Grandparents, Travel
Grandad's Camper
Buy this book at bookshop!
This beautiful book follows a child and their grandad as they rediscover joy in their old camper van. During the process they also deal with grief together for Herb, grandad's late partner. It handles loss and LGBTQ+ family structures with such gentleness and normalcy. It's wonderful for any child who has experienced loss or change, and it opens the door for conversations about the many shapes families take.
Discussion Questions
- Why did Grandad and Herb go on adventures in the camper?
- How do you think Grandad felt at the beginning of the story? How did he feel at the end?
- What is something special you do with a family member that you love?
- Why do you think it's important to remember people we miss?
My Happy Memory Drawing
Supplies
- Drawing paper
- Crayons or colored pencils
- Markers (for writing their dictated words)
- After reading the book, ask your child: "What's something fun or cozy you like to do with someone in your family?"
- Give them a sentence starter if helpful: "I love when we ______."
- Let them draw the memory freely, don't guide the picture too much.
- Ask them to tell you about their picture while they draw, and write their words at the bottom.
- Date the drawing and save it. These become priceless over time!
- If your child brings up someone who has passed away, follow their lead. This book makes that a safe and natural conversation to have.
- There's no need to prompt "make it look like X." The point is the memory, not the artistic accuracy.
- Make a simple feelings chart together using faces from the book (sad, hopeful, happy, surprised). Practice naming feelings throughout the day.
- Look at a simple map together and plan a pretend road trip: where would YOU go in a camper?
- Ask grandparents or older relatives to share a favorite memory with your child, then draw THAT too!
- The author has another book called "Grandad's Pride" that matches perfectly