Fini doesn't understand what's happening to her granny. She used to make a fuss over Fini's unusual hairdos, and they would always do grandmotherly things together, like walk to the pond to feed the ducks. Granny was an amazing cook. She liked to travel, and then make delicious exotic dishes for her family. But, after a trip to the hospital, everything changed. Now, Granny loves Fini's fun hairdos, and she would rather eat the breadcrumbs than feed them to the ducks. And, as for cooking, it's definitely out of the question. Fini has no idea what's going on. The sudden change in personality seems so strange. Soon Granny moves into her house, and Fini can't believe how bizarre her behavior is. One day, Fini's mom asks her to keep an eye on Granny. Fini leaves her alone for just a minute, and when she returns, she finds Granny snoozing under the kitchen table. What will her mom think when she finds out? Why is Granny acting so strange? What insight will the visiting nurse, Agatha, paint into the picture? You will have to pick up this unique children's picture book to find out!
Margo loved this story. It hits close to home for both of us, as we had a grandparent that went through dementia. It was a confusing time for our whole family. Though Margo enjoyed the childlike shift in our grandfather's personality, I could tell that our parents found it unsettling. I think this book is an excellent read for kids who have grandparents living with dementia. It opens up conversations about growing old, which leads to understanding and acceptance of change. The illustrations are lovely, and the story calls to mind all of the wonderful things grandmothers bring to the table.
Has anyone else read
My New Granny by Elisabeth Steinkellner? Or any other books by this author? We would love to hear your thoughts!
Happy reading! ~ F & M
We found this book at
Books on the Common, a local bookstore that has everything a quaint book nook should. Stop by our
Village Story Peddlers post to find out what the awesome people there have to say about their favorite stories!
Enter the book giveaway to win a hardcover edition of this book!
Giveaway ends Sunday, March 30th
Open to US and International
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I'd love to read this.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like it'll provide insight to children who have grandparents facing hospitalizations and changes in health. This is a tough reality.
Unfortunately, I never met either of my grandmothers.
Hi Medeia, Thanks for stopping by! It's a simple story that can open up conversation with young ones about the process of aging. I'm sorry to hear that you didn't meet your grandparents. It's always a pleasure to hear from you. :) ~ F
DeleteI lost one of my grandmothers to Alzheimer's, and since I'm such an emotional person, I doubt I could handle this.
ReplyDeleteWow, such a sweet and worthy book!
ReplyDeleteHi Kelly, I'm so sorry to hear that you lost a grandmother to Alzheimer's- Margo and I did too. It's a tough thing to go through. Thank you for stopping by to share your thoughts with us.
DeleteHi Catherine, Thank you for popping by to check out the story! ~ F
Aw, what a great way to introduce kids to the problem of dementia, and educate them about why their grandparent might not act as they expect.
ReplyDeleteHi Cate, It's a good children's picture book- not too deep, just a simple story, which can sometimes be the best way to teach. Always lovely to hear from you! ~ F
DeleteAw, I love the images! Sounds like a cute book :D I would love love love to win a copy. <3 Thank you so much for the awesome post and the amazing giveaway. Hmm. I'm not sure if I have a favorite memory. As I see my grandma all the time, and my favorite thing is that she is still here. <3
ReplyDeleteLove, Carina
Hi Carina, That's great! You are lucky :) Thanks for stopping by to share your thoughts with us. :) ~ F
DeleteAw! This sounds exactly like a character in a book I recently read. It was really sad reading about how this grandmother turned into a completely different person. It must be a terrifying experience. This would be a great book to introduce children to what family members might be going through but sheesh is it sad!
ReplyDeleteHi Adriana, It's a very simple story that just relays the words from the kids perspective. Thanks for stopping by to share your thoughts. We always love to hear from you. :) ~ F
DeleteSuch a tender review about what seems to be a tender, thoughtful book. I shall most certainly check it out and take the liberty of sharing this posting.
