Grandma Calls Me Beautiful

Grandma Calls Me Beautiful was written by Barbara M. Joosse and illustrated by Barbara Lavalee.  It is the beautiful story about a Hawaiian grandmother (Tutu) and the great, unconditional love she has for her granddaughter, that she named "Beautiful." The story begins with lovely descriptive words from the first moment when Tutu saw her "beautiful" grandchild and she says, "I will call you Beautiful, because you are." The story begins with Tutu telling Beautiful "their" favorite story and continues with Beautiful growing up as a little girl.  It continues on that even when Beautiful is "naughty" and "wiggly" she will always be beautiful "Beautiful."

Multicultural Narrative Fiction

This outstanding book contains many wonderful examples of personification (the sea danced), similes (sweet as breadfruit pudding) and metaphors (then she held her upside down so she could walk on the sky).  Also, there were repetitive words to keep children engaged, such as "tap, tap, tap and pat, pat, pat."

The beautiful watercolor illustrations were amazing to not only show the love of a grandmother/granddaughter, but also the Hawaiian culture.

Children can surely relate to this book with the wonderful message about unconditional love.  However, while reading this book to children, it is important to express that they have many special people in their lives, even if their grandmother is not with them.  

During Circle Time:

• Ask children about their grandmother/special person...how do they make them happy and feel loved?
• Ask children to tell about special times they celebrate!

Class Activities:

1.  Draw a picture of you and someone you love!  Then, write   

     write down what the child says and send home to share with 

     the family.

                                                                2. Ask children if they know if their parents/grandparents were                                                                         born in a different country and any special traditions they have.                                                             

I so loved this wonderful book and it is geared to children ranging in age from preschool to the early primary grades.  We love to read this to our children at our preschool and even have a Hawaiian Day!

This is a excellent book to honor the Saint Leo Core Value of Respect as it includes a glossary of Hawaiian terms/pronunciations which will teach our children to learn about, appreciate and honor other cultures.  Also, children will so enjoy having fun to respect the Hawaiian culture with the illustrations on making string designs (Hei) at the end of the book.  On a personal note, my children so love making string designs and enjoy that they are learning from other cultures. Also, my Dad was in the Navy and could tie knots like no tomorrow!!  He was so great with string designs and taught me "Jacob's Ladder!"  

Another outstanding book by Barbara M. Joosse:

• Mama, Do You Love Me?

Reference

Joosse, B. M. (2008). Grandma Calls Me Beautiful. San Francisco: Chronicle Books.