Tag Archives: grandma

Grandma Marjorie and the Feathered Pirate by Melissa Robinson (Book Review)

You might not believe me… but my Grandma is MAGICAL!

Mel has always known that Grandma Marjorie was special, but one sunny summer day she learns just how MARVELOUS she really is! What begins as an ordinary day of baking brownies transforms into an extraordinary adventure.

Mel’s safe and cozy world turns into a whirlwind of excitement as she, Grandma, and Grandma’s parrot, Misty, embark on an action-packed journey through Mystic, CT.

Unexpected perils lie in wait and Mel discovers that Grandma has more surprises in store than she ever imagined.

A fun adventure story for younger readers celebrating the relationship between grandmother & granddaughter.

In the spirit of classics like Pippi Longstocking, Matilda, and Mary Poppins, this book will create shared cherished, magical memories that last a lifetime!

For Children Ages 3-12 years old and their parents, grandparents, aunts & uncles but especially Grandmas!

This book includes a Read-Along Audio Flipbook AND Coming Soon: A Descriptive Audiobook and Videobook with ASL Transcription.

 

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

“In the spirit of classics like Pippi Longstocking, Matilda, and Mary Poppins, this book will create shared cherished, magical memories that last a lifetime!”

 

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word grandma? Did you picture a little old lady with gray hair who moves at a snail’s pace? A purse containing butterscotch candies? An endless stream of tissues coming from her sleeve? Did you suddenly smell a batch of fresh-baked cookies or the cream for her aching body? These are stereotypical descriptions of a grandma. These do not describe Mel’s grandma, Marjorie Fish! 

At a young age, Marjorie Fish vowed never to grow up, and she kept that promise. Grandma’s outer form resembled an older adult, but inside, she had the spirit and energy of a young kid. I was most impressed that she could juggle and play the piano simultaneously! Amazing!

Mel discovered her grandma differed from other kids’ grandparents. Having a parrot is not such an out-of-the-box idea for a pet. Having a parrot that towers over an adult because the humans have magically shrunk is! Grandma and Mel soared around town on the back of Grandma’s feathery sidekick, Misty Morning Crimson Sunset (Misty, for short). They first landed on a lighthouse where trouble awaited in the form of seagulls. Seagulls are notorious for stealing people’s belongings, but Grandma wasn’t giving up the goods without a fight. You’ll have to read the book to discover how she bested the annoying birds. 

Grandma’s energy didn’t waver once during the adventurous ride. She soared through the skies, took on a flock of seagulls, nosedived off Misty, and still had the energy to make brownies. Phew. I hope I have an eighth of her energy when I reach her age! 

Grandma Marjorie and the Feathered Pirate celebrate grandmas worldwide and the joy and fun they bring us—evident in the entertaining storyline and rib-tickling illustrations. I recommend reading it the next time you visit your grandma! 

The synopsis states the book is intended for children 3-12. 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

I’ve loved books since before I could read. My stories are inspired by real-life adventures, infused with a healthy dose of whimsy. I aspire to cultivate a unique storytelling voice that is both relatable and enchanting and to produce books that bring loved ones together.

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Grandma’s Kitchen by Tricia Gardella (Book Review)

 

 


I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Most grandchildren share a similar memory of working alongside a grandparent in the kitchen. In Grandma’s Kitchen by Tricia Gardella, Grandma’s oldest granddaughter had been quite the helper during past canning seasons, but now it’s time to include her little sister, Monica. The older sister is reluctant to have Monica join them. She believes her baby sister is too little. Oh boy, Monica proved her older sister wrong!

Through beautiful illustrations, we watch the two young girls and their grandmother pick a few buckets of tomatoes from the garden. We watch them separate them into two piles and learn the reasoning behind the step. After the sorting, it’s time to prepare the tomatoes for their new home: glass jars. You can expect to get a little messy whether you are canning tomatoes whole or making jars of tomato sauce. My advice, goggles! I’m sure Monica will ask for a pair before next year’s canning season. While the process is messy and hard work, it can be loads of fun too. For instance, my kids find turning the crank fun and love watching the crushed tomatoes ooze out at the end. The sisters in the educational picture book did as well! 

Grandma makes the whole process an exciting event. She is calm and patient with them, allows them to taste the fruit of their labor (tomato juice), and even finds the energy to dance a jig. Wow, their grandmother has more energy than me. 

