
Reach for this book when you want to celebrate the unique, messy, and wonderful reality of family life, especially the bond with a grandmother. It is a perfect choice for children who might feel their own family looks different from those in traditional media, or for those who simply want to revel in the silly and sentimental quirks of their favorite grown up. The book moves beyond stereotypes to show that there is no one right way to be a granny. Through gentle humor and vibrant watercolor illustrations, the story explores themes of identity, belonging, and unconditional love. It catalogs the various ways grannies live, work, and dress, ultimately anchoring the narrative in the warmth of a child's specific, personal relationship with their own grandmother. It is ideally suited for toddlers and preschoolers, providing a comforting and inclusive look at the diversity of the human experience through a familiar family lens.
The book is secular and inclusive. It briefly touches on different living situations and appearances, but it is not a 'problem book.' It handles the concept of being different through a lens of celebration rather than struggle. The resolution is joyful and affirming.
A 3-year-old who is beginning to notice differences in people but needs the reassurance that their specific family unit is special and 'normal.' It is also excellent for a child who has a grandmother with a non-traditional lifestyle or appearance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThis book can be read cold. It is a straightforward, rhythmic read-aloud. Parents might want to think of a few specific things their own family's 'granny' does to add a personal touch to the final pages. A parent might reach for this if a child asks why their grandmother doesn't look or act like the ones in other books or cartoons, or if a child is feeling a bit shy about their family's unique quirks.
Toddlers will enjoy the bright, busy illustrations and the repetitive 'Our Granny' refrain. Preschoolers will appreciate the humor in the different outfits and activities, and can begin to discuss how people are different yet the same.
Unlike many 'grandmother books' that lean into the 'baking cookies in a rocking chair' trope, Wild’s book was a pioneer in showing grannies as active, diverse, and multi-faceted individuals with their own lives and styles.
The book is a celebratory catalog of grandmothers in all their diversity. It lists various types of grannies: those who live in the city or country, those who have many jobs or stay at home, those with different body types, hobbies, and fashion senses. The narrative structure compares 'other grannies' to 'our granny,' concluding that while all are wonderful, 'our granny' is the one who is loved best because she belongs specifically to the narrators.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.