What Will You Be, Grandma?

Many of us remember Newman’s little LOVE books. Here Nanette expands a question posed to her by a grandchild, Lily, into a book of endearing and lasting quality. It comprises a conversation entirely held between a little girl and her Grandma. Chichester Clark’s distinctive illustrative style is eminent throughout, in the appealing characterisation of the children, although her usual bright rainbow hues are muted here adding greatly to the warmth of the book as a whole. The questions and responses are adeptly handled. It is obvious that both grandma and grandchild are listening to each other as they build up a meaningful conversation from Lily’s initial query. Flights of fancy abound, previous shared experiences are recalled to enhance imaginative scenarios. There’s an intimate, cosy ending, Grandma lovingly saying what she’d really like to be is Lily’s grandmother.