Grandpa’s Top Threes
Wendy Meddour, Author
Daniel Egenéus, Illustrator
Candlewick Press, Fiction, Sep. 3, 2019
Suitable for Ages: 2-5
Themes: Multigenerational Families, Grandparents, Love, Loss, Hope
Opening: “Henry was talking…But Grandpa was gardening. Again.”
Book Synopsis:
Henry loves talking with Grandpa, but Grandpa has stopped listening. Mom says to just give him time. But Henry wants to talk to his grieving Grandpa now. So Henry tries his favorite game: Top Threes. And something amazing happens: Grandpa starts talking again. Out of a tale of favorite sandwiches and zoo animals, outings and trains, emerges a moving story about love, loss, and the wonder of grannies and grandpas.
Why I like this book:
This is a heartwarming story about love, loss and the strong bond between a grandson and his grandpa. When Grandpa is lost in grief for his wife, Henry comes up with a clever game to help him move forward and return to living.
Wendy Meddour’s sweet story is a perfect share with children who may be dealing with a death of a grandparent or family member for the first time. It is respectful, honest and fun as Henry and Grandpa move from talking about their top three sandwiches to talking about granny’s top three things and sharing their memories. The ending is a surprise. I love the simplicity of the text as it encourages children to read the book on their own.
Daniel Egenéus’s expressive and playful watercolors show Grandpa coming out of his funk, engaging with Henry and living life again.
Resources: This book is a lovely resource for both children and parents to use to help children deal with grief. Play Henry’s top three game. It’s fun and catchy.
Wendy Meddour was a lecturer at Oxford University before becoming a full-time writer. She is the author of numerous picture books, but Grandpa’s Top Threes is her Candlewick Press debut. She lives in the U.K.
*Review copy provided by publisher.
This sounds like a lovely book to support healing in grieving families, Patricia. Thanks for sharing.
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It is a sweet book about an inventive grandson determined to help his grandfather get back to living.
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I love it!
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Losing a grandparent is often a child’s first experience with death. This book could help a child going through that or prepare them for when it does happen. I like the cover too.
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It is, but this book focuses on the grandson cleverly finding a way to help his grandpa return to living after he loses his wife.
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This sounds wonderful, Patricia! And such a creative way to give the child a way in to re-establish a connection with a grandparent. I’ll be seeking this one out. Thank you!
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The grandson is very creative about helping his grandpa mourn less and start to live again. It’s a completely different angle on the topic of grief!
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A great choice for tough times. Thanks for sharing this Pat.
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Yes, but this story is very unique, with an inventive grandson wanting to see his grandpa smile again after his grandma passes.
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Susanna’s Google form is fixed, if you want to add yours. Cheers!
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Thank you!
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What a touching way to deal with loss & shutting down. I’m afraid it is going to helpful for too many in the coming month(s). I look forward to getting a good look at it, when I can. Thanks so much, Patricia for featuring it.
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I am afraid you’re right. But this is a different story of grief — the grandfather’s grief — and a grandson who through favorite games tries to help him live again.
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