About the Book
Title: GG and Mamela | Author: Belinda Brock | Illustrator: Avi Katz | Publication Date: April 15, 2014 | Publisher: Lamb Press | Pages: 32 | Recommended Ages: 4 to 10
Summary: This picture book celebrates the loving relationship between Lily and her great-grandmother (GG) as her life starts to slow and wind down in hospice. GG and Mamela illustrates how strength and comfort can be found through love, family and tradition. This book offers a gentle and open-ended way to start a conversation about death and dying, as well as introduce the concept of hospice care. The talented, award-winning artist, Avi Katz, provides beautifully-rendered illustrations that perfectly complement this heartwarming story. The book concludes with GG's recipe for chicken soup and an afterword by clinical psychologist Dr. Laura Brock.
Purchase
Amazon | Author Website
***My Personal Review***
A great childrens book on love and lossThe first thing that caught my eye in this book is the very first picture - it made me SMILE. And why you might ask? Because I realized it was a girl with her grandma (great grandma for this book) but they were sitting at a table having a tea party. I am 38 years old and lost my grandma who was like a second mother to me in 2001 so i know how much grandmothers should be treasured for everything they are worth :) mamelas relationship with her grandmother is basically the substance of the book, and the watercolor pictures are absolutely breathtaking! I really enjoyed the way mamela and her "GG" went places together and had fun, and the way they told others their relationship "I am mamela and this is my GG" :) I have a seven year old daughter who is a lot like mamela and she is just as close to my mother as I was to my grandmother. unfortunately as we read on we realize that the book itself is about a little girl dealing with the difficult fact that her grandmother is dying :( And I cried. When mamela offers to make her GG the soup they had made together it was heartbreaking. But this book is awesome for kids because it really does help teach them how to deal with loss and realize that even though they may have lost a loved one that loved one will always be with them no matter what BECAUSE of the love that exists between them.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to leave an honest review***
The Early Buzz
"...simple but emotionally resonant illustrations...a nice, true-to-life touch...The book pairs an ethereal illustration with lyrical text, which truly captures the healing, transporting power of music in this setting. A welcome addition to children's literature about death and dying." ~ Kirkus Reviews
"This book is beautifully written and illustrated. The author takes a difficult subject and weaves a story full of life lessons. The universal themes of life, death, family, loss,and chicken soup are shared through a child's eyes and remind us that even after one dies, love remains." ~ Jamie O'Malley, President and CEO, Midwest Palliative and Hospice CareCenter
"GG and Mamela is a large helping of Chicken Soup for the heart and soul. It helps children cope with the death of a loved one in gentle and understanding terms. Belinda Brock has done a great service for children and parents alike." ~ Rabbi Evan Moffic, Spiritual Leader of Congregation Solel and Author
"This is a WONDERFUL story for families who are grappling with loss, death and dying. This is a wonderful story about a special relationship between a girl and her great grandmother at the end of her beautiful life. Very moving story, perfect for children!!" ~ 5 Star Review, Laura, Goodreads
About the Author: Belinda Brock
Currently a writing coach and free-lance editor, Belinda Brock's background is in teaching and educational publishing. She loves the intersection of literature and art found in picture books and believes their appeal and benefit extend beyond childhood. She also enjoys farmers' markets, dreaming up soup recipes and Meatless Mondays. Although she didn't become a librarian as she once considered, she is the sponsor and steward of the Little Free Library in her city. She has been known to stay up past her bedtime reading. Belinda writes about literacy, children and books on her blog--grandbooking--at http://belindabrock.com and also at Highland Park Sun-Times where you can check out this great interview with Belinda.
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
GG and Mamela Blog Tour Schedule (2014)
May 8May 9
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* Blog Tour Giveaway *
Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)
Contest ends: June 6, 11:59 pm, 2014
Open: Internationally
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Belinda Brock and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.
I know, I totally wept too! It's just so well done and with such sensitivity. The artwork and text go so well together - such a beautiful book and I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for taking part in the GG and Mamela Blog Tour.
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