Walking Grandma Home: A Story of Grief, Hope, and Healing
What’s inside...
In 'Walking Grandma Home: A Story of Grief, Hope, and Healing,' author Nancy Bo Bo Flood explores the complexities of loss through the eyes of a young child. The narrative guides young readers through the emotional journey of saying goodbye to a beloved grandmother, while instilling a sense of hope and the healing power of memory. It is a valuable tool for parents to help children navigate grief, fostering emotional growth and resilience. The importance of family support and understanding is emphasized, presenting an opportunity for shared reading and discussion within families, contributing positively to developmental empathy and emotional literacy. This picture book, crafted by a child psychologist and counselor, uses a touching and relatable story about a young boy’s grief to help children ages 4-8 understand the concept of loss and how to process their own emotions of fear, grief, and joyful remembrance. When Grandma tells Lee she will soon be 'going home,' Lee learns what it means to 'walk Grandma home' to heaven, reflecting on good memories and dealing with grief alongside his extended family.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when they were helping their grandma? Can you relate to any of their feelings?
What are some ways the main character tried to bring comfort to Grandma? Have you ever done something similar for someone you care about?
What does hope look like in this story? Can you share a time when you felt hopeful after a sad experience?
How do the characters in the book change from the beginning to the end?
What are some things you learned about handling sadness from the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a comforting tone when discussing the themes of grief and healing, to make your child feel safe and understood.
Relate the questions to personal experiences or family stories to help your child make connections and open up about their own feelings.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings by actively listening and responding with empathy and validation.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask how your child thinks a character is feeling or what they might do next, boosting engagement and comprehension.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and processing grief
Explanation: The story follows a young child coping with the loss of a grandparent, providing a gentle narrative that helps children understand their emotions during such times.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express their feelings of loss and seek support from family and friends, reinforcing emotional resilience.
Example Lesson: Hope after loss
Explanation: As the child in the story begins to remember the happy times with their grandparent, it demonstrates that memories can provide comfort and hope.
Real-World Application: This can teach children that even after a loved one passes away, the love and memories shared can continue to provide strength and hope in their lives.
Example Lesson: Healing through shared stories
Explanation: The story portrays the child sharing stories about their grandparent with others, which aids in the healing process.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to share their own stories of lost loved ones, helping them connect with others and heal through shared experiences.