Mother's Day Choices for Grandmothers In some families, the Grandmother is filling the role of Mother. Here are a selection of books to celebrate Mother's Day by honoring these Mothers Emeritus. Click here to return to Mother's Day Choices, 2003. Reviews The Bakery Lady/La Senora de la Panadería Pat Mora Illustrations by Pablo Torrecilla    Here is a story of family traditions at their best, without the traditional family. Mónica, Jose and Gilbert live with their grandparents above their bakery. Mónica tells what it is like to work in her grandparents' store and dreams of becoming a baker herself. The story centers around preparing the Mexican feast of the Three Rings celebrated January 6. Special bread-Kings Rings, is the main food, and a small doll is hidden inside the loaf. Whoever finds the nino must give a party for their friends in February. Mónica is eager to help-and have a party by herself. Encouraging one another is a theme throughout this book, and, as expected, Mónica finds the doll, so she must now prepare for a party. Abuelo and Abuela continue to tell Mónica that bakers share their work, just like families, in an effort to prevent her from becoming overwhelmed with preparation. Overwhelmed and tired is exactly how Mónica feels as she prepares special lemon cookies for the party. Being the wise grandparents they are, Abuela and Abuelo insist Mónica be the boss and they will do whatever she says. With text in both English and Spanish, readers can practice their bi-lingual skills in reading another language. Probably more evident than what language is being spoken is a message for everyone, that families help each other, and families are our most important relationships. Colorful illustrations contribute to the festive, but familial atmosphere of the story. While Pablo Torrecilla's drawings may not be as polished as other contemporary illustrators, he creates a dimension of genuine concern within family and a sense of pride taken in their bakery. 2001, Pinata Books/Arte Publico Press, Ages 4 to 8, $14.95. Reviewer: Elizabeth Young ISBN: 1-55885-343-X Beto and the Bone Dance Gina Freschet    Celebrating el Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, is Beto's favorite holiday. There is so much to be done before this joyous occasion can begin, but finding the perfect gift to lay before the altar of Beto's dearly departed Abuela (his grandmother) creates a special problem for him. Other friends and relatives have given loaves of bread, bags of nuts, chocolate and flowers. Still, Beto searches for something that will let his Abuela know how much she is loved. Once inside the gates of the panteon (cemetery), the spirit of Beto's grandmother visits him. Beto soon finds that the perfect gift to give his grandmother was with him all the time. 2001, Farrar Straus Giroux, Ages 6 to 12, $16.00. Reviewer Sharon Tolle ISBN: 0-374-31720-8 Carolina's Gift: A Story of Peru Katacha Díaz Illustrated by Gredna Landolt    Carolina is struggling to find the perfect gift for her abuela. She lives in an Incan village in the Andes Mountains of Peru and must rely on the market day to pick out the just right present. As Carolina and her mother enter the market, Carolina considers pastries, hats, animals and flowers from different vendors. The hats will not work because they are for women looking for a husband. The colorful, cheerful illustrations capture the essence of an Andean market with the variety of goods on sale and the colorful, traditional costumes worn by the villagers. Carolina finally finds the perfect gift, a hand carved walking stick that her grandmother can use to accompany Carolina to the market. The back of the book has a map of Peru along with a brief description of Peru and its Inca ancestors. There is additional information about the traditional Sunday markets along with words you might hear spoken in Peru. This is wonderful addition to classrooms that are learning about the Inca culture or about South America. 2002, Soundprints, Ages 5 to 12, $5.95. Reviewer: Melissa A. Caudill ISBN: 1-56899-696-9 Child of the Owl Laurence Yep    Yep's award winning dramatic prose draws older readers into the complicated life of a young teenage girl in Chinatown during the l960's. This intergenerational story is part of Yep's award winning "Golden Mountain Chronicles." This compelling first person narrative is spun by Casey, and easily draws older readers into her life in Chinatown of San Francisco in the l960s. Chinatown is a new world for Casey. When her father, Barney, ends up in the hospital, Casey is sent to live with her grandma. Casey is not familiar with her Chinese history. She must now attend Chinese school, eat strange Chinese food and live among people who rarely speak English. Slowly Casey's grandmother, Paw-Paw, reveals their family history and tells Casey her true Chinese name. Readers will identify with Casey and her struggles and will be moved as Casey makes room in her heart for her Chinese grandmother and her Chinese history. Yep's book is an ALA Notable Book, A School Library Journal Best Book and also won a Jane Addams Book Award. 