Book Thoughts: Nana Upstairs & Nana Downstairs (dePaola)

• true story of author’s childhood
• a boy has a beautiful relationship with his grandmothers
• a gentle way to introduce to young readers to the reality of grief/loss
• the boy (author) thinks shooting stars are kisses from his grandmother
• a witch mentioned

Type: picture book
Ages: 4-8
Author/Illustrator: Tomie dePaola

The multi-generational component of this book is absolutely beautiful. The younger generations serving their elders, the children having respect and friendship with the seniors, etc.

This shouldn’t be the *only* book used to introduce children to the topic of death, since it’s secular and missing important biblical components, but it could definitely be one of them.

Knowing it’s a true story also helps with appreciating it.