Painful and abstract concepts of death, aging, illness can have a very negative impact on children. It therefore makes sense to give them a kind of understanding that matches with their age. That’s the kind of children’s book we need more these days and Dr. Sneha Sharma‘s Grandma in the Stars aptly touches upon this.
Grandma in the Stars is about a young girl, Ayesha who is missing her Grandmother. She lost her maternal grandmother in the pandemic. She is unable to bear the loss, however, a chance encounter with a calf ‘Chatur’ gives her a chance to meet her grandmother once again.
Key Takeaway for the readers –
- Easy language for children up to 10 years
- Fantasy fiction story form
- Includes many aspects of curiosities that kids encounter. For example, lunar eclipse
- The role of grandparents in grandchildren’s lives and how they want to communicate or express their absence
- Illustrations to propel the story forward.
- Animals and Indian lifestyle and culture are explored.
- An abstract concept is touched upon in a very positive and non-scary way
Notes for Parents when explaining the concept of death to very young children:
- Simply and honestly respond to their inquiries.
- Adopt a soothing voice and a soft mannerism.
- Soak in your child’s tears. Expressing your feelings lets them know it’s alright for you to be depressed as well.
- Children all grieve in unique ways. Show understanding and patience.
- Take a look at children’s books that illustrate Indian cultural views on death. Pick up this book – https://www.amazon.in/Grandma-Stars-Sneha-Sharma/dp/9360160369
Overall, it is an interesting story especially suited for Indian children. I wish it were a fully illustrated book so that very young children would get gradually used to the concept through pictures.
Book Blurb:
Ayesha lost her Nani-maa to the pandemic two years ago. With summer just beginning, she’s already missing her Nani and her home in Delhi, which she used to visit this time of year. But this summer promises to be unlike any other. Ayesha’s best friend, Shreya, plans to make her smile again. She shares a story of an adorable calf named ‘Chatur’ and invites Ayesha to spend time with him. Chatur is born to Leela, a friendly white cow, at Shreya’s Nani house in Nashik. Ayesha is captivated by Chatur’s story and can’t wait to meet him. However, she soon discovers that Chatur is not just an ordinary calf and her companion to a place among the stars where she finally reunites with her Nani-maa!
About the Author:
Dr. Sneha Sharma is a PhD in Media Management, faculty member in Renaissance College of Commerce and Management, author and coach. She has written for platforms like Woman’s Era, SheThePeople, The Hindu, The Children’s magazine, Kitaab, Toastmasters International, among many other.
She enjoys both speaking and writing. While writing is her passion and home speaking is something that she passionately aspires to pursue as a skill.
She is the author of the novella, ‘Grandma in the Stars’ – a fantasy fiction for primary school children.
Her past experiences include service as a National TV host for Care World TV, columnist for Times of India and a Voice Over Artist for broadcast commercials and documentaries.
Her debut documentary Adrashya Nari as director and script writer, has won national and International acclaim, including silver at Usha Pravin Gandhi, Aligarh Muslim University, and the Hawai International Film Festival. It was also screened at the prestigious Mumbai International Film Festival.
She is also an avid Toastmaster and has achieved a rare feat of being a bronze medalist and finalist at two districts of its public speaking championship in a single year.
About the Book Reviewer:
Reviewed by Kavita Jhala, Founder of Kaffeinated Konversations – a Bibliophile, writer and artist. You can reach out to her on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin. If you want your book to be reviewed, drop an email to kaffeinatedkonversations@gmail.com
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