Kids and Grandparents: An Activity Book

Dave Jenkinson is a professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba and the author of the “Portraits” section of Emergency Librarian.

Readers familiar with the authors’ previous books, such as The Kids
Cottage Book or The Kids Campfire Book, will immediately recognize the
now-familiar format. Divided into four major sections, Kids and
Grandparents offers activities that grandparents can carry out with
their grandchildren.

“Making Memories” includes 15 projects that range from creating a
family tree or family crossword to making portrait profiles to keeping
in touch with distant grandparents/grandchildren. “Fun and Games”
introduces youngsters to, and reminds grandparents of, 16 pastimes
(e.g., simple magic, playing marbles, card games) that are often
overlooked in today’s world of instant computer and video
entertainment. “Crafts” incorporates 19 major idea areas that
include beading, creating puppets, building birdhouses, and drying
flowers. The closing section, “Family Food,” offers a variety of
generally simple fare (e.g., fudge, pizza, and cookies) that the
generations can create and eat together.

The book’s various sections encourage children to question their
grandparents about their own childhoods, and the food section will
undoubtedly stimulate grandparents to share their favorite foods and
recipes. The multicultural drawings both enliven the text and illustrate
the instructions for completing the various crafts and activities.

Most definitely a home purchase, Kids and Grandparents should also be
acquired by public libraries and elementary schools. Leaders of youth
groups such as Scouts or Guides could peruse the book for program and
craft ideas. Highly recommended.