As I Grow Up and You Grow Down

This endearing picture book captures the extraordinarily significant relationship between children and their grandparents by teaching little ones (and reminding not-so-little ones) that though age may affect our abilities, it can only strengthen the love between generations. With every page of “As I Grow Up and You Grow Down,” the young narrators of this tender tale chronicle the simple, yet special, day-to-day activities that a child and a grandmother can enjoy together. Even as the boy and girl enjoy their time and experiences with Grandma, they dream of the day when they will be big enough to emulate their grandmother’s love and kindness. Each page focuses on a different memory—baking cookies, planting flowers, going to the movies, playing dress-up—that the trio makes together, first with Grandma leading the way, teaching them how, then with her grandchildren guiding her, extending in return a heart of kindness. It is a beautiful reminder of how children learn from the examples of the grown-ups they love most, how the power of familial relationships shapes real values and how actions peppered with love enrich the life of a young child.

The bond between grandparents and grandchildren is very unique and truly special, and it is never more evident than on the pages of this wonderfully endearing picture book. Author Debbie Daniele drew on her own experience as a wife, mother, and now grandmother to pen As I Grow Up and You Grow Down, skillfully capturing the wonder and beauty of the multi-generational relationship and its role in the development of a child’s character. This uncomplicated tale follows two children, a boy and girl, as they share a number of simple, yet memory-making activities with their adored grandmother. When the children are small, they follow diligently as Grandma leads the way, gently instructing them as they bake cookies, plant flowers, and learn to sing their favorite songs. During their time together, the children dream of the day when they will be big enough to emulate Grandma’s patience and compassion. As the children grow up and become more capable, they take joy in returning their grandmother’s kindness, whether escorting her to the movies, knitting her a sweater or initiating an embrace at the end of the day. Each precious memory enriches their lives for the future, molding them into more confident, thoughtful adults who are sold out on compassion and love. As I Grow Up and You Grow Down is a tender and reflective volume that not only reinforces the bond between children and their grandparents, but also fosters dialogue between little ones and their parents about the importance of relationships and shared experiences, especially within families.

Debbie Daniele has a degree in Organizational Leadership, works as a Church Consultant and has served in a variety of non-profit organizations. Her close family relationships and her ministry work have become the most passionate significance in her life as well as the groundwork for cultivating her writing career. As a grandmother, she drew on loving relationships in her life to write As I Grow Up and You Grow Down. When she’s not writing or working as a consultant, she loves experiencing life with family and friends, reading, being refreshed by hiking or biking and photography. Debbie and her husband, Michael, have five children, two grandchildren and live in New England. About the book, Debbie adds, "This was written for my grandchildren, who captured my heart the very first moment we met. It is in memory of Kathe Levenson, an author whose original book and concept inspired this writing. Thanks, Kathe. And I wanted to extend my deepest thanks to my husband, Michael, for believing in me and encouraging me to follow through with the idea for this book until it became a reality. I look forward to many years of making memories alongside you through laughter, joy and love with our children's children."