When I Found Grandma, written by Saumiya Balasubramaniam, and illustrated by Qin Leng. Groundwood Books, 2019. $17.95 ages 5 and up

"I woke up to the sound of her
prayer bells the next morning.
When Grandma disappeared for
her super-long shower, I hid the
bells under her bed.

But I was excited to be awake.
It was spring break. Father had
promised a trip to the island.

But why was he dressed in white,
looking like Mr. Snowman?"

Grandparents Day 2019 is upon us - to be celebrated Sunday, September 8 this year. So, I am looking for books about grandparents that might find their way into your collection.

Seeing a friend's grandma pick her up from school every day, Maya expresses a wish that her grandmother did more than send her postcards. Her grandmother lives far away; it is the best she can do given those circumstances. Imagine Maya's surprise when, a few weeks later, she arrives home after school to find her grandmother has come for a visit.

"My special surprise wore a crimson sari and
carried homemade sweets.
I ran to Grandma. She pinched my cheeks
and kissed her fingers. Then she sat cross-
legged on the floor and handed out her
goodies."

Those treats are not such a treat for Maya. Her preference for cupcakes is the first of a variety of incidents that are not comfortable for Maya. The worst of them is when her grandma refuses to use Maya's American name; she insists on calling her Mayalakshmi. Grandma is dumbfounded by Maya's responses to what is normal and natural to her.

Each day offers up a new annoyance for Maya - a nightly prayer, morning prayer bells, long showers, and wanting to celebrate Holi at the temple when they have plans to visit the island. Such disappointment for the young girl. Grandma agrees to miss temple for her beloved granddaughter, suggesting they can pray while on the island. Grandma borrows red pants and blue shoes to wear on their adventure. She also buys a baseball cap to wear while there.

At the celebration, Maya loses sight of her family and is terrified. It's Grandma to the rescue! Maya can hear her calling her name, and can see the baseball cap that Grandma is holding high to help Maya find her in the huge crowd. When it is time for Grandma to return home at the end of spring break, Maya is left with a task ... and a new attitude.

The first person narrative is honest and totally convincing. The emotions expressed in the text are beautifully captured with ink and watercolor in the detailed artwork we have come to associate with the exceptional Qin Leng.