What would you do?

[Gemini]

Today I started reading a book to my GD, one I bought from the charity shop. I think it is aimed at children older than her, as the main character ,a little girl, is 9. I didn't realise this until we started reading, She is a excellent reader and reads books above her age group, and this book was about fairies as well as humans so I thought it was a safe choice.
I read her the first 3 chapters. During this time, as well as the fairy stuff, Grandma had a stroke! I have looked ahead once she went home, and Grandma dies
There is a nice chapter about Grandma being in fairy garden, happy etc, and her GD dreams of her. I think for an older child, if you want to cover this topic, it is nicely done.
However, I do not want to cover this subject with GD, just 6.
She will want me to continue the story next week. She knows it is not a library book, so I can't pretend it had to go back.
I really can't read this to her. I don't know what to say. I can't say I don't know where it is as all her books here at kept in the same place. Should I be honest and say I think it is more suitable for when she's older? I know she will not agree with this and want me to read more. Or should I say I feel it is too sad a story for her right now and that she will understand that part of it better when she's older?

[Enfys]

Could you just not read the bit about Grandma dying, just miss it out or would it not make sense then?

[Oma]

I would have a talk with her and say its too sad and for a older child and she can read it say next year then she will maybe forget about it , she may worry about you if you read it you know what children are like , unless like Enfys suggests you can skip that bit without her knowing . trouble is with that though she will just read it herself , If you tell her next year then you can put it away where she cant get to it

[ZIZI]

Any possibility of rewriting the bit will upset her and integrating the new story into the old?

[Nana]

I think I'd go with your last sentence. It is sad & she's intelligent enough to realise you are saving her from being sad. Children appreciate honesty I feel. Have another book ready that you can say is much happier.

[Daisy]

I agree with the honesty policy, Gem. She may well take it in her stride, but if she doesn't it could be very upsetting for her, so why take that chance. I'd definitely say Grandma made a mistake with choosing that book but you will save it for when she's older - even 9 like the little girl in the story.

Then hide it very thoroughly!

[Shemadee]

Perhaps explain that you read on a little and it made you very sad and it will make you unhappy if you read any more. She can't really disagree with you then. Good luck.

[Gemini]

Thanks for your input and advice everyone. I don't trust myself to read it out loud unemotionaly to be honest, which would upset her even more.
Its not possible to miss that part out without completely rewriting the whole story. I will have another book ready for next Wednesday, and will tell her that I didnt realise this was aimed at older children,,and that either we will read it or she can read it herself, in a couple of years or so!

[Glammanana]

I would also suggest to keeping it until she is a bit older she comes across as being very sensible and will understand why you are saving it until she is older,I would suggest she maybe goes with you to the charity shop when she visits and help you choose a different book for your story times.

[Plantaholic]

If it isn't a story you would want her to read, unless it is so good otherwise, I would recycle it.

[Gemini]

Yes, I think that's a good idea Plant!

[WeeGranny]

I think if it were me, I'd have managed to lose the book!

[Shemadee]

DD2 bought a second hand poetry book from a school fete. When I investigated the giggling it was erotic very explicit poetry! I didn't even know it existed!

[Qwerty]

My G/d chose a book from the library about a girl who couldn't remember what her mum looked like, on seeing this I read a little and it was about a little girl whose mum had died and how she learnt ways of remembering her. I was not too keen on her having this but she insisted when it came to reading it I was amazed at her taking it all in and asking questions she was fine about it and agreed with me how lucky she was! Difficult Gem what to think you know your own T she is a bright child and may accept the story as it is and not lose sleep over it

[Gemini]

I have bought a replacement book, in the library sale for 50p Another fairy theme, but no mention of stroke or death!!!