." The conclusion is clearly meant to balance the importance of acknowledging grief, cherishing positive memories, and having the living go on with their lives. Layne Johnson's illustrations have a lush pink and purple tone that verges on cloying. However, depicting Daysha and her family as bunnies rather than giving them a specific ethnic identity or setting is likely to help universalize the story.