A Rabelaisian collection of prose and poesy as recalled by that Old Curmudgeon, Grampa. The stories, limericks and one-liners range from rather bland to quite blue. Many Golden Oldies are included in the book. Warning:This collection is definitely not for children.

Grandpa is always up to something, whether he is indoors or outdoors, and he makes life interesting and exciting for Diya and Manish (Manu). Then he starts behaving secretive about his new friend Mr. Raghuram and when they question him, he is evasive. In this set of seven stories, unravel the mystery of Mr. Raghuram’s identity – and then join Diya and Manu as their life turns upside down when Mr. Raghuram comes to stay. Whether it is a visit to the doctor or a simple camping trip or a sojourn on a farm or attendance at a local dog “fair”, Mr. Raghuram knows how to steal the show!

A number of years ago now as one of my grandsons first birthday approached I thought about what to give a one year old. There are a million things that will be played with for a short while then either broken or ignored. I wanted to give something special, something lasting, something that even when older he might still enjoy. Then it struck me, since he likes the silly little stories I tell him upon his request, that maybe I could write some cute little short stories, with a moral as well, just for him (and any of my other grandchildren as well when shared). Thats all it took to get me started. Since then each year I write a little story that somehow relates to something in his life. When another grandchild came along he also was added to the list of recipients of original stories. When I got to thinking about it I decided there may be other grandparents that would like to spend time with their grandchild reading a little story. Now a few years down the pike and I have enough for a book. And so herein I offer my readers a chance to share the joy of time spent reading to a child. That is why my stories were written in the first place. Children go through phases as with my grandchildren there were the dinosaurs, whales, (especially the blue whale), hedge hogs, puppies and gold fish. Im sure you get my drift. All of these fed my imagination and help to produce stories that have a connection and personal touch for both the child and me. These stories are not written for children to read, but rather for a loving adult to sit down with child on their lap or side by side on a shared sofa and be read to. I recommend using funny voices and lots of emphasis and maybe a tickle or two at just the right moment to add flavor and a garnish to each story. The giggles, like sparklers on the 4th of July, will shower joy in all directions and warm the heart of the one reading the story and those close by. Do not be concerned about the content all the stories contained in this book are rated PG - (to be read by Parent or Grandparent). I hope you will enjoy these short stories even more that I did writing them.

As a parent, discussing diversity with your child/children can be difficult, especially if you have your own questions. "Some People Do" boils this topic down to provide the simplest of answers. By the time your child/children finish reading this book, they will have been introduced to all facets of people, without any one being more revered than the other.

Rooster for Rent is the second book in the Grampa Hal series and tells the story of Grampa teaching Little Davey how to crow and be his rooster on a farm adventure. Grampa also teaches a group of young children about God's amazing creation and how He provides for us from the time we are born until the time we leave this life, Davey enters into God's family as he opens up his heart and invites Jesus to come in. It's a fun story that tells of God's love for us and His grace upon our lives. In the first book, Grampa Hal Comes to Visit, Little Davey receives a licker card. In Rooster for Rent, he finds out exactly what a licker card with five holes in it really is. Come on, let's go to the farm and have some fun!

Grandpa’s Stories is a partial compilation of Joe Kretoski’s life experiences, as well as a few other stories which are included that are important to the author. Every story is true and has potential for spiritual application or character building. These stories should be compelling to youngsters and oldsters. Hopefully your vision of an all-powerful God will be renewed, and your faith increased. If you are discouraged with life and are feeling hopeless, Grandpa’s Stories has the potential to plant a nugget of hopefulness into your heart. God has not changed, and He desires that we all love Him fervently. May Grandpa’s Stories touch your heart as it has the author’s. Happy reading.

"On a rainy summer day, three children and their grandpa pick vegetables in his garden and then cook and share a delicious meal of his famous Rainbow Stew. Includes recipe"--