Grandparent Media: Books, Films and Videos

On this page:

New Book for Parents 
"The Grandparent Solution"

Help Your  Children (Parents) Understand Grandparents,  Enhance Your Relationship, and Access Your Love and Support. January, 2004.  "The Grandparent Solution" Click here for details 
(Order Now for Discount) 

Grandmother's Wise Recipes for Success by Kal Edwards Trafford Publishing 2006.
Psychologist Kal Edwards describes his new book as  "a compilation of old-time wise sayings that have application ...at the home office, business, school, or during retirement. Grandmother's messages provide the motivation and a plan for managing your life more successfully.

Bon Appetite! With Love from Grandma's Kitchen. A great cookbook compiled by Canadian Grandparents from the CANGRANDS grandparent support group. Everything you want to cook, eat and enjoy with friends family or a grandchild is in the book. Order from CANGRANDS 2580 Hartsmere Rd. McArthur Mills, ON, Canada  KOL,2MO Books are $10.00 each with $5.00 shipping and handling for the first book and $1.00 for additional books.

The Grandfather Thing by Saul Turtletaub. Tallfellow Press. 2004. $16.95 

"If you believe that your brand new grandchild is the most beautiful creation in the world, you've got "The Grandfather Thing." This highly amusing, warm and  witty book is the author's memoir of his grandson's Max's first year. The author's skills as a humorist, comedy writer and talk show host adds many dimensions to his experience.  that makes for a lively read. A good father's day gift for Grandpa. 
Link to the book at http:\\www.tallfellow.com/TF_BK_Father.htm

Papa's Legacy:  The Growing of Grandchildren. by Joan Fleming. Beaver Pond Press Edina, Minn.  

A collection of experiences of one grandfather, Papa Dick, written by his wife and partner Joan replete with charming family photographs.  Dr. Steven Covey (7 Habits of Highly Effective People) comments: "This is a beautiful illustration of building a legacy that will have a lasting effect for generations."
The book can be ordered from: Joan Fleming, 8705  Rambil  Road, Eau Claire, WI
54703. The price is $14.95 + 2.00 mailing.

Grandparent Poems, compiled by John Micklos, Jr. and illustrated by Layne 
Johnson. Published by Boyds Mills Press, March 2004. ISBN: 1-56397-900-4, US$15.95
Contact: Boyds Mills Press Telephone: 570-253-1164
815 Church St E-mail:  Admin@boydsmillspress.com Honesdale, PA 18431 Website: www.boydsmillspress.com

There’s nothing I can’t do through books.
There’s nothing I can’t see.
The whole world opens up its arms 
When Grandpa reads to me.

The love of grandparents, whether they are reading to us, talking with 
us, or simply being there for us, shines through in Grandparent Poems, a new 
poetry book compiled by John Micklos, Jr. and published by Boyds Mills Press. 
The excerpt above from “When Grandpa Reads to Me,” one of the author’s poems, 
shows this love in action. A  variety of poems featuring different styles and topics all 
demonstrate the special bond between children and their grandparents. Even when 
grandparents pass away, children still retain fond memories of them, as shown 
by several poems in this collection. Layne Johnson’s colorful illustrations 
provide a perfect complement to the text.


Grandparenting: How to meet its responsibilities. by Godfrey Harris. (The Americas Group, 9200 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90069) An interesting book that described how grandparents can transmit important personal and societal values to their grandchildren.  In other words applying their "Grandparent Power" -- a favorite theme of our Foundation.  The author offers techniques to promote effective communication as well.  He states, "Grandparents ...have a substantive contribution to make to the great issues of the time as they impact our individual communities."

Chicken Soup for the Grandparent's Soul . Stories from the heart of grandparents and grandchildren. The authors of this book intend to  donate part of their proceeds to the Foundation For Grandparenting. 
Click here to learn more. www.grandparentsoul.com/amazinglyactive.html

A Grandparent's Gift of Love by Edward Fays. The author was motivated to write this book after a tragic event. The stories and lessons learned from his grandparents offered hope and comfort. A companion book "The Grandparents Treasure Chest"  is a keepsake journal that give grandparents the tool to record their thoughts n being a grandparent.  Warner Books 2002. 