2001, HarperTrophy, Ages 10 up, $6.95. Reviewer: Sue Reichard ISBN: 0-06-440336-X Everything Is Different at Nonna's House   Caron Lee Cohen Illustrated by Hiroe Nakata    A little boy and his mother leave their city apartment and go out to the country to visit his grandparents. The little boy contrasts life at the two places. At home they grab toast and run. At Nonna's there is time to make blueberry pancakes. And what special times they have together. They stay out late on the porch and watch the stars and the moon. When he returns home, he enjoys his regular routine, remembering what he did at Nonna's. When he sees the moon from his bedroom in the city he remarks how he "can hold it. Just like at Nonna's house." The soft watercolors are full of exuberance, and illustrate a wonderful relationship between child and grandmother. As the little boy discusses the differences, the reader can see some small illustrations on the upper left-hand page that show his life in the city. The contrast then is in both the words and the pictures. Grandchildren who live a distance from their grandparents will recognize that love overcomes the physical distance between them. 2003, Clarion Books/ Houghton Mifflin, Ages 3 to 7, $16.00. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo ISBN: 0-618-07335-3 A Far-Fetched Story Karin Cates Illustrations by Nancy Carpenter    With a long, hard winter drawing near, Grandmother sends the various members of her family (boy, girl, mother, father, and baby) out to fetch firewood. Each one returns instead with a "far-fetched" story (involving encounters with wolves, deer, swans, bears, and rabbits) and ruined clothing. Grandmother tosses each torn garment into the rag box to burn, but then decides to stitch them into a quilt "as long and wide as a bed and as thick and warm as a coat," making "a different kind of warmth from firewood... the kind of warmth that lasts forever, instead of disappearing as burning firewood will do." And doubtless the far-fetched stories themselves will be retold over and over again, as the family snuggles close together under the quilt. Cates's well-structured text has unerring picture-book rhythms and repetitions, and Carpenter provides for each far-fetched story a delightful watercolor illustration ironed on to linen fabric, frayed edges and all, for a perfect matching of story and art. 2002, Greenwillow, Ages 5 up, $15.95. Reviewer: Claudia Mills ISBN: 0-688-15938-9 The Friday Nights of Nana Amy Hest Illustrated by Claire Nivola    Amy Hest recognizes the sustaining power of family and religious tradition in The Friday Nights of Nana and reminds us that the holiday spirit of joy and thanksgiving can infuse the rest of the year. Jennie loves helping her grandmother prepare for Sabbath. Together they bake pies and challah, wash the good china, and shop for violet-colored flowers. The many homey details, like Nana "making ripples" in her hot tea, convey well the pleasure the two take in sharing quiet time together. Illustrations by Claire Nivola heighten this mood, showing the girl learning from the grandmother, and showing the whole family warm together as snow falls outside. 2001, Candlewick, Ages 4 to 8, $15.99. Reviewer Mary Quattlebaum ISBN: 0-7636-0658-8 Ghost Wings Barbara M. Joose Illustrations by Giselle Potter    When someone you love dies, how can you keep alive your memories of that person? Joose offers a rather complicated answer through the voice of a young Mexican girl, whose beloved grandmother has died. This young narrator and her grandmother have shared many experiences, from the daily activity of making tortillas to such rare moments as being encircled by the monarch butterflies that winter nearby. From Grandmother, she has learned that the butterflies carry the souls of the old ones, and the tickle of a butterfly can bring back the memories of a person no longer living. The narrator experiences this firsthand during the Days of the Dead, when a returning monarch alights on her and memories of Grandmother come flooding back. Information pages at the end of the book provide background about the Days of the Dead and the migration patterns of monarch butterflies, followed by a guide to using the book that offers suggestions for questions and activities to extend the text. Potter's spare, naïve-style illustrations