Finding Granny
by Andrew Abel
Illustrations by Graeme Holding
Description
This book is inspired by treasure hunts that my father would set for his grandchildren using hand drawn clues. Visual clues means that even toddlers that can’t read yet can play. A generation later my daughters, now with children of their own, are asking me to lay these treasure trails for their children.
The story follows the children around the house as they search for clues that lead them to different objects. Eventually, they find Granny and she surprises them with a big hug.
The book is suitable both for young readers and pre-readers alike. It encourages observation and discovery, and also teaches the game to the older reader. The rhyming and simple vocabulary make it easy for younger readers.
About the Illustrator
Graeme Holding’s style of drawing is bright, fun and traditional but quirky. He likes to draw animals bringing a sense of personality to their characters. Graeme is from Helsby, Cheshire, but he now lives in Runcorn with his wife and four children.
After school and college he went on to complete a Children's book illustration course at the London Art College. Since then he has worked with publishers and private clients, producing illustrations for children's books.
Graeme Holding✉ graemeh@live.ca https://www.graemeholdingillustration.com/
Reviews
"Finding Granny is a fun rhyming book that shows little adventurers the joys of treasure hunts, exploring new things, and making amazing discoveries using their imagination. ...This engaging book encourages children to observe things using their creativity and imagination"
https://kidliomag.com/finding-granny-by-andrew-robert-abel/
Kidiomag, June 11, 2023
​
"My five-year-old grandson got a big kick out of this book. He really liked the idea of granny hiding and the grandkids looking for her. This book is good for grandkids who can't read and those that can. For early readers, the words are simple and easy. Plus, rhyming words add to the fun." Nina Lewis, Grandma Ideas
https://grandmaideas.com/finding-granny
Jul 17, 2023
Finding Granny by Andrew Abel is a delightful illustrated children's book. The story follows two children seeking out their granny's hiding place, using clues left along the way. The story details the game so that readers can play it too. This fun way to play with the children is an interactive and inclusive way to include even the youngest readers. The illustrations pair wonderfully with the hunt for clues and offer bright colorful glimpses of the children as they play their game. Graeme Holding does a remarkable job of bringing this story to life with his talented illustrations. The story is written in a rhyming style, and the story and images are sure to please young listeners as they hear the story read and look at the amusing pictures as they follow along.
​
I enjoyed reading Finding Granny by Andrew Abel. Taking an idea from his past, and turning it into a book to share with a new generation was a great idea. The story and the clues are easy enough to follow, which makes this book useful in multiple ways. Not only is Finding Granny a lovely picture book for adults to read to their children, but it also provides them with a new game and is written in a way that young readers would soon be able to read the story for themselves too. Very creative! I can see this being a good book for grandparents to read aloud. This is also a game that parents could easily play with their children around the home, especially on those rainy days when youngsters are bored and stuck inside, perhaps? Finding Granny by Andrew Abel makes for a wonderful new addition to any young reader's library.
Reviewed by Stephanie Lynn for Readers’ Favorite, 5 Stars, Dec 13, 2024