More and more grandparents are taking on the role of raising grandchildren. According to the 2000 U.S. Census over 2.4 million grandparents have responsibility for their grandchildren. This is not the case for all grandchildren and grandparents though. With the mobile society we live in today it is not unusual for there to be thousands of miles between family members. This can often be difficult for both grandchildren and grandparents.
This award winning children’s book shows the special bond between grandchildren and grandparents and dealing with separation. ‘Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa’ by author Alayne Kay Christian and illustrated by Joni Stringfield received the Mom's Choice Award Gold Medal for Children's Picture Books and an award from Independent Publishers.
Emily is one of those children. She loves visits with her grandparents but when the visits end she is left missing them and feeling an empty feeling inside. The story begins with Emily’s wish: ''I wish you didn‘t live so far away. I wish I could sleep over any time I want.'' The must part though but Grandma and Grandpa have an answer. They show Emily how they can still be with her by using her imagination and keeping the good memories in her mind.
‘Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa’ is not only heartwarming and encouraging for children separated by miles from their grandparents but can also be very helpful for children who are not able to be physically close to a parent also whether due to divorce, military service, or other reasons.
Currently I am experiencing both sides of the fence. I have two grandchildren living with me temporarily and have four grandchildren living in different states, which to Grandma seem a million miles away. If you are a grandparent raising grandchildren I found a very helpful article “Grandparents Raising Grandchildren” I would highly recommend you read it for some helpful tips.
If you are a grandparent living miles from your grandchildren you really should pick up a copy of ‘Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa’ – read it, if at all possible why not it read with your grandchildren and then give it to them as a gift. You can find this inspiring book at both Barnes and Noble Books and Schulers Books and Music in the Lansing area.
Book Details:
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Blue Whale Press; First edition (November 1, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0981493807
ISBN-13: 978-0981493800
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Schuler Books & Music - Eastwood Towne Center
2820 Towne Center Blvd., Lansing, Michigan
Store Hours: Sunday 11:00AM - 7:00PM, Mon-Thur 9:30AM - 9:30PM
Fri - Sat 9:30AM - 10:00PM
Barnes & Noble - Lansing Mall
5132 W. Saginaw Hwy 245, Lansing, Michigan
Store Hours: Sunday 10:00AM-8:00PM, Mon-Sat 9:00AM-10:00PM
Barnes & Noble - Jacobson's Building
333 East Grand River Avenue, East Lansing, Michigan
Store Hours: Sunday 9:00AM-9:00PM, Mon-Sat 9:00AM-10:00PM
Comments
Sounds like a very sweet book. My son is fortunate to have his grandparents live somewhat nearby. I'll have to check this out. Thanks for the review :)
What a great book that talks about the role and relationship between grandparents and grandchildren separated by distance.
Butterfly Kisses sounds like a wonderful book. My only grandbaby lives 20 minutes away, but some days it just seems to far. Thanks for sharing this adorable book about the relationships between grandparents and grandchildren.
A very nice review. I own this book. I believe it will touch the heart of grandparent's and parent's as well as entertain children. It makes a great gift for long distance grandparents or parents who are missing their grandchildren. It would make a wonderful grandparent's day gift.
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