”Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs” by Tomie dePaola

Tomie dePaola wrote and illustrated the classic children’s book “Strega Nona,” the tale of an Italian witch doctor who made so much magical pasta that it flooded the town where she lived. He also wrote and illustrated one of the loveliest books I’ve seen to introduce children to the concept of death. It’s called “Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs,” and it features little Tommy and his great-grandmother and grandmother, whom he visits every Sunday.

Tommy calls his great-grandmother “Nana Upstairs” because she’s 94 and is “always in a bed upstairs.” “Nana Downstairs” is his grandmother, who runs the house where they both live.

One morning, Tommy wakes up to his mother telling him that Nana Upstairs has died, and he won’t be able to see her anymore. Tommy’s mother takes him to his grandmother’s house, and he runs upstairs. He discovers that Nana Upstairs’ bed is empty, and begins to cry as reality sinks in. Tommy’s mother comforts him by telling him that he can still see Nana Upstairs in his mind. Whenever he thinks about her, she will come back in his memory.

A few nights later, Tommy sees a shooting star fall from his bedroom window. His mother tells him, “Perhaps that was a kiss from Nana Upstairs.” Years later, Nana Downstairs takes to Nana Upstairs’ former bed as she ages and becomes bedridden. Eventually, she too passes away. Tommy, now an adult, sees another shooting star and thinks to himself, “Now you are both Nana Upstairs.”

Credit: gatheringbooks.files.wordpress

DePaola wrote “Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs” in 1973. Yet it is still an effective tool to help grieving children process the deaths of loved ones. It’s also an homage to dePaola’s own family and the nanas that meant so much to him.

The book contains no overbearing philosophizing or religiously influenced messages about the afterlife. It is simply a perfect little tale that can help prepare children for the inevitable realities of aging and death. It’s also a touching tribute to strong, loving, multigenerational family bonds.

Tomie dePaola is a master of the art form of picture books for children. He is a recipient of the Hans Christian Anderson Award, the highest international recognition for creators of children’s books; an honor that’s well-deserved.