As I mentioned in my last post, there was recently a blog sharing event about picture books that I completely enjoyed. I’m still trying to make my way through all of the outstanding entries. Carrie Gelson of There is a Book for That posted a great list of books that showed connections across generations. I really enjoyed that list, in part because we had recently discovered this gem – How to Take Your Grandmother to the Museum.
This book is told from the perspective of a little girl who loves spending time and exploring with her grandma. Grandma exposes the girl to all sorts of “interesting places,” but it turns out that grandma has never been to the Museum of Natural History. The little girl has just been there on a class field trip and now she would like to share something new with her grandmother.
What follows is a marvelous adventure through the Museum of Natural History. From Dinosaur Hall to the dioramas, from the Hall of Ocean Life to rocks and gems and from bugs to human biology, this is an awesome tour of the museum for those who are unable to get there themselves. Since we are also planning a NY trip, this is a great way for J to be excited when I suggest going to this museum.
What makes this book even more wonderful is that it was written by a grandmother/granddaughter team. Lois Wyse has written many adult books about being a grandmother, but her grand-daughter Molly got the idea about the story as she enjoyed the museum and her grandmother truly had never been. Molly was 10 at the time (1998). J read this book multiple times when we got it from the library and I hope it will be on her mind when we visit the actual museum too.
I am so pleased that you found some titles in my #pb10for10 post This is a book I will look for – looks like a lot of fun! I love Marie Louise Gay’s illustrations!
This grandma loved taking J and E to the museum in L.A.