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My Grandma's Photos
Ali’s grandma can’t hear or see very well these days, and she doesn’t remember very much anymore. But Ali likes hanging out with her. So when Ali’s mom takes out a wooden trunk full of Grandma’s old photos, he sits with his grandmother, trying to figure out who is in all the old pictures. At first, his grandma doesn’t seem to remember. But with a little help from Ali, she is soon sailing through the photos―and taking Ali along with her through the wondrous journey of her life. With daring, joy, and love, Ali’s grandma shows him the importance of making and sharing beautiful memories that will live on in the ones we love. First published in Turkey, this endearing picture book is a joyous celebration of life, family, and love.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2019
123 people are currently reading
2840 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
December 29, 2021
Cherish beautiful memories.
Grandma doesn't see very well nor remember things. When Ali's mother brought grandma's photographs out from a wooden truck, it sparks her memory and takes Ali and grandma on an adventure through grandma's photos from the time she's a little girl until she met and married grandpa.
This is a lovely book filled with illustrations and I love the real black and white photographs. It has a bittersweet ending.
Amazon First
December 2021
Grandma doesn't see very well nor remember things. When Ali's mother brought grandma's photographs out from a wooden truck, it sparks her memory and takes Ali and grandma on an adventure through grandma's photos from the time she's a little girl until she met and married grandpa.
This is a lovely book filled with illustrations and I love the real black and white photographs. It has a bittersweet ending.
Amazon First
December 2021
December 6, 2021
Short and sad…
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
December 3, 2021
A moving story
Amazon Prime First Read - December 2021.
Ali’s grandma can’t see or hear well and her memory is impaired but Ali just loves sitting with her. He goes through some old pictures with her and it jolts her memory and they go on a lovely journey through her life. I love the bond between the two characters which is heartwarming. I like how the illustrations grow more colourful as grandma’s memory is jogged and what we get through them is a bit of magic. I like the message of love and making memories and how photographs can reinvigorate which through my own experiences with a parent with dementia I know to be true and it can be a very positive thing. There are a few actual black and white photos used - shame they weren’t used throughout. However, I do think some of the words and concepts are very difficult for 5-8 year olds to grasp, I know as I’ve tried to explain it. The illustrations though could be used to discuss getting old with younger children.
Overall, it’s a sweet moving book which could be useful for those with family members with dementia.
Amazon Prime First Read - December 2021.
Ali’s grandma can’t see or hear well and her memory is impaired but Ali just loves sitting with her. He goes through some old pictures with her and it jolts her memory and they go on a lovely journey through her life. I love the bond between the two characters which is heartwarming. I like how the illustrations grow more colourful as grandma’s memory is jogged and what we get through them is a bit of magic. I like the message of love and making memories and how photographs can reinvigorate which through my own experiences with a parent with dementia I know to be true and it can be a very positive thing. There are a few actual black and white photos used - shame they weren’t used throughout. However, I do think some of the words and concepts are very difficult for 5-8 year olds to grasp, I know as I’ve tried to explain it. The illustrations though could be used to discuss getting old with younger children.
Overall, it’s a sweet moving book which could be useful for those with family members with dementia.
May 1, 2022
Grandma's losing some of her vision and some of her memory, and she sleeps a lot. But when she is invited to look at photographs she eventually recovers memories that she shares, especially ones of her husband, and shares these memories with her daughter and granddaughter.
One remarkable aspect of the story is that when Grandma is telling the stories behind the pictures, both seem to be drawn, back in time, into the pictures, as present experiences. We see Grandma in pictures where she is as young as her granddaughter, for instance, but at each age, Grandma goes back in time and is that age in the picture. She in a sense becomes young again, and the gap between she and her granddaughter somewhat disappears. They find some joy together. The delicate and thoughtful illustrations enhance the depth and magical realism of the tale, and I liked the inclusion of actual photographs throughout, too. Sweet.
