About

About the book

Grandad's Got The Shakes began with a simple question children ask: why does Grandad shake?

In the story, four grandchildren notice their grandad spilling his tea and making a mess at the table. Each time they ask why, he answers with a tall story. When he finally tells them the truth, the children become his partners in mischief and help him invent a whole new set of crazy stories.

The book is written to help families talk about Parkinson’s disease in a way that is honest, gentle and funny. At the back, child-friendly pages explain what Parkinson’s is and how it can affect people..

About the author

Grant Irvine has been a primary school teacher since 1988. He loves reading with children and making a book come alive with accents, transporting them into another world and sparking an interest in reading. He believes it’s important not only to teach children how to read, but to teach them to want to read.

Grant first noticed the symptoms of Parkinson’s at age 52 and was diagnosed two years later. His early symptoms included a tremor in his right arm and hand, which later spread to his right leg.

At 56, he stepped back from full-time teaching and began working part time. This allowed him to focus on his health and continue enjoying his hobbies.

Grant enjoys hunting, fishing, growing Christmas lilies and creating cloud trees. Spending time with his grandchildren, the four children in this story, keeps him young and has given him lots of joy. Through this book, he hopes to entertain readers and help them better understand Parkinson’s, and to show that despite its challenges, life can still be fulfilling.

Made in Nelson

Grandad's Got The Shakes is self-published and printed in Nelson, New Zealand. Artworks created by Caitlin Irvine.

Get a copy

Books are NZD$25.00 each plus postage. Order your copy.