Nana Upstairs & Nana Downstairs

SLIS 5420- Module 5

Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs by Tomie DePaola

Bibliography:

DePaola, Tomie. Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs. Puffin Books. (1973).

Summary:

Young Tommy loved visiting his two grandmothers every Sunday. To keep them straight (as both were called Nana), Tommy called them Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs. Nana Downstairs, Tommy's grandmother, took care of the house and Nana Upstairs. Nana Upstairs, Tommy's great-grandmother, stayed in her bed upstairs because she was ninety-four years old. Running to her room up the back stairs, Tommy and Nana Upstairs shared her peppermint candy as she told stories of long ago. The day finally comes when Nana Upstairs dies, and Tommy is filled with sadness. His mother tells him that though she is gone from earth, Nana Upstairs will always be with him in memory. The sight of a shooting star comforts Tommy, as he knows that she is watching from above. Years later, Nana Downstairs becomes Nana Upstairs, and eventually shares the same fate. Tommy again sees a shooting star, reminding him of Nana's presence, and ponders the thought that now both are Nana Upstairs in heaven.

Thoughts:

This is maybe the most sensitive and poigniant story of death and comfort that I have seen for children. Though dealing with a sad topic, children find pleasure in relating to their own experiences with their grandparents, and the concept of aging is introduced in a sweet and simple way. I will use this book when the time comes for me to speak to a child about the loss of a grandparent, as it leaves them with hope and a sense of understanding, that though loved ones may leave us, their spirit and memory will remain. DePaola illustrates thoughtfully and simply, capturing both the joy and sorrow emitted from the little boy.

Reviews:

"What better way to celebrate a birthday than to have a new birth! That's exactly what popular author/illustrator Tomie dePaola has given his classic Nana Upstairs & Nana Downstairs (ages 4-8). Originally released 25 years ago, this wonderful generational story is based on dePaola's childhood experiences when he would visit his grandmother (Nana Downstairs in the kitchen) and his great-grandmother (Nana Upstairs in her bedroom). Every Sunday afternoon the small boy in the story (Tommy) sits chatting and eating candy with the older woman, watching the two comb their long hair, taking naps, going out for ice cream with the men in the family. Eventually Nana Upstairs dies and Tommy mourns, but his mother's explanation of a shooting star gives him a new dimension of understanding.dePaola has created new full-color illustrations in soft, warm tones for the 25th anniversary edition of this tribute to families. It also happens to be the 200th book he has illustrated. Happy birthday, dear Nana Upstairs & Nana Downstairs." - BookPage Review

"This edition of dePaola's story about his special friendship with his great-grandmother and grandmother and the death of his great-grandmother is illustrated with new, full-color paintings. The illustrations are vintage dePaola, and the warm palette conveys the boy's love for his elderly relatives." - Horn Book Guide Reviews

Ideas for Use:

This book is a great introduction for children to the concept of aging, though I would reserve its use for a time when many are either going through or asking questions about deaths of loved ones. For older elementary students, this could be a fun time to talk about grandparents, and to share stories of time spent with grandparents. Pass out peppermint candies like Nana Upstairs offers to Tommy, and take turns sharing stories.

Though this is a picture book, even middle and high schoolers could benefit from its reading. One could talk about the importance of preserving memories and stories, having students write down a story or two that they have either heard from their grandparents or a story of a time spend with grandparents. As an extension, teachers could assign students to interview grandparents or other senior citizens for memories that are important to them.