One remarkable aspect of the story is that when Grandma is telling the stories behind the pictures, both seem to be drawn, back in time, into the pictures, as present experiences. We see Grandma in pictures where she is as young as her granddaughter, for instance, but at each age, Grandma goes back in time and is that age in the picture. She in a sense becomes young again, and the gap between she and her granddaughter somewhat disappears. They find some joy together. The delicate and thoughtful illustrations enhance the depth and magical realism of the tale, and I liked the inclusion of actual photographs throughout, too. Sweet.
December 9, 2021
What a beautiful story.
January 15, 2022
Простенька ілюстрована історія про близькість, розділення спогадів та фотографії як машини для подорожей у часі. І те, де лишаються люди, коли вони йдуть. Ясно, що в інших, але трішечки - і в фотографіях також.
/- Я не пам'ятаю їхніх облич, - сказала мені днями бабуся. - Уже здається, що згадала, а потім розумію, що то фотографії, а не жива пам'ять.
Я тоді скрушно притакнула, ми поговорили про те, що зорова пам'ять - це не все, і образ людини складається з багатьох деталей, але тихцем подумала собі, як же фотки підмінюють спогади, і це, мабуть, недобре, але ця маленька книжечка допомогла трохи інакше на це подивитися./
/- Я не пам'ятаю їхніх облич, - сказала мені днями бабуся. - Уже здається, що згадала, а потім розумію, що то фотографії, а не жива пам'ять.
Я тоді скрушно притакнула, ми поговорили про те, що зорова пам'ять - це не все, і образ людини складається з багатьох деталей, але тихцем подумала собі, як же фотки підмінюють спогади, і це, мабуть, недобре, але ця маленька книжечка допомогла трохи інакше на це подивитися./
December 29, 2021
4.5 Sweet little book that managed to be both sad and uplifting. The art was soft and dreamy but the inclusion of real photos made the book all the more special.
December 3, 2021
This is a beautiful children’s picture book, about sharing memories from generation to generation. The story is very touching emotionally. The illustrations are excellent. This book was originally published in Turkey, and translated to English. I highly recommend it for readers of all ages.
I had one minor problem reading this on my iPad. The formatting was a bit confusing, but the story is superb. This is an Amazon Prime download for December.
4 stars
I had one minor problem reading this on my iPad. The formatting was a bit confusing, but the story is superb. This is an Amazon Prime download for December.
4 stars
January 20, 2025
A beautiful story about a grandmother, her grandchild, and the photos that captured the grandmother's life and treasured memories.
The grandmother seems to be suffering from dementia and does eventually die.
This picture book was a gut punch but so beautiful.
The grandmother seems to be suffering from dementia and does eventually die.
This picture book was a gut punch but so beautiful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2022
Grandma can't see or hear very well anymore, but some old photos bring her out of her fog and help her connect with her granddaughter.
Lovely pencil drawings with photo collage. Translated from Turkish. Some might find it sad, but I found it heart-lifting as generations learn that we all have the same big needs to be happy, to love and be loved.
Lovely pencil drawings with photo collage. Translated from Turkish. Some might find it sad, but I found it heart-lifting as generations learn that we all have the same big needs to be happy, to love and be loved.
December 10, 2021
Such a sweet, sweet story! One couple of my favorite lines: "Was everything black and white back then?" and "It can't really be taught with words."
Grandma's memories were a joy to explore with her. I thought including real pictures throughout the book was a nice touch as well!
Rating: G
Language: Clean read
Recommend: yes
Grandma's memories were a joy to explore with her. I thought including real pictures throughout the book was a nice touch as well!
Rating: G
Language: Clean read
Recommend: yes
February 23, 2025
Quite a poignant story where a young child, whose grandmother is old and ailing and sits in he arm chair most of the day, looks at photos with her.They go on a whirlwind tour of the grandmother’s life as a girl and young woman. When she is dancing with her now deceased husband at their wedding she decides this is where she will stay. The family hangs the photos on the wall so that the child can look at them when they miss their grandmother.
November 29, 2022
4,5.
