Family is important. Family is love. For most family is safety. Today we are sharing two beautiful picture books by Jacqueline Woodson about family with very different messages. The first book is Our Gracie Aunt by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Monica Mikai. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.
About the Book:
Jacqueline Woodson gives us a tender and moving story about two siblings who don’t know what to expect when they’re sent to live with an unfamiliar aunt, but soon discover that there’s plenty of love to go around when they need it most, with stunning original art by Monica Mikai.Sometimes, even when a mama loves you, she can’t always take care of you . . .
That’s what happens with Johnson and Beebee’s mama—and that’s why they are being taken to their aunt Gracie’s house.
Who is this Gracie aunt? That’s what Johnson wants to know. He can’t remember her, and Beebee doesn’t seem to trust her, at least not at first. But slowly, as the three of them spend time together—cooking, watching movies, snuggling on the couch, and even crying when they need to—they form a bond. And when Johnson sees Mama again, he knows that no matter where he lives, he’ll always be surrounded by love.
From Me:
Johnson is young and confused. His big sister, Beebee, takes care of him whenever their mother goes away for a day or more. This time a woman knocks on the door and Beebee tells him not to open the door. She knows the woman wants to take them to foster care. She has heard bad things about foster care, but the woman comes back and takes them to their aunt's house. Johnson doesn't remember Aunt Gracie, but Beebee does. She remembers their mom not liking her. Beebee is not happy about this, but Johnson sees the big house and yard and meets their loving aunt and thinks it might not be so bad. However, they both miss Mama. When they get to visit Mama, they are a bit confused but realize that no matter where they live there is love.
This is a beautiful story of an aunt stepping in to care for children when their mother is not able to. She treats them with love and respect and tells them how much their mother loves them. She also tells them how much their mother means to her. Together they find a way to bond and feel at home during a hard time for the children. It is such a beautiful book and is perfect for kids going through a similar situation or watching others go through it. It is also a great story to just let kids know that even when a parent can't be there, someone else can step in and love them as well.
Our other book touched me very personally. It is about a granddaughter remember her grandfather. As my father passed away last month I saw my daughter in this story. The book is Sweet, Sweet Memory by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Tonya Engel. It is also recommended for ages 4 to 8.
About the Book:
Jacqueline Woodson’s evocative story about the power of sharing memories, with glorious illustrations by Tonya EngelThe earth changes, Sarah’s grandpa always said as they worked together in his garden. Like us, some part of it never dies. Everything and everyone goes on and on.
Now that Grandpa’s gone, though, it’s hard for Sarah to imagine “on and on” without him. But when loved ones gather to share stories of Grandpa, she begins to understand how much he meant to so many people. And when the harvest comes in and family and friends gather for a sunset supper, they make sweet new memories, reminding Sarah that everything and everyone truly does go on and on.
From Me:
Sarah lives with her grandparents but now, Grandpa is gone. She is not sure how to share her memories of Grandpa. When she tries, she cries or shuts down. The family and friends have gathered to remember him. She hears the others telling stories and memories of Grandpa. She tries but cries. When her uncle says something Grandpa always used to say, Sarah says that is her story too. Relatives of different ages remember Grandpa telling them too. After the people leave it is just Sarah and Grandma. They remember Grandpa and his garden which will feed them and their loved ones at harvest time. It will be another sweet memory of Grandpa. In some time, it is harvest time and the family and friends gather one the porch eating and remembering. They share their sweet memories of Grandpa, and it is a happy time.
This book is so touching and like I said it hit a chord. One of the things that truly helped me with the passing of my dad is how my cousins shared memories of my dad and how much he meant to each of them. My sisters and I knew how special he was but we didn't realize how much he did for our cousins and their stories truly moved us. It is the sweet memories that help us move on. Just like Sarah's grandfather said, "Everything and everyone goes on and on." The sentiment of the book is very real, and it helped to read it.
