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
*My Thoughts*
GG and Mamela by Belinda Brock is a heartwarming children’s story about a grandparent’s love and coming to terms with end-of-life. The story was positive and uplifting. If we are ever in this situation, I think this book will help my girls through a difficult time. The story is told in terms that are easily understood and the illustrations are beautiful. I really recommend this book to anyone with young kids who have a family member who is ill/in end of life care.
I received a complimentary pdf copy of the book for review purposes.
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
GG and Mamela Blog Tour Schedule (2014)
May 8
Mother Daughter Book Reviews (Launch and Review)
May 9
Best4Future Blog: Bringing Up Baby Bilingual (Review)
May 10
May 11
When I Grow Up I Wanna Write a Kids Book (Review)
Book Reviews & Giveaways (Review)
May 12
WS Momma Readers Nook (Review)
Victoria Simcox’s Blog (Review)
May 13
Sweet Little Pretties (Review)
May 14
Heart of a Philanthropist (Review)
May 15
Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock (Review)
May 16
May 17
Nanna Three and Counting (Review)
May 18
Amanda’s Books and More (Review)
May 19
Not My Circus, Not My Monkeys (Review)
May 20
Tracey M. Cox, Author & Reviewer (Review)
Sunshine, Bubbles and Books (Review)
May 21
* 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.
Thanks for joining us on the GG and Mamela Blog Tour Brooke. Glad you enjoyed this beautiful book.