Sometimes It's Grandmas and Grandpas

Mary Haverfield has been illustrating children’s books for more than twenty years. Haverfield studied art at the University of Houston, Texas, and The Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. She has illustrated more than ten picture books for children, including Harriett the Homeless Raccoon. She lives in Dallas with her husband, Pat. Gayle Byrne can usually be found reading with little ones at Killingworth Library, where she has been the Children’s Librarian for ten years, or playing in the backyard with her granddaughter and their dog, Buddy. An award-winning educator, she previously taught English and Child Development. Byrne is an active member of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and lives happily with her granddaughter, Jasmine, and Jazzy’s Poppy in Connecticut.

"This is a wonderful story, with the right tone and message. It leaves one with a sense of calm, warmth and security, which is something many grandchildren desire." -- Deborah M. Whitley, Director, National Center on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren "A warm and comforting children's book about grandfamilies." -- Grandparents(dot)com, American Grandparents Association "With beautiful illustrations and simple, yet warm and sincere, text... this book is a welcome addition to children's literature addressing diversity in family structure..." -- ACEI Journal (Association for Childhood Education International) "This lovely story and attractive illustrations is a great way to introduce the concept of a different family to young readers. It's the perfect addition to any public or school library collection." -- Liz Duffy, Baker + Taylor CATS Sales Coordinator "Strikes a warm, happy note..." -- Booklist "A great way to introduce children to other family structures." -- New Haven Register "Haverfield's watercolors give a softness to the illustrations, perfectly reflecting the tone of the story itself." -- The Hartford Courant "A delightful children's book...warm and comforting." -- Together (a Generations United magazine) "[This] book will likely fill a gap in many collections." -- School Library Journal "Byrne's book will be a favorite of children in grandparent custody and can be a valuable learning tool for other children as well...Books celebrating this particular type of happy family are in short supply." -- About(dot)com