Grandma's Hands

by Bill Withers (Other), R Gregory Christie (Illustrator)

Overview

"Grandma's Hands" is a timeless, universal song originally featured on Bill Withers' 1971 album, "Just As I Am." With soulful lyrics, the song captures the significant impact that Withers' grandmother had on his life as a child. Multiple award-winning artist R. Gregory Christie has brought the iconic song to life through vibrant illustrations, painting a tender portrait of Bill's grandmother. Through the illustrations, readers are transported back in time to experience the comfort, security, and unconditional love that he found in his grandmother's hands.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798218173104
Publisher:	Freedom Three Publishing
Publication date:	07/01/2023
Sales rank:	617,442
Product dimensions:	9.29(w) x 11.26(h) x 0.34(d)

About the Author

Bill Withers was an American singer-songwriter and musician. He is known for such hit songs as "Ain't No Sunshine," "Lean on Me," "Just the Two of Us," "Lovely Day," and more. He has received numerous awards in his lifetime and won three GRAMMY Awards. In 2005, Withers was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and in 2015, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Editorial Reviews

★ 04/26/2024

K-Gr 3—A young brown-skinned boy, meant to be the late Bill Withers in his youth, recounts the many things his grandma's hands did. They would clap and play the tambourine at church. She would gesture to warn him about snakes in the grass when he was playing. She comforted him and others in the community who needed a shoulder to cry on. The picture book fast-forwards to Withers as a young man when his grandmother passed away. The story concludes with Withers, shown as an older man, plays his guitar and looks forward to the day when he can go to heaven where he'll be reunited with his grandma's hands. The iconic song, Grandma's Hands, comes alive through expressive and textured illustrations. Each colorful spread nearly jumps off the page and beautifully captures young Bill's adventures with his beloved grandmother watching over him. This picture book is a gorgeous tribute to the song as well as intergenerational love. It's a tribute to all grandmothers and the irreplaceable spaces they occupy. Listening to the song while engaging with the illustrations will add another level of understanding and connection to the reading experience. A new generation will be introduced to this song and its impact thanks to this picture book. A warning: Some children may be uncomfortable or unfamiliar with some of the situations outlined in the book as there are brief mentions of spanking and the death of a family member. VERDICT A beautiful tribute to a grandmother's hands and all they do; an essential purchase for all collections.—Myiesha Speight

School Library Journal