Children's Books and Family History: Granpa

I only have one memory of my grandad.

I was six years old, eagerly waiting for Mum and Dad to arrive home with my brand-new baby sister. In our family, there was a little tradition. Each of us children would sit on the couch while the new baby was passed from one sibling to the next. We each got a turn to hold the baby for just a few seconds before passing them along.

After my turn, the front door opened.

My grandad walked into the house.

He struggled with his health for as long as I could remember and was in constant pain, so it wasn't common for him to visit. As he stepped into the living room, he smiled and said, "Where's my little granddaughter?"

That's it.

I don't remember what happened after that. I don't remember whether he sat down to hold her, how long he stayed, or what anyone else said. I only remember that one sentence and the joy in his voice as he came through the door.

Two months later, my grandad passed away.

That single memory has become incredibly precious to me.

There is something special about the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. Grandparents have a way of slowing down, making time for conversations, and turning ordinary afternoons into lasting memories. Years later, we may not remember every detail of those visits, but we remember how they made us feel.

Granpa by John Burningham beautifully captures that relationship through simple conversations and shared moments between a little girl and her grandfather. 

Throughout the book, a young girl and her grandfather spend time together in wonderfully ordinary ways. They imagine grand adventures, talk about life, go on outings, and simply enjoy each other's company. There isn't a dramatic plot or a big lesson to learn. Instead, the story quietly celebrates the joy of being together.

As the pages turn, readers see a relationship built through time, imagination, laughter, and love. Without saying very much, John Burningham reminds us that the moments we often think of as ordinary are often the ones that leave the deepest impression.

We don't always know which moments our children will carry with them for the rest of their lives. It may not be the expensive vacation or the perfectly planned celebration. It might simply be the way Grandpa greeted them at the door, a walk around the garden, or a story told before bedtime. That's why every ordinary moment matters. Because today's ordinary moments have a wonderful way of becoming tomorrow's family history.

ACTIVITY: A Grandparent Memory

Some of our most treasured family stories begin with a single memory. It doesn't have to be a big event or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Often, it's the little moments—a favorite tradition, a funny saying, a walk together, or simply the way a grandparent made us feel—that stay with us the longest.

Take a few minutes to think about one of your grandparents or another older adult who has played a special role in your life. Choose just one memory and write it down. It may seem ordinary today, but one day it could become a priceless piece of your family's story.

If your grandparent is still living, spend some time with them this week. Ask them to tell you about their childhood, how they met your grandmother or grandfather, or one memory they hope your family will always remember. Write down their answer—you may be preserving a story that future generations will treasure.

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