Mary Schendlinger, founding editor of Geist Magazine, shared a hilarious, laugh-your-head-off, book that perfectly captures her affection for her youth - spent reading “everywhere from Granny’s workshop, to the henhouse, to a high hill where the sheep are sleeping …” - while simultaneously exalting her growing bond with her own grandchildren. That book is What! Cried Granny by Kate Lum, illustrated by Adrian Johnson.
“A friend gave me the book when my first grandchild was about three years old,” she reminisces, “That grandchild is now in university and we still yell ‘Whaaaaaaaaaat! cried Granny’ when we need a good laugh.” The book chronicles Patrick’s first sleepover date with his feisty and funny granny who seems to be missing some crucial sleepover essentials — a bed, for instance. As Mary describes, “Granny takes on the challenge, with abundant love if not always practical success. The story is funny for kids and grownups while reminding us that love conquers all. It also takes a good-natured poke at the stereotypical image of Granny as a sweet grey-haired lady always taking fresh cookies out of the oven.”
Good thing, because Mary Schendlinger is anything but your typical granny.