include details of the Mexican household and market, but contribute a distant feel to the book. 2001, Chronicle Books, Ages 6 to 9, $15.95. Reviewer Susan Stan ISBN: 0-8118-2164-1 Grandma Lois Remembers Ann Morris Photographs and illustrations by Peter Linenthal    While every family has a heritage, not everyone has the opportunity to have it recorded and published in book format. Eight-year-old Erick is fortunate to have a rich culture, and now the whole world knows of it through this book in the "What Was it Like, Grandma?" series. This is Erick's story of his parents, sister Nakia and brother Phenize. Grandparents Lois and James live nearby, but Lois is quite close and often stays over when the rest of the family is away. We feel as if we have opened someone's family album with this book. In it are family photographs and reasons each person in Erick's family is special to him. We are also treated to a bit of history as Grandma Lois relates what it was like growing up in the south long ago. No dates are mentioned, but judging from the photographs it would appear to have been in the 1920s. Segregation is mentioned and times were tough, but nowhere does Lois cast a negative aura on her life or present any resentment. She remembers the fun she had with her family and enjoyed many times at church. She is now instilling those values to her children and grandchildren. What a lasting tribute to offer! This book concludes with suggestions for children as well as adults to begin learning about their family heritage, if they haven't already. Simple activities such as verbal interviews, family albums and creating a family tree are methods of documenting a family and could easily be done with minimal supplies or experience. One could incorporate this story into a Families Unit observing similarities and differences as well as enriching cultural knowledge of a particular ethnic group. This book expresses what a treasure families are, and encourages us to preserve the uniqueness of each one. 2002, Millbrook Press, Ages 4 to 8, $22.90. Reviewer: Elizabeth Young ISBN: 0-7613-2316-3 Grandma Maxine Remembers: A Native American Family Story Ann Morris Photographs and illustrations by Peter Linenthal    This addition to Ann Morris's "What Was It Like, Grandma?" series features an 8-year-old Shoshoni girl and her grandmother. It is not clear just what Morris wants to accomplish. Is her purpose to illustrate the differences and similarities between grandmother's and granddaughter's generations? Not much seems to have changed for them that hasn't changed for most people. Does she mean to contrast this family with non-Native American families? She mentions a few Shoshoni customs but says they are reserved for special occasions. Their apparently rural life may seem alien to city and suburban kids, but it is not unique. Morris misses the opportunity for the grandmother to reflect on how the Shoshoni may have changed during her own lifetime. The series's intent is for readers to learn about cultures and ethnic groups found within the United States. This particular book seems to demonstrate the opposite: We are all more alike than different. 2002, The Millbrook Press, Ages 8 to 12, $22.90. Reviewer: Wendy Morris ISBN: 0-7613-2317-1 Grandma Tells a Story Lois G. Grambling Illustrations by Fred Willingham    What grandchild would not want to hear the story of how much he or she was wanted? This time the story is told through the voice of a doting grandmother. The couple longed for a grandchild and what they feel as they await the birth of this wonderful gift is simply told. Although the illustrations are well-done, they tend to be dark and do not reflect the excitement and joy of an anticipated birth. 2001, Whispering Coyote/Charlesbridge, Ages 3 to 6, $15.95. Reviewer Rita Karr ISBN: 1-58089-057-1 Grandma's Records Eric Velasquez    Eric Velasquez has created a story that illustrates perfectly how music can mean so much to people and add so much to peoples' lives. Velasquez tells the story of a young boy living in New York City. Every summer, the boy goes to live with his Grandma, since his parents work and there is no one to watch him. During the summer, his Grandma, who is from Puerto Rico, teaches him about the music of Puerto Rico. There is one special song that always reminds Grandma about Puerto Rico, and she closes her eyes, places her hand over her heart, and thinks about Grandpa and Puerto Rico. One summer they go to the concert to hear a band from Puerto Rico. The band sings Grandma's special song and everyone in the audience closes their eyes and places their hands over the hearts. He learns that the song is special to many different people and that music can create memories