‡ Letters to My Grandfather is a beautifully written and illustrated tale that provides a way for families to address the difficult issue of grief with young children. Joanna Maneckji’s lyrical text and inventive collages offer a treasure trove of secrets that invite exploration and discussion. Your children will delight in the search for hidden images as well as the creation of new, loving memories.
“This book is exactly what children need during a season of loss; they will return to it often to nurture a sense of connection. There are many gently offered gifts in this richly imagined and vividly illustrated story. As a therapist who works with children and families, I am always in search of such gifts to share at difficult moments . . .”
‡ Jane Ferris Richardson, Professor of Art Therapy, Lesley University
About the Author
‡ Joanna Maneckji is a Singapore-based author, educator and artist who transforms seemingly random cutouts into expressive works of art that challenge perceptions, spark joy and promote understanding. Joanna uses collage as a medium to help teams and individuals slow down, collaborate, process thoughts and emotions, and communicate.
Soon after her son began to walk, Joanna made her first collage as a creative outlet that brought meditative focus and calm, then, when her father died, she turned to collage again to process grief. Fifteen years later, her debut storybook Letters to My Grandfather — simultaneously a gift of love to her father, her son Mikko and to readers who will delight in its tale — is a product of that journey.
Born into a multicultural, multinational family in Mumbai, Joanna studied anthropology at Smith College and has earned a master’s degree in teaching.
Letters to My Grandfather is being featured at the Singapore Children's Book Festival from 21-23 June . . .
Letters to My Grandfather is now available for purchase! . . . .
Would you like Joanna to speak in your school? Contact us! . . .
Collage with Care: Joanna will be at Singapore's Serangoon Public Library on 22 June at 2pm and at Sengkang Public Library on 06 July . . .
Letters to My Grandfather is being featured at the Singapore Children's Book Festival from 21-23 June . . . Letters to My Grandfather is now available for purchase! . . . . Would you like Joanna to speak in your school? Contact us! . . . Collage with Care: Joanna will be at Singapore's Serangoon Public Library on 22 June at 2pm and at Sengkang Public Library on 06 July . . .
“A beautiful and magical book. The imagery is amazing. My son and I love the detail and multiple layers of each collage. We notice new things each time we explore the book. Joanna is a talented artist, whose work speaks to your soul. Anyone who has lost a loved one and holds them close to their hearts must read.”
‡ Nicole Lee, Communications Expert, Well-being Coach & Mum to 8-year old Ollie
‡ “Letters to My Grandfather is written with deep respect for children’s abundant curiosity as well as their needs for comfort, connection, and communication. Joanna spins her story out of our deep-seated need, at any age, to investigate loss and connection. She understands children’s powers of imagination as well as their desire to make sense of the events in their lives and their role in their families. In the process, she touches on the realm of dreams, which in turn becomes a place that a child can imagine without fear.”
Jane Ferris Richardson
“Letters to My Grandfather is a poignant work of art. It is a necessity and a gift to both children and adults. Readers of all ages will relate to the story’s topic and its arresting images. This book should be shared and read often, not only at times of loss, but regularly to remind us of the gifts of life and art.”
‡ Amelia Abdullahsani, Writer, Lecturer & Art Curator
Do you prefer to read a book on your phone, tablet or computer? The e-book edition is for you! Purchase your copy of Letters to My Grandfather from one of our retail sales partners.
Buy the E-Book
Do you like to hold a book in your hand? You can purchase the paperback edition of Letters to My Grandfather on all the major book sales platforms.
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“Immersing ourselves in poetry and art are processes that heal the soul and spirit on a deep level. Children and adults alike will find comfort and strength during the grieving process from Joanna Maneckji’s well-chosen phrases and meticulously crafted collages.”
‡ Lis Just, Anthroposophic Art Therapist and Visual Artist
Upcoming Events
‡ 15th Asian Festival of Children’s Content
Thursday 23 May 2024
Joanna Maneckji will be speaking at AFCC 2024 about “Collage: The Extraordinary Power of an Artform”. Join her as she explores how collage ignites curiosity and imagination in readers and fosters language skills. Read more about it here.
‡ One World International School
01 February 2024
Joanna Maneckji will read and discuss Letters to My Grandfather with Primary 5 students at One World International’s central campus.
‡ The Power of Creative Contemplation
Stay tuned for more dates!
Enjoy the art of collage and how it can add focus and direction to your professional and personal life. No previous experience required. Check out a description of a previous session here.
“Joanna Maneckji captures our imagination. Letters to My Grandfather reminds me of the timeless childhood classic Goodnight Moon, with its deep and meaningful symbolism. It helps children navigate critical developmental milestones . . . and is a visually stunning and creative way to engage people, across the lifespan, about love and loss. This is a new classic.”
‡ Whitney Ross, Executive Director, Trinity Counseling Service (Princeton, NJ, USA)