I'm Going to Grandma's

I'm Going to Grandma's

by Mary Ann Hoberman
Illustration by Tiphanie Beeke

What could be better than a visit to Grandma's? A "sleepover," of course But despite all the excitement, despite Grandma's delicious special meal, and despite Grandpa's fun games, there's still a moment when home suddenly seems very far away. That's when Grandma tells a soothing story and presents a family heirloom--a quilt to keep her granddaughter cozy all night long.

Little girls will especially love this sweet story about a young girl spending the night at her grandparent's house for the first time. After excitedly packing her bag and being dropped off by her parents, the girl experiences all the special joys of spending time with grandparents, such as extra cookies, playing dress-up with grandma's old clothes and eating grandma's special macaroni and cheese. She then bonds with her grandmother over a very special tradition: a quilt that has been passed down through the women in the family from her great-great grandmother. Not only will kids appreciate the heartwarming story, but they will love the rhyming, childlike text that flows through the pages.

This is a great story to share with your child before they visit grandma and grandpa's house, especially if it's there first time spending the night solo. It handles the subject wonderfully by mentioning the homesickness but not dwelling on it and the kind words from grandma will help put children at ease. Perhaps you can ask your child to think of the special things they would like to share with their grandparents, such as the young girl drawing pictures with grandpa or dancing with grandma in the garden.

By including universal child-friendly elements, such as the macaroni and cheese dinner and a teddy bear that accompanies the young girl from her house to grandma's, this is definitely a book to which kids can relate. Emily, the three-year-old I babysit, visits her grandma from time to time and we talked about what she likes to do that is special when she visits.

--Abby

Memories of staying at my maternal grandparents' home always put a smile on my heart. We'd go horse riding at the Bandstand, hungrily gobble up my Grandmother's succulent fried fish, play kitchen with Grandpa, and read storybooks from my Mother's childhood library collection - such sweet memories.

In Mary Ann Hoberman's I'm Going to Grandma's, a little girl excitedly looks forward to spending her first night at her grandparent's home. The day unfolds with one fun activity after the other, but when dusk falls she suddenly realizes she misses home. To comfort the little one, Grandma cuddles the child on her lap and draws her into the legacy of the family quilt (Trust Grandma to make everything alright!).

I'm going to Grandma's is that special book you should save for your little one's first sleepover at Grandma and Grandpa's. It would also be a memorable way to get the grandparents to introduce your child to a family tradition or heirloom and thus begin a lifetime of rich, savored Grandma and Grandpa memories.

Marina John, Energizer Bunny Mommy Reports