The stories starts with when a school assignment requires Eric and his grandmother to make a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Here Eric and his grandmother see many beautiful and amazing painting, but one in specific stood out. The painting of Juan de Pareja from famous painter Diego Velazquez inspired Eric to become a painter himself. This story brings back to a special day spent with his grandmother that changed his life forever. The illustrations brought the story to life, personalities and emotions were captured in each character. The author skillfully incorporates Spanish words and sentences. The combination of illustrations and Spanish words, makes reading this story an experience and journey. This book also demonstrates the beautiful bond between grandmother and child. This story would be great for a for a wide range of ages. Also this book can be great for multiple uses in the classroom, for introducing multiple different subjects.Classroom activity: Because Juan de Pareja served as Eric role model become a painter himself, this book could be used as a great writing opportunity and have the young students write about the person who inspires them. Velasquez, E. (2010). Grandma's gift. New York, NY: Walker.Choice BookBelpre’ Illustrator Award/2011 ALSC Notable Children’s Book ListIn this endearing story, the author, Eric Velasquez, describes a time when he spent Christmas at his grandmothers. During the holidays, he had a assignment to write a report on a famous painting that the Metropolitan Museum of Art had just purchased. His grandma promised that if he helped her to make the traditional Puerto Rican Christmas dish, pasteles, she would take him to the museum. While at the museum Eric discovered a painting of Juan de Pareja who was a great painter. Eric was mesmerized because Pareja was Puerto Rican just like his family. Eric's grandma ended up giving him a sketchpad and pencils for Christmas, to start his own journey as an artist. The colorful illustrations helped to tell the story and made it very realistic. This would be a nice book to read aloud to the class when students are discussing different holiday traditions with their families. I liked this book because it was a nice and simple story about a young boy spending time with his grandmother, which I think is so important.
What do You think about Grandma's Gift (2010)?
Spending winter break is a great experience for this boy. He learns so much from his grandmother.
—mariatorres
