Silas' Seven Grandparents
by Anita Horrocks
illustrated by Helen Flook
View Excerpt
- Age:
- 3 to 5
- Grade:
- p to k
- Reading age:
- 3 to 5
Silas’ Seven Grandparents
In this picture book, Silas’ seven loving grandparents make him feel “especially loved, times seven”. Each doting and somewhat over-zealous grandparent is different and very much involved in Silas’ life, which for Silas is sometimes over whelming. They take him to museums and planetariums, camping and berry picking. They stay up late to count shooting stars, ride roller coasters with him and cheer him on at his hockey games. Silas must choose a grandparent that he would like to stay with while his parents are away. Silas realizes that all his grand parents bring something unique into his life. Instead of choosing one over the other, he invites all seven grandparents to look after him
Horrocks is the author of Topher and Almost Eden. This is her first picture book.
Source: The Association of Book Publishers of BC. BC Books for BC Schools. 2010-2011.
Silas’ Seven Grandparents
Usually Silas loves having seven grandparents dote on him, but sometimes it’s all a bit too much. When Silas’s parents go away on a business trip, all of his grandparents want him to stay with them, but that’s just not possible. How will Silas resolve this problem without hurting the feelings of any of his grandparents?
Source: The Canadian Children’s Book Centre. Best Books for Kids & Teens. 2011.
- Commended, CCBC Best Books starred selection
- Commended, Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year
- Commended, OLA Best Bets
Silas is a small boy who finds a unique solution to keeping up with his seven adoring grandparents. Most of the time, Silas loves having seven grandparents. Each of them has something unique and valuable to offer. They take him to amusement parks, museums, dog shows and camping. When Silas' parents go away on a business trip, all seven grandparents invite Silas to stay with them. However, one Silas can't be with seven different grandparents at once. How can he choose one without hurting the others' feelings? But Silas comes up with an especially good idea that makes everyone feel included and happy.
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Silas' seven grandparents took him on outings over the July long weekend. Two took him camping. Two took him to the dog show. Two took him to the dinosaur museum. And one rode the roller coaster with him at the amusement park.
But sometimes Silas couldn't keep up with his seven grandparents.
"After all, I'm only one small boy," said Silas.
"[A] great picture book, not only because it is a fun story to read, but because it teaches kids about a different set of family dynamics…The end of this book is super cute, and it's guaranteed to touch the hearts of all readers, big and small."
"Done in acrylic ink, the lively cartoon art is bright and unassuming. The cast of characters is subtly multicultural but their ethnic diversity is presented in a matter-of-fact way. This is a positive story about love and family to share one-on-one with grandparents, no matter how many there are."
"The grandparents themselves are portrayed with joy and great variety, not only in stature and demeanor but ethnicity as well. This is simply a delightful celebration of family."
"Silas's conflict is wholly relatable, and readers will enjoy, vicariously, all the doting, shown in carefree acrylic-ink illustrations."
"An unusual grandparent story told with humor—not at all sentimental and introducing the variations on family configurations. Recommended."
"This cute story will cause students to wonder how one boy can have seven grandparents, but this situation can also be turned into a teachable moment...Anita Horrocks writes of a very loving family situation. Helen Flook's illustrations are bright and colorful, warmly complementing this family story...Recommended."
"An intergenerational story with a lot of heart."
"The deftly drawn water-based ink illustrations reflect the story's upbeat tone and portray the widely diverse grandparents in ways that make them distinctive. A refreshing alternative to the many overly sentimental picture books about children and their grandparents."
"A good jump off point to discuss the many different forms of family. Silas' final idea is cute."
"Fills a much-needed niche in that it addresses the fact that all families look different. It is also a celebration of these differences. Recommended."
"Really entertaining...It also teaches children about decision making and family life."