That's What Grandparents Are For by Arlene Uslander, illustrated by Freddie Levin (February 2002). In verse, and joyfully illustrated, this book celebrates the bond between grandchildren and grandparents. 

New Video from Civitas! See below.

Dr. Kornhaber's Books

Those who are interested in the field of grandparenting , or just want to re-familiarize themselves with the basics,  will benefit from reading  Dr. Kornhaber's works. His most popular books are available at libraries, bookstores, through on-line vendors (Amazon.com) 

Grandparent Power (Crown) $12.00

Grandparent Power  applies the results of more than twenty years of research into the grandparent-grandchild relationship (and parents too!). This easy to read book is full of practical advice to help grandparents understand the importance of their grandparent identity and their roles, joys and responsibilities. The book addresses many situations facing today's grandparents: establishing a grandparent identity, being an effective grandparent, understanding the diverse roles of grandparents. Also included are up-to-date chapters on dealing with family problems, long-distance grandparenting, grandparent visitation laws, raising grandchildren, and much more.

Order from Amazon.com or Powell's.com

Contemporary Grandparenting (Sage Press) $18.95

The first text of its kind, Contemporary Grandparenting synthesizes the current knowledge about grandparents' identity, the drive to grandparent, and grandparents' roles in the family and society. Offering a contemporary and perceptive view, this comprehensive volume is especially written for grandparents who desire to know their role in depth, and also for professionals who deal with grandparent-related issues; teachers, therapists, attorneys, judges, governmental workers. This highly-acclaimed book is also widely used in academic settings and as a basic text for grandparenting courses.

Order from Sage press (805) 499-9774

Grandparents/Grandchildren-The Vital Connection

Published in 1980 this book explains and explores the unique emotional attachments between grandparents and grandchildren. It also explores the loss of those attachments and the effects of that loss on children, older people and society. Dr. Kornhaber's contention, borne out by more than three years of  in-depth personal interviews with over three hundred children and as many grandparents- is that the bond between grandparents and grandchildren is second only in emotional power and influence to the parent-child bond. The groundbreaking research in this book, in addition to raising grandparent consciousness and positive grandparent action,  is  used as a theoretical basis to support the grandparent movement in America as well as efforts to establish grandparent visitation laws and to recognize and support grandparents raising grandchildren. Initially published by Doubleday, the book is now available through Transaction Press, New Brunswick, NJ. 

call Transaction Press at (732)-445-2280

Books.

God's Greatest Gift-Grandparents. From the Children's Library of Poetry, Sheila R. Davidson, Editor.$49.95 
 A lovely book of poetry by young children extolling their love for, and the varied  virtues, of their grandparents. "Although children often have heartfelt and heroic images of there grandparents, they rarely transform these feelings into works of art." says the North Raleigh news. Order from The Children's Library of Poetry. P.O.Box 831, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127.

New Film presents children's views of  Family Diversity.

"That's a Family" is a film for kids, and about kids living in a diversity of family configurations. 
"That's A Family" is a kind, compassionate and comprehensive film that explains children's views of being raised in a diversity of family situation. However adults may judge this increasing phenomenon, for children it all boils down to love. "That's A Family" shows that love can come from many quarters to make children blossom. 
This film should be widely shown and discussed. And especially to those with rigid views on the subject. What will bring together people of compassion and emotional maturity with radically different views on what is, or is not, an acceptable life style, is to see the benefits accruing to children within the nest of these relationships. This film goes to the heart of the matter and is a good beginning.  The film is produced by Women's Educational Media. To order the film call 415-641-4616.

Recent Books. Print and "Virtual"- On-line:

The Grandfather Thing: by Saul Turtletaub. A very funny book by a humorist, comedy writer who is a multi-Emmy winner for many TV shows. Tallfellow Press. $16.95. 818-865-1096. Highly recommended.

Attending Your Grandchild's Birth: by Carolynn Bauer Zorn. What to expect and what you can do during the delivery of your grandchild. We have always recommended that grandparents "be there when your grandchild is born," in a manner appropriate to the parent's wishes. This book tells the how's and why's of this process. The book is also available as a "virtual" book  on 1stBooks.com.

Grand-Stories: compiled and edited by Ernie Wendell. Grand-Stories honors the grandparent-grandchild relationship and the powerful bond between them.  There are 114 stories covering a gamut of situations and emotions  in a multitude of categories.   Inspirational and entertaining reading. Friendly Oaks Publications. Pleasanton, Texas 78064. (30) 569-3586. 