that can last a lifetime. Grandma is able to instill a special love of music in her Grandson, while producing memories for him as well. The book includes the Spanish and English version of Grandma's special song, as well as several Spanish words with English translations throughout the text. 2001, Walker Publishing, Ages 6 to 10, $17.95 and $16.95. Reviewer Danielle Williams ISBN: 0-8027-8761-4 ISBN: 0-8027-8760-6 Grandma's Memories and Stories for Little Girls and Boys Carolyn Larsen Illustrated by Caron Turk    Brightly illustrated with amusing, cartoon-style ink and watercolor pictures of multi-ethnic people, each of the eighteen lively short chapters about the many ways in which grandmothers can relate to their grandchildren tells a different little story. For example, a girl is consoled because she has not received an award at school, a demanding tot is gently taught good manners, and a boy enjoys learning cooking and sewing. Each chapter is followed by a page of suggestions for grandma/child activities, a page to list special memories that her grandchildren would enjoy sharing, and an appropriate quotation from the Bible. Although it is a Christian publication, the book, printed in a cozy, small format, is filled with good ideas for any grandmother to enrich the time with her grandchildren. 2001, New Kids Media/Baker Book House, Ages 3 to 6, $16.99. Reviewer Patricia Dole ISBN: 0-8010-4495-2 Granny Bloomers Paula Vaughan    This book is a celebration of a special bond between a child and an elderly woman whose "bones are seventy,…but I'm not nearly as old as they are." While the idea is a good one, and both characters are very real people, the story is not well served by its illustrations. Beautiful oil paintings, in which details such as flowers, birds and lambs' faces are lovingly portrayed, seem sometimes confusing as to the era they are describing. Granny wears bloomers under her long skirt, and the rest of her clothing seems old-fashioned, but her shoes are lace-up booties that look as if they're from the Peterman catalog. Annie, the six-year-old narrator, alternates between blue jeans and long dresses (lacy or velvet) with bloomers and booties that match Granny's. When they dance a welcome to spring, they're both barefoot, and they lie on a (damp) hill after a rainstorm. Granny is obviously a deeply religious woman without being a member of any particular church. She quotes from the Bible, praising God and reminding Annie that "there's beauty in all things-great and small." And she reads from the "Good Book" before they say their prayers and go to sleep. Everything about Granny is so gentle and beautiful and wise that any criticism feels petty and unnecessary. It will appeal to small children, but perhaps not to their more cynical siblings and parents. 2000, Leisure Arts, Ages All, $15.95. Reviewer Judy Silverman ISBN: 1-57486-222-7 The Hickory Chair Lisa Rowe Fraustino Illustrations by Benny Andrews    The Hickory Chair tells the story of Louis, a young blind boy, and his special relationship with his grandmother. Gran calls Louis her "favorite youngest" and helps him take pride in his "blind sight." How that blind sight proves the power of love is the emotional core of a lovely book. The author gives just the right details to make the characters' world real and help young readers imagine what it might be like to experience the world without sight. The story is illustrated with lovely primitive-style paintings that have the appearance of oils on wood, telling a story of their own. This is one you will enjoy reading with your children again and again. 2001, Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic, Ages 3 to 5, $15.95. Reviewer Sally Heldrich ISBN: 0-590-52248-5 I Loved You Before You Were Born Anne Bowen Illustrations by Greg Shed    "Even before you were born, I was your grandma and I loved you." So begins this lovely picture book about a grandmother's dreams for her soon to be born grandchild. The story takes her from feeling the baby kick inside the mother to imagining the birth, and then capturing in her mind's eye the cake that the child will smear on her face at her first birthday party. The grandmother's dreams are as specific as seeing "hands spread out, like little starfish" and toes like "pink pearls on a necklace." The illustrations are a reflection of the lyrical text. The pastel shades are muted and dreamy, yet realistic. The diapers on the tiny newborn's legs, for example, sag. In another picture the eyes capture beautifully the look of a baby surprised after rolling over for the first time. This gentle, loving book is delightful bedtime reading. It is also perfect for every child who ever demanded "tell me about when I