My Two Grandads
What’s inside...
A heartwarming and inspiring story about a young girl's relationship with her two grandfathers, who come from different cultural backgrounds. The book celebrates the diversity of their experiences and traditions, while also highlighting the common bond of love and family that unites them all. The story is based on the author's own childhood and is illustrated with vibrant, colorful pictures that bring the characters and their stories to life. Aston's Grandad Roy played in a steel band and Grandad Harry played the trumpet in a brass band. Aston always enjoyed going to visit them and listen to them practice. But soon he wanted to join in. So he asked Grandad Roy to teach him to play the steel drums and then he asked Grandad Harry to teach him to play the trumpet. He loved practicing both instruments. Then the school needs a band to play at the school fair, and both grandads want their own band to play. Finally, Aston had an idea - both bands join together to make one big band, and Aston joins in first on steel drums and then on trumpet. This delightful story of a mixed-race family reconciling their very different cultures is a wonderful celebration of diverse cultures. Written by one of Britain's foremost campaigners and media personalities and illustrated by a highly regarded illustrator, this book is sure to build on the success of My Two Grannies.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Aston feels having two grandads from different cultures?
What are some ways the two grandads show their love for Aston?
Can you think of a time when you learned something interesting from a family member?
What do you think is the most important message of this book?
How can we celebrate and respect different cultures within our own family?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use personal anecdotes about your family’s heritage to make connections to the themes in the book.
Encourage your child to ask questions about their grandparents and other family members to deepen their understanding of family diversity.
Discuss with your child the ways in which people from different backgrounds can learn from each other, just like the grandads in the story.
After reading, consider creating a family tree together that highlights different cultural backgrounds present within your own family.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The story portrays a child with grandads from two different cultural backgrounds, highlighting the beauty of a multicultural family.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect different cultures in their own communities, fostering inclusiveness.
Example Lesson: Value of Family Bonds
Explanation: The interactions between the child and his grandads underscore the importance of family relationships and the unique role that each family member plays.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to form strong, loving connections with their family members, recognizing the irreplaceable support and guidance they offer.
Example Lesson: Celebration of Heritage
Explanation: Through the grandads' stories and traditions, the child learns to celebrate his dual heritage, gaining a sense of pride and identity.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children embrace their own heritage and that of others, promoting self-confidence and mutual respect.
Example Lesson: Learning from Elders
Explanation: The grandads share their life experiences and wisdom with the child, providing not only knowledge but also moral guidance.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to listen to and learn from the experiences of older generations in their family and community.
Example Lesson: Resolving Differences
Explanation: The story shows that despite the grandads' different backgrounds, they find common ground and mutual respect, teaching the child about reconciliation and understanding.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to seek resolutions and find commonalities when faced with conflicts or differences, fostering peace and understanding.