Granpa by John Burningham

Granpa by John Burningham is a thoughtful picture book that promotes themes of bereavement, self-management and family.

A young girl and her granpa share a special bond. They enjoy singing, dancing, eating ice cream and fishing. Using their imagination they go on adventures to the rainforest while in granpa’s greenhouse. As her beloved grandfather grows ill, the girl sits on his knee talking about new adventures. “Tomorrow shall we go to Africa, and you can be the captain?” The book ends with the girl looking at her granpa’s empty armchair.

Illustrator: John Burningham

Publisher: Red Fox Publishers (2003)

ISBN: 9780099434085

Teaching Resources: Granpa by John Burningham

These resources relate to the book, author and illustrator. The number of resources varies book to book. Please check they are appropriate for your specific needs before using them with children. If you have any suggestions please get in touch!

Child Bereavement UK: Supporting Families and Educating Professionals
Child Development Institute: How to Talk to Kids About Death
Kids’ Health: Families – there are many kinds
Learning to Give: Sharing and Caring Across Generations
The Guardian: John Burningham – A life in pictures
The Telegraph: Inside John Burningham’s world
TES: Granpa by John Burningham photo story
Weston Woods: Granpa Related Activities
John Burningham Official Website

Books by John Burningham

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Granpa by John Burningham