Halmoni's Day by Edna Coe Bercaw. Illustrated by Robert Hunt.
Jennifer's grandmother Halmoni, is visiting all the way from Korea-and she's arrived just in time for Grandparents' Day at Jennifer's school. What happens is interesting and informative and carries a warm and loving message. Great to read with your grandchild! The illustrations are lovely as well. We give this book our Foundation For Grandparenting's Seal of Approval for a wholesome book with a wonderful message. Dial Books For Young Readers. Penguin Putnam. New York, N.Y.

General Grandparenting Books
|
Learning from Little Ones, "Tales from a grandfather's heart,"  by Gilman Smith. Papaco Press, Box 2714, Frisco, CO. ($12.95) received April 8,2000.

The author has learned that little children give us gifts when we interact with them. This book contains lovely and inspiring stories about these gifts. The spirit of the book is well summed up in the words of Dr. Linus S. Pecaut who reflects that "my Grandpa went fishing to be with me--catching fish had nothing to do with it." 

The 12 Rules of Grandparenting by Susan Kettman M.S.Ed. 
(Checkmark Books)

Grandparents will find helpful and straightforward advice on developing a positive attitude, baby-sitting, fun projects, dealing with grandchildren, dealing with family issues and more. 

The Joy of Grandma's Cooking by Clarice Carlson Orr

Ah! The memories of dinner at Grandma's house in days gone by. Lincoln grandmother and old friend Clarice Carlson Orr stirs up those nostalgic memories with her new cookbook. The book is a collection of some two hundred recipes most of which are accompanied by short stories. For example how the hog grower's association crowned aunt Amanda the Pie Queen of Hanson County South Dakota for her pie crust made with lard.  Ignoring the calories, the book is excellent and perhaps will stir you to pass on these, and some of your own recipes, t o your children and grandchildren. As one child told us, "Grandma really tastes good!"

New-Fashioned Grandparenting by Julia Nelson.
Allyn Group Publications, Delaware, OH $14.95

Author Julia Nelson shows us an innovative and creative way to be better grandparents. Using an entrepreneurial model (The Business of Life) she applies it to a practical delivery system for transferring one's wisdom and experience to grandchildren through a "birthday program." This book will be very helpful for grandparents who want to become proactive and involved in their grandparent roles.  Call 1-800-247-6553 to order.

The Nanas and the Papas

When Kathryn and Allan Zullo learned they were going to be grandparents,  they were thrilled. "What do we really know about being grandparents?" they thought.   "We're nothing like our grey-haired grandmas and grandpas."   To answer their questions, for themselves and other "boomer" grandparents, they have written "The Nanas and the Papas": A Boomer's Guide To Grandparenting.

This book is a good, informative read.  It is well written and full of heart-felt advice for dealing with today's adult children, different family forms, technology, financial issues, and most of all, making the most of your relationship with your grandchild. The book makes a great holiday gift for parents and grandparents. Published by Andrews McMeel, at a price of $10.95.

The Essential Grandparent. A Guide To Making A Difference. Dr. Lillian Carson. Health Communications inc. Delray Beach, Florida

Dr. Lillian Carson, a psychologist in private practice in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, gives lots of practical advice on grandparenting. Chapters on "The Essential Grandparent" and "The Joys of Giving" make an important contribution to the grandparent literature. "Do’s and Don’ts" give helpful and relevant guidance.

Grandparent-Grandchild Interactive Books

Kelly Bear Books "Feelings" Written by Leah Davis, illustrated by Joy Davies.
 Kelly Bear Productions.  This book is designed to be read by a child and adult together. Kelly Bear asks questions that encourage children to share their thoughts and feelings, as Kelly Bear does. Reading this book with your grandchild  can be fun, and useful. For further information log on to www.kellybear.com

Grand Activities by Shari Sasser
Career Press 3 Tice Road. Franklin lakes, N.J. 07417
Grand Activities contains more than 150 fun activities for grandparents to do with grandchildren. With each activity a keepsake is produced. Ideas are creative, simple and fun; ex. creating family portraits by drawing faces on cracked egg shells and growing grass inside for hair. Sounds like lots of fun!