My first children's book from Turkey. It starts well enough, but it takes a few pages to distinguish itself from the OCEAN of books that deal with the same themes. This really got me. It's really, really, REALLY moving. Gosh, I miss my grandma. If you miss your grandma, you'll cry some big, big tears.
My first children's book from Turkey. It starts well enough, but it takes a few pages to distinguish itself from the OCEAN of books that deal with the same themes. This really got me. It's really, really, REALLY moving. Gosh, I miss my grandma. If you miss your grandma, you'll cry some big, big tears.
January 13, 2022
Sweet and tender story.
January 16, 2022
Sentimental and endearing a grandma shares her precious memories with her grandchild in an unexpected way.
3/5
3/5
December 3, 2021
LOVE. Sweet, and bonus points for using real photos from the author's and illustrator's grandmothers!
November 28, 2022
Translated from Turkish writing, My Grandma's Photos is a touching tale of a Ali and his Grandma. Ali's Grandma is getting old, and her memories and physique is not what it used to be. She forgets things, can't recognize others, and falls asleep so much. At the suggestion of his mother, Ali shows his Granny photos from her collection and asks if she remembers what they are about. After a few tries, she regains some of her lost memory and they both transport themselves into the photos in her hand. Ali gets to witness his Grandma through her best moments: her attempts to climb a tree, the family picnic where she gets engaged, the ferry ride she took with friends, the dress shop she once owned, and her wedding day.
All of these memories let Ali see what his Grandma was like, a vivacious, aspiring woman who had experienced some of the best moments in her life. In the process, she says she wants to stay in this memory, while Ali should live life and make memories of his own. Back into the present, whenever Ali misses his Grandma, he looks at one of the photos of her, there he sees his Granny for who she really is. In which, her photos all surround the walls, watching over him since her passing. This book presents the loving bond between grandparent and grandson, and the sensitivity in dealing with memory loss in elderly relatives.
All of these memories let Ali see what his Grandma was like, a vivacious, aspiring woman who had experienced some of the best moments in her life. In the process, she says she wants to stay in this memory, while Ali should live life and make memories of his own. Back into the present, whenever Ali misses his Grandma, he looks at one of the photos of her, there he sees his Granny for who she really is. In which, her photos all surround the walls, watching over him since her passing. This book presents the loving bond between grandparent and grandson, and the sensitivity in dealing with memory loss in elderly relatives.
February 18, 2022
"Come, let me show you." This is a beautiful book that bridges the gap between generations, helping young Ali imagine her grandmother's childhood, young adult years, and adulthood.
January 6, 2022
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is My Grandma’s Photos, written by Özge Bahar Sunar, illustrated by Senta Urgan, and translated by Amy Marie Spangler, a bittersweet look at aging, loss, and memory.
Ali’s grandmother seems confused sometimes; her eyes and ears aren’t as sharp as they once were, she needs help during meals, and she spends all of her time in her chair or asleep. One day, Ali’s mom hopes to jog Grandma’s memory with old photos, but the elderly woman does not recognize any of the faces in them. Later, when examining the photos again, Ali points out that the little girl in the photo looks like Grandma, a comment that begins a journey through time and memory for grandmother and grandchild – one with an important lesson on the memories we make, alone and together.
Hauntingly lovely. This Turkish import is definitely on the cerebral side, and may be a little dense for younger readers. However, for those young bookworms who have questions about loss, grief, aging, memory loss, or the afterlife (particularly in secular households), this is a gentle tale that incorporates all these themes in a unique and touching way. The dreamlike illustrations, which incorporate real photos and objects, are a little confusing at times, even though they fit the general vibe of the story. The length is fine for an elementary-aged storytime, and though JJ was a little puzzled by the story itself, she enjoyed the photographic and symbolic elements in the art. Overall, this one may be an acquired taste; however, when examining the process of grief and death, sometimes a special narrative like this one can bring comfort and peace. Definitely worth a look, and Baby Bookworm approved!
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by a representative of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
December 19, 2021
My favorite class of all the teacher prep courses I took to get my certification as a reading specialist was Children's Literature. The most important lesson I learned there was that so called children's book are often meaningful to adults on a different way than they are to children. This is one of those books. I wish it were possible to give it more than 5 stars.