ReplyDeleteThank you and have a peaceful weekend.
Gary :)
Hi Klahanie, Thank you! We hope you enjoy the story. :) ~ F
DeleteThis sounds like a really important book. Thanks for telling me about it and for offering a chance to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteHi Rosi, Thank you for stopping by to share your thoughts with us! ~ F
DeleteA part of me is sad, but I think this is a clever way to help children understand. What a lovely review! Thank you for sharing it
ReplyDeleteHi kimbacaffeinate, It is- sometimes simplicity is the best way to teach. Thank you for popping by to share your thoughts. :) ~ F
DeleteI always like it when I see books targeted for specific children, like big sister/baby brother, triplets, kids not sleeping, potty training (yikes!) or dealing with health issues like diabetes or dementia. Parents may not quite know how to get their point across and a clever author can do so much to help. Plus the children can read it often and retain it better. Great post! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Lexa, These are important topics, and a using stories to teach is the best way! Thank you for stopping by. :) ~ F
DeleteSounds like a moving read that deals wonderfully with some big issues.
ReplyDeleteI have so many fond memories of my nana. As my mam was in and out of hospital when I was a girl, my sister and I spent lots of time living with my grandparents. A huge influence in my life, my nana shaped me to become the adult I am today. I only hope she is proud of me.
Hi Tracy, We have similar nana's I think. :) I loved mine too, and I hope she's proud of me. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts- perhaps your nana and mine are hanging out together someplace- I have a feeling they would get along. ~ F
DeleteAww! Sounds like a fantastic book to help children understand what's happening to grandparents and older loved ones when they develop such problems. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteHi Cherie, It's a good story and the illustrations are lovely! Thanks for popping by. We always enjoy hearing from you. :) ~ F
DeleteThis looks like a sweet way to handle a struggle so many families face. And that bookstore looks like the cutest place ever!
ReplyDeleteHi Meradeth, Books on the Common is a fabulous local book nook. Thanks for stopping by! ~ F
DeleteThis was a very sweet book. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Erik, Great to hear from you! :) ~ F
DeleteHow sweet. The world has needed this story for a very looong time. What a super bodacious review! Thank you for sharing. I wouldn't have known this book existed without you.
ReplyDeleteHi Robyn, Thank you! We're happy that you popped by to check it out. :) ~ F
DeleteI think this book hits home with a lot of folks, myself included. Definitely a book I'd read to my grandkids!
ReplyDeleteHi LynNerdKelley, Thank you for stopping by! It's an excellent children's picture book, and the illustrations are very unique. :) ~ F
DeleteHi Heidi, It is such a hard time to go through. That's very special that you were able to introduce her to your 3 month old daughter. Thanks for stopping by! ~ F
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely book - and bookstore. I'm going to buy a copy and think every home should have one!
ReplyDeleteBarbara- It is such a great book and the bookstore is fabulous. ;) ~L
DeleteMy favourite memories of them: my wai-po (mother's mother) sold Chinese pastry well until her 80s, and she took the bus to and fro. She was very independent, and us children would visit her at her stall every weekend. She was always, always, kind and loving to me.
ReplyDeleteAs for my other grandma (father's mother), who thankfully is still with us but is suffering from speech difficulties and a confused stream of thoughts, she gave me a handful of sweets just days before her stroke, telling me to take more, take more.
I have heard about this picture book some time last year and I love the story premise. It isn't an easy topic for most, but it's definitely a most moving one.
Claudine- Both of your grandmas sound wonderful. I am glad you have happy memories with both of them. I agree that this is a difficult topic, and I thought this book did a nice job handling such a tough and emotional topic. This is a book that can help kids better understand what is going on when a grandparent starts to forget and act differently. Very moving! Thanks for sharing your stories with us. :) ~L
DeleteDementia is something hard to understand when you see it in action. All you can do is love the person.
ReplyDeleteDonna- Very wise words! :) ~L
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