When Grandma Saved Christmas
illustrations by
on Goodreads (81)
What’s inside...
Bubble and his little brother, Squeak, are excited to go to Grandma's for Christmas. However, Squeak is concerned that Santa won't be able to find them at Grandma's house. With the help of their parents, they devise creative ways to inform Santa of their location. But upon arriving, they notice there's no chimney for Santa to enter through, leading to worry about how Santa will deliver their presents. It ultimately falls on Grandma to come up with a solution and save Christmas for the brothers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Grandma decided to step in and save Christmas? What does that tell us about her?
How did the characters in the book show their feelings about Christmas being in trouble?
Can you think of a time when you helped solve a big problem? What did you do?
What are some ways we can help others during the holiday season, just like Grandma did?
If you were in the story, what would you do to help save Christmas?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences by asking them to share a similar situation where they had to help or solve a problem.
Discuss the importance of helping others and the impact of kind gestures during the holidays.
Help your child understand the emotions of the characters by discussing their facial expressions and actions in the illustrations.
Use the story as a starting point to talk about family traditions and ask your child what makes the holiday special for them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of family traditions
Explanation: In the story, Grandma steps in to keep Christmas traditions alive when obstacles arise, showing the value of family customs.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and uphold their own family rituals, understanding their cultural and emotional significance.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and resourcefulness
Explanation: Grandma creatively solves unexpected problems to save Christmas, exemplifying quick thinking and resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to think on their feet and use available resources to handle challenges in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: The joy of giving
Explanation: The story highlights the happiness Grandma receives from ensuring the family has a wonderful Christmas, despite the hurdles.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of selflessness and the positive feelings associated with helping others.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Grandma's determination to provide a joyful Christmas despite difficulties showcases her resilience.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to remain steadfast and optimistic no matter the obstacles they encounter.
Example Lesson: The importance of family support
Explanation: The story shows how the family comes together to support Grandma’s efforts, emphasizing collaborative family support.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and seek support from family members during challenging times.