Review - Maud and Grand-Maud

Maud and Grand-Maud
by Sara O'Leary
illustrated by Kenard Pak
Date: 2020
Publisher: Tundra Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Here is a celebration of the unique bond between grandparents and grandchildren. Maud loves the weekends when she stays at her grandma's house. There's always breakfast for supper, matching nightgowns, black-and-white movies, and--best of all--someone to listen to her dreams for her life as a grown-up. But what makes the visits extra special is what Grand-Maud has hidden in an old chest under Maud's bed. She may find a paint set, a toy, homemade cookies, or hand-knit mittens or sweaters. Best of all is when Maud finds something that belonged to Grand-Maud when she was a little girl. In this story of family togetherness, Maud wants to be just like Grand-Maud when she grows up.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a book that reinforces gender and family norms, and won't be suitable for kids whose grandparents aren't really in the picture.

Maud loves to spend the weekends at Grand-Maud's house. They watch black-and-white movies, eat breakfast for supper, and wear matching nightgowns. Grand-Maud lets Maud think that everything was black-and-white in the olden days, and encourages her to have a whole herd of children while living on an author's salary. (Okay, so maybe I'm being a little snarky here, but if Maud thinks she's going to be able to support seven children by writing, she might be in for a bit of a surprise.)

While the premise is sort of cute, I can see it being problematic for some kids. I lived on the opposite side of the country from my grandparents, and I think a book like this would've made me ache with longing... and also be jealous of my cousins who lived closer. Also, Maud seems to be an only grandchild; if she were one of seven (like the family she wants to have), she probably wouldn't get the undivided attention (and showering of gifts) from her grandmother.

I guess there's nothing objectively wrong with this. But it's going to appeal most to a very specific audience.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books for providing a digital ARC.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3 out of 5