The Intergenerational Library

Rachel Carson Sense of Wonder Contest

2012-02-01T08:00:00.001-08:00

2012 marks the 40th anniversary of the world changing Clean Water Act. To commemorate this legislation and Rachel Carson's involvment in raising awareness and appreciation for the natural world, the Environmental Protection Agency has announced an intergenerational "Sense of Wonder" project.

This year's project will celebrate a "Sense of Water." Teams 2 or more, composed of an older adult and young person, will express the beauty and wonder of lakes, rivers, streams, oceans, and waterfalls through either poetry, essay, photography, or dance.

Visit The Rachel Carson Sense of Wonder Contest webpage for more information about the contest, and this webpage for more information about Rachel Carson!

Children's Book Review: Say Hello, Lily

2011-06-28T12:18:00.000-07:00

Deborah Lakritz. Say Hello, Lily. Illustrated by Martha Aviles. Minneapolis, MN: KAR-BEN, 2010. ISBN: 9780761345114.

When five year old Lily joins her mother on a volunteer trip to Shalom House she shyly meets her former neighbor Mrs. Rosenbaum in her new home. On their way in Lily’s mother introduces her to other residents at Shalom House including Mrs. Seidel and Dr. Berman, who make Lily feel welcomed by telling her about their earlier work as a shoe saleswoman and a dentist. Remembering Mrs. Rosenbaum’s art studio filled with paintings, Lily reluctantly approaches Mrs. Rosenbaum asking her mother, “Do you think she will still have the painting of the lilies?”

On their visit to Shalom House the following week, although she is not ready to talk Lily joins Mrs. Seidel, Dr. Berman and Mrs. Rosenbaum in their exercise class. By the third visit while celebrating May birthdays with residents Lily smiles and talks. This inspires her to handcraft invitations for her new friends to join her upcoming sixth birthday party. When the day arrives, Lily and her parents bring the party to Shalom House with cake, punch and balloons for Lily and her guests to enjoy. Afterwards Mrs. Rosenbaum presents a memorable gift to Lily, her favorite painting of the orange flowers, her namesake. Lily excitedly asks Mrs. Rosenbaum to teach her how to draw flowers.

This uplifting story shows the power of intergenerational kindness as the older adults at Shalom House give Lily the time she needs to learn about them as individuals. Mrs. Rosenbaum speaks wisely early in the story to Lily’s mother, “She’ll be ready when she’s ready.” She empowers Lily to decide when she is comfortable talking and beginning art lessons. As Lily connects with the residents personally she begins to see them as friends with whom she can share something as special as her birthday.
With an uncommon perspective on intergenerational friendship matched with characterful illustrations and accessible narrative, this picture book is highly recommended for public and school libraries, preschools, daycares and other organizations working with children ages 3-8. Families can positively explore concepts with children including assisted living, aging, and multigenerational relationships.

Reviewed by Charity Leonette, Community Partnerships Coordinator, Allegheny County Library Association. This is a preprint of an article submitted for consideration in the Journal of Intergenerational Relationships © 2011 Taylor & Francis; the Journal of Intergenerational Relationships is available online at: http://www.tandfonline.com/. The definitive version was published in Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, Volume 9 Issue 2, April 2011. doi:10.1080/15350770.2011.567923 (http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15350770.2011.567923).

ACLA Intergenerational Academy | Summer Programs

2011-05-05T19:18:00.000-07:00

As part of the ACLA Intergenerational Academy, we are pleased to announce the following opportunity:

Create Together: An Intergenerational Art Program
Create Together is a six-week art series for children entering grades 3 through 6 and older adults to collaborate through the artistic process. Each 2 hour workshop is taught by a local artist introducing participants to various media. The workshops will take place from 10 am to 12 pm on weekdays. All workshops start in mid-June (the week of June 13 or 20) and will run for six consecutive weeks. Workshop size should be 10-12 participants (5-6 children; 5-6 older adults returning each week). Participants are asked to commit to at least 5 or the 6 weeks. Most past participants have not known each other in advance; grandparents and grandchildren are also welcome.

On Sunday, August 7 a collaborative art exhibit will be hosted at the Brew House Association, Studio 101. Hosting libraries are asked to commit to 2-3 hours on Saturday, August 6 to help prepare the gallery for the final show and attend the exhibit for participant recognition.

