Just Like Grandma written by Kim Rogers and illustrated by Julie Flett is a wonderful story about the love between a granddaughter who is named Becca and her Grandma. Grandma is full of life, action and creativity and Becca wants to be just like her.
Grandma is first shown beading buckskin moccasins on her front steps-----much to the interest of Becca who asks her if she can try. “Grandma hands her thick thread and a thin needle. Together they bead until the sun dips below the tree line and Grandpa calls them in for corn soup.”
Similar scenes continue as Becca joins Grandma to dance like beautiful butterflies--- after which Grandpa calls them in for fried chicken.
Becca learns many things from Grandma such as how to paint spectacular sunrises. Becca also watches Grandma moving with beauty and passion as she dances Fancy Shawl at the weekend PowWow. And when it’s time for the intertribal, Grandma invites Becca to join her.
Then, Becca, who is getting ready for basketball tryouts, invites Grandma to play with her. And she does. As the story continues the reader fully understands the most important and lovely of things---- Grandma wants to be like Becca just as much as Becca wants to be like Grandma.
Grandpa also plays a significant role as he takes care of the kitchen rolling out corn soup, fried chicken, pancakes, beans, and fry bread.
The illustrations throughout this sweet story are captivating. Green, yellow, and red colors splash the story with visual action.
The Glossary, the Author’s Note, and the material about the significance of Beadwork beautifully supports this story about diversity and love.
Just Like Grandma written by Kim Rogers and illustrated by Julie Flett is a touching picture book for children 4-8 years of age and Grandmas just like me everywhere. (Heartdrum/HarperCollins)2023.
The Children’s Bookshelf is a production of WCMU. Links to the podcast and the Activity Questions can be found at Children’s Bookshelf dot org.
Activity Questions for Just Like Grandma
In this story Becca knows she can learn from and depend on Grandma. Do you have anyone who you learn from and depend on? Go to a quiet place and think about it. Then make a list of those people. Identify each person by writing a paragraph about each of them and how they encouraged you, befriended you, taught you and made a difference in your life. This will be a good start to keeping a personal diary.
Draw a picture of what you think are the most important things Becca learned from her Grandma. Show Becca actively watching, drawing, dancing and finally, doing. If you can, include yourself in the picture doing something that you learned from a special person.
Why does Grandma want to be like Becca? Think about this before you write an answer.
