Exploring the Bond Between Grandmothers and Granddaughters

“There’s no place like grandma’s house”. This familiar phrase can be found on artwork, coffee mugs, t-shirts, etc., but now the bond between a grandmother and granddaughter is also explored and illustrated in a children’s book by University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Nursing associate professor Dr. Lee Murray.

“As an autoethnographer, I appreciate the value and impact of a story; the idea of a children’s book twirled around in my head for a while,” said Dr. Murray. There are very few children’s storybooks that target grandchildren and their grandparents, with Bernstein Bears being the exception. “As part of my research I was studying mothering, but my studies were also turning to grandmothering. That’s when I noticed the thought process of my granddaughter as she tested and challenged the limits to her grandmothers’ love, only to discover there were no limits.”

Written for today’s baby boomer grandparents and their grandchildren, I Will Always Love You …No Matter What is a funny, touching, real-life exploration of a child’s journey to understand the meaning of a grandmothers’ love. The vibrantly illustrated book focuses on the play between granddaughter and grandmother and how together they cause all kinds of mishaps, while the grandmother is involved in the action, which Dr. Murray feels is very typical of baby boomer grandmothers. “As mothers, most of us were likely busy pursuing a career or working away from the home and to have fun and play with our children was often an extra treat at the end of a busy day, rather than an everyday occurrence. Now, as grandmothers, we can relax, act silly, and join in on the fun.”

Kori, Murray’s granddaughter, was four years old when she asked the very thoughtful questions explored throughout the book. Now she looks back on the experience and had this to say. “I kind of remember asking my grandma those questions and thinking of things I could break. I really liked how it started out and developed from small pictures, sketches and ideas into a finished book. I liked having Bryson, our family dog, included and hiding a ladybug on each page was fun! I will be 10 years old soon, so it feels like that is a long time ago.”  

Emily Johnson, a visual artist based in Saskatoon, illustrated the book for Dr. Murray. “As soon as I decided I would do the book, I knew I would need a good illustrator,” comments Murray. “I put an advertisement out for artists studying at USask at the time. I did several interviews, hired Emily, and the rest is history. She is such a talented artist. This was her first experience as an illustrator and she did an amazing job.”

Dr. Murray’s book was published in November 2020. Proceeds from the book will be shared between Dr. Murray, who is going to put hers towards Kori’s college fund, Emily, and of course, Kori.

I Will Always Love You…No Matter What can be purchased at Indigo, on Amazon, or by contacting Dr. Murray directly.