"GG and Mamela" Blog Tour-Review & Giveaway

 

About the Book

 

Title: GG and Mamela | Author: Belinda Brock | Illustrator: Avi Katz | 

Publication Date: April 15, 2014 | Publisher: Lamb Press | Pages: 32 | 

Recommended Ages: 4 to 10  

Summary: This picture book celebrates the loving relationship between Lily and her great-grandmother (GG) as her life starts to slow and wind down in hospice. GG and Mamela illustrates how strength and comfort can be found through love, family and tradition. This book offers a gentle and open-ended way to start a conversation about death and dying, as well as introduce the concept of hospice care. The talented, award-winning artist, Avi Katz, provides beautifully-rendered illustrations that perfectly complement this heartwarming story. The book concludes with GG's recipe for chicken soup and an afterword by clinical psychologist Dr. Laura Brock.  

Purchase

Amazon | Author Website

 

 Mixed Bag Mama's Review

            Let's face it: Talking to young children about death is probably one of the hardest subjects to tackle, not to mention one of the last things you yourself want to attempt to explain in a manner your child will comprehend. This is where GG and Mamela comes in. It may not have all the answers your or your child are looking for, but it's definitely a great starting off point for a discussion about death.

            The story starts off by showing what a strong, loving, and caring relationship Lily (Mamela is her petname from her great-grandma) and her GG have. Not long after GG comes over for dinner one night, Lily's father has to explain to her that GG is sick and dying and will be moving into a hospice so that she can be taken care of and comfortable for her remaining days. Lily continues to visit her beloved GG at the hospice until she passes away. 

            I really do believe this would be a great book to start off a discussion about death. It's written in a simple and straightforward manner, which I think works well with young kids, especially when it comes to subjects they're not familiar with. While it made me a bit sad, of course, because it reminded me of my own grandma passing away last year, I liked that the author showed kids through the story that it is ok to be sad. (And have a whole array of emotions, which is mentioned in the "A Note for Parents & Caregivers" page at the end of the book.)

             I think the age range for this book is spot on too. I have two nieces who just turned 4 and 5 and think it would have been a great book for my sister in-law to read to them. Unfortunately, they have lost several pets over the last year or so on top of my sister in-law's mother and brother being gone for several years now. Even at such a young age, they are accustomed to death and I think this book would have helped my sister in-law explain everything to them.

 

The Early Buzz

"...simple but emotionally resonant illustrations...a nice, true-to-life touch...The book pairs an ethereal illustration with lyrical text, which truly captures the healing, transporting power of music in this setting. A welcome addition to children's literature about death and dying." ~ Kirkus Reviews

"This book is beautifully written and illustrated. The author takes a difficult subject and weaves a story full of life lessons. The universal themes of life, death, family, loss,and chicken soup are shared through a child's eyes and remind us that even after one dies, love remains." ~ Jamie O'Malley, President and CEO, Midwest Palliative and Hospice CareCenter

"GG and Mamela is a large helping of Chicken Soup for the heart and soul. It helps children cope with the death of a loved one in gentle and understanding terms. Belinda Brock has done a great service for children and parents alike." ~ Rabbi Evan Moffic, Spiritual Leader of Congregation Solel and Author

"This is a WONDERFUL story for families who are grappling with loss, death and dying. This is a wonderful story about a special relationship between a girl and her great grandmother at the end of her beautiful life. Very moving story, perfect for children!!" ~ 5 Star Review, Laura, Goodreads

 

About the Author: Belinda Brock

 

Currently a writing coach and free-lance editor, Belinda Brock's background is in teaching and educational publishing. She loves the intersection of literature and art found in picture books and believes their appeal and benefit extend beyond childhood. She also enjoys farmers' markets, dreaming up soup recipes and Meatless Mondays. Although she didn't become a librarian as she once considered, she is the sponsor and steward of the Little Free Library in her city. She has been known to stay up past her bedtime reading. Belinda writes about literacy, children and books on her blog--grandbooking--at http://belindabrock.com and also at Highland Park Sun-Times where you can check out this great interview with Belinda.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 

* Blog Tour Giveaway *

 

Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)  

Contest ends: June 6, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally  

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.  

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Belinda Brock and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

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