• Age: 3 to 6
• Grade: p to 1

Grandma finds the perfect spot for her home on the shore of a lake. As her family gets bigger, the house grows too--and eventually becomes a castle! Bursting with toys, bunk beds, bedrooms and pies, the castle is a magical place full of love and traditions. Whole walls are reserved for family photos and grandchildren's drawings, and a huge playground fills the yard. Grandma and her family love boating, watching the loons, and having meals together in Grandma's giant dining room.

The castle is built on a stone foundation so that it will last for years and years--and Grandma and her love will last forever in the memories of her family.

Featuring vibrant illustrations by Jazmin Sasky, What Grandma Built is the poignant story of one family and its extraordinary grandmother, and is a whimsical take on the difference between a house and a home.

Michelle Gilman was raised in Winnipeg, MB, and enjoyed summers at Lake of the Woods, ON--the setting for What Grandma Built. Gilman completed her Master of Education specializing in Special Education and worked as a resource teacher for five years before becoming an Associate Professor at Arizona State University. Michelle, her husband Laurence and their two children currently live in Vancouver, BC. The book was inspired by a discussion the author had with her children after their Grandma (Bubbie) died. They discussed her life and her legacy and wanted to capture what made her so truly special.

Michelle Gilman's profile page

Jazmin Sasky is a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists and CARFAC (Canadian Artists Representation). In addition to children's books, her work is on display in the Vancouver Public Library, major hospitals in British Columbia, private homes, private medical clinics and women's co-op housing developments.

Jazmin Sasky's profile page

“What Grandma Built is a children's story that is a real tribute to the enduring power of love.”

Midwest Book Review