GRANDMA'S BREATH

An Indigenous child faces Covid-related stress and grief in Moon’s series picture book.

Kaiah, a young elementary school-age Native American girl, struggles with anxiety as the  coronavirus first begins spreading across the country. Grandma Phoebe Bluebird teaches Kaiah grounding skills, including mindfulness and “Big belly breaths – four counts to breathe in and six counts to let go.” Grandma and Kaiah’s close relationship is particularly evident after the pandemic shuts down Kaiah’s school and dance studio. Moon addresses the challenges many children face with online learning: “Frozen screens, robotic voices, and headaches.” Kaiah misses her friends and “Spiraling thoughts made [her] miserable.” Grandma reassures her and helps her stay active by allowing her to help with gardening. Sadly, Grandma eventually gets sick and passes away; despite profound sadness, Kaiah remembers all her grandmother’s calming techniques, which she safely shares with elderly Covid-19 patients. Moon’s story is written in comfortably predictable rhyme, although occasionally the rhythm is awkward (“minds were frantic”/ “swim across the Atlantic”). Moon’s story will be particularly relatable to children who remember the pandemic’s earliest days, and the author ably weaves in calming skills and the stages of grief. Elements of the characters’ Native American culture (such as releasing lanterns) add dimensionality. Kanavaliuk’s illustrations are soft and colorful, supporting the text beautifully throughout.

A hopeful pandemic story featuring love, trust, and a sense of legacy.