Quiet time with my seeya

This is such a delightful book by Dinalie Daberera. The title oozes irony as the use of onomatopoeia demonstrates that the time with seeya is anything but quiet. The language difference between the young girl and her grandfather is certainly no barrier to their treasured time together, filled with shared experiences, loads of fun and brimming with love. Dabarera's gentle illustrations enhance the sense of togetherness, and the endpapers are a lovely touch. 
The author-illustrator has some fascinating 'back matter' - a photo accompanying her inspiration for the book, namely her Sinhalese grandmother who migrated to Australia and the subsequent challenges that followed. Daberera speaks here with the same affection that is carried through the story. 
This book would be a terrific addition to any school library or preschool collection, and will be enjoyed by families regardless of their backgrounds.
Social and emotional learning

• What are some ways we can show love for the special people in our lives? 
• What types of things do you enjoy doing with your grandparent(s) and/or special friends? How do you feel when you are doing these things? What could you do if you stopped doing these things?

English

• What does onomatopoeia mean? What onomatopoeic words can you see in this book? 
• Create a chart/mural of onomatopoeic words from the story and list as many things/activities as possible that can make that sound. (eg splash - at the beach, baby in a bath, jumping in a puddle etc)
• What does alliteration mean? Look at the example of sizzle, splash, sparkle. Look at the chart/mural. What onomatopoeic words that start with the same letter can be used to create an alliterative phrase or sentence?

Art

• Look at the endpapers. It is clear that some drawings are created by the girl and some by her seeya. Think of something you enjoy and try drawing it in the same style as both the girl and her seeya.

Geography

• Where in the world is Sinhalese spoken? (Sri Lanka.) Who speaks a language other than English, or has family members/family friends who speak another Language? What language and where are they from? 
  
• On a large world map, put a pin in the countries representing the class's different backgrounds.
• Discuss the reasons why we speak English although we live in Australia, and discuss Indigenous languages also.
  
• Learn some Sinhalese words https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgOVg0hsGVM

Further resources

• This is a wonderful article which provides further information on the author/illustrator's background.
  

          https://www.abc.net.au/everyday/grandma-language-barrier-beautiful-relationship/103103774

• https://myfirstpicturebook.com/books-tag/sinhala-alphabet-book/