Sunday is National Grandparents Day! Grandparents Day takes place the first Sunday after Labor Day in the U.S. A very important aspect of Grandparents Day is the passing on of stories and wisdom from one generation to another. In honor of Grandparents Day, we would like to introduce you to our new book, Zayde Comes to Live (by Sheri Sinykin, illustrated by Kristina Swarner; release date October 1, 2012).
In this moving story, we are introduced to a young Jewish girl named Rachel whose grandfather (“Zayde”) has come to live with her family. Even though no one has told her, she knows it is because he is dying. Rachel wants to know where Zayde will go when he dies. She asks her friends. Then she asks her rabbi because she knows he will tell her the truth. Rachel soon learns that it’s important not to focus on Zayde dying but rather on making memories with him. These memories will help keep Zayde alive in her heart even after he dies.
You can’t help but smile when Rachel pictures “Zayde with his mama and daddy, his bubbe and his own zayde, and all the aunt and uncles [she] never knew” after her rabbi explains to her about the belief in the World to Come, “Olam Ha-Ba.”
This book focuses on a sensitive issue through the eyes of a child. The story reminds us how important it is to spend time with our grandparents and make as many memories as possible with them. We hope that you make lots of memories this Grandparent’s Day with your children, grandchildren, parents and grandparents!
Reviewers love “Zayde Comes to Live”
“A sweet and uplifting tale of wisdom passing from generation to generation.” — Rabbi David Wolpe, Sinai Temple, Los Angeles, CA. Named #1 Rabbi in America by The Daily Beast.
“Tender, moving, as perfect a circle as life. A book for when you and your child need it and when you do not.” — Jane Yolen, author of Owl Moon
“Sinykin does a commendable job of dispelling fear with empathy and tenderness through some very direct yet positive answers to a child’s uncertainty.” — Review on KIRKUS
“The illustrations are lovely, and the words simple. Everything combines to convey the difficult—and necessity—of saying good-bye.” — Erika Dreifus