When there are seven grandparents but only one Silas, is there enough of him to go around?
Each of Silas' grandparents are unique. They take him to amusement parks, or museums, dog shows or camping. But when Silas' parents go away on a business trip, all seven grandparents invite Silas to stay with them. One Silas can't be with seven different grandparents at the same time! How can he choose one without hurting the others' feelings?
Silas' Seven Grandparents is a fun and loving story about having multiple sets of grandparents and stepgrandparents as a result of divorce and remarriage. Silas' grandparents enjoy exposing him to a variety of interests, values and cultures. But problems arise when Silas feels he can't be everywhere at once. In the end, it's Silas' sensitive, inclusive nature that brings everyone together.
"Fills a much-needed niche in that it addresses the fact that all families look different. It is also a celebration of these differences. Recommended."
– CM Magazine
"The deftly drawn water-based ink illustrations reflect the story's upbeat tone and portray the widely diverse grandparents in ways that make them distinctive. A refreshing alternative to the many overly sentimental picture books about children and their grandparents."
– Booklist
"Done in acrylic ink, the lively cartoon art is bright and unassuming. The cast of characters is subtly multicultural but their ethnic diversity is presented in a matter-of-fact way. This is a positive story about love and family to share one-on-one with grandparents, no matter how many there are."
– School Library Journal
"Silas's conflict is wholly relatable, and readers will enjoy, vicariously, all the doting, shown in carefree acrylic-ink illustrations."
– The Horn Book Guide
"The grandparents themselves are portrayed with joy and great variety, not only in stature and demeanor but ethnicity as well. This is simply a delightful celebration of family."
– Puget Sound Council
"[A] great picture book, not only because it is a fun story to read, but because it teaches kids about a different set of family dynamics…The end of this book is super cute, and it's guaranteed to touch the hearts of all readers, big and small."
– Lethbridge Living Magazine
"This cute story will cause students to wonder how one boy can have seven grandparents, but this situation can also be turned into a teachable moment...Anita Horrocks writes of a very loving family situation. Helen Flook's illustrations are bright and colorful, warmly complementing this family story...Recommended."
– Library Media Connection
"An unusual grandparent story told with humor—not at all sentimental and introducing the variations on family configurations. Recommended."
– Eastern New Jersey Regional Library Cooperative
"Really entertaining...It also teaches children about decision making and family life."
– BookLinx
"An intergenerational story with a lot of heart."
– Kirkus Reviews
Flook's illustrations give wonderful personalities to all of the grandparents and are filled with many interesting details that kids will enjoy spotting and commenting upon. A lovely story for grandparents and grandchildren to share.
– School Library Journal
"This book really shines in the depiction of Silas' grandparents. Not only are they active and passionate about life they are also extremely diverse: Most are in couples, but one is single; they have a wide variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds; and they range from moderately grey to notably wrinkled. This is a book with detailed, colourful illustrations and a story that values inclusiveness."
– Resource Links
"A good jump off point to discuss the many different forms of family. Silas' final idea is cute."
– Kiss the Book blog
Bank Street College of Education Children's Book Committee Best Children's Books of the Year | 2011 | Commended
CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection | 2011 | Commended
Ontario Library association (OLA) Best Bets | 2010 | Commended
