BookDragon Blog

Pictures tell a thousand words … although really, no words could adequately capture the love between generations, especially between grandparents and their grandchildren. Just look at this cover …

This heartwarming title begins with all the different ways to say “Grandfather” and “Grandmother” throughout the world, with an assortment of caring pictures to illustrate that special multi-generational bond. Then the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu steps in with wise words of loving wisdom: “Grandchildren are a wonderful gift. They allow us to see the world, once again, through the eyes of a child. … Their joyful innocent awakes the child in us and gives us hope for the future.” He also offers gentle reminders: “As grandparents we also bear important responsibilities. … If we do our job well, our grandchildren will grow to have open minds and open hearts. … The love and support we give our grandchildren helps safeguard their future – and makes the world a better place.” Oh, if only if were that easy …

A co-production of the Global Fund for Children, the three authors honor grandparents throughout the world, offering a book-end spread of “Five Things to Do with Your Grandparents” to strengthen bonds. Also included is a map of the world, with the represented countries colored in … images originating from Africa, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Middle East, and Southeast Asia are disappointingly sparse. A bit more diversity would certainly have found greater appreciation.

That said, with all the racially-divided hardships and historical challenges Americans have faced (and continue to face), only in America (at least amidst these images) can you find a picture of a Caucasian grandmother holding her clearly mixed African American granddaughter. As the parents of young hapa children, that certainly spoke to me as a welcoming sign of making the world a better place …  truly the future is with our children.

Readers: Children (and their grandparents!)

Published: 2010