My Grandma and Me
Mina Javaherbin and Lindsey Yankey
Walker Books
What an utterly gorgeous book is this tribute to a beloved Iranian grandmother from the young Mina with whom she lived.
The two do everything together be that cooking, cleaning, praying or visiting neighbours: grandma is the centre of Mina’s universe.
There are companionable times when two sets of best friends – young and old – play, or chat and knit together;
occasions that will make readers laugh, like Mina’s account of draping her grandma’s beautiful chadors to build a rocket ship or using one to transport her on her astro-explorations.
Be it during Ramadan, when the two would visit the mosque together for midnight prayers; or showing ingenuity over getting a fresh loaf daily without leaving their 3rd floor apartment,
this autobiographical celebration of a special intergenerational bond is truly special; in part because it’s a portrayal of a culture and country relatively few children will be familiar with.
With her lovely patterns, Lindsey Yankey’s beautiful, respectful visual portrayal is the perfect complement to Mina’s written memories in a book that transcends cultural boundaries and speaks to everyone.
