Grandma Heaven

by Shutta Crum, Ruth McNally Barshaw (Illustrator)

Heaven is a place where one can have fun. Or so thinks award-winning author Shutta Crum. When asked about death by one of her grandchildren, she imagined the perfect heaven. A place where grandmothers play hockey, have iguanas as pets, jump rope, find treasures at jumble sales, and keep a loving eye on grandchildren. Grandma Heaven, and its companion book, Grandpa Heaven, provide reassurance to young worriers that heaven is a happy place and that love never dies.

Genres: Picture Books

28 pages, Hardcover

Published June 27, 2023

About the author

Shutta Crum is bi-peninsular, spending half the year in Michigan and half the year in Florida. She is the author of three middle-grade novels and fifteen picture books, as well as many poems, magazine articles, and two poetry chapbooks for adults. Her books have made Bank Street College lists as well as state award lists. THUNDER-BOOMER! was an ALA and a Smithsonian Magazine “Notable Book” of the year. WHEN YOU GET HERE (poems for adults) won a gold Royal Palm Literary Award, (FL). She is also the author of two nearly wordless books MINE! and UH-OH! both published by Knopf. MINE! made the Texas 2X2 list and was a Crystal Kite Award winner for the illustrator Patrice Barton. Of MINE! the N. Y. Times said, “a delightful example of the drama and emotion that a nearly wordless book can convey.” In 2005 she was invited to read at the Easter Egg Roll at the White House. She is a retired librarian and now blogs regularly for the Florida Writers Association, writes a bimonthly column for the Fl. State Poetry Association magazine Of Poets & Poetry, and leads the Friday Follies writing group. In addition, she writes and publishes THE WORDSMITH’S PLAYGROUND, a monthly newsletter for writers. For more info: www.shutta.com

Reviews

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shutta Crum shines a spotlight on the gifts of grand parenting and encourages kids to share and laugh along. Grandma Heaven and Grandpa Heaven are perfect companions. Illustrations by Ruth McNally Barshaw are a pleasing blend of clever and diverse traits from special grandmas around the world. Heaven is shown as a soft, easy place to be. I know my grandkids will see me on some of the pages, even though I've never had a pet iguana, I do have a turtle. Yes, Grandmas and Grandpas can comfort and reassure from near or far. From silly imaginings to sensitive memories both are waiting to be shared in 'Grandma Heaven.'

[Anne V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully imaginative, deeply touching picture book by Shutta Crum, illustrated by Ruth McNally Barshaw. The book presents a wonderful "Grandma Heaven," with loads of fun, companionship, angels, pets, grandpas . . . everything grandmas need to be happy. And love! “. . . the best thing about it (Grandma Heaven) is that grandmas watch over all the grandchildren of the world. . . And if a child’s teardrop should fall on Earth, the memory of a grandma floats down to wrap the child in a hug.” This book is a treasure! Perfect for children and parents experiencing or anticipating the loss of a grandmother.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

For little ones who are missing their grandmas in heaven, this is the just right book. Grandma Heaven is filled with such cheerful, engaging details that kids will want to revisit this book again and again to imagine their grandmas enjoying this happy place. And it's good to know that the grandmas in Grandma Heaven are always still sending us love, in memories that can wrap around us like a hug. So good.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming and whimsical book about what Grandmas get up to in Heaven. A good one to use for discussions with children who have lost their Grandma. The illustrations are playful and there is much humor in this difficult and heartfelt subject. Pair with Grandpa Heaven.

[Stephanie Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet way to support a child who has lost a grandmother. This book reassures while still allowing a child to feel what they feel. I also love that it creates a fun place for a grandparent to be after they pass away.

[Rachel Rivenburgh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet book. It really helps to ease the sadness when losing a loved one.