Everything Grandma Needs

by Molly Beth Griffin, Anait Semirdzhyan (Illustrator)

A sweet intergenerational picture book celebrating the beauty of downsizing, decluttering, and accepting change. This warm, thoughtful story makes space for what truly family.

A heartfelt tool for parents to teach their kids mindfulness, gratitude, and the gentle way of letting go of what no longer serves you.

When Grandma announces she is moving from her big old house to a little new condo, she and her family realize she has too many things. They just won't fit in her new place!

Luckily they have a everyone will help Grandma downsize! But while they sort through, they realize that everyday items like art supplies, jewelry, and books possess unique memories and stories that they hold dear.

The family finds the solution in creating three Keep, Donate, and Throw Away. As each pile grows, Grandma realizes it will be okay, so long as she saves space in her new condo--and her heart--for those she loves most.

40 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication July 14, 2026

About the author

From Molly Beth Griffin's Website: "I am a graduate of Hamline University's MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults, and a writing teacher at the Loft Literary Center in the Twin Cities. ... Though my writing reaches across all age groups and genres, it all demonstrates my passion for exploring young people's changing relationship to the natural world."

Reviews

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to be added to Amazon UK and US on 14 July 2026 - publication day!

I thought that this was such a lovely story to read! The story was well written and it was easy to read and understand. The illustrations in the book were just wonderful, I liked that they looked just like normal people rather than 'perfect' people, they were nice, bright and colourful and they brought the story to life. My daughter enjoyed the book and I loved the message that comes through in the story. Sadly we lost my dad last year so have just gone through a similar process with my mum as she has now moved in with us - we had piles for bin, keep and sell so really similar to those in the story and like the little girl in the story, there was quite a lot that my daughter didn't want us to get rid of. It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for our arc copy!

I loved this book. I personally relate so well as I too struggle to get rid of things. I know where everything came from, and who it came from. I attach feelings and memories to everything. I think in this day and age having "things" and abundant amount of things like the 12 plates when she lives alone is so normal these days. I love the simplicity of the illustrations it was just enough for the story without going overboard. We have been discuss homelessness at home and my daughter who is 3 saw they were talking all the donations in and she said now the homeless people will have toys it absolutely melted my heart. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with children!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shines in a world where having lots of stuff is the norm. Poor Grandma struggles with downsizing, moving from the home she has known and loved to a smaller place. Her young granddaughter is also struggling with the changes. This thoughtful book helps youngsters navigate change with positive actions that are useful in any situation. The illustrations are whimsical, and the book is filled with funny pictures to help make stressful transitions easier. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a review copy.

[Ambi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book, especially for families that may be moving. Grandma is downsizing from her house to a condo, but what does she keep? What does she get rid of? This book was sweet and heartfelt and engaging. My kids were entertained and it started some good conversations about what we can declutter and what we can keep. I especially loved the helpful tips at the back of the book. Highly recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

[Angela Parkkila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received as an ARC from NetGalley

Very sweet, and emotional. It’s hard to remember that big changes for adults are big changes for children too and this book does an excellent job on touching the topic of losing a grandparents house and all the “stuff” that makes them them. I read this to my 3 year old daughter and she loved every second of it.

[Christine Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for this free arc in exchange for an honest review.

This is a very sweet inter-generational story about a grandma, mom, and granddaughter helping grandma “downsize” to a condo. It was sweet watching them find grandma’s treasures and talk about the memories attached to them.

[Britney Ireland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you #NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC Read of this children’s book in return for my honest review and opinion. Such a cute story about Grandma downsizing to a smaller place and her daughter and grandson helping her. Teaching moments of donating unneeded things.

[Raven Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun way to help children understand about tackling clean up projects and dealing with change.