The Kids and GrampaT Here are 14 of the many stories written about The Kids and GrampaT by Jean Thibault Castagno, a relative to some and a friend to others. The settings are real and imaginary as are many of the events that unfold as one reads deeper into the tales of adventure. The author has always had a vivid imagination and a curious mind. These attributes, together with her desire to please others and to encourage their reading skills, combine nicely in tales of children and grownups playing and interacting together. Castagno also writes stories for adults that are meant to be inspiring and hope fulfilling. Castagno was raised on a farm in Coventry CT during World War II. Her series of stories about those years can be found on the Coventry CT website. She was the oldest of five children. Their mother worked very hard as can be expected when the father spends 12 hours a day at a war-related factory job 40 miles distant. The children were expected to help daily in tending to the animals, the gardens, and, every Fall, in harvesting the several acres of potatoes for sale to neighbors, friends and the local food stores. Castagno attended one room schools until 1943 when she and her 11 classmates transferred to either Manchester or Windham High Schools. Castagno has worked at many jobs: retail, insurance, and medical. On her fiftieth birthday in 1980, she decided to attend the nearby community college. She elected to study English because she thought she knew it, and Spanish because she didn’t. This led to a six year program of part-time studies and several honors degrees. She completed her courses in 1986 and taught at Oxford Academy, a private preparatory school for boys in Westbrook CT, until her retirement.

A touching portrayal of the loss of a grandparent. “When summer started, I got Grampa’s stopwatch,” a small child says. “I don’t want his stopwatch. I want him.” Grampa used to time everything. A race to the end of the street and back: 24 seconds. Eating bubblegum ice cream: 1 minute, 58 seconds. But now, Grampa’s gone. “There are no more Grampa minutes, Grampa seconds,” the child says. “Time just stops.” But as time goes on, the stopwatch becomes a cherished symbol of remembrance, and the child uses it to carry on Grampa’s favorite pastimes and traditions. A treasured ritual from the past can sometimes offer the perfect bridge to the future.

Presents the different ways grandfathers show their grandchildren love, from putting extra marshmallows in hot chocolate to sending cards and telling stories.

Generations have fallen in love with this classic story of a grandson and grandfather whose visit to a family farm with a special tractor brings back memories. Don't miss the new companion title Grandma's Farm — now available! Grandpa Joe takes his grandson Timmy back to the site of his family’s farm, where the old house and a ramshackle barn still stand. The visit stirs up memories for Grandpa Joe—in particular, the majesty of his own father's shiny red tractor, now rusting in the forgotten fields. An ideal gift, this picture book evokes nostalgia while demonstrating a special bond between a grandparent and grandchild.

When thirteen-year-old Nathan loses both his parents, Social Services seems likely to be his next stop. Surprisingly, his maternal grandfather, a freewheeling soul if ever there was one, steps in to offer guardianship and support. Can Grampa nurture the young teen appropriately? Will Grampa help Nathan navigate the trauma he suffered at the hands of his abusive father? Does Grampa understand what happens at school? Can he advise Nathan about girls and dating and sex? Can Nathan live up to his grandfather’s principles? Although Grampa is a pot-smoking, latte-drinking, porch-sitting kind of guy, he is also a force to be reckoned with. Having rejected many of society’s norms for himself, how will he react if Nathan chooses not to follow his lead? Will Grampa’s stories, outlook on life, and unique philosophies be sufficient to guide Nathan through all life has to offer—the good, the bad, and the otherwise? Will Grampa’s powerful example provide the tools that Nathan needs to become the man he wants to be? Grampa’s Way is a simple coming of age tale for Nathan and a heartwarming story about a boy and his grandfather. This story offers an alternative way to think about the structure of family, to imagine wealth, and to exist as individuals in an often complex and hurtful world. Grampa’s Way encourages respect, acceptance, kindness, and generosity as lifelong pursuits.

Brian Crane, creator of the highly acclaimed 'Pickles' Comic Strip, illustrates his first-ever children's book. Story by acclaimed Canadian children's book author, Dianne Young.

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