was a baby." 2001, HarperCollins, Ages All, $15.95 and $15.89. Reviewer Stephanie Farrow ISBN: 0-06-028720-9 ISBN: 0-06-028721-7 In My Grandmother's House: Award Winning Authors Tell Stories About Their Grandmothers   Bonnie Christensen    The idea for this book grew from a writers' conference Ms. Christensen attended. Suddenly a discussion became a storytelling competition about grandmothers where everyone eagerly shared a story or two. She was so enchanted by the stories and the intense interest they evoked that she began to think of compiling such stories in a book. Of course there are some sweet, loving memories here, but the book offers so much more. Joan Abelove in the author's note following her chapter says she started to write about Grandma Sophie who was fun and warm and full of life. But she chose instead to write about her Grandma Leah who was not warm, not fun, and had led an uneventful, boring life but Ms. Abelove's story about her is in no way boring. One of the most moving chapters is "Rhizomes" by Mingfong Ho, who grew up in Bangkok. She remembers her grandmother, An Po, speaking to spirits of dead loved ones. Within her story of different times and cultures, closeness and separation, love and spirituality she speaks to An Po as An Po addressed her ancestors. Chapters written by award-winning children's authors including Beverly Cleary, Jean Craighead George, Gail Carson Levine and nine others are followed by an author's note about its story. The book concludes with biographies of the twelve authors who have generously shared worthy memories. The publisher says the book is for ages 8 to 12. I was dubious about how much a child would enjoy it. So I asked a 10-year-old friend to read any one chapter then tell me if he felt he would like to read more. He said he liked the chapter, but he didn't ask to keep the book any longer. This book will appeal to many adults. It could be a thoughtful gift for a mother, a grandmother, or actually, anyone who ever had a grandmother. 2003, Harper Collins Publishers, Ages 8 to Adult, $18.99. Reviewer: Janet Crane Barley ISBN: 0-06-029109-5 Lessons from Mother Earth Elaine McLeod Pictures by Colleen Wood    Tess, a young Native American girl, is invited by her grandmother to visit the garden. Tess is excited because she has never seen Grandmother's garden before. As they walk through the fields and woods, Grandmother passes on the "secrets" of caring for the garden. She tells Tess that she should only pick what she needs and she should always care for the garden, as their ancestors have done for many years. She reminds Tess to always thank Mother Earth for these gifts from nature. Tess discovers that her grandmother's garden is everywhere-it is the entire outdoors. Tess also realizes that her grandmother is very wise. Tess thanks Mother Earth for sharing her gifts and for such a wonderful grandmother. The watercolor pictures in this book are vibrant and add much to the story. 2002, Groundwood Books/Douglas & McIntyre, Ages 6 mo. to 5, $15.95. Reviewer: Maureen Boyle ISBN: 0-88899-312-9 Meet My Grandmother. She's a Children's Book Author Lisa Tucker McElroy Photographs by Joel Benjamin    Ever wonder what kind of person could spend her time blowing toilet paper around or sucking on five-foot straws as a job? Meet Vicki Cobb, noted children's book author and scientist extraordinaire. With help from her granddaughter, Abby, readers learn all about Cobb's work as a writer and the process she follows to create interesting experiments and science-related books for young readers. In addition, Abby shares more of the personal side of Cobb's life, and shows readers how Vicki Cobb is not only a well-known author, but also a very special grandmother. This interesting combination of how-to and biography allows readers to learn more about Vicki Cobb while providing tips on how to become a children's book author. Whether used on "Take Your Daughter to Work" Day or as part of a unit on careers, this book is a fun way to introduce children to the author of books they may read. Photographs, drawings and sample pages from Cobb's books provide a visual feast for readers. 