What's Happening to Grandpa?
by
Maria Shriver & Sandra Speidel
Order:
USA
Can
Little, Brown & Co., 2004 (2004)
Hardcover
Read an Excerpt
Reviewed by Hilary Williamson
M
aria Shriver once again offers a picture book on a tough, but important subject. In
What's Wrong with Timmy?
, it was a child with special needs. In
What's Happening to Grandpa?
, it's a family member with Alzheimer's. As in the author's other works, important points are highlighted in a larger font, and Sandra Speidel's paintings create a very special feeling to go with the text.
K
ate is, as girls often are, '
curious, sensitive, and wise beyond her age.
' Her Grandpa loves to tell stories; he's '
one of a kind
'. But when Grandpa begins to repeat his stories, to forget things, and to show how frustrated this makes him, Kate asks her mom '
what's happening to Grandpa?
'. Kate's mother explains that the family has to be patient and '
just keep on loving and respecting Grandpa the way we always have.
' Being the girl she is, Kate wants to help. She makes a scrapbook of Grandpa's life from old photos and the stories that he tells her to go with them. Grandpa reassures her that, despite his fading memory, he still find '
joy in each new day
' and that the important memories will forever be in his heart.
W
hat's Happening to Grandpa?
is a sensitively written account, that shows how children can be helped to deal with family tragedies by getting involved. Kate and her Grandpa create time together that the child will remember '
forever and ever.
'
Note:
A
Teacher's Guide
is available for the book.
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