A Grandma's Magic

by Charlotte Offsay, Asa Gilland (Illustrator)

A picture book celebrating grandmas and all that makes them magic, ideal for fans of How to Babysit a Grandma.

When a child is born, a grandma is born too. Grandmas aren't like regular grown-ups. Grandmas are filled with magic.

In this charming picture book tribute to grandmas, a grandma's magic bursts through the door as soon as she comes to visit and can be seen in every wonderful thing she does: playing, exploring, baking, gardening, and in all the many ways a grandma and grandchild connect.

Filled with adorable scenes featuring a diversity of grandmas and their grandkids, this is a book that will families can enjoy together. Grandmas will love snuggling with their grandchildren as they share their love and magic through cuddles, kisses, and many repeat readings.

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Childrens, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published April 5, 2022

About the author

Charlotte Offsay was born in England, grew up in Boston, and currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two small children. Born into a family with a love of travel and adventure, Charlotte enjoys exploring new places and cultures. She is a former corporate finance client specialist who now spends her days caring for her family, volunteering in her local community, traveling, and using her experiences to fuel her true passion: writing.

Through her work, Charlotte hopes to make children laugh, to inspire curiosity, and to create a magical world her readers can lose themselves in time and time again.

Her debut picture book, The Big Beach Cleanup, will be published by Albert Whitman in March 2021, followed by How to Return a Monster releasing Fall 2021 with Beaming Books. A Grandma's Magic, will be published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers/Penguin Random House in Spring 2022.

For more information visit www.charlotteoffsay.com. She is represented by Nicole Geiger at Full Circle Literary.

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Reviews

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet story about the power of a grandma to make everything snug and safe and right. With all that happens in this world every day, it’s a delight to see this warm, kind, fun portrayal of the relationship a grandma has with her precious grandchildren! Five stars and a million thanks!

[Amanda Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Grandma's Magic is just plain magical! As a new mom, the first line of the story really grabbed me, "When a child is born... a grandma is born, too." So beautiful and so true! Offsay's heartfelt and lyrical refrain of 'a grandma's magic' cleverly emphasizes all the different ways grandma's are special. Gilland's soft yet detailed and diverse illustrations complement the magic, emotion and whimsy of the text perfectly. I can't wait to gift this to our daughter from her Grammy! A beautiful story of family love and all the ways we carry this love with us always. Thank you Doubleday Books for Young Readers for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Christine Zandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfect book for grandmothers and grandkids to snuggle together and read. It shows all the ways grandmothers from everywhere bond with their grandkids, creating cherished moments.

The art portrays different grandmothers in various locations. The colors are upbeat and capture the special times together such as cooking, gardening, or sewing.

Overall, a lovely and uplifting book.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this adorable book!! The language sings with rhythm, the art is beautiful, and the story is as sweet as a hug from grandma. An amazing book that honors the magic of grandmothers. And the heartwarming ending is perfect.

[Jessica Kulekjian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Grandma’s Magic is so special! It’s the kind of book that stands up to repeat reads and new discoveries with each turn or return of the page. The storytelling between the heartwarming lyrical text and the incredible illustrations of children paired with their special grandma, invites the reader to explore one of the most tender and treasured relationships for many children.

My own gratitude grows as I can relate to the various ways grandmas impacted my or my kids’ life (baking, sewing, exploring, collecting treasures, etc.). This book inspires me to want to grow up and become a grandma that can create this kind of magic in young people’s lives.

A Grandma’s Magic makes a perfect gift for any grandchild, grandma, or soon-to-be grandma. I just hope there will be a sequel and we will see A Grandpa's Magic hit the shelves too. Highly Recommend!

[Anne Wynter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so beautiful! A Grandma's Magic illustrates of how grandmothers can be a magical presence in a child's life. The illustrations show grandmothers gardening, baking, exploring and and snuggling with their grandkids. My favorite part is the ending, which addresses what many kids experience - sadness when their grandma has to go back home. I won't spoil the end, but it's sweet, imaginative and comforting. This is a great book for kids, but it's not just for little ones - I'm already planning to gift it to my children's grandmothers!

