Pat Schweibert

I love the poetic aspect of this story. Grandy is an elderly woman who has suffered a loss. The story never explicitly says who the loss was which I think makes the story more relatable. As she is adding ingredients to the soup she mentions certain metaphorical ideas like the "soup has to be made from scratch" and "it cannot be rushed" much like everyone has their own process to grieve and it too cannot be rushed. She mentioned all of the things she remembers about the person and how they go show more into her soup " “all the memories, all the misgivings, and all the tears.” I think though that this book would make anyone sad, even if you have had no recent loss *disclaimer. Both the language and illustrations of this books are stunning. show less

A thought-provoking, gentle read, and excellent parallel of grief to making soup.

I think it’s quite appropriate for adults and friends of the bereaved.

Would recommend an adult read with a child if this is given to a child. There’s a page with books labeled with causes of grief that include natural causes, but also suicide, murder, infidelity, etc. that may or may not not be helpful for a grieving child at this moment; also a thought or two in the back for grieving couples about how show more grief may impact your desire for sexual intimacy. show less

A reassuring book about the process of grief, comparing it to making a pot of tear soup. Not all soups are made the same, and the cooking time may vary widely. But this is your soup to make, just the way you need it. If sharing with children, the metaphorical narrative may confuse them without an adult to talk them through it. But then this book is meant to be shared and discussed; consider it an ingredient for your tear soup. For adult readers, it's a gentle, brief balm of reassurance and show more understanding, especially when it's too hard to do anything else. Seven pages of backmatter feature "Grandy's Cooking Tips," or suggestions for how grievers can move through their grief, and how friends can support others in grief. There is a list of online resources and support groups. show less

Great book. Excellent text. A definite 'good buy' if you or someone you love is grieving. Loved the endpaper art. Found the interior illustrations too cartoony, distracting, and simply unappealing. Concentrate on the text.
Granma looks positively creepy to me and, even grieving, nobody looks that creepy! Actually thought of re-typing out the text for myself so I could read it without having to overcome the distracting art each time I crack the book. (Which I would suggest as an idea for show more others who might feel the same. The authors do know whereof they speak). The illustrator is obviously a talented artist as evidenced by the (too few!) illustrations which contain no people or animals.
Mind you, I buy a lot of books solely for the art so this unappealing art is major flaw. What could have been a wonderful helping book for all ages is effectively limited to kids and fans of the big-eyed manga cartoon styles. Which leaves out a world of other people who might otherwise benefit from the very excellent message contained therein. Also, I truly disliked the full page DVD ad in the back of the book too. A discreet little note directing one to the website would have sufficed. show less