The fabulous thing about canning is that you don’t need a humungous kitchen. All you need is a garden item(s) to can (purchase or grow your own), cans (glass jars), and a few kitchen staples, such as pots, strainers, and pantry items. Grandma’s are optional, but an adult is necessary due to potential hazards to little hands: hot stove and boiling water. 

With grandma’s guidance, children will learn how to can tomatoes: picking, sorting, seasoning, cooking the fruit, washing, and storing the cans. This book will encourage children to try canning fruit and other items.  

I recommend this story to 4 years of age and older. 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤

 
 
 
Meet the Author

Tricia’s books are influenced by ranch, animals and family life. She has tried it all, and almost mastered some: canning, cooking, knitting, fiber arts, rug-making, gardening. She has a BA in Ancient History and lots of grand children, giving her much food for thought. She lives in California.
 
 
 
 

 

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The Candy Cane Fiasco by Rachel Hilz (Book Spotlight)

What parent hasn’t struggled with a sticky child? Parents will laugh along with the kids in this over-the-top adventure loosely inspired by real-life experiences with a sticky kid. .

My Gram gives me a candy cane, and that’s when things get tricky.
Now from my toes up to my nose, I am a wee bit sticky.

Who would have thought a candy cane, and bath for our dear kitty…
would be the reason we end up so high above the city?

This is book three in the Wee Bit Sticky series, a humorous rhyming series that is sure to be a favorite in your home.

Grab a copy today and an extra for someone who needs a good belly laugh!

 

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Buy the entire series!

 

 

Meet the Author

Rachel is a self-proclaimed, nature-loving hippy. She lives on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada with her military husband, two children, and a Shih-Tzu. Presently, Rachel is a stay-at-home writer, and mom of two kids with Autism. She writes for them.

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Let’s Celebrate Being Different by Lainey Dee (Book Review)

Todd is different from all the other animals -with the head of a bird, the tummy of a bear and the legs of a tiger and he feels he doesn’t quite fit in anywhere! His family love him dearly but it’s hard for him to make friends.

During a visit to his grandmother’s, Todd express’s his concern and she tells him: ‘It’s okay to be different’.

Instilled with new confidence he sets out for the Friday Club, a place where all the animals gather and socialise with their friends. Will he find the courage to face his fears and embrace his differences?

He might be surprised to find some friends along the way! More importantly can he learn to accept himself?

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

“Todd is different from all the other animals -with the head of a bird, the tummy of a bear, and the legs of a tiger and he feels he doesn’t quite fit in anywhere! His family loves him dearly but it’s hard for him to make friends.” Since children probably have no idea how babies are created, they might not even question how a bird and a bear could make a baby together. But, if your child asks about the logistics, I’d say it’s a make-believe story, and it’s not possible in real life. 

Like so many others, Todd has traits that make them appear different from others. Todd’s grandma told him being different is okay, and she was correct. Many children can relate to Todd’s feelings regarding his uniqueness and what happens when others make a public spectacle of them. We should not point, stare, or cause others to feel sad, ashamed, or embarrassed about themselves. Kids are inquisitive, so if they make someone uncomfortable by asking questions about the other person’s body or condition, teach them always to apologize as Charlie did in the story. 

Animals come in different shapes, sizes, and coloring, and no two look identical. Humans also vary in size, shape, and color. Let’s Celebrate Being Different by Lainey Dee teaches children to accept those different from them and accept themselves for who they are! Two great messages! 

Let’s Celebrate Being Different mentions that Todd has no friends, and grandma claims it might be because he is homeschooled. I’ve known several homeschooling parents whom all say the lack of social interaction is a significant obstacle. Todd went to the local community center to meet his peers. Most libraries have events for children to interact with individuals their age. I would suggest speaking to your local library if they provide such events for the community.

The recommended reading age is 4-8. The overall story fits well in this age bracket. Depending on geographical location and the reader’s mental dictionary, children might not be familiar with some words. My child had no clue what a dungaree was until they saw the photo. 

Review submitted on 10/6/22

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Lainey Dee was born in Birmingham and raised in Kidderminster. Lainey is a accredited nanny and holds the NNEB certificate. She presently takes care of a pair of twins. Lainey is a big art deco fan and her home is decorated in that period style.

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