My Grandfather's Song Book
What’s inside...
A stunning picture book about a family's connection to their land, their home, and each other--from the creators of My First Day. Long ago, Grandfather came to a new land where fish swam in the water, birds chirped in the sky, and monkeys played in the trees. With his own two hands, he built a house in this wilderness. Although it wasn't easy, the land provided him with what he needed, and it became his home. Decades later, his grandson is left with a head full of memories, two capable hands, and a heart that appreciates family, nature, and home. This picture book celebrates the conservation of nature and the sacred bond between grandparent and child, making it a perfect gift for baby showers, birthdays, and family celebrations.
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How does the relationship between the child and the grandfather in the book make you feel?
What song would you choose to remember someone special, and why?
What memories or stories does this book make you think of from your own family?
How do you think music helps us connect with our emotions and with each other?
Can you think of a time when a song made you feel really happy or comforted?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set a calm and cozy reading environment to make the discussion more open and comfortable.
Share your own stories or memories related to songs you hold dear, encouraging your child to make personal connections with the book.
Ask your child to pick a song that has meaning to them, and discuss the reasons behind their choice, linking back to themes in 'My Grandfather's Song Book'.
Encourage your child to describe how the illustrations in the book make them feel and how they think it complements the story.
After reading, consider listening to some of the songs mentioned in the book together, discussing how the music makes you both feel.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of family heritage
Explanation: The story showcases a young child exploring his grandfather's songbook, learning about his family's musical history and the values they cherished.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to discover and appreciate their own family traditions and histories, strengthening their sense of identity and belonging.
Example Lesson: Respect for elders
Explanation: The protagonist shows respect and curiosity about his grandfather's past, demonstrating how elders are a source of wisdom and heritage.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to value and respect their elders, encouraging them to listen and learn from the stories and experiences of older family members.
Example Lesson: The power of storytelling
Explanation: Through the grandfather's songbook, the child travels through different tales that teach various life lessons, showing the impact of storytelling.
Real-World Application: Children learn that stories are not only entertaining but also educational, which can enhance their listening and comprehension skills in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Persistence and curiosity
Explanation: As the child delves deeper into the songbook, his persistent curiosity helps him uncover more about his family's legacy.
Real-World Application: This lesson can motivate children to be inquisitive and persistent in their learning endeavors, qualities that are beneficial in academic settings and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Connecting through music
Explanation: Music in the grandfather's songbook acts as a bridge between generations, connecting the child to his cultural and familial roots.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore music as a means of expression and connection, fostering emotional intelligence and creativity.