A Morning with Grandpa
Sylvia Liu, Author
Christina Forshay, Illustrations
Lee & Low Books, Fiction, Apr. 1, 2016
Suitable for Ages: 5-8
Themes: Intergenerational relationships, Tai Chi, Yoga, Grandfathers, Multicultural
Opening: “Mei Mei watched Grandpa dance slowly among the flowers in the garden. He moved like a giant bird stalking through a marsh. His arms swayed like reeds in the wind.”
Book Jacket Synopsis: Mei Mei’s grandpa is practicing tai chi in the garden, and Mei Mei is eager to join in. As Gong Gong tries to teach her the slow, graceful movements, Mei Mei enthusiastically does them with her own flair. Then Mei Mei takes a turn, trying to teach Gong Gong the yoga she learned in school. Will Gong Gong be able to master the stretchy, bendy poses?
Why I like this book:
Sylvia Liu has written a story that celebrates the special relationship between a granddaughter and her grandfather as they learn tai chi and yoga together. Mei Mei watches her grandfather practice tai chi, wants to know more, and adds a lively spin to his methodical movements. Grandfather shows patience with Mei Mei’s enthusiastic and energetic interpretation of tai chi and praises her movements as “perfect.” He’s a good sport when Mei Mei in turn shows him yoga movements, despite his creaky knees. Liu’s book is a beautiful intergenerational story about a grandfather and grandchild teaching each other something new. Christina Forshay’s colorful illustrations are warm, expressive and capture the lovely memories of a morning spent together.
Resources: The book includes instructions for the tai chi and yoga exercises described in the text in the back matter of the book — a fun activity for children, parents and grandparents. Visit Sylvia Liu at her website.
Patricia,
I tried to comment but it’s not accepting my password for Word Press. “Another lovely review, Patricia of a beautiful story about family relationships. Congratulations to the author and illustrator. I wish them much success.”
Thank you for sharing. Barbara Cairns
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Thank you Barbara! It is a beautiful story about family relationships and quality time spent together.
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The relationship between children and grandparents is special and children will love this book. The idea of them teaching each other something new is very clever.
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Yes, I believe this story will be a winner among children. I love to see stories about children and their grandparents.
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Pat, I LOVE this book. I saw an ARC of it and I love how the grandfather and granddaughter learn from one another. Wonderful book and great story!
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Me too! I love that they learn from one another. Intergenerational relationship they are important for the child and grandparent. I remember how important my grandparents were for me.
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Thank you so much Patricia, for this lovely review. I really appreciate it!
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You are welcome! I really love your book and plan to give it to a grandchild. I waited to run my review because so many KidLit bloggers are sharing it. Waited to give you some more PR.
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Love this! Great idea having the poses and movements summarized at the end. I can see a lot of kids saying, “Get up Grandpa! Get up! Get up! Get up!” Fun.
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Yes, you are probably right. I would handle Tai Chi better than Yoga now. It is a fun book!
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I just looked at this one at the library a few hours ago! That is definitely one cool Grandpa!
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Yes, he is! I love how they learn from each and they are accepting of each other!
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This is a great review. I really need to check out this book! 🙂
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It is such a wonderful intergenerational story. You’d like it!
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