An Old Lady


I was on my way upstairs at the library when I met up with a mother and daughter coming down. The little girl was probably 10 or 11 and was on my side of the staircase. The mom told her to move out of the way, which she did, and I continued up as they continued down.

A few seconds later as they reached a place that I am assuming the mother thought I couldn't hear her, she said, "Honey, that was an old lady and you need to be considerate."

An old lady!

Well, I have to admit I wasn't all that insulted, because after all, I have reached my "golden years."  Besides that, being an old lady isn't all bad. For one thing, I get to enjoy a fabulous granddaughter and adorable great-nieces and nephews. I am enjoying retirement and, in fact, I am writing this post while cuddled up with my pups!

One of the first books describing the relationship between children and "old people" that I came across several years ago was Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge written by Mem Fox and illustrated by Julie Vivas.

"His house was next door to the old people's home and he knew all the people who lived there." Wilfrid asks his parents "what is a memory?" and he is upset when he learns that Miss Nancy has lost hers. He decides to help Miss Nancy find her memory and takes mementos to her to help her recall her childhood and life.
"And the two of them smiled and smiled because Miss Nancy's memory had been found again by a small boy who wasn't very old either."
It's an oldie, but still a great read.

Here are some other good reads to help children ( and grown ups) appreciate the bond between young and old.

The Grannyman written and illustrated by Judith Byron Schachner, pays homage to a very old feline named Simon. He is beginning to fail as he grows older so his family decides to give him a kitten to take care of. This gives him lots to do and lots to look forward to and gives him a brand new name. (Hence, the grannyman title.)

More, More, More Said the Baby, by Vera Williams.

This book is described as a tribute to babies and people who love them. "Then the little guy's daddy brings that baby right up close and gives that little guy's belly a kiss right in the middle of the belly button."  "More," laughs the little guy. "More, More, More."

A new discovery and one I have added to my favorites list is, Our Granny, written by Margaret Wild, illustrated by Julie Vivas. This is a story written from the viewpoint of the grandchildren and has some really great descriptions of their granny!

"Some grannies have...
thin legs
fat knees
bristly chins
interesting hair
crinkly eyes
friendly smiles
or big soft laps.
Our granny has a wobbly bottom."


That's all for now.
Check back later!

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