Kath's Place
by Suzan Katherine Chapple
About the Book
Step into the world of Suzan Katherine Chapple’s grandmother and enjoy the cherished memories that shaped her childhood. This heartfelt story honours just how much grandparents bring joy, wisdom, and purpose into our lives.
Through relatable stories and gentle humour, the book reminds readers of the value of older generations and inspires them to cherish the moments spent together.
Beautifully illustrated, it’s a celebration of love, gratitude, and the little things that make family time unforgettable.
Perfect for bedtime reading, sharing at the kitchen table, or enjoying in a sunny corner, this story also makes a thoughtful gift to give a grandparent. It strengthens connections across generations and sparks conversations that children—and grown-ups—will treasure for years to come.
About the Author
Suzan Katherine Chapple is a Wellbeing Teacher and Coach with over 26 years’ experience helping children and adults grow resilience, hope, and emotional strength.
Based in Launceston, Tasmania, she draws on both professional expertise and her own life experiences to inspire wellbeing, courage, and kindness.
A proud mum of three, Suzan is often found courtside, exploring nature, or enjoying a book in the sunshine.
Named after her beloved grandmother, Suzan's debut children’s book is a tribute to love, legacy, and family connections across generations.
a note from the author
I lost my parents when I was a child, so my whole extended family has always been important to me.
When my grandparents were alive, I prioritised spending time with them, gathered their stories, cherished every moment I connected with them and helped them as much as I could.
Now that they have passed, I continue many traditions around the things we did, places we went and food that we shared. I also have stories, photos and memories to help me pass on our family history.
I felt their losses significantly as I loved and appreciated each of them so much. But my grieving processes were helped by knowing that I had nurtured my relationships with them and supported them throughout their lives.
I hope that this book inspires you to connect, respect, love and cherish all the generations of your family.
xx Suze
About the Illustrator
Mia Sikos is a 16-year-old illustrator with a lifelong passion for the arts. From a very young age, Mia has loved painting and drawing and she continues to develop her creative skills through both personal projects and her studies.
Currently in Year 11 completing her VCE, Mia is undertaking several art-focused subjects and enjoys exploring different creative techniques and styles. Her dedication to the visual arts has also been recognised at school, where she was voted Visual Arts Captain and has received awards in a number of creative practice competitions.
Alongside her love for art, Mia has a strong interest in psychology and she hopes to combine these passions in the future while continuing to pursue opportunities in illustration. Kath’s Place marks one of her early illustrated works and she is excited to continue developing her artistic voice through future creative projects.
Tips for Parents
Create Traditions
Start simple family rituals—like a weekly visit with grandparents or a weekly call. Take morning tea with you or go out to a favourite place. These rituals can be continued, to remember grandparents after they pass.
Gather Stories & Memories
When visiting grandparents, connect with a purpose in mind; ask for a recipe, share some news, explore photos or ask a question about a particular time or event. Choose the best way to collate and record these memories.
Cherish Everyday Memories
Encourage your child to notice and appreciate small acts of love and kindness in daily life. This is a great conversation starter for dinner time. Inspire your child to share their favourite stories and proudest moments with their grandparents too.
Make a Difference
Acknowledge and respect the contribution grandparents make to our lives by creating a habit of giving back. Invite your child to consider how they could help their grandparents or make their day brighter; spend some time in the garden, go shopping together, cook a meal or simply write or draw a note of gratitude.
Tips for Educators
Create Traditions
Start annual school or class rituals – like hosting a Grandparents Day. Invite grandparents into the school to watch a performance or do activities with their grandchildren in the school environment.
Gather Stories & Memories
Encourage children to purposefully connect with grandparents with activities like; Interviewing a grandparent or older family member, inviting a grandparent in as a guest speaker or researching your family tree. Challenge children to complete a collaborative project with a grandparent; like planting a garden, building something, baking together or creating a photo book of your family.
Cherish Everyday Memories
Connect the story to social-emotional learning by discussing empathy, respect, gratitude and unconditional love and care for elders. Encourage children to write and draw about a value that a grandparent has taught them. This could be shared with the class and grandparents could be in the audience.
Make a Difference
Use the story for guided reflection, asking students how they can cherish time with loved ones and give back to the local community. Partner with local Nursing Homes or Retirement Villages to make pen pals or organise incursions or excursions. Carry out some community service work for local organisations in their gardens or grounds.