When I Became Your Grandad
When I Became. Series
What’s inside...
The book 'When I Became Your Grandad' by Britta Teckentrup is a heartwarming story that explores the joy and love that blossoms when a person becomes a grandparent. Through beautiful illustrations and tender prose, the book captures the special bond between grandparents and their grandchildren, highlighting the continuity of family and the passing down of traditions, stories, and love across generations. In addition to the moving story, every page features gold foil, adding a touch of charm and magic to the illustrations. The narrative follows a little lion cub who cherishes the days spent with Grandad, where they engage in activities such as playing in the golden grass, watching rainbows, and snuggling up as night falls. Written by Susannah Shane with rhyming text and complemented by Britta Teckentrup's stunning artwork, this picture book serves as a beautiful tribute to the relationship between children and their grandfathers, making it an ideal gift.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the grandad felt when he first met his grandchild?
What are some ways the grandad shows his love for his grandchild in the story?
What's your favorite memory with your grandparents or an older family member?
Why do you think it's important for grandparents and grandchildren to spend time together?
How would you like to spend a day with your grandparent?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe their emotions and experiences related to the story. Validate their feelings and share your own recollections of family bonding to deepen the connection. Use the illustrations in the book to point out non-verbal expressions of love and care between the characters. Lastly, inspire creativity by asking your child to imagine different adventures they could have with their grandparents.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The Value of Family Bonds
Explanation: The book showcases the deep and loving relationship between a grandfather and his grandchild, emphasizing how these bonds provide comfort and joy.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and cherish the relationships with their grandparents, understanding the importance of family connections in providing emotional support and security.
Example Lesson: History and Continuity
Explanation: Through the storytelling of the grandfather about his own childhood, the book connects past and present, teaching children about the continuity of life and the importance of family history.
Real-World Application: Children can become more interested in their own family histories, asking questions about their ancestors and perhaps preserving these stories for future generations.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: As the grandchild learns more about his grandfather's past experiences, he develops a deeper understanding and empathy towards him.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to listen to and learn from the experiences of older generations, fostering empathy and deeper emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The book uses vivid illustrations and imaginative scenarios depicting the grandfather’s stories, sparking creativity and imagination in young readers.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to use their imagination to visualize stories and scenarios, aiding in creative thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Importance of Storytelling
Explanation: The grandfather's stories form a bridge between him and his grandchild, highlighting storytelling as a powerful means of communication and connection.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of sharing stories as a way to express themselves and connect with others, enhancing their communication skills and emotional expressiveness.