Letters to My Grandfather - by Joanna Maneckji (Paperback)

About the Book

Joanna Maneckji's Letters to My Grandfather is a beautifully written, illustrated tale that provides families with a way to address the difficult issue of grief with young children. Read more at letterstomygrandfather.com.

Book Synopsis

Letters to My Grandfather is a beautifully written and illustrated tale that provides a way for families to address the difficult issue of grief with young children. Joanna Maneckji's lyrical text and inventive collages offer a treasure trove of secrets that invite exploration and discussion. Your children will delight in the search for hidden images as well as the creation of new, loving memories. Find out more at letterstomygrandfather.com.

Review Quotes

REVIEWS

"Letters to My Grandfather is written with deep respect for children's abundant curiosity as well as their needs for comfort, connection, and communication. All of these are vital to their emotional lives and well-being. Joanna Maneckji spins her story out of our deep- seated need, at any age, to investigate loss and connection. She understands children's powers of imagination as well as their desire to make sense of the events in their lives and their role in their families. In the process, she touches on the realm of dreams, which in turn becomes a place that a child can imagine without fear.

The magical quality of the illustrations allows the reader to see the process of growth and change in the child as the letters take on different forms. This transformation is one of the gifts of the book. As a therapist working with children and families, I am always in search of such gifts to share at difficult moments. Letters to My Grandfather is exactly what children need during a season of loss; they will return to this compelling tale often to nurture a sense of connection."

Jane Ferris Richardson is an art therapist, play therapist and professor of art therapy at Lesley University.

"A beautiful and magical book. The imagery is amazing. My son and I love the detail and multiple layers of each collages. We notice new things each time we explore the book. Joanna is a talented artist, whose work speaks to your soul. Anyone who has lost a loved one and holds them close to their hearts must read Letters to My Grandfather."

Nicole Lee is a communications expert, coach and mum to 8-year old Ollie.

"Letters to My Grandfather is a poignant work of art. It is a necessity and a gift to both children and adults. Readers of all ages will relate to the story's topic and its arresting images. This book should be shared and read often, not only during times of loss, but regularly to remind us of the gifts of life and art."

Amelia Abdullahsani is a writer, lecturer and art curator. She is currently writing a novel about the New York art world.

"Joanna Maneckji takes me by the hand and brings me into a universe, where I feel cared for and embraced. Immersing ourselves into poetry and art are processes that heal the soul and spirit on a deep level. With well-chosen phrases and meticulously crafted collages, children and adults will find comfort and strength during the grieving process. Read Letters to My Grandfather, sink into it and just be with it; you may be inspired to write your own letters, in the form of a collage, to send to your loved ones."

Lis Just is an art therapist and visual artist.