Barbara Joosse’s new book captures what’s special about visits to Grandma’s

I’m told that one of the well-earned privileges of being a grandparent is enjoying the grandchildren when they come, and then giving them back to their parents at the end of the visit.

My own mother readily admits to feeling a bit blue in those first few hours after her grandkids leave, when the house seems too quiet. But then, slowly, realization dawns that she can sit and read a good book for as long as she wants, or head out for a late supper, or watch something besides Nick Jr. on TV, and she’s mollified—maybe even a little relieved.

Perhaps it’s this brevity, this understanding that the more grueling work of raising children is, at last, someone else’s, and that their job is simply to enjoy, that makes visits with grandparents so sweet for all parties. Grandparents tend to pull out all the stops, play all the games, pack in all the fun because, well, when it’s over, they can put their feet up and relax!

Recently, I came across a book that captured the playfulness and indulgence of these special grandparent visits perfectly: Barbara Joosse’s “Sleepover At Gramma’s House” (Philomel Books).

A bouncy read-aloud featuring a grandmother and granddaughter elephant, the story begins as the little girl packs her overnight trunk, bids goodbye to her parents, baby sibling, house, and pet fish—for a drive through the countryside to “Gramma’s house.”

When she arrives, the fun begins immediately with silly games, party hats, painting time, and desserts. Then, the two round out the evening with bath time, story time, and at last, getting all snuggled up tight together in bed.

Ms. Joosse’s gift for childlike rhythm and rhyme is on full display in the sing-song beats of her text:

“Snuggled and together/ on the pitter patter porch/ on the ricky rocky swing./ ‘Oooooh!’ watch the lightening sky writing./ ‘Ahhhhh!’ hear the thunder rain rumbling./ This we know—/ the very best way to fall asleep/ is inside a hug./ Oh. We love each other so.”

The author teamed up with illustrator Jan Jutte (the two collaborated on the successful “ROAWR!” in 2009) and once again, Ms. Jutte’s boldly outlined watercolors complement Joosse’s writing style beautifully.

Simply put: Reading “Sleepover At Gramma’s House,” is almost as good as being wrapped up inside one of Grandma's cozy hugs.

This article was originally published in East Bay Life - a section of the East Bay Newspapers, on 7.27.10