[Ashley Belote · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, much like a grandma, is magic!!! Not only is this story super sweet, but it immediately becomes "your" story. You can place yourself right into this book and relate to the experiences discussed throughout. It takes you down memory lane and produces an emotional response that's absolutely lovely. The artwork is fun and vibrant, it’s a perfect companion to the narrative. There are a lot of active scenes that make you want to pause and take in every inch of the spread. Just like a grandma's love, this story will stay with you. 5 stars and a must read!

[Karen Yin · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When a child is born…a grandma is born too." Aww-some from beginning to end, this story captures the profound love and connection that the best grandparents can have with their grandchildren. To me, the signature magic that grandmas infuse in everything seems to be part inspiration, part memories, and part everlasting bond. I love the diversity of representation in the charming illustrations, in which the characters (and the stuffed animals) express their beautiful connection through their eyes and what they give attention to. A Grandma's Magic is certain to be a big hit with grandmas (who I believe are ferocious picture book buyers) and non-grandmas alike!

[Sarah Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so beautiful in every way! It begins with the wonderful premise, “When a child is born…a grandma is born too”. The lyrical text and gorgeous illustrations work perfectly together to show all the many ways that grandmothers are magical - from transforming everyday activities into great adventures, to making things better with the type of hug only grandmas can give. The illustrations show a diverse group of grandmas and kids. We often gift books to parents-to-be; what a perfect gift this would be for a new grandma – or from one! Sweet, playful, and moving. Highly recommend!

[Ellen Leventhal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely book about the magic of grandmas, but even more about the magical bond between grandparents and grandchildren. Grandma's magic bursts through the door as soon as she enters and continues while she does everyday activities with her grandchild. But with Grandma, these activities are magical! The illustrations add to the feeling of magic and show a diverse group of grandmas and grandchildren. As a grandmother myself, I cannot wait to read this with my grandchildren. It's a beautiful book!

[Joan Marr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! It's a beautiful, heartwarming ode to the magic of grandmas and a lovely glimpse into the special relationships they have with their grandkids. The illustrations are full of life and warmth and the lyrical, sweet text brings the reader close to many different kinds of grandmas with many different hobbies, interests, and ways of connecting with their families. This will make a special gift either for or from a grandmother.

[Norene Paulson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a relatively new grandma, this book not only tugged at my heart but wrapped it in a huge hug as well. A truly magical story about the special magical bond between grandmas and their grand babies. As I read and reread the lyrical text, memories of my mother and her relationship with my two boys rushed back at me...playing "balloon", jumping off the stairs onto the sofa (only allowed when Grandma was babysitting and then only because I didn't know it was happening...:), and I immediately knew this is the kind of magically relationship I hope to replicate with my own grandson. I highly recommend this sweet, sweet book for anyone who is a grandma or for anyone who knows a special grandma. Perfect for gift-giving!

[Sita Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartwarming book! This story is a warm celebration of the magic grandmas bring to the lives of children. Written in lovely, lyrical text, it features a diversity of grandmas and their grandkids while showing a variety of special moments a grandmother might have with her grandkid. The illustrations are truly magical and capture the heart of the story. This beautiful book of intergenerational love is excellent for gifting! I highly recommend!

[Serena Gingold Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly magical story that conjures up memories of grandmas and their uniqueness—even if a grandma is long gone. I enjoyed this book as much as my kiddos did. It captures just how grandmas make you feel and makes you wish for a nice long visit. The illustrations are warm and inviting and l love how different all the grandmas are. This beautiful book will not disappoint you. A perfect gift for your kids for after grandma goes home or a gift for grandma next time you go to visit.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this book says it all! The colorful illustrations and the wonderful storyline will leave you with feelings of nostalgia and a smile.
📖 What makes Grandma so special? Why her magic of course! Everyone’s Grandma is a little different but the love and memories you share is almost always the same: magical!
📖 I adore the illustrations and the color palette for this book. They perfectly capture all of the different relationships between a grandmother and her grandchild.
What made your grandma magical? I was lucky to have two: one that shared her love for gardening and quilting and one that played make believe and took me swimming!

