I was inspired by my grandson, Michael Thomas, Jr., to write "Grandma's Helper". I didn't realize that over the years I had forgotten so much. As I spent treasured moments caring for my grandchild, I would jot down little reminders as to what to do next in the course of the day of grandparenting. Then it occurred to me to compile the notes into a book to help other grandmas, grandpas, moms, and dads. Introducing a child to the world around him provides opportunity to bring out the physical as well as the spiritual side of his development. Early training and guidance of small children provide valuable lessons for grandparents. The main ingredients that we must possess are tender loving care and a reverence for God and His Word as we train our children in the way they should go. It is the purpose of this book to teach the fulfillment of that commission.

A child's joy in being a helper to her grandmother.

A little girl translates from Spanish into English for her grandma as they do their shopping.

Have you wondered if you were just born unlucky? Even at the early age of three, I knew my life was not "normal". Throughout my childhood, I looked at my friends and their families and their lives, and mine certainly didn't match any of those! Sometimes you really do have to get to the other side to see what God has brought you through. I once heard a wise old man refer to "unlucky families," and I thought for sure that was my niche. I felt like the poster child for unclaimed baggage. In fact I had spent years just trying to recreate my life into one that I wanted. A life that was "normal" and so I learned to just let people think my life was perfect and I had relatively no problems. And then I felt God stirring in the very fibers of my soul with a message-a message I did not want to hear, a message I ran from until I was physically and emotionally exhausted. I could find no peace until one day, I just threw up my hands and said, "Okay, God, You win. I will write the book." Writing a book about your life means having to relive so many things you had hoped to forget. Many tears were shed at the keyboard. This book is for someone. I hope it is you, and I hope you find solace in my words and God's direction. He will truly never leave you or forsake you. Be still and know. He is God.

Whether looking for a lost shoe, staying awake all night listening to a chatty set of dentures, or watching Grandpas hair fly away, the young characters in these fifteen quirky tales find surprising solutions to lifes unexpected events. The storylines are simple and funny, yet the themes are surprisingly complex, providing lots of opportunities for the sharing of ideas. Its fun to talk about a story, but often, its hard to know what to talk about beyond the basic plot and details. In order to encourage critical thinking, there are intriguing kid-friendly questions placed strategically at the end of each tale. This gives readers an immediate opportunity to respond to the story, whether they read it independently or with an adult. Additional questions, discussion starters, and research ideas in the Lets Talk About it section of the book provide opportunities for digging deeper. Drawing upon her former experience as a teacher and school system reading supervisor, author Liz Cooper knows how to write stories that are charming, thought-provoking, and downright funny!

As a young child, the adorable little Ladaro had the please of being surrounded by his grandmother's love and care. They shared lots of hugs and kisses and often talked about exchanging ?sugar? or kisses with each other. The sugar was always ?too sweet? for his Mom, but as his granny would always say, ?It can never be too sweet for your granny.? Beacause of his love for his granny, Ladaro was always willing to be his Granny's Helper and thought all grandchildren should do the same.