My Grandma Likes To Say

My Grandma Likes To Say by Denise Brennan-Nelson gives a real “word to the wise” with its many clichés, idioms, and maxims. These “words of wisdom” are presented in rhyme and colorfully illustrated from a child’s literal interpretation. The clichés, idioms, and maxims are offered to us from a child’s perspective and explained in a footnote.

The illustrations reinforce the child’s perspective in this book. The simple, colorful art will have nonreaders perusing this book. Double-page spreads are used throughout the book allowing the illustrations and text to flow across the pages. “You’re growing like a weed,” is visually depicted with realistic children’s heads on plant stems in a garden with bright flowers, white picket fence, birdbath, and bugs! Children will love it! Different type font, color, and size of text is used to direct readers to the clichés, idioms, and maxims. A small rose guides the readers to an explanation of the sayings on those pages.

I would recommend this book to grade levels 3-6.

Keywords: clichés, idioms, maxims, perspective, reality,