I loved the way the grandmother and the grandson were able to leap into the photos and relive part of grandmother's history. Family history is more than just a chart of names and dates of birth and death. It is about the lives the people lived. I worry that much family history will be lost because it is recorded on commercial websites that may not exist when our children and grandchildren are our ages. This book reminds us how important it is to print out the most important pictures and stories and keep them in our hearts and memories.
I am in seventies now. Since most of my family has passed on, my photographs are more precious to me than ever. I have a recording of my mother looking through old family photos and telling stories about some of them. I can tell from her description which of the photos she was viewing for each story.
A good companion book to read along with this one would be Family Pictures / Cuadros de familia, written and illustrated by Carmen Lomas Garza. A good follow up activity to both books is to go through old and new family photos with your child and take turns telling what you remember about the time the photo was taken.
I loved the way the grandmother and the grandson were able to leap into the photos and relive part of grandmother's history. Family history is more than just a chart of names and dates of birth and death. It is about the lives the people lived. I worry that much family history will be lost because it is recorded on commercial websites that may not exist when our children and grandchildren are our ages. This book reminds us how important it is to print out the most important pictures and stories and keep them in our hearts and memories.
I am in seventies now. Since most of my family has passed on, my photographs are more precious to me than ever. I have a recording of my mother looking through old family photos and telling stories about some of them. I can tell from her description which of the photos she was viewing for each story.
A good companion book to read along with this one would be Family Pictures / Cuadros de familia, written and illustrated by Carmen Lomas Garza. A good follow up activity to both books is to go through old and new family photos with your child and take turns telling what you remember about the time the photo was taken.
January 1, 2022
This is a very bittersweet story. It's uplifting and sweet, but also sad. It's important because it reminds you that older people, your grandparents, were once young like you. By looking back at photographs, you get to relive your own life as well as experience a little bit of someone else's. It ends with the understanding that , and it makes the memories in photos so appreciated. I can understand why this was such an endearing book in Turkey before getting published for other countries. The addition of real black and white photos along with the illustrations gave it real weight. Important and uplifting. Sad, but sweet. A nice read with a cozy nostalgic illustration style.
December 31, 2021
Grandma doesn't remember things very well. Ali and her Grandma go on an adventure of Grandma's life through old photos where Grandma remembers.
The concept of using real photos with illustrations was a beautiful touch to the overall story.
This is a bittersweet book. It's happy and sad at the same time. It teaches you to appreciate the time you have with those that you love and to appreciate all the memories that you make with them.
I wouldn't read this to a young child. It could be confusing and sad for them. I do recommend it for older children, but also think it's good to read it before reading it to a child.
The concept of using real photos with illustrations was a beautiful touch to the overall story.
This is a bittersweet book. It's happy and sad at the same time. It teaches you to appreciate the time you have with those that you love and to appreciate all the memories that you make with them.
I wouldn't read this to a young child. It could be confusing and sad for them. I do recommend it for older children, but also think it's good to read it before reading it to a child.
January 6, 2022
Ali’s grandma can’t hear or see very well these days, and she doesn’t remember very much anymore. But Ali likes hanging out with her. So when Ali’s mom takes out a wooden trunk full of Grandma’s old photos, he sits with his grandmother, trying to figure out who is in all the old pictures. At first, his grandma doesn’t seem to remember. But with a little help from Ali, she is soon sailing through the photos—and taking Ali along with her through the wondrous journey of her life.
With daring, joy, and love, Ali’s grandma shows him the importance of making and sharing beautiful memories that will live on in the ones we love. First published in Turkey, this endearing picture book is a joyous celebration of life, family, and love.
My favorite thing about My Grandma's Photos was the ethereal illustrations done using pastel pencils and collages. They give a dreamlike feeling to the book and fit with the theme of memory. I love that this book introduces the concept of chronic illness/aging/loss to children in an age-appropriate manner. I haven't seen this tackled often in children's books.