Each hosting library will be responsible for sharing and collecting brief pre- and post-surveys and photo release forms to participants; providing a list of participant names and total attendance; collecting weekly artwork with participant names until the exhibit; and completing a concluding library survey. Hosting libraries will also be responsible for creating a local follow up intergenerational program that will engage art program participants as well as new participants.

Library nominations will be accepted through Tuesday, May 10. Selected libraries will be notified before May 15. To nominate your library email leonettec [at] einetwork.net with answers to the questions below.

In partnership with the Brew House Association
(Summer; Weekly; Up to $300 in supplies purchased by library)

Intergenerational PALS Book Clubs
The Intergenerational PALS Book Clubs are open to high school students in grades 9-12 and older adults to foster intergenerational discussion and connections within each hosting community. Clubs meet monthly late in the third week or early in the fourth week. Books arrive on the 1st of each month including 10 trade paperbacks, 2 large print (when available) and 1 audio book with discussion resources.

Hosting libraries are asked to connect with their local high schools as well as provide feedback including monthly attendance and book title suggestions from readers. Library nominations are taken on an ongoing basis.

In partnership with the Highmark PALS (People Able to Lend Support) Program
(Ongoing; Monthly; No Cost)

Nomination Questions
To nominate your library email leonettec [at] einetwork.net with answers to the following questions. For more information call Charity Leonette.

Library & requesting staff member names
Preferred start date
What audiences, organizations or individuals are you currently working with who could participate in or support an intergenerational program? (for example a teen advisory board, school, senior center, assisted living facility, other library staff members)
Where to you see programs and services to youth and older adults in the next 5-10 years?
What vision do you have for intergenerational programming at your library? (includes intentional and purposeful collaborations between children or teens and older adults on series or ongoing basis)
If you could create any intergenerational program or services (with no staffing or budgetary restrictions), what would it be?

The Legacy Project

2011-05-04T08:55:00.000-07:00

This Toronto, Canada, and Washington, DC, based organization is bringing together the generations particularly with their program Across Generations. They offer free online activities and guides, award-winning books and DVDs, workshops, essay contests, exhibits, community programs, and more. Across Generations resources are available online a wealthy resource and ready-made intergenerational activities.

The Legacy Project works with children, teens, adults, and elders. Our three banner programs reflect the three levels at which you develop your legacy through your lifetime. LifeDreams explores individual potential and creating your life. Across Generations explores our connections with others and encourages closer relationships between generations.

Create, Connect, Change with the Legacy Project at www.legacyproject.org.

National & International Intergenerational Projects

2011-04-21T10:43:00.000-07:00

The Eisner Prize for Intergenerational Excellence has generated big picture thinking about ACLA's work over almost ten years in connecting local public libraries with the powerful idea of intergenerational programming and relationships.

So what else great is going on out there? Here are a few programs we found:

Resource Guides

TOGETHER: Guide of Ideas for Planning and Implementing Intergenerational Project MATES Project (2009)

Intergenerational Community as Intervention Annie E. Casey Foundation (2005)

Children's Book Review: My Abuelita

2011-03-25T13:16:00.000-07:00

Tony Johnston. My Abuelita. Illustrated by Yuyi Morales. New York, NY: Harcourt Children’s Books, 2009. ISBN: 978-0-15-216330-3.

Morning adventures of a grandmother, abuelita, and grandson preparing for the day’s work explode with imagination in this vibrant picture book. A loving abuelita and caregiver involves her grandson in her stretching, humming, yodeling, and breakfast making. When Abuelita is dressed and the car is packed with props, then they are ready to go. Her young grandson looks forward to the day when he can be as his creative grandmother, a storyteller.

The movements of this expressive story demonstrate a strong intergenerational bond between a talented grandmother modeling acceptance and self-confidence to her grandson. Even with hair the ‘color of salt’ and face ‘as crinkled as a dried chile’ Abuelita transcends aging stereotypes with vitality.

The vivid colors and textures fill the double-page spreads uniquely illustrated using digital photographs of polymer clay, wire, felting wool, acrylic paints, fabric, wood, metals and Mexican crafts. Spanish words and their meanings are introduced throughout the story. Ages 4-8.

Reviewed by Charity Leonette, Community Partnerships Coordinator, Allegheny County Library Association. This review was printed in The Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, Vo. 8 (4) 2010. Available online at www.taylorandfrancisgroup.com. ISSN: 1535-0770.

