OLIVIA SAYS GOODBYE TO GRANDPA

Olivia’s grandpa, who has been very sick, is admitted to the hospital. Olivia visits and tries to cheer him up by telling him about her school's field trip to a farm. She teases that the goats had beards just like Grandpa’s and promises to draw him a picture. Sadly, Olivia’s grandfather dies before she finishes the picture. Olivia stays home from school for a couple of days, and when she returns, she and all the other children write and share memories of special people in their lives. That night, Olivia and her family look at photos of Grandpa and share stories about him, and Olivia determines to finish the picture of the goat as a loving tribute. Simple, bland digital illustrations emphasize with little attempt at subtlety the emotions of a multiethnic cast of characters. A list of 10 helpful hints for parents compiled by a child psychologist complete the volume. Although prose and plot are frequently clunky and awkward, this volume and others in the series provide an appropriate springboard from which parents can begin to engage difficult issues with their children. Other Helping Hands Books titles coming out in March 2011 include Molly Makes Friends, When Katie’s Parents Separated and Jacob Goes to the Doctor and Sophie Visits the Dentist. (Bibliotherapy. 6-10)