Books

SUPER GRANNY: GREAT STUFF TO DO WITH YOUR GRANDKIDS
by Sally Wendkos Olds
Sterling Publishing, 2009

Read the Long Island Woman article “From Super Mom to Super Granny, The Ever- Evolving Adventures of Sally Wendkos Olds”

Filled with seventy-five stories from real grandmothers from all over the United States and around the world, this book is about fun activities they’ve enjoyed with their grandchildren, from babes in arms to teens. There’s something to delight the most computer-savvy kid, along with such all-time classics as treasure hunts, dress-up, music, and crafts. Many of the ideas encourage reading and writing, but always with fun in mind, whether it’s creating a blog or compiling a family cookbook. Activities cover a range of high-tech (digital, computer, etc.) pursuits and new twists on traditional activities (cooking, sports, etc.). And a big plus in this economy is that almost all the activities in the book are either free or dirt-cheap.

The book is a good read, as well as being a helpful how-to guide. There’s an engaging true story for each activity, often told with humor, along with suggestions for doing the activity yourself. And it’s organized so you can tell at a glance which projects are within your budget and your energy level, which will work with grandchildren who live far away, and which are good for children of different ages—including before birth! Handy icons help you choose an activity based on cost, energy level, creativity, and a kid’s age, as well as forging a long-distance relationship. There’s also an up-to-the-minute listing of helpful websites.

Any grandmother who picks up this book will learn about new activities to do with her grandchildren, no matter the age of the children, the physical fitness and financial situation of the grandparent, and the distance between their homes.

With its sprightly illustrations and comfortable size, the book is a great gift item for any grandmother or expectant grandmother (including a gift for yourself). It’s also an invaluable resource for parents, teachers, home-schoolers, and caregivers.

“Sally Wendkos Olds’s excellent book is a must read for all grandparents, especially those that ever wondered what to do with their grandchildren on a rainy day.” —Arthur Kornhaber, M.D., founder and president of the Foundation for Grandparenting.

Listen to an interview with Sally 

Read Introduction

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