The Shrewd Granny
A Heartwarming Tale of Love, Loss and Lessons That Stay Forever
By Janell LaFaye Jordan, LCMHCS, LPC
A boy spends time with his wise and loving Granny, navigating loss and learning that the people we love never truly leave us. Heartfelt, profound, and gently written by a licensed mental health professional.
Children Learn To
- Processing grief in age-appropriate, healthy ways
- Understanding that love outlasts physical presence
- Building intergenerational connection and memory
- Finding comfort and hope after loss
$2.99eBook — PDF, instant download
Print edition available via Amazon & IngramSpark
About this book
Grief is one of the hardest human experiences to navigate — and for children, it can feel overwhelming and isolating. The Shrewd Granny meets children where they are, offering a warm, safe story about a boy and the grandmother he loves deeply.
Through their time together, children learn that love endures beyond loss, that memories keep people present, and that grief is something we carry with us — not something that carries us away.
Written by Janell LaFaye Jordan, LCMHCS, LPC — a licensed mental health counselor with specialized training in grief, trauma, and child development — this book is both clinically grounded and beautifully human. It is used in therapy offices, classrooms, and homes to open up conversations about loss that many adults struggle to begin.
Ideal for children ages 6–9 who have experienced or are anticipating loss, and for anyone who has loved someone deeply.
As reviewed by the press
"Heartwarming, wise, and delicately profound, The Shrewd Granny is a picture book that gently explores the enduring lessons passed between generations."
What parents & educators say
"I have searched for years for a children's book about grief that is honest without being heavy, and hopeful without being dismissive. The Shrewd Granny is exactly that. I use it in my practice weekly and the response from children and parents alike has been extraordinary."
Grief Therapist, VA
Verified Purchase
"My daughter lost her grandmother last spring and this book helped her more than anything else we tried. She asks to read it often — I think it keeps Grandma close for her. Beautifully written. The author clearly understands children's hearts."
Tamara W.
Goodreads
"I ordered several copies for our school counseling library. This is the most natural conversation-starter about death and loss I have ever found for this age group. Children engage immediately. The story treats grief with dignity and age-appropriate warmth."
Elementary School Counselor
Amazon Review
"Read this with my son after we lost his great-grandmother. By the end he said, 'She's not really gone, is she?' That's the magic of this book. It gave us the words we couldn't find on our own. Genuinely grateful this exists."
Marcus J.
Goodreads
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is The Shrewd Granny best for?
The book is written for children ages 6–9, but it resonates powerfully with older children and even adults. It's particularly effective for children who have experienced the loss of a grandparent or other loved one.
Is this book appropriate for children currently experiencing grief?
Yes — it was specifically written with that child in mind. The author, a licensed mental health counselor, crafted the story to gently validate grief while offering comfort and hope. Many therapists use it in grief-focused sessions.
Is this book faith-based?
The story carries themes of hope, love, and the endurance of relationships that align naturally with Christian faith, though it is not explicitly denominational. It is a warm fit for faith-based homes, churches, and schools.
What format is the eBook?
The eBook is delivered as both a PDF and ePub file. Download links are emailed to you immediately after purchase and are valid for 48 hours — please save your files promptly.
Can I use this in a counseling or classroom setting?
Absolutely. Many school counselors and grief therapists use The Shrewd Granny as a therapeutic read-aloud and discussion starter. It pairs well with grief group curricula and loss-focused lesson plans.
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