Saturdays with Gramps: A Children’s Book About Grief, Loss, and the Love That Lives On

by Marissa Bader, Renee Hayes (Editor), Ellie Beykzadeh (Illustrator)

A warm hug of a book for any child who's missing someone they love.

Saturdays were Sam’s favorite—Grampscakes dripping with syrup, lively chess matches, quiet moments spent birdwatching. Just Sam and Gramps, soaking up their special day together.

But when Gramps passes away, Sam is heartbroken—and Saturdays feel empty.

With his mom’s gentle guidance, Sam begins to understand a powerful even though Gramps is gone, the love they shared—and their cherished traditions—will always remain. Because like syrup on pancakes, love sticks around.

Saturdays with Gramps is a tender, heartfelt picture book that helps children process grief and loss with warmth, comfort, and hope. Through gentle storytelling and beautiful illustrations, it reminds readers that the bonds we build with those we love remain long after they're gone.

✅ Ideal for ages 7+
✅ Introduces loss in an age-appropriate, relatable way
✅ Encourages open conversations about big feelings
✅ Validates kids’ emotions and experiences
✅ Offers healthy, hopeful coping strategies
✅ A supportive resource for parents, educators, and therapists navigating bereavement

Whether a child is grieving a grandparent, parent, pet, or any kind of loved one, Saturdays with Gramps reminds them they're not alone—and that love lasts forever.

Kindle Edition

Published August 5, 2025

About the author

Marissa Bader is a Minneapolis-based children’s book author and writer with a background in mental health. She’s the author of The Only Me, Stella’s Brave Voice, and Petunia the Perfectionist—heartfelt stories inspired by her three daughters that celebrate self-confidence, courage, and emotional growth. Her newest book, Saturdays with Gramps, explores grief and loss through the tender lens of a child-grandparent relationship.

In addition to writing for kids, Marissa pens personal essays on parenting and mental health, with work featured in Psychology Today, HuffPost Parents, Time Out New York, and more. When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her sipping coffee, having kitchen dance parties, or dreaming up her next story.

To learn more about Marissa, explore free resources, or invite her for an author visit, visit her website at MarissaBader.com, and follow her on Instagram @MarissaBaderWriter

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one I will keep waiting on my shelf for the moment that we need it. It's a beautifully illustrated book about a young boy who is processing the loss of his grandfather. They have a close bond and he learns that by doing the things he and his Gramps once did together, he can keep those warm memories close to his heart and remember his Gramps fondly. As a parent, I love this message and I REALLY appreciate that this is a kids grief book that doesn't mention God, Jesus, heaven, the afterlife or any religious elements because it can apply to any family, not just those who hold those beliefs.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saturday With Gramps follows Sam, a boy who spends every Saturday wrapped in the cozy routines he shares with his grandfather. They eat Grampscakes, play chess, watch for cardinals, and just enjoy being together. Then Gramps grows tired, and Sam learns he has died. With his mom’s help, Sam starts to understand how love sticks around even when someone is gone, and he finds small ways to keep Gramps close.

This is a very emotional children's book. The writing feels gentle, simple, and totally honest. I liked how nothing was rushed. Gramps grows tired slowly, and Sam notices it in those tiny everyday ways that feel so real. The moment his mom explains what happened is soft but clear, and I appreciated that. It does not sugarcoat the truth, and it also does not overwhelm. The whole thing felt like being spoken to kindly. I also loved the little details. The root beer, the petunias, the cardinal. They made the story feel warm and lived-in.

This whole picture of grief as something you move through by remembering what you shared felt calming. I found myself smiling at the thought of those Grampscakes and the way love turns into traditions you carry forward. It reminded me of how small rituals can feel huge when someone is gone. The message that love never dies felt simple in the best way. It stayed with me after I finished the last page.

I’d totally recommend Saturdays With Gramps for kids who are dealing with loss, and for the grown-ups trying to help them through it. The story is gentle, the pictures are bright and comforting, and the message feels steady and warm. It is a great read for families, counselors, teachers, or anyone who wants to help a child understand grief without making it scary.

[LitPick Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saturdays with Gramps by Marissa Bader is a story about a boy named Sam and his grandfather. Sam always looks forward to Saturdays because of all the fun activities he and Gramps do together. They play chess, enjoy the sandwiches Gramps prepares, and Gramps even lets him drink root beer - something his mom doesn’t allow! Imagine the joys of Saturday! But week by week, Sam starts to notice that Gramps is getting weaker. It seems like Gramps may be nearing the end of his life. Will Sam be able to cope with that idea? Will he ever feel happy again when that time comes? Read on to follow the story of Sam and how he navigates life, love, and loss.