Hope During Grief: Some Picture Books

2010-08-18T13:59:00.000-07:00

Recently I looked through picture books in our countywide library system looking with intergenerational themes of hope during grief. Here are a few titles related to grieving the loss of a grandparent. I now have my eyes open for other titles that show older adults helping children through the grieving process, shown in Jacqueline Woodson's book Sweet, Sweet Memory.

Anna's Corn by Barbara Santucci
Illustrated by Lloyd Bloom

Blackberry Stew by Isabell Monk
Illustrated by Janic Lee Porter

Bluebird Summer by Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrated by Bethanne Anderson

Grandad Bill's Song by Jane Yolen
Illustrated by Melissa Bay Mathis

The Grandad Tree by Trish Cooke
Illustrated by Sharon Wilson

Grandma's Purple Flowers by Adjoa J. Burrowes

In the Piney Woods by Roni Schotter
Illustrated by Kimberly Bulcken Root

Remembering Grandpa by Uma Krishnaswami
Illustrated by Layne Johnson

Sweet, Sweet Memory by Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrated by Floyd Cooper

Thank You, Grandpa by Lynn Plourde
Illustrated by Jason Cockcroft

Turtle Girl by Carole Crowe
Illustrated by Jim Postier

Intergenerational Programs Online Course

2010-08-12T11:29:00.000-07:00

Announcement of University of Pittsburgh’s Introduction to Intergenerational Programs Online Course

“Introduction to Intergenerational Programs” is an online interactive experience based upon the 13-year success of Generations Together Intergenerational Training Institute at the University of Pittsburgh. This interesting course is designed to help students develop skills needed for success in the creation and management of intergenerational programs. Students read course materials, complete online assignments, discuss content with fellow students and instructors and follow step-by-step procedures to complete the six units of this 13-week course. The schedule is September 5 - December 12, 2010. This course stands alone or may be used as the first step in acquiring an Intergenerational Specialist Certificate.

For complete information, visit http://jir.ucsur.pitt.edu and click on “Interactive On-line Course” near the top tight of our homepage under “JIR Spotlight,” or contact Sally Newman, newmans@pitt.edu, Emerita Professor/Course Coordinator, 412-648-7155.

For application/registration, contact Tracy Soska, tsssw@pitt.edu, or Darlene Davis, drn8@pitt.edu, at the University of Pittsburgh Continuing Education School of Social work, 412-624-3711 or 412-624-6902 or visit www.socialwork.pitt.edu.

The Journal of Intergenerational Relationships also has a call for papers from intergenerational shared sites. They would love to have a library actively providing a variety of ongoing intergenerational programs submit a field article. Here is the call for papers. It would be wonderful to discover a library which could be a model nationally and internationally.

Intergenerational PALS Book Clubs

2010-06-29T10:41:00.001-07:00

This summer ACLA and our partners at the Highmark PALS (People Able to Lend Support) Program are piloting two Intergenerational PALS Book Clubs hosted by the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - Beechview. Titles in the pilot include Flush by Carol Hiaasen, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and The Giver by Lois Lowry. We look forward to seeing how these pilot discussions with students and older adults take off this summer. Visit each libraries website for discussion meeting dates and times.

The Andrew Carnegie Free Library posted the following helpful questions and answers on their website to promote the program.

What is it? The Intergenerational book club is a group of teens (Grades 6-12) and adults who share discussions about the same book.

Who should join? Teens and Adults interested in reading and sharing their opinions.

Why should you join? To share your love of reading with others and tell other people what you think. Teens can also earn community service hours for school.

When does the book club happen? June, July, and August. The book discussions will take place on July 1 at 11:30, July 29 at 11:30, and our August meeting to be determined!

How do I join? Just drop by the library and ask for a copy of the intergenerational book club book. Then come to the book club and share your thoughts. If you can’t make it to the book club discussion you can participate remotely through the library’s webpage.

Where is all of this fun happening?
Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall
300 Beechwood Ave Carnegie, PA 15106
www.carnegiecarnegie.com

Want more information?
Call 412-276-3456 x 8 or email Erin at tipping@einetwork.net

Children's Book Review: The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place

2010-06-29T09:10:00.001-07:00

E.L. Konigsburg. The Outcast of 19 Schuyler Place. New York, NY: Atheneum, 2004. ISBN: 0689866364.

Precocious 12-year-old Margaret Rose Kane's summer adventures with her Hungarian uncles begin after Uncle Alex Rose with his truffle-hunting dog, Tartufo, rescue her from Camp Talequa while her parents travel in Peru. At 19 Schuyler Place, Margaret enjoys her uncles' Old World ways and their three backyard towers created piece by piece and jeweled with glass, crystal, porcelain, and old clock parts over the course of 45 years. After Margaret discovers the city council's plans to remove the towers, she orchestrates saving the historic masterpieces together with Jacob Kaplan, a local artist and the camp director's son.

