If you’re looking for a picture book for Grandparents Day next month (September 12, 2021), I’ve got the perfect book for you, especially if those grandparents live elsewhere. Following a grandma and granddaughter who live far apart, One, Two, Grandma Loves You by Shelly Beck and Dan Yaccarino is a rhyming picture book done right!
Title: One, Two, Grandma Loves You
Author: Shelley Becker
Illustrator: Dan Yaccarino
Publisher: Abrams Appleseed
Published: August 10, 2021
Format: Picture Book
Using both counting and rhyme, One, Two, Grandma Loves You shares the story of a young girl visiting her grandma, beginning with the anticipation they both feel marking the date on the calendar. With the rhythm of “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe”, we follow along as the parents drop the young girl at her grandma’s and the pair spend their days baking, fishing, painting, and staying up too late. Of course, the visit must come to an end eventually, but the story has a reassuring finish when we learn another trip will be planned.
The illustrations by Dan Yaccarino pair perfectly with the rhyming text by Shelly Becker. The colors are so vivid and inviting! I especially appreciate grandma’s stylish home and chic outfits.
I would highly recommend One, Two, Grandma Loves You for young readers with long distance grandparents. I haven’t spoken much about this here yet, but our family is currently in the process of moving to St. Louis, and my little one will soon live far away from both of his grandmothers and I plan to read One, Two, Grandma Loves You to him frequently. It’s such a reassuring read for children, helping them understand that physical distance does not equal emotional distance. I especially appreciated the way leaving Grandma’s was handled with a bit of humor and a lot of love.
One, Two, Grandma Loves You officially releases next week, but you can preorder your copy today wherever books are sold, including Bookshop and Amazon. (Please note: Some links provided are affiliate links. Affiliate links allow me to receive a small commission for recommendations at no cost to you. This commission is used to maintain this site and to continue bringing content to you. I always appreciate your support!)
Thank you so much to Abrams Appleseed for sending a review copy of One, Two, Grandma Loves You my way. I know this one will be appreciated by my family for years to come!
About The Author:
Shelly Becker is the author of Even Superheroes Make Mistakes, Even Superheroes Have Bad Days (a 2018 Blue Spruce Award Nominee that Kirkus Reviews called “an action-packed romp”), and Mine! Mine! Mine!, which has been included on many Top Five and Top Ten lists of books that teach the concept of sharing. Becker lives in Toronto, Canada, far away from her three wonderful grandchildren, who live in New Jersey. When they can’t be together in person, they keep in touch by speaking on the phone and sending plenty of pictures and videos. Visit her online at shellybeckerbooks.com.
About The Illustrator:
Dan Yaccarino is the internationally acclaimed author and illustrator of more than 50 books for children, most notably Doug Unplugged, Unlovable, The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau, and Every Friday. Yaccarino’s work in children’s literature has garnered a host of prestigious awards, as well as adaptations into foreign editions, stage productions, and toys. Yaccarino created and produced the animated series Doug Unplugs, Oswald, and Willa’s Wild Life. He is also the designer behind the animated series The Backyardigans. Yaccarino’s work has been recognized by a host of prestigious awards, including the Bologna Ragazzi, the New York Times 10 Best Illustrated, ALA Notable, and the Parent’s Choice Award. More than 2.5 million of his books have been sold to date. Visit him online at danyaccarino.com.
mutuallyinclusivebooks.com 