Good Night, Grandma

By Sandi Washburn

Written in a melodic tone, Good Night Grandma portrays the special and enduring bond between mother and child and poignantly illustrates how the power of music can help heal the deepest pain.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1934367095
• ISBN13: 9781934367094
• Release Date: May 2009
• Publisher: Growing Art Pr
• Length: 16 Pages
• Weight: 0.99 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.8" x 0.5" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Compassionate and necessary outlet for grief

Grandma used to sing the elephant song whenever she wanted to help her grand-kids feel better. But as she suffered from cancer, the children started to sing it to her instead. Grandma is gone now, and the triplet girls need to be comforted after her death. They turn to her favorite song and sing it again--both for themselves and for Grandma. Children find it hard to understand death, and when they want to talk about their missing loved one, adults aren't always receptive. When they're confused or hurting, they may want to sing the elephant song, or maybe find another reassuring ritual that brings them closer to the one they've lost. Or a good cry might be what they need to make them feel better. The illustrations by Yvonne Fetig Roehler portray a warm and loving family environment, as Mother shares stories about Grandma with her kids. Good Night Grandma provides a compassionate and necessary emotional outlet for kids to handle the death of their own loved one. Reviewer: Alice Berger

Three daughters ask their mother to share a bedtime story about their Grandma, whom they miss since

"Good Night Grandma" is a children's picture book that uses art, literature, and music to express some of the hardest concepts to internalize, how to handle the loss of a loved one. Three daughters ask their mother to share a bedtime story about their Grandma, whom they miss since she died. The mother helps them remember Grandma's special song she sang to them and to their cousin: "One elephant went out to play Out on a spider's web one day. He had such enormous fun; He called for another elephant to come." The three sisters and their mother also sing the Elephant song to Grandma to comfort her when she is tired of suffering from her illness of cancer. They wonder if Grandma can hear them sing the Elephant song now, up in heaven. Hanna and Ahni and Chloe decide if they all sing, she'll hear them, and maybe sling too "And then we'll all feel better!" "Good Night Grandma" is beautifully and sensitively illustrated with delicate pale pastel paintings that somehow impart the dust of enchantment to the real heart of the story. This book also does not minimize the pain of loss even for young children. It gives them tools or suggestions for ways to accept and integrate some of the most difficult of life experiences.

Opens discussion with children about loss

This book provides a brilliant approach to helping children talk openly about their feelings of loss and separation. The words ring true, and the three girls presented in the book are both adorable and touching in their expressions of grief. Illustrations are simply gorgeous; makes you want an elephant that cute! The book quality is such that this will become an heirloom book, passed down to newer generations. A timely gift for loved ones, and something everyone connected with children (teachers, parents, grandparents, aunt and uncles) should have on their shelf. Highly recommend!

A perfect read for all ages!

What a beautifully written story -- it has a very special tone and feel that really draws one in. This lovely book is just right for those of us who have lost a mother and want to help our daughters hold on to their very special memories of grandma. This book will go on my personal list of gifts for friends & family. Thanks for creating such a wonderful treasure.