Life and love abound between Margaret and her "granduncles." Uncles Morris and Alex fondly call Margaret, their sister's namesake, edes Margitkam, my sweet Margaret. She relishes time with her watchmaker uncles who tell family and local stories while they cook Hungarian favorites in the kitchen. With great humor, Newbery Medal winning author E. L. Koningsburg captures the affinity between Margaret Rose, her uncles, Jacob and the others whose lives they illuminate. As Uncle Alex tells her, "You have a time and our side of history," (p. 132) and "the choices of a single person can change future history" (p. 164). Readers may also enjoy the earlier companion novel, Silent to the Boone, for ages 9-12.

Reviewed by Charity Leonette, Community Partnerships Coordinator, Allegheny County Library Association. This review was printed in The Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, Vo. 8 (2) 2010. Available online at www.taylorandfrancisgroup.com. ISSN: 1535-0770.

The 24th Thing

2009-10-02T09:59:00.000-07:00

Helene Blowers visited us today to talk about the 24th Thing. Among many wonderful points made was the role of librarians as facilitators in the shared discovery process. We are creating the future of libraries, the lifebrary as Helene talked about! Enjoy her presentation by visiting her blog, LibraryBytes.

The library as a place for inspiration and innovation for the community, particularly the local community, relates to all generations. How can we gather then display 'deeply local' community information in ways that others can act as contributors and curators?

Children's Book Review: Goin’ Someplace Special

2009-07-07T12:49:00.000-07:00

Patricia C. McKissack. Goin’ Someplace Special. Illustrator Jerry Pinkney. New York: Atheneum, 2001.

Follow ’Tricia Ann on her poignant journey in Goin’ Someplace Special, a Coretta Scott King Book Award winner for excellence in illustration. Mama Frances empowers her granddaughter ’Tricia Ann to triumph over deep prejudice in the 1950s segregated South. ’Tricia Ann travels with perseverance on her first solo trip through Nashville to a uniquely liberating “Someplace Special,” the public library. The recollection of Mama Frances’s model of confidence, respect, and steadfastness keep ’Tricia Ann walking on to her final destination. As a parenting grandparent, Mama Frances equips ’Tricia Ann for the reality of the world with the strength of independent learning and autonomous thinking. “Those signs can tell us where to sit, but they can’t tell us what to think,” she tells her granddaughter.
Watercolor and pencil illustrations capture ’Tricia Ann’s big steps in the world, which the author notes, parallel events of her own childhood. This book has also been recognized as an ALA Notable Book and received Parents’
Choice Award. Ages 4–8.

Reviewed by Charity Leonette, Special Services Coordinator, Allegheny County Library Association. This review was printed in a special issue of The Journal of Intergenerational Relationships focused on Grandparents and other Relatives as Parents, Vo. 7(2-3) 2009. Available online at www.taylorandfrancisgroup.com. ISSN: 1535-0770.

RSVP Programs Inspire the Generations

2009-01-14T10:42:00.000-08:00

Another website with program resources:

RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) of Dane County offers intergenerational programs including Foster Grandparents, folk arts fairs, tutoring and mentoring, classroom helper, and reading buddies and computer buddies.

Our local RSVP of Allegheny County connects older adults with a variety of intergenerational volunteer opportunities including Foster Grandparents, Beginning with Books, The First Tee of Pittsburgh, and more.

Thanks again to Tim Salony from the Blair County Library System for sharing the RSVP of Dane County program link.

Forthcoming Book

2009-01-07T09:06:00.000-08:00

Thought this would interest those of you who like to read up on intergenerational studies. The book is to be released this month. I plan to get my hands on a copy!

The Binding Tie: Chinese Intergenerational Relations in Modern Singapore

Intergenerational Programs and Aging

2008-12-16T08:45:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Tim Salony of the Blair County Library System for pointing out this great resource.

Penn State's Agricultural & Extension Education offers this great webpage on Intergenerational Programs and Aging. Find program ideas, articles, resources, initiatives from around the globe and more.

Get a Clue About Art

2008-12-05T06:11:00.000-08:00

Last summer, the Allegheny County Library Association, Andrew Bayne Memorial Library, and Brew House Association, a local arts organization, piloted a six-week intergenerational art program bringing together older adults and youth for art workshops and a gallery exhibit.

