Annie and the Old One

Annie and the Old One is a book about how a young girl feels when her grandmother is about to die. I like this book because a lot of books for kids don't talk about people dying. I'm an emotional person. This book is terrific because it gives a lot of information about the Native American culture. Ben, Second Grade, 2005-2006

This book gently explains to young children the reality and inevitability of death. I enjoy reading this book as much as my daughter enjoys hearing it.

I'm a little puzzled by two negative entries in the review section for this book. The one by the second grade class seems to have missed the particular theme of this book and the second claims the story is predictable. Well, in a way, it is predictable. The grandmother's death is an inevitable event, and dealing with that death and loss is a story every child must deal with in their lives. The young girl in this book reacts with horror to the thought of losing her grandmother--and even tries to fight it--keep it from happening. In the end, she comes to an understanding and an acceptance of what death means and finds new strength for herself and her family. This is a wonderful book for those children who are dealing with the question of death in their own lives.

Twenty years ago a child librarian recommended "Annie and the Old One" to me. I have explained death to small children using this book. Several are now adults. None have ever feared death. "Annie and the Old One will always remain part of my personal library. Today, I send a copy of it to a dying grandmother to read to her small grandchildren. I am honored to send this gift to my friend, and thankful to the author, Miska Miles, for writing "Annie and the Old One" for all of us.

This book is excellent for two reasons: the story line and illustrations expose children to Navajo culture, and the relationship between a small child and her grandmother is one that small children can identify with. Reading this story can give parents and children's a starting point for talking about loss of a loved one.