ME AND MY GRANDMA!

The special bond between grandmother and child is highlighted in the latest addition to the bear family series that also includes Me and My Mom! (2009) and Me and My Dad! (2011).

This energetic and doting grandma bear patiently plays all day with her young grandchild, racing through the woods, climbing trees, jumping in puddles, performing cartwheels downhill, and skipping stones in the stream. She is there to provide hugs and affection after any mishaps as the day progresses, during which the two discover new cloud shapes in the sky, swim, dive, and fish. “If the weather is sunny, / we go for a swim. / Grandma dives like a pro / and I belly-flop in!” After a long day, Grandma does not look too worn out even as this small bear is ready to be tucked in for the night. “As we head back toward home / in the soft evening light, / I count sleepy birds / tucked in safe for the night.” Rhyming quatrains accompanied by full-bleed paintings depict a happy idyll for this caregiver-and-child duo as they proceed with boundless vitality through their exploratory day. The characters are lightly anthropomorphized, walking on two feet, bearing the occasional accessory (a backpack, an umbrella), and smiling throughout.

The overall sweet-tempered tenor will especially appeal to grandparents who regularly provide day care, even if with a bit less adventure and excitement.