The author of Mama, Do
You Love Me? presents a new book about the unconditional and unique love
between a grandmother and grandchild.
Set in Hawaii, Grandma Calls Me
Beautiful listens to a Grandmother explaining to her granddaughter why she is named 'Beautiful.' The watercolor illustrations show white sand beaches, turquoise water,
palm trees, and green mossy volcanoes in the background. The characters' faces
are depicted from two angles at once, so it may appear to readers as a frontal
view or a side view. Each angle is also a different skin color. Elements of the
Hawaiian culture are also weaved throughout the book, such as the granddaughter
calling her grandmother "Tutu," the character's floral print attire, and
Hawaiian-themed similes; "You're bright as a kukui torch, your breath is sweet
as breadfruit pudding, and your skin is soft as kappa cloth."
The book shows the important role storytelling can play in
bonding, so tell your own story of love and family
history to your little one. Odds are, their questions will guide you along.
This is the perfect snuggle time book; the pictures show the pair playing,
hugging, and nestling. Also, there
is a glossary at the end of the book, telling about the Hawaiian words and
traditions mentioned within the book, which is particularly helpful for the
Hawaiian words that are spelled authentically.
My niece Emily loved the large red flowers in the characters' hair. She asked why
there were flowers in the woman's hair, and when I said, that is a Hawaiian
custom, Emily wistfully said, "I wish I had Hawaiian hair." Later that
afternoon, we picked flowers in the garden and I braided some into her hair.
She was so proud!
--Audra