ANGEL GRANDMA

This picture book aims to help children come to terms with the death of a family member.

In what is essentially an illustrated poem, Lean uses the perspective of a grandmother who has died. She assures two children that she is always with them. The narrator tells the kids that she observes them when they play, witnessing their “courage” and “compassion.” She also reveals: “I have seen you dance / I have heard you sing, / and I am calling out back to you as you hear your echo ring.” Most importantly, she affectionately informs them that “my love glows within you.” The comforting text is accompanied by lovely photorealistic, digital images by Dasgupta showing a little boy and girl, both pale-skinned with brownish-blond hair, as they cavort under the watchful eyes of their angel grandma. The author tells readers that this book was inspired by the twin losses of her mother and mother-in-law, and the knowledge that her children will grow up without them. To that end, the story is a very sweet way to introduce kids to the concept of death. The depiction of the celestial grandma is in keeping with modern Christian portrayals of angels.

An appealing tale that assures kids of the lasting love of those they have lost.