2001, The Millbrook Press, Ages 8 to 12, $22.90. Reviewer: Leah Hanson ISBN: 0-7613-1972-7 My Grandma is Coming to Town   Anna Grossnickle Hines Illustrations by Melissa Sweet    Grandma lives far away and hasn't seen her grandson, Albert, in a long time. When Albert is a baby, Grandma visits him and teaches him to play "Pat-a-cake." After she goes home, his version "Patta, patta" and "Rolla, rolla" becomes their special greeting on the telephone. They not only talk regularly, they send each other notes and surprises. Finally, one day Grandma sends Albert a variation on a nursery rhyme to let him know she will soon fly to see him on a big airplane. Albert is eager to see her and makes a fancy welcome sign for her. But when she shows up, he suddenly feels very shy and he can't talk to her. Grandma understands and doesn't push him. Before too long, Albert figures out what to do. He calls her on his toy phone. She answers, using a banana from a nearby bowl of fruit as her telephone. After they've gone through their "Patta, patta" "Rolla, rolla" routine, Albert's shyness is gone. The author, who has written or illustrated more than 50 books for children, has a grandson who lived far away when he was born and she taught him "Pat-a-cake." When she was reading another story aloud to children, their comments about distant grandparents inspired this story. Ms. Sweet, who has illustrated numerous books, says because she was a shy child, she could understand what Arthur was feeling and that empathy shows in her drawings. 2003, Candlewick Press, Ages 1 to 6, $13.99. Reviewer: Janet Crane Barley ISBN: 0-7636-1237-5 "My Grandmother Is a Singing Yaya" Karen Scourby D'Arc Pictures by Diane Palmisciano    Although Lulu loves to hear her Greek grandmother sing at home, she is embarrassed when her yaya bursts into song in public places. Apprehensive at the Grandparents Day picnic, she manages to keep Yaya quiet until they finish their Greek delicacies; but then Yaya sings aloud. To Lulu's surprise, everyone enjoys the joyous outpourings of the irrepressible songbird, and Lulu finally accepts it. Cartoon-y, pastel colored oil drawings full of comic verve are appropriate for the good-natured fun and for the actions of the rest of the cast of characters. The love of Lulu and her grandmother shines through it all. 2001, Orchard Books/Scholastic, Ages 4 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz ISBN: 0-439-29309-X "My Grandmother Is a Singing Yaya" Karen Scourby D'Arc Illustrated by Diane Palmisciano    Lulu's exuberant Greek grandmother loves life and she expresses this joy with singing. Lulu appreciates her singing when they are alone, but she is sometimes embarrassed when Yaya breaks into song when they are out shopping or riding a bus. Lulu knows she will have a good time with Yaya at the school Grandparents' Day, but she is concerned about the possibility of Yaya singing at inappropriate times. She manages to keep Yaya distracted during the games and races but when the picnic begins, Yaya cannot contain herself any longer and begins singing about her love for Lulu. Lulu does not have time to be embarrassed, however. The school principal announces that the school is celebrating its fiftieth birthday and asks Yaya to lead the singing of "Happy Birthday." Everyone is delighted. The colorful pictures capture the joy of this special relationship between a cautious granddaughter and a loving grandmother. Readers will be tempted to join in the singing. 2001, Orchard/Scholastic, Ages 5 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer Phyllis Kennemer ISBN: 0-439-29309-X My Hippie Grandmother   Reeve Lindbergh Illustrations by Abby Carter    No grayed-haired grandma in sensible shoes for this little girl. Her grandmother who "lives behind a hill and drives a purple bus", has a bedroom with posters that proclaim LOVE and FLOWER POWER, bakes her own bread, wears jeans, and demonstrates against war is the apple of her granddaughter's eye. The little girl's ode to her hippie grandmother has plenty of lyrical charm and many a baby-boomer grandmother may see bits of herself reflected in this gentle song of admiration. As the girl recites her litany of eccentricities, the one constant in this family is the love they share. Abby Carter's watercolor and gouache illustrations convey all the love and liveliness of this slightly left of center grandmother and her very self-assured and proud granddaughter. 2003, Candlewick Press, Ages 5 to 9, $15.99. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey ISBN: 0-7636-0671-5 Oma's Quilt Paulette Bourgeois Illustrated by Stéphane Jorisch    When Emily's grandmother moves to a retirement home, she obviously doesn't like it. Emily and her mother, meanwhile, go through her Oma's things, finding many happy memories, including a quilt made by Oma. Emily decides they should make a new quilt for Oma, using pieces of fabric that will bring back those memories. When they bring it to Oma, she can tell a story about each piece. Emily is glad that it seems to make Oma feel a bit more at home. As our population ages, Oma's story becomes a commonplace piece of life today. Jorisch keeps her sketchy colored drawings, portraits and settings not overly specific, making it easily accepted by many readers. There is brightness¾an emphasis on the positive rather than the dark side of the story. Perhaps Emily's idea could be one for other readers to emulate. 