Heather Smith and Ashley Barron have gifted readers with a beautiful, sentimental book about how we can celebrate and remember a lost loved one. Granny Left Me a Rocket Ship is full of adventures and remembrances, perfect for young readers to help them process the death of a loved one.

When Granny died she left each member of the family something special. The child narrator received something extra special, something to take them on the most excellent of adventures, each holding a special place in their heart with Granny.

This very simple, heartfelt picture book will not only help readers understand the idea of losing someone but they will also be inspired to take ordinary objects and turn them into adventures. As the child in the story takes Granny’s cane, they turn it into a tent, a fishing pole, a rocket ship, etc. Each time the cane changes into a new object, there is Granny adventuring right along beside them. It’s a gentle book to remind the reader that adventure is everywhere and the imagination is a powerful tool. It’s also a brilliant reminder that those who die are still with us, in our remembrances and our adventures.

Ashley Barron’s illustrations delight and captivate. The worlds and dreams she builds with simple paper are truly astonishing. Readers will be left mesmerized but each two page spread and will be inspired to frequently request this book so they can hunt for new surprises in the illustrations.