My Grandma and Grandpa Rock!
The title couldn’t be more perfect for this lyrical book celebrating grandparents and the special relationship they have with their grandchildren. The loving relatives featured on the pages are diverse in culture, occupation, talents, style, and interests. The foot-tapping rhythm and bright illustrations bring out the musical side of readers as they recognize that the common thread among unique MeeMays, Nonnos, Mimis, and Titos, is their unconditional love.
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
Children love to move, and this book welcomes the reader to chant, sing, and move! Adults can provide a variety of instruments or sound makers, such as shakers, surfaces for drumming, or bells. Children and adults can try out the different sounds while listening to music, or while creating their own. It could also be fun to clap (or use sound makers, such as music sticks or maracas) to sound out the beats of the syllables in family names, whether it be first names, the unique names they call their family members, or the different examples for grandparent names highlighted in the story. When instruments are not available, invite each child to show a movement of their choice (e.g., head nod, foot tap, body stretch, spin) and lead others in trying out the movement, too.
There are several pages in this book that offer the perfect opportunity to pause and reflect. In the middle of the story, the authors ask the reader, “Is there something your grandma likes to do that’s special to her and special to you?” The illustrations depict many different objects representing hobbies such as hiking books, a birdfeeder, a motorcycle, and a telescope. A similar prompt appears later specific to grandpas. This is a moment where adults can ask children to think of the loved ones in their lives and talk about whether they enjoy any of the activities included. For example, adults can ask if their grandparent, or anyone else they know, enjoys gardening. There is also a page highlighting different names children call their grandparents. What an interesting thing to think about together, and share the names readers use for their special family members!