Grandparents come in all varieties. Some live far away; some live in the same house as their grandchildren. Some are active; some are frail. Some are effusive; some are quiet. Some laugh often; some rarely laugh. No matter what, grandparents can add a special kind of love to a child’s life. Every day is a good day to celebrate the special grandparents in your child’s life, and Grandparents' Day on September 8 is an especially good day to remember them. Central Rappahannock Regional Library will celebrate grandparents on September 6 with special storytimes at Porter and Salem Church branches. Find more information at librarypoint.org/grow-a-reader, opens a new window.
Abuelo, the Sea, and Me, opens a new window by Ismée Williams, illustrated by Tatiana Gardel
When this grandchild visits her abuelo, he always takes her to the ocean, no matter the season. Whether in frigid winter or hot summer, they walk along the beach, and Abuelo tells stories of his life in Havana before he fled. Sometimes Abuelo smiles as he tells the stories; sometimes he gets sad. The little girl gently asks questions about his island and his life there. It is clear the time shared between this grandfather and granddaughter is special for both of them and helps the little girl know her abuelo and the meaning the sea holds for him.
How to Love A Grandma, opens a new window by Jean Reagan, illustrated by Lee Wildish
There are all kinds of grandmas and just as many ways children can show their grandmas how much they love them. Children can show their love by sharing special things they find outside, such as rocks, bugs, and leaves. Children can show their love by being helpful: holding their grandma’s hand when crossing the street or retrieving lost things from under the table. Children can make their grandma feel loved by cheering her on or noticing her special interests, such as singing or doing puzzles. And, of course, a hug is a snuggly way to show love.
Joy Takes Root, opens a new window by Gwendolyn Wallace, illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin
Joy visits her grandparents’ house in South Carolina every summer, but this summer is special. This summer, Joy gets to garden with her Grammy. Grammy shares how the process of gardening connects them to the earth and their ancestors who took care of the soil before them. Joy learns that gardening with intention honors the life in each seed and plant and joins her Grammy in thanking “the soil and the seeds and the sun and our ancestors for letting us work with them today.”
One, Two, Grandpa Loves You, opens a new window by Shelly Becker, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino
The nursery rhyme “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe” provides the framework for a recounting of the activities and adventures a child and grandfather have on a camping trip. From the first pages where the child runs to greet her grandfather (“Three, four, rush to the door!”), to walks in the woods observing wildlife (“Seven, eight, quiet…wait…”), there are fun times and memorable moments throughout. The illustrations are cheerful and show a smiling grandfather and child clearly enjoying each moment spent together.
Together With You, opens a new window by Patricia Toht, illustrated by Jarvis
A grandmother and her grandchild explore each season. Together, they put on their raincoats and galoshes in the spring and take a walk under a shared umbrella. In the summer, the child runs through the spray of the hose while his grandmother waters flowers; then they eat popsicles to cool off. Autumn sees them bundling up with sweaters and fleece before they go out to fly a kite together. In winter, they snuggle into thick, cozy jammies and socks before cuddling to share a book. No matter the season or the weather, this grandmother and grandchild love spending time together.
Darcie Caswell is the Youth Services Coordinator at CRRL. This column originally appeared in The Free Lance-Star newspaper.