[Jen Fier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Offsay’s tender words and Gilland’s dynamic illustrations pair to create a heartfelt story and gift book. I love when picture books feature an active, engaged grandmother- and this book features MANY! Whatever makes you think of your grandmother- from baking pies and sewing to climbing trees and rummaging through the toolbox- the vignettes are sure to inspire nostalgia for a grandmother figure in your life.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this magical book about Grandmas! It would make the perfect gift for a first-time grandma or couple expecting their first child to read to them later. Beautiful text and gorgeous illustrations remind us of timeless truths, like "a grandma's magic has no schedule." This ode to grandmas is unique and special, a perfect addition to any home.

[Sophia Gholz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this book hits the sweet spot! Grandmas are magical and this book captures it all. The text is a loving ode to all grandmas everywhere, while the illustrations perfectly pair and capture the heart. This is an excellent book for celebrating extended family and for gifting!

[Deb Adamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tender book about the magic a grandmother brings to a child's life. This ode to the special bond is written with wording that feels lyrical and poetic. Offsay relies on the active illustrations to bring the story to life. Grandmas will want to cuddle up and read this one on repeat!

[Kirsten Pendreigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet story begins with adorable grand-babies and grandmas and a gorgeous opening line: “When a baby is born, a grandma is born too.” Readers are shown the magical way grandmas make grandchildren feel special and the way they make ordinary days feel magical. A perfect pick for grandmas and little ones to read together!

[Laura Lavoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning ode to the magical powers of a grandmother's love. "When a child is born, a grandma is born too". So begins this beautiful book about all the adventures children have with their grandmas. The gorgeous illustrations depict beach days, baking, planting, and more. Paired with Charlotte Offsay's wonderful text, this sweet story will make you want to wrap your grandma in a warm hug.

[Michal Babay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book IS magical! It brings the special love and magic of a grandma right into your home, and your heart. This book is made to be read with snuggles and hugs. What a wonderful book filled with the magic of grandmas.

[Tootie Nienow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is truly magical. It begs to be read over and over. The story weaves between specific to general times and events with grandma, so any child can see his or her grandma in this story. Grandchildren will love to inspect the tiny details in the illustrations. I especially love the spread with all the beach treasures and how closely both grandma and grandchild are engrossed in one shell together. I need to buy multiple copies.

[Charlotte Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story from the first line, "When a child is born...a grandma is born too." Whimsical, energetic illustrations celebrate the power of ALL grandmas. A perfect gift. Brava, Charlotte and Asa!

[AEB · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When a child is born . . . a grandma is born too." This lovely, lyrical book by Charlotte Offsay explores all the things that make Grandmas so magical. From scooping you up and away to adventure, conquering new heights, uncovering new wonders and taming wild beasts--Grandmas can do it all. This charming ode to Grandmas is full of heart and the most adorable illustrations. I highly recommend it!

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming text and warm illustrations make this an ideal gift for first-time grandparents!

[Read Ribbet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Offsay says that when a new child is born so is a grandma and her book celebrates all the ways grandmothers are magical in a child's life. It's the perfect book to give to a new grandmother or for a grandmother o give to her new grandchild.

[Jennifer Buchet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A close friend of mine recently became a grandma and I'm pretty sure author Charlotte Offsay mirrored her character off of my friend! There really is nothing quite like a gran's cuddle or knowing smile. My friend really enjoys reading this book with her grandbaby and of course, being just like the gran in this book! Cute illustrations and lyricism throughout!

[DL · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book hits all the right notes. Tender, sweet, fun, magical... everything a grandma is. I can't wait to gift it to all the grandmas I know. So lovely!!

[Jeni Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story that celebrates and captures the magic of grandmas everywhere! Love the illustrations too!