Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs

Tomie dePaola's classic, autobiographical picture book, Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs, tenderly introduces children to the concept of death through the eyes of young Tommy. He shares a loving bond with his grandmother and great-grandmother, learning to cherish their presence and later, to cope with their inevitable absence. The story gently guides readers through the process of grief and the importance of holding memories close, offering a comforting and accessible narrative for discussing a difficult topic with young children.

Four-year-old Tommy enjoys his relationship with both his grandmother and great-grandmother, but eventually learns to face their inevitable death.