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Picture Books By Topic: physical challenges
A Morning with Grandpa
Illustrated by: Christina Forshay
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Description: Mei Mei’s grandpa is practicing tai chi in the garden, and Mei Mei is eager to join in. As Gong Gong tries to teach her the slow, graceful movements, Mei Mei enthusiastically does them with her own flair. Then Mei Mei takes a turn, trying to teach Gong Gong the yoga she learned in school. Will Gong Gong be able to master the stretchy, bendy poses? Celebrates the joy of learning new things together. (from publisher)
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: family heritage, grandfather/granddaughter, men, multicultural, physical challenges, traditions
Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trial
Illustrated by: Jennifer Thermes
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Description: At age 67, Emma Gatewood decided to go for a nice long walk . . . and ended up completing the Appalachian Trail. With just the clothes on her back and a pair of thin canvas sneakers on her feet, Grandma Gatewood hiked up ridges and down ravines, braved angry storms and witnessed breathtaking sunrises relying on the kindness of strangers. A story of true grit and girl power at any age. (Adapted from author’s website)
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: adventures, community, fears, grandmother, late-life happiness, nature, perseverance, physical challenges, picture book bios
Henri’s Scissors
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Description: Non-fiction bio of artist Henri Matisse.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: art, creativity, disability, late-life happiness, physical challenges, picture book bios
Miss Colfax’s Light
Illustrated by: Eileen Ryan Ewen
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Description: In 1861, at the age of 37, Harriet Colfax took on the job of lighthouse keeper for the Michigan City lighthouse off Lake Michigan. It was a bold and determined endeavor. For 43 years, until the age of 80, Harriet kept her light burning, through storms, harsh winters, and changes in technology. This true story contains excerpts from her actual log. (adapted from publisher)
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: history, late-life career, nature, perseverance, physical challenges, picture book bios, retirement, women, work
Miss Rumphius
Illustrated by: Barbara Cooney
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Description: Growing older, a lifetime, legacies, flowers, planting When still a little girl, Alice Rumphius decided that when she grew up she would visit faraway places, live by the sea and do something to make the world more beautiful–per her grandfather’s advice.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: aging, community, disability, intergenerational, late-life happiness, legacy, making a difference, nature, neighbors, physical challenges, using life experiences, work
The Most Beautiful Thing
Illustrated by: Khoa Le
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Description: “Drawn from author Kao Kalia Yang’s childhood experiences as a Hmong refugee, this moving picture book portrays a family with little money—and a great deal of love. Weaving together Kalia’s story with that of her beloved grandmother, the book moves from the jungles of Laos to the family’s early years in the United States.” (Book jacket)
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: appearances, caregiving, extended family, family heritage, grandmother, grandmother/granddaughter, grandparents, Hmong-American, intergenerational, multicultural, physical challenges, respect for elders, wisdom, women
Nature’s Friend: The Gwen Frostic Story
Illustrated by: Eileen Ryan Ewen
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Description: Gwen Frostic was a nature artist & early environmentalist who sketched in nature, then created striking prints. After a serious illness as a child she remained strong and independent. A pioneering woman, Gwen never let her disabilities, gender or age define her. She sold her beautiful greeting cards and books worldwide hoping to open people’s eyes to the beauty of our natural world.
Ages: 6-9
Topics: Activism, aging, creativity, disability, history, late-life career, late-life happiness, making a difference, nature, perseverance, physical challenges, picture book bios, work
Ten Ways to Hear Snow
Illustrated by: Kenard Pak
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Description: Lina, the main character, is walking through snow to visit her Sitti, her grandmother, who lives in an independent living building. The two are going to stuff grape leaves, an activity that’s harder for Sitti because her sight is failing. Sounds have become very important to this Lebanese grandmother and granddaughter. This book encourages readers to make their own snow sounds, discuss other ways to hear snow, and learn about onomatopoeia. (Adapted from Bookology Magazine)
Ages: 0-3, 3-6
Topics: aging, arab/american, disability, family heritage, grandmother, grandmother/granddaughter, grandparents, multicultural, nature, physical challenges, traditions
Truth and Honor: The President Ford Story
Illustrated by: Matt Faulkner
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Description: This picture book biography of President Gerald R. Ford offers an opportunity to talk about values like honesty, integrity and compassion in our leaders. A true story with engaging text and beautiful illustrations
Ages: 6-9
Topics: community, history, late-life career, legacy, making a difference, men, older role model, perseverance, physical challenges, picture book bios, presidents, racism, using life experiences, work
When Grandma Gatewood took a Hike
Illustrated by: Erica Magnus
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Description: It took her two tries, but in 1955, sixty-seven-year-old Emma “Grandma” Gatewood became the first woman to solo hike the entire length of the Appalachian Trail in one thru-hike, without professional gear or even a tent. Houts chronicles the spirit of a seasoned outdoorswoman and mother of eleven whose grit and determination helped her to hike over two thousand miles. (adapted from publisher)
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: community, grandmother, history, late-life happiness, nature, perseverance, physical challenges, picture book bios