This program included sculpting, collage, drawing, fabrics, acrylic painting and watercolor painting. Each 1.5 hour weekly workshop featured one artist and their media, exposing participants to a variety of shared experiences.

Over 60 pieces of artwork were included in the exhibit a few weeks after the concluding workshop. All works created by the participants in the project and works submitted by the workshop artists were exhibited professionally in the Brew House Gallery, Space 101 for a Sunday afternoon exhibit.

Because of the success of this pilot and the continued interest for our partners at BHA, the program has been replicated in four libraries the summer of 2008 with extended 2 hour workshops and a collaborative gallery exhibit with works from participants and artists at all four libraries.

We look forward to continuing the program with summer particularly with the summer reading club theme of Be Creative @ Your Library. To learn more about this program, contact Charity Leonette, Special Services Coordinator, Allegheny County Library Association.

Sprouting Together

2008-12-05T05:52:00.000-08:00

The Altoona Area Public Library recently received a 2008 AARP Library Services for Older Adults Award for their intergenerational program for grandparents and their grandchildren, Sprouting Together.

The award description described the program's aim to increase intergenerational bonds through an art-based initiative program that emphasizes a high level of interaction between grandparents and their grandchildren as they created a scrapbook of memories, participated in games, stories and art projects. Sprouting Together focuses on family history and family stories in a creative interactive learning environment and includes a family tree art project, cultural changes, wardrobe/dress changes, economic changes and a celebration of intergenerational collaboration.

One innovative aspect of the program included videos of the session on YouTube which allowed participants to share the experience with family and friends outside of the local area. Great ideas!

Children's Book Review: I Remember Abuelito: A Day of the Dead Story

2008-10-17T06:16:00.000-07:00

I Remember Abuelito: A Day of the Dead Story / Yo recuerdo a Abuelito: Un cuento del Dia de los Muertos. By Janice Levy. Illustrated by Janice Levy. Spanish translation by Miguel Arisa. Unpaged. Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman & Co., 2007.

Share with a young girl the memories of her grandfather as she and her family celebrate the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). She remembers her grandfather’s mustache and fingers, his guitar songs, favorite foods, and games of hide-and-seek. This bilingual story, told in English and Spanish from the perspective of a child, shows how in life and memory, intergenerational relationships between grandchildren and grandparents remain in the hearts of children. The relationship this girl shared with her grandfather has become a meaningful thread between generations in her budding years.

The refrain, “It’s the Day of the Dead! It’s time to celebrate!”, proclaims a variety of ways this Mexican family celebrates Abuelito. They visit market to buy reminiscent treats then cook Abuelito’s favorite foods and drink. They spread marigold petals and light candles at home and at the cemetery with the community. Fluttering on multiple pages, monarch butterflies arrive in the tradition of the spirits and memories of loved ones.

Bright borders frame vivid illustrated snapshots of family moments captured by watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil on watercolor paper. The last pages include instructions for a butterfly mobile, Mexican hot chocolate and a brief history of the Day of the Dead. Ages 4-8.

Reviewed by Charity Leonette, Special Services Coordinator, Allegheny County Library Association. This review was printed in The Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, Vo. 6(3) 2008. Available online at www.taylorandfrancisgroup.com.

Children's Book Review: Long-Long’s New Year

2008-06-26T15:35:00.000-07:00

Long-Long’s New Year. Catherine Gower illus. He Zhihong. Boston: Tuttle Publishing, 2005.

Take a ride with Long-Long, in Long-Long’s New Year, for his first trip to market with his grandfather as their family prepares for the Chinese New Year. Long-Long’s creativity and teamwork with Grandpa makes their day in town fruitful. After selling all their cabbages, they earn enough to return home with the supplies the family needs for the Spring Festival and a few special gifts. Explore the market with Long-Long and Grandpa in this unique exposition of Chinese culture.

Each turn of the page brings another artful double-page spread of traditional Chinese painting on tan rice paper. The last pages of the book offer the folktale of the first Chinese Spring Festival and a glossary of Chinese words used in the story including their characters. This book received a starred review from School Library Journal. Ages 5-8.

Reviewed by Charity Leonette, Special Services Coordinator, Allegheny County Library Association. This review was printed in The Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, Vo. 6(2) 2008. Available online at www.haworthpress.com.

