Brand-New Bubbe

"When Mom married Michael, Jillian got a really nice stepdad. She also got a brand-new grandmother. "Please! Call me Bubbe," she said.
Jillian already had her Noni and her Gram. Bubbe didn't get the hint."

Jillian doesn't want her Noni and Gram's feelings to be hurt, or feel like they're being replaced, but her new Bubbe is persistent! Jillian brings all three grandmothers (plus "Mom's grandma, the Great Mama-Nana") for a "SUPER soup celebration." Is it meant to be a competition? Unclear. But the grandmas get along great, the kitchen smells like "a delicious trip around the world," and Jillian recognizes that "Like soup, a family was made with love. And there was always room for more."

Recipes for matzo ball soup, Italian wedding soup, show more and gazpacho are included, as well as "helpful resources" for interfaith families and stepfamilies.

A truly unique book about blended families; much has been written about step-parents and step-siblings, but this is the only book I've seen about step-grandparents! show less

Jillian finds herself in a jam. Her mother has remarried, and her beloved stepfather comes with some baggage: his mother, now looking to be Jillian’s Bubbe (“grandmother” in Yiddish).

Jillian’s having none of it. She believes it would be disloyal to the two grandmothers she already has: Noni and Gram. This picture book is a wonderful way to teach children that love isn’t like pie; there’s always more! Plus the book ends with three wonderful soups, one from each grandmother. Shtik naches! (What a joy!)

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Charlesbridge in exchange for an honest review.

This book is adorable. Growing families can be hard especially when growing families isn’t new kids but new grandparents due to new relationships. In this book, our main character gets a new puppy. She already has a Grandma and a Noni and does not like the idea of someone coming in and taking their place. But with time and a little help, they learned that love is love, and family is family, no matter where it comes from. This book is adorable. The illustrations are fun and match the story really well. And the author has included all three grandparents soup recipes in the back. this book is in Illinois author, and I am proud cheese from our state.

Three grandmas and three different soups with recipes in the back. Lovely story about new, diverse families.