When I Visited Grandma

Upon returning to India, a young girl rekindles the bond with her grandmother through a series of cultural and generational exchanges. The initial visit to the local market becomes a clash of perspectives; her grandmother's confusion at modern fashion, symbolized by the girl's ripped jeans, contrasts with the girl's struggle to adapt to the noisy market atmosphere. The girl's discomfort grows as her grandmother engages with nosy neighbors, leaving her yearning for personal time with her.

The following day brings an intrusion of privacy when the grandmother's friends arrive bearing traditional snacks. The girl's response—retreating to her room—sparks a cultural misunderstanding. Her request for solitude is misaligned with the communal nature of her grandmother's friendships. Despite her grandmother's efforts to bridge this gap, the girl remains perplexed by the attention.

Tragedy strikes when the grandmother suffers a heart attack and is hospitalized, thrusting the girl into a reflective journey. She navigates her emotions by purchasing coconut water—a shared affection with her grandmother—as a symbol of her care. When the girl and her mother arrived after visiting hours, they could not see her grandmother, but, through the window, the grandmother managed a feeble smile.
In the solitude of prayer, the girl seeks solace and healing for her grandmother. When recovery begins, so does the girl's gradual appreciation of her heritage, tentatively sampling the handmade snacks she once shied away from. The evolution of her understanding marks a tender convergence of youth and tradition, a narrative rich in emotional depth and cultural introspection.

The illustrations in this picture book vividly showcase Indian culture, depicting the bustling local markets, crowded streets, the expressive faces and emotions of the people, and a wide array of traditional Indian foods. The artwork transports me to "India," even though I have never been to the country. These illustrations enable me to visually learn about the culture and keep me engaged throughout the experience.

When I Visited Grandma tells a heartwarming story about the intergenerational bond between a grandmother and a little girl, as well as the cultural exchange between the West and India. The girl returns to India to visit her grandmother and learns about Indian culture while the grandmother gains insight into Western customs. However, the most poignant element of the book is the love shared between these two individuals.