Grandloving. Making Memories With Your Grandchildren. Sue Johnson & Julie Carlson. Heartstrings Press 20 Birling Gap, Fairport NY 14450. Call 800-262-1546.

Grandloving is a peppy, upbeat, easy-to-read sourcebook on how grandparents can have fun and make memories with their grandchildren. It is chock-full of  suggestions for innovative and inexpensive activities for grandparents and their grandchildren to do together. 

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Second Time Around by Joan Callander (Bookpartners, Wilsonville, Oregon) received March 28, 2000. .
A new book for grandparents raising grandchildren.  The book is based on the author's personal, and professional experience and is relevant and helpful.

Grandparents as Parents by Sylvie de Toledo and Deborah Edler Brown (Guilford)
An excellent resource book for grandparents raising their grandchildren. Helpful hints concerning "getting through the red tape," support groups, and many other aspects of this unique, complex and rewarding and challenging experience.

To Grandma's House We...Stay by Sally Houtman, M.S. (
Studio 4 Productions, Northridge, CA. $12.95)

This book guides grandparents through the turbulent waters of grandparenting their grandchildren, and acting as surrogate parents too! The author describes the many aspects of this experience and offers helpful advice in dealing with the many challenges that face grandparents who devote themselves to helping and healing their grandchildren. Click here to go to Sally Houtman's web site. Click here to go to Sally Houtman's web site. Order from www.studio4productions.com Order from www.studio4productions.com

New Childen's Books

reviewed by Tyler J. Goodman (13 years old) 

From Kids Can Press. Call 914-241-2117 for ordering information.

When Addie Was Scared by Linda Bailey and Wendy Bailey. Recommended for ages 5-10 "to help children to overcome fears."

The Biggest Fish in the Lake by Margaret Carney. Illustrated by Janet Wilson. Recommended for ages 4-8. "A good lesson in perseverance."

Books from Overseas

From Germany: Ingrid Herlyn et al.(1998), Grossmutterschaft im weiblichen
Lebenszusammenhang. Frankfurt/M: Centaurus Verlag. ISBN 3-8255-0214-7

From France. Claudine Attias-Donfut & Martine Segalen (1998), Grands-parents.
Paris: Editions Odile Jacob. ISBN 2-7381-0647-1

Research and Professional

Handbook of Grandparenthood

Edited by Professor Maximiliane E. Szinovac, this new book of  academic interest is chock full of interesting articles covering a broad gamut of grandparenting topics. Especially important are chapters on  ethnic grandparenting, gender variations, research, and grandparent programs. This book is a valuable resource for keeping up to date with the rapidly expanding field of grandparenting (Greenwood press, Westport, Conn. $79.90)

Also see Dr. Kornhaber's "Contemporary Grandparenting."

 More Books!

Bubbe & Gram. My Two Grandmothers. Joan C, Hawxhurst. Dovetail Publishing, Inc. Kalamazoo, Michigan.

This is a charming book about a grandchild with both a Christian and Jewish grandmother. Full of love, understanding and compassion this is a great gift, or a book to read with any grandchild.

Grandparenting. A New Challenge. Helene Gonski. Sally Milner Publishing Pty. Ltd.558 Darling Street, Rozelle NSW 2039 Australia.

Helene Gonski, psychologist, was born in South Africa and migrated to Australia in 1961 with her husband and four  children. She is well-qualified to write this book, having 10 grandchildren. Written for an Australian audience, "Grandparenting" deals with a wide variety of issues; including joys, problems, communication issues and more.

That’s What Grandfathers Are For. Arlene Uslander. Chicago Spectrum Press. 1571 Sherman Ave, Annex C. Evanston, ILL. 60201.

This is a charming book of poetry that touches the core of what happens between grandparents and grandchildren. This poem speaks for the book. "I had an old, old fiddle from when I was a boy, and when I’d play a tune or two, your face lit up with joy. You clapped your hands and stamped your feet; we had a good old time. And if I played some sour notes...you never seemed to mind. No sooner did I play one song, then you’d say, "Papa, more!" So I’d raise my bow and tap my toe, (That’s what grandfathers are for.)"

