Alvina’s grandmothers don’t seem to have much in common. One likes brass bands, the other likes Calypso. One likes Jack and the Beanstalk, the other likes Anansi. One grew up in rural England, the other in Trinidad. They both come to take care of Alvina when her parents go away for their tenth anniversary, and initially their styles and tastes clash. But their love for Alvina helps them to overcome their differences and even begin to enjoy each other’s company as the three spend time together. Alvina, a biracial child with a white dad and a Black mom, offers a spirited account of her two grandmothers finding their common ground. (Ages 3–6)

Alvina lives near her two grannies: Granny Vero who emigrated from Trinidad and Granny Rose who always lived in Great Britain. The two grannies offer to care for Alvina so her parents can take a vacation for their tenth anniversary. Cultural clashes—and a bit of jealousy—quickly intrude. Granny Vero suggests rice and peas with chicken and plantains. Granny Rose proposes a steak and kidney pie. Food is not the only debate: zoo or park? Dominoes or board game? “Anansi” or “Jack and the Beanstalk”? In the end, compromise diminishes all disagreements, so Alvina’s week is a spectacular success—for everyone. 2009 USBBY Outstanding International Books List. lmp

Originally published by Frances Lincoln Great Britain, in 2007.

Aston's Grandad Roy played in a steel band and Grandad Harry played the trumpet in a brass band. Aston always enjoyed going to visit them and listen to them practise. But soon he wanted to join in. So he asked Grandad Roy to teach him to play the steel drums and then he asked Grandad Harry to teach him to play the trumpet. He loved practising both instruments. Then the school needs a band to play at the school fair, and both grandads want their own band to play. Finaly Aston had an idea - both bands join together to make one big band, and Aston joins in first on steel drums and then on trumpet. This delightful story of a mixed-race family reconciling their very different cultures is a wonderful celebration of diverse cultures. Written by one of Britain's foremost campaigners and media personalities and illustrated by a highly regarded illustrator, this book is sure to build on the success of My Two Grannies.