Grandmas are lovely

PreS-Gr 2--Here's a book to hand to any older person to share with the young. This joyful celebration of generational love brims with affection. Beautiful full-color illustrations are the highlight of this simple picture book celebrating the love grandmothers share with their grandchildren, furry or feathered, fierce or mellow. Polar bear, koala, otter, and parrot grandmas romp and play, hugging and soothing babies tenderly. The sweet text tells how "Grandmas are cuddly with arms that hug tight,/ They wrap you in dreams when they kiss you goodnight," appropriate sentiments for the young audience, who will understand that love transcends species. A lovely book for reading aloud. VERDICT Gorgeous illustrations highlight the love between the generations in a variety of animals. A gentle message of family love.--Eva Elisabeth VonAncken

A rhyming picture-book ode to grandmothers. Spreads with ample white space allow illustrations of 10 distinct animal species to pop. The opening page declares "Grandmas are lovely. They're joyful and sweet. And when you are with them, each day is a treat." Graphic designer Hegyes' realistic watercolor artwork depicts each grandmother-grandchild animal pairing in their natural habitat. A bird, a lioness, and a polar bear gaze directly at the reader in an inviting manner. Text that reads "grandmas are chirpy / and cheery and bright" plays into feminine stereotypes; however, qualities like grandmothers' courageousness, patience, and intelligence are highlighted. The close-up perspectives and focus on just one grandchild and their grandma per double-page spread create a sense of intimacy, and the uncluttered backgrounds amplify the joy shown throughout. Human caregivers may be inspired to spend more one-on-one time with their wards, and grandparents will favor this book for lap readings. It can also be used to help children reflect on a future or past visit with a grandparent. Infused with love, this book invites repeat readings for vocabulary development and family bonding. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Simple and sweet. (Picture book. 2-5) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.