I've Never Met My Grandpa - by Shannon Zigmund (Hardcover)

About the Book

"This sweet and poignant story paints a picture of a little girl's curiosity to know her grandfather, who died before she was born. What was he like? Will she ever be able to meet him? She starts off on her own discovery journey, gathering stories and memories, finding Grandpa's old things and trying out some of his favorites. As she pieces it all together, she realizes that maybe she doesn't have to meet her grandpa to really know him after all. Based on her own loss and parenting experience, debut author Shannon Zigmund has crafted a touching, timeless, and accessible tale of how a young child can come to know a loved one they've never met. Shared stories, memorabilia, traditions, and daydreaming weave together to create the fabric of a family member who is gone but certainly not forgotten. Readers everywhere can relate to the experience of both grief and love, and of realizing that we each hold pieces of one another in our hearts and lived lives."--

Book Synopsis

A realistic story of a child's curiosity about death and lost loved ones.

This sweet and poignant story paints a picture of a little girl's curiosity to know her grandfather, who died before she was born. What was he like? Will she ever be able to meet him? She starts off on her own discovery journey, gathering stories and memories, finding Grandpa's old things and trying out some of his favorites. As she pieces it all together, she realizes that maybe she doesn't have to meet her grandpa to really know him after all.

Based on her own loss and parenting experience, debut author Shannon Zigmund has crafted a touching, timeless, and accessible tale of how a young child can come to know a loved one they've never met. Shared stories, memorabilia, traditions, and daydreaming weave together to create the fabric of a family member who is gone but certainly not forgotten. Readers everywhere can relate to the experience of both grief and love, and of realizing that we each hold pieces of one another in our hearts and lived lives.

From the Back Cover

How can you know someone you've never met?

A curious little girl has big questions about her grandfather, who died before she was born. Her family tells her all about him: he was kind and brave, and he liked jokes and parties and tennis. As she pieces together the stories, she realizes that she does know her grandpa after all.

Review Quotes

This story was both entertaining and educational, which can be a tricky balance to maintain in a children's book, and I will be suggesting it to teachers whenever possible. Incorporating difficult to navigate topics such as this into children's picture books is a tried and true way to teach an important life skill in a way that is fun. This would be an amazing addition for classroom libraries, counseling offices and more.

--Daniele K., Educator "NetGalley"

About the Author

Shannon Zigmund has worked behind the scenes of book creation for 15 years. After being inspired by her two children, she finally decided to write a picture book of her own. I've Never Met My Grandpa is near and dear to her heart as neither of her children had the chance to meet their grandfathers. Shannon grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and now resides in the Twin Cities of Minnesota with her family.

Mackinzie Rekers is an illustrator living in Iowa with her husband Corey, three rambunctious kiddos, and one bonkers puppy. When she's not drawing she can be found reading, traveling, or reading about traveling. You can visit her at www.mackinzierekers.com