Grandpa Told Me..things your father meant to tell you. Joe Baker. Joe Baker & Associates, 539 Tennessee, Independence, MO 64053-1134 

Author Joe Baker has written this creative book full of wisdom and down-to-earth, relevant advice "not just to my grandsons, but also to those of you who did not get a chance to know your own grandfathers, and to those who knew their grandfathers but are not real sure of just what it was their grandfathers told them or were trying to tell them." There are sections giving advice on money, education, clothes, recreation, possessions and lots more.
This is a newly revised edition of "Grandpa Told Me"!

Creative Grandparenting Across The Miles. Ideas for Sharing Love, Faith and Family Traditions. Patricia L. Fry. Liguori. One Liguori Drive, Liguori, MO 63057-9999

Patricia L. Fry, a freelance writer ., and a long-distance grandmother of six, offers suggestions to help grandparents keep their connection to their grandchildren over the miles. This book contains innovative tips for visiting, creative letter correspondence, ideas to keep communication going with fax, video, and E-Mail. The section on maintaining family traditions is especially important.

From Grandma With Love. A Legacy Of Values edited by Toni Thomas. ALTI Publishing. P.O.Box  28025 San Diego, California 92198-1616

Experience is the great teacher. What we learn is passed on to the young as stories. Our personal stories are part of legacy. This broad-ranging work contains stories from real life experience, related by grandmothers from all over the nation, that celebrate enduring human values across gender, race, religion and ethnicity. The stories are warm, highly readable and adaptable for reading to, or with grandchildren.

The Long-Distance Grandmother by Selma Wasserman. 1998 Hartley & Marks Publishers. Box 147 Point Roberts, WA. 98281

This book contains a great deal of ideas about how to stay in touch with your grandchild over distance. Recommended for all "long-distance" grandparents who want to remain an important pert of their grandchildren's lives. 

Long-Distance Grandma by Janet Colshier Teitsort,  (2001).  The author highlights the positive side of  grandparenting from far away. She proceeds through each month of the year, choosing activities that connect grandparent and grandchild over distance. Order from www.1stBooks.com.

Films

From Grandparent Productions:

Films produced by the Foundation For Grandparenting to promote the importance of grandparents and intergenerational relationships. The following two films can be ordered from the Foundation For Grandparenting. E-mail your request to gpfound@grandparenting.org.

Kartenspieler.

Produced in cooperation with  the Foundation For Grandparenting and written and directed by Chantal Marie, this award-winning comic film chronicles how a simple, card-shark, grandmother "Maryasha" saves her grandson from the clutches of gamblers. The film stars Shifra Lehrer & Marty Ingels.

Click Three Times.

Produced in cooperation with  the Foundation For Grandparenting, this awrd-winning film was  written and directed by Victoria Sampson. Isabel Sanford stars in this magical tale of a mentally challenged young woman who escapes her parents' incessant arguing by retreating to a garage where she draws rainbows. A bag lady appears on the scene, dons the identity of a fairy Godmother,  and saves the day. 

VIDEOS

New from Civitas: Grandparents Enriching Lives

 Civitas, a not-for-profit communications group specializing in child development, commends the important role the grandparents play in our society, understanding their power and ability to influence our children. Grandparents enrich a grandchilds' life in so many ways: by playing and reading, by sharing life lessons and family history, by listening and lending advice, by providing stability to the family, and by offering emotional, spiritual and financial support. And with complex issues like diversity within the family, divorce, and long distance facing grandparents today, a grandparent's ability to play an essential role in a grandchild's life is more important, yet more challenging, than ever. For this reason, Civitas has created a new product that specifically targets grandparents. Grandparenting: Enriching Lives: a thirty minute video hosted by Maya Angelou in English, and Don Francisco in Spanish, focuses on the important grandparent/parent/child relationship. Featuring real-life parents and based on the latest research on child development this video: highlights the profound effects grandparents can have on the lives of their grandchidren; provides ideas for staying connected even when far away; illustrates various grandparenting roles offers practical suggestions and inspiration that will benefit the entire family. Grandparenting: Enriching Lives is an inspiring and educating video that will enrich the lives of you and you family. 

For more information on Civitas and grandparenting, or if you wish to order a copy of Grandparenting: Enriching Lives, call 1-800-TO-BEGIN or log on to the civitas Web site at www.civitas.org. 

Home Page

Copyright 1998 by The Foundation For Grandparenting
Last revised: 17 Feb 2008