Category — Books

I attended a fantastic two day bookmaking workshop presented by artist and bookmaker Susan Kapluscinski Gaylord. I have been following Susan for several months and she inspired me to have my grandkids make books of their “Special Day with Grandma Liz.” All of her ideas use materials you already have and would probably recycle but now they have a new use. Check out her website Makingbooks .

Ethan making his “Special Day with Grandma Liz” book.

It was very easy to make: I just folded paper, punched two holes in the center, and tied a ribbon to hold it together.

This is a fantastic book for kids of all ages. It actually has 4 stories going on at the same time but they are all linked together. It’s fun for kids to discover how they all relate to each other. The illustrations a great.

I recently won this book from my grandma blogging friend, Lisa at GRANDMA’S BRIEFS. It’s a collection of 93 short essays about parenting, homemaking, family, and traditions and balancing all those things. I think any mother or grandmother would enjoy this read. It would be a great Mother’s Day gift.
Thanks Lisa

The Holocaust Day of Remembrance is April 11th. This is a great time to talk to children about prejudice, justice, love for our fellowmen, and acceptance. World Was II is part of the 6th grade course of study and when I talk with my students about the autrocities of this time period, they have difficulty believing that this could happen and they ask, “Why didn’t someone stop it?” Of course, those are the same questions we all ask. There are some great children’s picture books to read with your grandchildren that would help to start a conversation. Below are three that I read to my students every year and they approach the subject subtly and with sensitivity. I would recommend them for ages 5 – adult.
The Butterfly by Patricia Polacco
Rose Blanche by Roberto Innocenti
Let the Celebrations Begin by Margaret Wild & Julie Vivas

I recently came across some notes I took at a workshop given by Dr. Victor Cline a licensed clinical psychologist. He listed several keys to raising successful children. I think grandparents can have a strong influence in many of these areas. I’m just sharing a few, if you want more details see his book below.

Set reasonable work standards backed by appropriate discipline.
Foster autonomy and independence.
Develop and strengthen children’s conscience and values.
Set reasonable limits for TV, video games, computer access.
Teach effective social skills.
Stimulate your children’s intellect.
Your can read more in his book How to Make Your Child a Winner.

The tiny caterpillar eats and eats until he becomes a big, fat caterpillar. He builds a small house around himself and after two weeks, he becomes a beautiful butterfly.

This book is hilarious.

Mrs. Piggott is tired of playing domestic drudge to her unappreciative husband and sons, so she disappears, leaving them to fend for themselves. That’s when the Piggott househod undergoes the most extraordiinary transformation. Great for ages 4-10 years. The illustrations are unique because there are hidden pictures in each illustration. Children can have fun finding them.

I have fond memories of Charlie Brown and the characters that are part of his life. I was in my teens when Snoopy came on the scene but I still wanted a Snoopy stuffed animal. My own children in their younger years love Snoopy & Woodstock. Every Halloween we watched “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”. I think we all know someone that Lucy, Linus, Pig Pen & the others remind us of. Well, there’s a special book out to celebrate all those icons.
MORE ABOUT CHARLIE BROWN

Karma is the author of the New York Times bestseller Bear Snores On as well as many other great children’s books. Grandma Lizzie’s House and Karma Wilson are sponsoring a book giveaway. I’m so excited!
1. Just go to KARMA’S BOOKS and pick a book you would like for your child or grandchild.
2. Comment about it on my website. That’s 1 entries.
3. If you want more entries (1 for each one of the following) you can blog about it, twitter it, or talk about it on facebook. Be sure to include the link to the giveaway and then let me know.
4. The giveaway will end December 2 at 9:00 PM (MST).
More from Karma…
PARENT’S PLACE
KID’S CORNER

It was the perfect summer. That is until Jeremy Ross moved into the house down the street and became Enemy Number One. Luckily, Dad has a surefire way to get rid of enemies-Enemy Pie. But one of the secret ingredients is spending an entire day with the enemy! In this funny yet endearing story, one little boy learns an effective recipe for turning a best enemy into a best friend.