2001, Kids Can Press, Ages 4 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz ISBN: 1-55074-777-0 Small Clara Vulliamy    Tommy packs carefully for his first overnight at Granny's. But when he goes to bed there, he realizes that he doesn't have his favorite toy, his stuffed mouse Small. As he tries to sleep, he pictures poor, lonely Small, who can't sleep either. Surely he will strive through city and country dangers, as Tom visualizes them, to reach Tom at Granny's. Coming down the stairs, Tom is delighted to find Small by the mail slot. Granny says Tom must have dropped him there, but Tom is sure he knows better. The naturalistic watercolors are effectively charming depicting Tom's activities, while Small's adventures are more dramatically pictured as he climbs, runs, stumbles and forges ahead through the rainy dark night. 2001, Clarion Books/ Houghton Mifflin Company, Ages 3 to 6, $15.00. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz ISBN: 0-618-19459-2 Stepping Out with Grandma Mac Nikki Grimes Illustrated by Angelo    The word love is not part of Grandma Mac's vocabulary, but it is in her heart. She isn't the cuddly type; in fact, she has few of the typical characteristics of grandmothers. Yet she loves her granddaughter fiercely. Told in first person by the unnamed granddaughter, these free-verse poems are poignant, humorous, honest and full of love-and are sometimes reflect disagreements between grandmother and granddaughter. Each of the twenty poems is short and centered on one or two pages. Angelo's colored illustration of the pair on the book jacket, the two full-page, black-and-white illustrations in the book and the small, sparse black-and-white drawings throughout are just enough to give the reader an image of the spunky preteen and her just-as-spunky grandmother. Grimes and Angelo have produced a delightfully warm book of poetry that belongs on every the shelves of every library. 2001, Orchard Books/Scholastic, Ages 9 to 12, $16.95. Reviewer J. B. Petty ISBN: 0-531-30320-9 Three Cheers for Catherine the Great! Cari Best Narrated by Ekaterina Gordeeva    The narration by Ekaterina Gordeeva on this video is wonderfully done, with her Russian accent making Cari Best's story that much more believable. The artwork by Giselle Potter translates nicely onto the screen, as well. In the story, Sara's Russian grandmother wants "no presents" for her birthday. What "no presents" means is that the gift must be from the heart. Sara searches and searches for just the right thing to give Grandma as a "no present." On the night of the birthday party, friends give her "no presents" such as a new hairdo from her hairdresser friend, a rendition of her famous Russian song from her opera singer neighbor, and a waltz from her dancer friend. Mamma gives her a newly discovered photo taken when Grandma first arrived in America. Sara's "no present" is the last gift and she tells Grandma that she is going to teach her to read and write English. She reads Grandma a poem she wrote that ends by referring to her as "Catherine the Great." Three cheers for Catherine the great! In the course of teaching Grandma to read, Sara learns more about Russian and lots more about her Grandma. Overall, a wonderful book-turned-video about a special bond between a grandmother and a granddaughter. Weston Woods includes a teacher's guide on the inside cover of the videocassette complete with extension activities. 2001, Weston Woods/Scholastic, Ages 4 to 8, $60.00. Reviewer Joan Kindig ISBN: 0-78820-759-8 Zero Grandparents Michelle Edwards    Calliope Turnipseed James loves school, especially math, but she is dreading class now that her teacher has announced the upcoming Grandparents Day. You see, Calliope doesn't have any living grandparents. Everyone else will be bringing one, and she doesn't want to borrow one of her friends' grandparents. While sulking at home, she looks through a family album and realizes how much she resembles her maternal grandmother, Flory Sophia Turnipseed. She brings some special things to class and explains that even though she has zero grandparents, Flory Sophia will always be a part of who she is. It is a sweet story without being overly saccharine, with a true-to-life understanding of kids' desire to fit in. This early chapter book is liberally illustrated with pen and ink drawings. Book two in the "Jackson Friends" series. 2001, Harcourt, Ages 6 to 9, $14.00. Reviewer Dr. Judy Rowen ISBN: 0-15-202083-7 To stay up to date on new books on this topic, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here. Updated 4/30/03