How to Read to a Grandparent
Story Time
good books for bigs and littles
Surely there is an endless list of children's books about the very special relationship between kids and their grandparents. But as I pondered the theme of "Grandparents Month" on Daycare and Development, my thoughts turned to several memorable books my children and I have read and enjoyed recently that celebrate this very special relationship.
Just a Minute
Just a Minute by Yuyi Morales, has the added benefit of working in some Spanish-language vocabulary. The book features a grandmother who stalls a sudden skeletal visitor (adults may recognize him as Death himself, but the allusion is subtle enough that small children won't be scared) by counting all the things she must do before she can go with him. While this seems like it might be a rather "heavy" topic for a children's book, the treatment is very light. As the story reaches its conclusion, we realize that the grandmother's tasks and preparations are making ready for her birthday party, a fete with a guest list that features her nine grandchildren and of course The Skeleton himself. The story concludes with a note, in which abuelita's unexpected visitor reports that he's had so much fun at the party he doesn't want to miss her birthday party next year, ensuring grandma one more year to celebrate.
Snow
Snow by Sam Usher features the story of a small boy being cared for by his grandfather for the day. It just so happens that on this day there's a coating of brand-new fluffy white snow. While the boy is anxious to be the first one out into the snow to play, his grandfather proceeds a little more slowly, cautiously putting on his scarf, a warm hat, and so forth. Finally, they make it outside only to discover surprises in the snow (Hint: there's been a jail break at the local zoo). Grandpa has so much fun that his little grandson has to drag him home.
How to Babysit a Grandma
How to Babysit a Grandma by Jean Reagan is told from the perspective of a little girl advising her audience how to "take care of" a grandmother over a weekend at her grandma's house. The text features simple instructions such as "what to do at the park" with a grandma. But while this treatment might seem dry, it's actually an incredibly sweet book that even covers secret handshakes and "how to say goodbye to a grandma" (the hardest part) at the end of a great weekend together.
Each book is a delightful testament to the special experiences that grandchildren have with their grandparents. For greatest enjoyment: read slowly, act out all the voices, and make sure to repeat often. Any smart kid will tell you: good stories get better with retelling.
Do you have favorite books you like to "read your grandparents"? Share them in the comments section below.
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