Opinion:
The story Saturdays with Gramps by Marissa Bader is about coping with grief, acceptance, and love. This book is a wonderful tool for helping children process difficult topics such as the death of a loved one. It’s a tough subject to talk about, but one that is very relatable. Ms. Bader beautifully captures the raw emotions that come with grief. What’s great about the book is that it also explores acceptance, the process of moving on, and the idea of unconditional love. Alongside the story, the illustrations perfectly reflect the different emotions being portrayed. Overall, it’s a powerful and touching story, especially useful when helping children process emotions like grief and loss. For parents, educators, and therapists, this is definitely a book worth keeping on your shelves.

[Monika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Joy in the Memories

Some of the most meaningful moments in childhood aren’t big events—they’re the quiet, ordinary rituals that children look forward to week after week. Saturdays with Gramps by Marissa Bader captures that beautifully, showing how the bond between a grandparent and grandchild is built not on grand gestures, but on time, presence, and love.

Each Saturday, a young child spends the day with Gramps, and together they weave a rhythm of laughter, discovery, and connection. There’s no rush, no distraction—just shared activities that transform simple moments into treasured memories. Through gentle storytelling, Bader highlights how consistency and care create a sense of security for children, while also reminding us of the special role grandparents play in shaping who we become and helping to deal with bereavement.

Ellie Beykzadeh’s illustrations are a delight: warm colors, expressive faces, and cozy scenes that radiate joy. They invite readers to linger on each page, almost as if we’re there in the kitchen, the backyard, or the quiet moments in between.

Sat­urdays with Gramps is more than a story—it’s an invitation. It nudges us to slow down, notice the people who make us feel safe, and cherish the bonds that last across generations. Families will see themselves reflected here, and children will finish the book eager for their own special Saturday.

[Deanna Bussadori · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tender story of love, loss, family traditions—and, of course, Grampcakes. Sam treasures his Saturdays with Gramps, filled with making Grampcakes, playing chess, gardening, birdwatching, and crafting turkey sandwiches. But when Gramps passes away, Sam is left with a deep, aching sadness. The author’s gentle analogy—likening growing old to batteries slowly running out of energy—offers a comforting way to understand aging and decline. As Sam navigates his mix of grief, anger, and longing, moments of happiness slowly begin to return. This heartfelt tale shows how memories and traditions keep love alive, even after loss.

[Kirsten L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story that explains death and grief in a soft and gentle way! Reading it reminded me of my own grandfather and spending time in his backyard cutting lilacs and picking lettuce from his garden. The author includes examples that children can relate to and understand! The illustrations are beautiful as well! I will definitely be adding this book to our preschool's Grief Bag, a bag of books and resources that we borrow out to families when facing losses in their families. Well done!

[Jacey Siedband · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are so grateful that our favorite author wrote this book. We were first in line to receive one, and what a blessing it’s turned out to be. The kids are in the process of losing someone very near and dear to them, and they are struggling. It’s their first loss, and it’s crushing them. This book helped us to have a candid conversation about how we can celebrate his memory after he’s gone. Thank you, Marissa!

[Erin Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeping love alive after loss

My goodness, this book is a beautiful tribute to all passed love ones. I appreciate the author’s language choice to guide a young mind as death falls upon a family. I love the list the boy makes on how to stay connected to passed loved ones while noting life/passed life synchronicties.

This book will make a great addition to any book shelf, especially for those who enjoy celebrating loved ones in the present and afterlife.

[Aila Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming Story

This book beautifully talks about love and loss, showing how we cope and how the love for someone who has passed remains even when they are no longer with us. It’s a wonderful read for helping children understand feelings and experiences that are often difficult for adults to explain.

[BaKon Brands · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam's Saturdays were as SWEET as the syrup that dripped from Gramp's special pancakes they shared for breakfast. Sam and Gramps loved playing chess, bird watching and eating delectable sandwiches for lunch. Turn the beautifully illustrated pages to see how Sam deals with the journey of grief after Gramps goes to heaven. Saturdays may lose their glow BUT Gramp's light will always shine.

[Sabeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saturdays with Gramps is such a wholesome and sweet book for kids about the importance of traditions and family. It also beautifully highlights topics like loss and grief, but in a very soft way. Would recommend for kids of any ages!!

[Brittney Traudt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet and gentle book that can help guide young ones through their grief and loss. Reminders to keep their spirit alive by remembering them and the things that were special is such a sweet way to honor them. Highly recommend!

[Carole G. Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Saturdays with Gramps” is a beautiful picture book written by Marissa Bader and illustrated by Ellie Beykzadeh. This is a meaningful picture book about love and loss. Remembering memories is such an important lesson. I highly recommend this picture book.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming story of a boy who spends his Saturdays with his Gramps until Gramps until Gramps slows down and is no longer there. He and Mom form a bond and share what Gramps meant to them and the things they do together are reminders.

[Paula Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read

This was a good book that held my daughter attention from the beginning to the end I’m looking forward to reading more from this author

[Libby Kaplan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet book about love and loss and a good reminder that love never leaves us.