About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is first asking about why people get old or when a great-grandparent is becoming frail or has recently passed away. It provides a gentle, secular framework for understanding the natural cycle of life through the eyes of four-year-old Tommy, who shares a special bond with his grandmother (Nana Downstairs) and his frail great-grandmother (Nana Upstairs). This autobiographical story by Tomie dePaola captures the warmth of multigenerational love while honestly addressing the reality of aging and the transition of death. It is perfectly suited for children aged 4 to 8, offering a safe space to discuss the physical changes that come with old age and the lasting comfort of memory. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's questions and feelings without being overly clinical or overly sentimental.
