A year ago, we were in North Carolina to have the wonderful Sally Gupton take photos of Jake and John for the planned grandparent books. Talented Jo Ann had a vision of how to illustrate the stories.
It all hinged on a young lad being willing to interact with Sally and her camera. For almost two hours, father and son captured the conversations, questions, and emotions that became the images in What Do You Call YOUR Grandmother – andWhat Do You Call YOUR Grandfather.
Now a year later, we are here again in North Carolina -- with the published books! That little boy is now a bigger boy, who eagerly read “his” books to his delighted Noanie.
I imagine most people who create something, be it a painting, a song, or a book, experience a range of reactions to their creation. Initially, the idea seems sound. The process moves forward, hits some snags, gets close to the finish -- and then doubts creep in. Not just, “is this good” or even “good enough” but “is this worthwhile?”
So, we did some test runs with family and friends via emailed pdf versions. Edits were suggested and encouragement offered. We kept going.
Getting a GOLD award from the Mom’s Choice folks – for both books! – brightened my perspective. I felt my intentions were worthwhile. I do believe these books will encourage families to talk about their grandparents’ names and to cement that family history. And I do believe it is important for children to recognize and appreciate special grandparent names from around the country and around the world.
But nothing touched my writer’s heart as deeply as listening to young John read these books. With a reader’s enthusiasm and delight, he was engrossed and charmed by the narrative and the illustrations.
