Review: Sometimes Grandpa Calls Me Herman by Michelle Olson
Sometimes the most meaningful family connections begin when we discover the stories behind the people we love.
In Sometimes Grandpa Calls Me Herman, Michelle Olson brings humor, heart, and her wonderfully imaginative illustrations to a children's picture book about grandparents, grandchildren, and the stories that connect generations. As a grandmother myself, I found plenty to love in this charming five-star read.
Book Details
Sometimes Grandpa Calls Me Herman By Michelle Olson
Series: A Norman the Button Book
Published by Bellie Button Books on November 3, 2026
Genres: Children's Picture Book
Formats: eBook, Hardcover, Paperback
Pages: 34
Norman’s grandpa is always falling asleep during conversations… and he never seems to get Norman’s name right. So, when Mom asks him to spend a whole week helping clean Grandpa’s house, Norman is sure it will be the most boring visit ever.
But as he clears the clutter from Grandpa’s house, he uncovers forgotten memories from the past and untold stories about his family. As Grandpa shares pieces of his life, Norman discovers there’s so much more to him than he ever imagined—and why being called Herman isn’t such an insult after all.
A touching story about patience, family, and the memories that connect us.
I received a review copy from the author. This is my honest opinion.
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Reader Resources
Reader Info at a Glance
| Best For | Young readers, grandparents, families, and classrooms |
| Pacing | Easygoing, engaging, and ideal for sharing aloud |
| Themes | Family memories, empathy, patience, and intergenerational connections |
| Illustrations | Colorful, imaginative photography and handcrafted characters |
| Overall Feel | Heartwarming, playful, thoughtful, and creative |
| Rating | 5/5 Stars |
Enjoy Michelle Olson's imaginative storytelling? Discover more about her creative journey and Norman the Button books in my October 2 Friday Finds Featured Author Spotlight.
Quick Take: A beautifully creative children's picture book that celebrates the stories grandparents have to share and the wonderful connections that grow when generations take time to understand one another.
Things to Know:
- Family-centered themes: The story gently explores aging, forgetfulness, loneliness, patience, and understanding older relatives.
- Distinctive artwork: The characters are created using buttons, everyday objects, and imaginative photographic illustrations.
- Conversation starter: This is a natural choice for discussing family memories and encouraging children to ask their grandparents questions.
Sometimes the best way to understand someone is to discover the stories they carry.
My Thoughts
I thoroughly enjoyed Sometimes Grandpa Calls Me Herman from beginning to end. Perhaps it's because I'm a grandmother with grandchildren ranging across several ages, but Michelle Olson's story really resonated with me.
Families eventually reach that stage when grandchildren have busy lives of their own. Friends, activities, and growing independence naturally become more important, and spending time with grandparents isn't always at the top of their wish lists. I completely understand that. It's part of growing up.
What I especially appreciated about this story is how naturally Michelle shows that grandparents and grandchildren can still find wonderful ways to connect.
At first, Norman isn't particularly enthusiastic about spending time helping Grandpa clean his house. Grandpa falls asleep during conversations, sometimes calls Norman by the wrong name, and doesn't seem to offer much excitement. But as they uncover keepsakes and Grandpa begins sharing stories from his past, something lovely happens.
Norman starts seeing Grandpa differently.
Grandpa becomes more than just Grandpa. He becomes a real person with a lifetime of experiences, adventures, memories, and stories worth hearing.
That was my favorite part of the entire book.
Children often know their grandparents only as they've always seen them. They don't necessarily think about who those people were before becoming grandparents, the things they experienced, or the lives they lived. Michelle captures that realization beautifully, showing how a little curiosity and time together can bring generations closer.
And then there's the artwork!
I've always appreciated the colorful, thoughtful, and imaginative graphics in Michelle Olson's books, and this one is no exception. Her wonderfully creative use of realistic photographs, handcrafted characters, and everyday objects gives the illustrations a distinctive personality. There is so much to discover visually, and the artwork complements the storytelling beautifully.
What makes this book particularly special to me is that its message never feels forced. The humor, the family memories, and Norman's growing understanding all work together to tell a story that children can enjoy while giving adults something meaningful to appreciate, too.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes Grandpa Calls Me Herman is an easy five-star read for me. It's unique, beautifully written, and filled with incredibly creative, realistic illustrations.
I highly recommend this one for grandparents, grandchildren, families, and classrooms. It would make a particularly lovely book to share across generations, perhaps followed by a conversation about the stories and memories in your own family.
Some of the greatest family treasures aren't things at all. They're the stories we take the time to share.
Before we wrap up, here's a little more about the creative mind behind Norman the Button.
Meet the Author
Learn more: Website | Amazon | Goodreads | Author Hub
More Fun for Young Readers
One more thing I love about Michelle Olson's books is that the fun doesn't have to end when the story does! Her Bellie Button Books website offers additional activities and resources for young readers, including opportunities to explore Norman's world beyond the pages.
Where to Buy
Ready to share Norman and Grandpa's story with a young reader? Explore the available editions below.
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