Written from a child’s point of view, this touching picture book centers around a nontraditional family of grandparents raising their grandchild.

Sometimes It’s Grandmas and Grandpas shares a child’s experience living with and being cared for by grandparents through the eyes of a cheerful and delightful little girl. Uplifting watercolor illustrations give extra warmth to this caring and loving story, to which a growing number of children can identify; over 4.5 million children in the United States are primarily cared for by a grandparent.

Poignant moments expressing the child’s curiosity and questions give way to comforting and playful exchanges at home with Nonnie and Poppy. Spending the day with this grandparent-led family, we see that it’s not always Mommies or Daddies that care for children, and that’s okay!

It provides a great resource for children who seek reassurance about their particular experiences. This unique book will appeal to any grandparent raising or providing long-term care for a grandchild, as well as any teacher who wants to educate children about nontraditional families.

(Ages 4-8/Relative care/32 pages/2009)

Coalition Staff Member Review

The inspiration for writing this children’s picture book was from the author, Gayle Byrne’s, granddaughter, whom she has been parenting and was unable to find a children’s picture book that she could read to her granddaughter that represented their family. Gayle decided that their personal family story was one that had to be told and shared with other families.

The result is a beautifully written story about a young girl who was living with her beloved Nonnie and Poppy (Grandmother and Grandfather). Her story begins with waking up in the morning and receiving snuggles from her Nonnie. From there, Nonnie and Poppy’s granddaughter goes about her day all the while expressing her appreciation for the unconditional love and kindness that she receives from Nonnie and Poppy. Throughout the book, there are gorgeous watercolor illustrations that enrich this heartfelt story.

This story would be a wonderful book for grandfamilies and for children who are being raised by relative caregivers to read and share with one another. This book is written for a younger audience; such as grade school-aged children. There are some helpful links for websites to grandfamilies resources.

If you are in search of a children’s picture book that promotes that families can be comprised of Nonnies, Poppys, Aunties, Uncles, Cousins, Siblings, or other relative caregivers, then this is a children’s picture book that you should consider checking out!

Thoughts From a Reader

“I like that this book shows a different family dynamic.”

“Grandmas & Grandpas love you, too!”

 

Author: Gayle Byrne
ISBN: 978-0-7892-1028-9
Count: 1