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Julia's Grandmother
  • Published: 5 May 2027
  • ISBN: 9781644215937
  • Imprint: Seven Stories Press
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 36
  • RRP: $38.00

Julia's Grandmother

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From the author of the beloved picture book BEAR, comes a story of a child's acceptance and ingenuity when faced with a grandparent's aging and forgetfulness.

"Staffan Gnosspelius has clearly felt each joyous peak and desperate valley alongside his characters and their emotional world is brought to life in every line." —Alexis Deacon, author of Beegu, about BEAR

Julia's grandmother forgets things. She can't find her gardening gloves or favorite red scissors. And though there's a little ache in Julia's chest seeing her grandmother so out of sorts, Julia has an idea that switches the dynamic. Here the child is comforting the grandparent. Julia suggests that her grandmother join the Childish Children's Club. Instead of feeling frustrated and confused, her grandmother can be as childish as she wants. There are no rules, "only encouragements," like listening to birdsong or petting a kitten. "Forgetting stuff is totally allowed," Julia tells her. 

As with Staffan Gnosspelius's much loved picture book Bear, the fragility of another's mental health is handled here with great care and respect, support and love. The author gently assures young readers 4-7 yrs that although a beloved grandparent's grumpiness and forgetfulness can seem frighteningly unfamiliar, sometimes just being a kid with them is the best and kindest medicine.
  • Published: 5 May 2027
  • ISBN: 9781644215937
  • Imprint: Seven Stories Press
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 36
  • RRP: $38.00

About the author

Staffan Gnosspelius

STAFFAN GNOSSPELIUS was born in Sweden and studied visual communications at Edinburgh College of Art and at Chelsea College of Art and Design in the U.K. Since 2002 he has lived in London where he is a printmaker, illustrator, and artist. Staffan is the author of the illustrated book for adults Bear and the children’s book, Julia and the Triple C.
SG

Also by Staffan Gnosspelius

Bear
Julia and the Triple C
See all

Praise for Julia's Grandmother

Praise for BEAR:
"An excellent example of silent narrative conveying feelings of entrapment and resistance, feelings that are not easily described⏤or even understood⏤but still necessary to witness, to resolve." ⏤Shaun Tan
"Staffan Gnosspelius has captured the abyss—tentacled, thorned, rife with traps, drained of color, light, and language—and the respite and grace offered by love. This is a deeply tender and wondrous book." —Maud Casey
"[A] tender reminder that no one can save anyone, not even with love; that we only ever save ourselves when we are ready: but love is what readies us to be our own savior." —Maria Popova, The Marginalian
"Bear is a beautiful book. Staffan Gnosspelius has clearly felt each joyous peak and desperate valley alongside his characters and their emotional world is brought to life in every line." —Alexis Deacon, author of Beegu
"What I see in this book is great bravery and tenacity. And tenderness. Something we need today. It’s there in bear. I think you will see it." —Nicole d'Entremont, Today's American Catholic
"Bear is a moving portrait of the relationships born out of mental illness and love. It’s a dark and beautiful journey, exquisitely executed by an artist and storyteller at the height of his power."  —Evie Wyld, author of The Bass Rock, winner of the Stella Prize
"As an allegory about depression, connection, and friendship, this work will strike a chord with receptive readers. Each page is a piece of art worth poring over." —Publishers Weekly