Child's Play Library Series
Grandma
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
Oscar loves Grandma, and their time together is always lots of fun. As she becomes less able to look after herself, she has to go into a care home.
More and more children are encountering dementia and its effects on their families. This touching story, told in Oscar's own words, is a positive and practical tale about the experience. The factual page about dementia helps children talk about their feelings and find new ways to enjoy the changing relationship.
Jessica Shepherd's sensitive first picture book has grown out of her experiences in a variety of caring roles.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some ways Grandma shows love to her grandchildren in the story?
How do the characters in the book express their feelings? Can you share a time you felt the same way?
What fun activities would you like to do with your grandparents, like the characters did with Grandma?
How does the story of Grandma make you feel about your family?
What did you learn about the importance of family from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about their own experiences with grandparents or elderly figures, relating them to the story.
Ask your child to draw a picture of their favorite moment in the book, and then describe why they chose that moment.
While discussing the book, use expressive facial expressions and voice modulation to mirror the emotions in the story, enhancing understanding and empathy.
After reading, consider planning an activity mentioned in the book with your child and their grandparents to strengthen family bonds.
Use the discussion as an opportunity to teach your child about respect, love, and the importance of family connections.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of family bonds
Explanation: Through heartwarming interactions with her grandmother, the protagonist of 'Grandma' experiences and appreciates the deep connections and wisdom that family elders provide.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and nurture relationships with their family members, understanding the unique roles each member plays in their lives.
Example Lesson: Respect for the elderly
Explanation: The book portrays the grandmother with kindness and respect, highlighting her life experiences and knowledge.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to treat older people with respect and to value their contributions and stories, fostering intergenerational respect.
Example Lesson: Learning from stories and past experiences
Explanation: The protagonist learns valuable life lessons through the stories her grandmother shares, which are filled with wisdom and teachings from her past.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to listen to and learn from the experiences and stories told by their elders, gaining insights and wisdom that are not found in textbooks.
Example Lesson: The joy of spending quality time together
Explanation: The book illustrates the fun and love shared during the time the protagonist spends with her grandmother, showing various activities they enjoy together.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to spend more quality time with their family members, discovering the joy and bond that such interactions can bring.