Grandma Loves You!

November 23, 2015
In this inspiration-minded companion to Grandma Loves You! and Grandma’s Christmas Wish, the straw-colored bunny from those books spends time with his grandfather. Writing in rhyme, James narrates from the perspective of the elder rabbit, while Brown shows the two rabbits playing in an autumnal woodland, flying a kite, burrowing into the ground, and swinging from a tree. Throughout, the grandfather offers encouragement to the younger bunny: “Be brave and take chances,/ have fun and enjoy,/ each moment, my love,/ my pride, and my joy.” Using a lemony palette, Brown’s soft images convey the joy of first experiences under the guidance of a doting loved one. A letter template with the salutation “a special letter for my grandchild” appears at the end, allowing gift-giving grandparents to personalize the story. Ages 2–5.

June 1, 2013
The arrival of a new grandchild is joyously celebrated in this grandmotherly ode to their new life together. Tenderhearted affection is displayed through the softly hued watercolors of furry, cuddly rabbits and is combined with gushing verse recited by one delighted grandmother bunny to her sweet and innocent grandbaby. "The moment I saw you, / I fell in love, / Honey, my bunny, / my sweet turtledove. // Wiggling and giggling, / you captured my heart. / I loved you so much, dear, / right from the start." Love at first sight deepens as the pages turn, becoming that special relationship of mutual devotion unique to a grandmother and grandchild. While this displays no shortage of greeting-card syrup in its sentiment, its gentleness will make for nice initial read-aloud sessions for the intended audience and an appropriately thoughtful gift from any new grandma to grandchild (as blank lines for inscription, a "special letter" to the grandchild and a picture of grandmother and grandchild attest). An unabashedly idealized but nevertheless wholehearted hymn to grandmotherhood (Picture book. 2-4)

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July 1, 2013

PreS-K-While it is a truism that nothing beats the love of a grandparent for a grandchild, it is usually something that children themselves take for granted. This book, clearly aimed at the grandparent market, ensures that this love is front and center. Using simple rhymes, a grandmother rabbit celebrates her love and affection for her baby's baby in a slightly over-the-top paean to the little bunny. The lush, full-color pastel watercolors feature cozy scenes focusing on the anthropomorphized family members and are framed by flowers, butterflies, and fields of green. The last three pages have spaces for a child's name, photos, and a letter from the grandma to her grandchild, making this more of a gift book than a library purchase.-Marge Loch-Wouters, La Crosse Public Library, WI

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