With daring, joy, and love, Ali’s grandma shows him the importance of making and sharing beautiful memories that will live on in the ones we love. First published in Turkey, this endearing picture book is a joyous celebration of life, family, and love.
My favorite thing about My Grandma's Photos was the ethereal illustrations done using pastel pencils and collages. They give a dreamlike feeling to the book and fit with the theme of memory. I love that this book introduces the concept of chronic illness/aging/loss to children in an age-appropriate manner. I haven't seen this tackled often in children's books.
December 28, 2021
Enchanting, but Too Short
I enjoyed reading this book, but I thought that even for a 5 to 8 year old, the book was too short. I would have liked to see the author introduce Ali to his aunts and uncles when they were children, and to have let Grandma play as a child with toys and in places that Ali did not have or know. This book was good, but it could have developed into more and could have even explored the subject of dying and moving on after a person,s death more. This would be a good book, though, to explain death to a small child.
I enjoyed reading this book, but I thought that even for a 5 to 8 year old, the book was too short. I would have liked to see the author introduce Ali to his aunts and uncles when they were children, and to have let Grandma play as a child with toys and in places that Ali did not have or know. This book was good, but it could have developed into more and could have even explored the subject of dying and moving on after a person,s death more. This would be a good book, though, to explain death to a small child.
February 8, 2022
Oh, so sad and sweet! A granddaughter and grandma step inside grandma's old pictures, experiencing all her best memories and celebrating her life. Grandma decides to stay in one of the pictures where she's dancing with Grandma (implying that she passes away) but the granddaughter honoring her memory through her photos is really sweet. Almost made me cry at work! The art style is artistic with a blend of real photos of people,smudgy style illustrations, and photos of real objects like flowers and buttons on a mostly white background.
February 14, 2022
This beautiful intergenerational story introduces the concepts of aging, dementia, and death with poignant tenderness. Reviewing old photographs leads grandmother and grandson on a magical journey of remembrance, reminding readers of the importance of making and sharing familial memories that will live on in the ones we love. Emotive illustrations rendered in pastel pencil and collage evoke the dreamlike quality of memory, showing how love has the power to transcend time and travel through dimensions.
December 1, 2021
This book is very sweet. The aging and ailing grandmother instills in her grandchild the importance of making and sharing memories with those you love so that even when they are gone you can still have them with you. I enjoyed the art style as well. I think both children and the adults that read this with them will have some feels reading and discussing this book and the people they love and the memories they share.
March 4, 2022
Grabs your heart.
Read this as a bedtime story for my children. I wasn’t expecting getting so choked up at the end. It was hard finishing this story without breaking out in tears thinking about my own grandmother. I just expected to read this as a bed time story what I didn’t expect was falling absolutely in love with this story. I’m going to make my sister read this too now and pass on this wonderful story.
Read this as a bedtime story for my children. I wasn’t expecting getting so choked up at the end. It was hard finishing this story without breaking out in tears thinking about my own grandmother. I just expected to read this as a bed time story what I didn’t expect was falling absolutely in love with this story. I’m going to make my sister read this too now and pass on this wonderful story.
September 25, 2025
Date published: 2021
Award: international book award
Genre: juvenile fiction/ picture book
Summary/like or dislike it: A grandson shows some photos to his grandma and they go back in time to her childhood, teens ) young adult, wedding day. Grandma dies and he knows her memories. This book is really sad but well written and very unique in its art style, as someone with no grandparents this book meant a lot.
Award: international book award
Genre: juvenile fiction/ picture book
Summary/like or dislike it: A grandson shows some photos to his grandma and they go back in time to her childhood, teens ) young adult, wedding day. Grandma dies and he knows her memories. This book is really sad but well written and very unique in its art style, as someone with no grandparents this book meant a lot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2021
Grandma sleeps all the time, has to be fed, and mixes up the grandchildren. Her grandson finds a way to reach her. They look at photographs of grandma's life. The photographs triggers grandma's memories and she shares the memories with her grandson. This is a wonderful book for children whose grandparents are declining.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews