Intergenerational relationships through transitive materialities in the picturebook, My Grandma’s Photos

Abstract

Representation plays a vital role in picture books as it has the potential to affect and alter readers’ perceptions through selected techniques and materials. In particular, the portrayal of the older adults in picture books may transfigure social well-being due to its impact on intergenerational relationships. This issue is critical as conventional portrayals may lead to societal misconceptions while constructing dismissive attitudes towards old age affecting intergenerational relationships. This article aims to reflect on how visual and verbal narrative strategies can present intergenerational relations constructively, depicting ageing as a cumulative transitional experience focusing on degrees of maturation through lifelong lived events to be shared with younger generation. As such, the article examines the illustration of ageing in the contemporary picture book, My Grandma’s Photos (2019), presenting an affirmative perspective on tackling possible challenges related to old age. The selected picture book is analysed regarding visual and textual strategies and the selective use of material culture weaved into its storyline. This is supported by structured interviews with the author, Özge Bahar Sunar, and the illustrator, Senta Urgan, to ascertain how the work evolved into its final state. Hence, the article examines the whole making process and how this process contributes to the final narrative. We point out the relevance between the portrayal of the older adult via the life course approach and pinpoint the positive intergenerational relationships. In sum, this article speculates on how My Grandma’s Photos builds bridges between generations through materialities embedded in the text and illustrations.