Category — Books

In the book The Empty Place, author, Roberta Temes, Ph.D. tells the story of a young boy who faces the fear, pain and finality of death when his big sister dies. His babysitter, who also lost a sibling, suggests ways to help with the pain and assures him he won’t have all these terrible feelings forever.

A remarkable letter from Mother Earth asking for help from children everywhere and entrusting them with her protection. The illustrations are exquisite.

This looks at the life of Saint Patrick also contains five of the best-known legends that have been written about him, including the story of how he rid Ireland of snakes.

This is a darling book inspired by the tsunami of 2004. Owen the baby hippo and his mama were best friends. They loved to play together on the banks of the Sabaki River in Africa. That was all before the tsunami came and washed Owen’s world away. After the rain stops, Owen befriends Mzee, a grayish brown tortoise. He plays with him, snuggles with him, and decides he just might turn out to be his best friend and a brand new mama.
This is a true tale of healing, adoption, and rebirth.

A heartwarming gift book for children, grandchildren, mothers, and grandmothers. It’s a story about love and legacies across generations and follows the relationship between a grandmother and granddaughter through the years, and the keepsakes that fill a special cedar chest with memories and love.

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.