Saying Good-Bye to Grandma

by Jane Resh Thomas

Book Overview

Susie is curious about what will happen when she travels with her parents to attend her grandmother's funeral in the small town where her mother grew up.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0899196454
• ISBN13: 9780899196459
• Release Date: January 1988
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 0.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 7.3" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 3

Customer Reviews

Saying good-bye to Grandma

This book is a valuable reference for adults trying to explain to a child, what happens during the calling hours and funeral ritual. It also is a good book for a child who has lost a grandparent to read as well. It hits many aspects of loss, to include the phases of grief as well as the some common funeral rituals. The trip to and from grandpa's home allowed reflection and reminiscing by the family. In doing that the child was able to learn more about grandma and to share her own times with her grandmother. . The story also shows, well , the different phases of grief among family members, ie the tears of the grandfather and the mother. There were tender moments. One such moment took place with the child and her grandfather when he spoke of his wife's love of fishing. The child was a comfort to her grandfather. The child at one point was given the choice to attend the funeral and her decision to attend was honored. This inclusion in the decision makes the funeral less scary for a child. The child was a part of the process and was able to experience the feelings of loss, as well as the ritual, the ability to reminisce and to celebrate the life of the person who passed. This book was written very simply and in a matter of fact manner. The illustrations were soft and non threatening. I have added this book to our Hospice library and feel that it will be a good resource for our community.

The day that grandma died we drove to grandpa's house.

The day that grandma died we drove all night and all afternoon. On the way mom told stories about how grandma traped a ratcoon in the garbage can. She bought a new garbage can with a lid and fead that rascull scraps of food every day after supper.

A very real example of the thoughts and concerns of children

This is a story of a little girl whose grandmother has died and she has to travel with her family for the funeral. It takes her through the stages of wondering what it is like to go to the funeral home and to see her parents and grandfather going through some of the grief. It is a very realistic approach to way Americans approach the process of grief. This includes the funeral home, the cemetery, and even a consolation breakfast.This book allows the child to see death as a real part of life and allows for the discussion of death with children. They will see how even when people are sad they can still laugh, remember, and talk about the person who died. It helps the healing process. Excellent book for young children.