Children's Book Review: Small Beauties: The Journey of Darcy Heart O’Hara

2008-06-26T15:33:00.000-07:00

Small Beauties: The Journey of Darcy Heart O’Hara. Elvira Woodruff illus. Adam Rex. New
York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2006.

Discover how family memories travel around the world in the hem of a dress within the pages of Small Beauties: The Journey of Darcy Heart O’Hara. Darcy Heart O’Hara notices small beauties while chores Granny and Mother ask of her are overdue. In 1845 during the hardships of the Irish Famine, Granddad delights the O’Hara children with stories around the fire and Granny spends quiet moments with Darcy in Ireland’s landscape. All the while Darcy gathers natural treasures throughout Pobble O’Keefe without spending a coin. After eviction from their land and home, the family’s future lies in free passage to America. Leaving her grandparents behind for the long voyage, Darcy’s stowaway riches recall the fragrance of family memories held dear including Granny humming and Granddad’s voice.

Lyrical text flows amidst memorable scenes of charcoal, graphite pencils, and oils on paper appear in various shapes and arrangements. Author notes include the story of Henry Ford whose family sailed from Ireland in 1847. End pages map the Atlantic journey. Ages 6-10.

Reviewed by Charity Leonette, Special Services Coordinator, Allegheny County Library Association. This review was printed in The Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, Vo. 6(2) 2008. Available online at www.haworthpress.com.

Children's Book Review: Gugu’s House

2008-06-26T15:32:00.000-07:00

Gugu’s House. Catherine Stock. New York: Clarion Books, 2001.

Travel to Zimbabwe with Gugu’s House where Kukamba visits her grandmother’s “beautiful rambling house” with a courtyard of animal sculptures painted with the colors of the earth. In the hot day of a drought, Gugu teaches her granddaughter the art of gathering nature’s ingredients for mixing her palette of paints. As the sun sets, the men and women return to the village after a day of work. Around the fire laughter floats as Gugu tells a story of a rabbit and tortoise. Later that night, rain arrives, then singing, clapping, and dancing. When this blessing of rain washes away the colors of Gugu’s house, she reassures Kubamba with the colors of the renewed land.

From end page to end page, this book dances with African designs. Earthy watercolor illustrations capture the culture and people surrounding Gugu and Kukamba. At the end of the story, the author includes notes and a glossary which give insight on the real life Gugu as well as many Venda words used throughout the book. ‘Gugu’ is the Venda word for grandmother. Ages 5-8.

Children's Book Review: The Friday Nights of Nana

2008-06-26T15:29:00.000-07:00

The Friday Nights of Nana. Amy Hest illus. Claire A. Nivola. Cambridge: Candlewick Press, 2001.

Through windows of The Friday Nights of Nana, young Jennie narrates the story of treasured time with her grandmother preparing for the Sabbath. After tea and their favorite bread with “sweet peach jam,” they begin their preparations for the day, tidying, ironing, baking, and polishing while they talk. They eat and dance in the park over lunch, returning home with the finishing touch of flowers for the table. In their matching navy blue dresses, Nana and Jennie welcome the family with hugs. They all gather round as Nana lights the candles for Sabbath. With snow falling outside, the warmth of family fills these pages as they fill the seat around the dinner table for barley soup, challah, chicken, potatoes, and pie on a Friday night with Nana.

This Sabbath tale conveys a story of a Jewish grandmother sharing culture and tradition with her granddaughter, capturing the universality a child’s treasured times with a grandparent. Energetic text couples with illustrations of watercolor, pen and ink, boarded with white for glimpses into Jennie and Nana’s moments throughout the day. Regular double-page spreads offer a panoramic view. Ages 4-6.

Reviewed by Charity Leonette, Special Services Coordinator, Allegheny County Library Association. This review was printed in The Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, Vo. 6(2) 2008. Available online at www.haworthpress.com.

Intergenerational Children's Book Reviews

2008-06-26T12:03:00.000-07:00

Picture books offer a palette to explore topics of all kinds for children and audiences of all ages. Within these artful expressions of intergenerational and multigenerational relationships emerges the essence of culture passed from one generation to another and a breadth of culture providing an opportunity for readers to dialogue about their own culture.

In friendships between younger and older readers, cultural exchanges play a vital role in imparting ideas, skills, insights and experiences and generates an opportunity for discussion among readers about their own cultures. The following picture books for young children describes an intergenerational relationship within a specific culture. Each in its own way models to children the intergenerational experience and shows the value these connections can have in their lives.

Look for these books and others to add to both personal and professional collections.