GG and Mamela

by Belinda Brock; illustrated by Avi Katz

GG and Mamela, a picture book by Belinda Brock, celebrates the loving relationship between Lily and her great-grandmother (GG) as her life starts to slow and wind down in hospice. GG and Mamela illustrates how strength and comfort can be found through love, family and tradition. This book offers a gentle and open-ended way to start a conversation about death and dying, as well as introduce the concept of hospice care. The talented, award-winning artist, Avi Katz, provides beautifully-rendered illustrations that perfectly complement this heartwarming story. The book concludes with GG’s recipe for chicken soup and an afterword by clinical psychologist Dr. Laura Brock Fraint.

Praise

“simple but emotionally resonant illustrations…a nice, true-to-life touch. The book pairs an ethereal illustration with lyrical text, which truly captures the healing, transporting power of music in this
setting. A welcome addition to children’s literature about death and dying.” —Kirkus Reviews

“This book is beautifully written and illustrated. The author takes a difficult subject and weaves a story full of life lessons. The universal themes of life, death, family, loss,and chicken soup are shared through a child’s eyes and remind us that even after one dies, love remains.” —Jamie O’Malley, President and CEO, Midwest Palliative and Hospice CareCenter

GG and Mamela is a large helping of Chicken Soup for the heart and soul. It helps children cope with the death of a loved one in gentle and understanding terms. Belinda Brock has done a great service for children and parents alike.” —Rabbi Evan Moffic, Spiritual Leader of Makom Solel Lakeside and Author