Grandma Mimi is Mary Poppins. Okay, so it seems like she is Ms. Poppins because of her own “magical” purse. It does not hold anything that a regular purse would not hold (earrings, mirror, hair pins, scarf, candy, etc.), but somehow, it is extra special because it is Mimi’s bag. Or at least her granddaughter thinks so.
The great thing about the book is it is just a story about a granddaughter and her grandmother. They have fun dressing up, talking, looking at pictures, sharing candy (especially just at the right time when it is a little hard to pay attention to the preacher in church). The illustrations are simple, but have the perfect amount of detail. You can see the past in the pictures on the wall (and in the wallet Mimi has). As well as the little things that the granddaughter is talking about.
While reading I did not realize that the author and illustrator was Vanessa Brantley-Newton (the illustrator of A Night Out with Mama). This is a little embarrassing as I really enjoyed the illustrations in the other book. However, in Grandma’s Purse, the colors are lighter and softer. They are not as “popping off the page” as they are in A Night Out with Mama. This does not take away from their look or influence on the story. It shows how the relationship between granddaughter and grandmother is just as important. However, there is a different tone. Less “going out to party” and more “staying home and having fun there.” Either book can really be a fun read-aloud, anytime story.