My Grandma is Coming to Town - Hardcover

Anna Grossnickle Hines has written or illustrated more than fifty books for
children. Among her inspirations for MY GRANDMA IS COMING TO TOWN is her first grandson, who lived far away when he was born. She couldn’t visit him very often, but once when she did, she taught him how to play pat-a-cake, and he always associated her with the game afterward. Later, when the author was reading one of her books about a grandmother to a group of children, one mentioned that her grandmother lived far away, while another said, "My grandpa flies on a big airplane." That was the beginning of this story.
Melissa Sweet lives in Maine with her family and her dog, Rufus, who sometimes gives her nose kisses. She is the illustrator of numerous books for children, including LOVE AND KISSES and ON CHRISTMAS DAY IN THE MORNING. About this book she says, "When I was little, I was very shy when company came over, so I completely understood Albert’s dilemma. I had a favorite stuffed sheep I probably hid behind. Luckily, Albert has Nosey."

PreSchool-Grade 2-Albert has not seen his grandmother since he was a baby. However, they have spoken on the phone often and formed a special bond. One day, he receives a letter from her, telling him that she will soon visit. The boy is very excited until she actually arrives, and then he is shy. He does not remember her and is too apprehensive to even look at her. After giving him a little time to warm up, Grandma helps him overcome his fears by reciting the familiar greeting that she always shares with him on the phone. Done in acrylic and colored pencil, the illustrations are filled with vibrant colors balanced by backgrounds in paler hues. The simple and uncluttered style of the artwork emphasizes the relationship between the two main characters and the family's welcoming preparations. In today's mobile society, many children do not live close enough to see their grandparents on a regular basis, and this book does an excellent job of addressing that issue.
Sheilah Kosco, Rapides Parish Library, Alexandria, LA
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