Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs

Ages 3^-7. Originally published in 1973, this autobiographical picture book was one of the first to introduce very young children to the concept of death. Given its graceful treatment of a difficult subject, it has been a parental staple ever since, and a new generations of readers will be glad to discover this timeless tale in a lovely new edition. In an appended note, dePaola says he approached this project "as a completely new book." Thus, the format is larger than formerly, the pictures have been re-done in full color, and even the text has been slightly modified, though the story remains the same: every Sunday four-year-old Tommy's family goes to visit his grandparents. His grandmother is always busy downstairs, but his great-grandmother is always to be found in bed upstairs, because she is 94 years old. Tommy loves both of his nanas and the time he spends with them. He is desolate when his upstairs nana dies, but his mother comforts him by explaining that "she will come back in your memory whenever you think about her." Although dePaola's book is a nostalgic tribute to his own family, its theme--that not only people but our love for them survives in our memories--is universally true and important. ((Reviewed February 15, 1998)) Copyright 2000 Booklist Reviews

This picture book of childhood memories has been enhanced with new full-color art in celebration of its twenty-fifth anniversary as a children's classic.

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

his wonderful generational story, a classic in its own right, celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary in a new, full-color edition, joining the other appealing picture books in which Tomie draws upon his childhood memories. In re-creating the art, Tomie says, ?Creating this art was as emotional an experience for me now as it was then.??In a quietly touching story the author-illustrator depicts loving family relationships so that even the very young reader can understand the concept.??- Publishers Weekly?Children will want to hear this again and again...? -- School Library Journal (starred review)