Mother's Day Books

Great for pre-schoolers. Some of the rhymes are a bit forced but it is charming nonetheless. A very fun read!

This has become one of our favorite books for our 6 mo old son. Everyone thinks its funny when we read it, including him. If only he could eat the pages!

It bores my son after a couple of weeks and he's not yet three. At first though, he did really like it. Cute rhymes that are easy to remember, and he loved screaming the responses at first.

A favorite read-aloud for toddlers and preschoolers! The simple questions, cadence and rhyme make it easy to read and remember. The board book version is excellent for little hands learning how to handle books.

I didn't read this book until my older kids (now 11&13) were in elementary school. When my new baby (16 months) was born, they wanted to share it with her, too! She also loved it but the paper back was soon in pieces. The board book is perfect for her little hands, all her slobber and she loves the rhyming!

I have really appreciated this book for its honesty and candidness with the author's struggles as well as some practical information on how to navigate the infertility world with hope, grace, and a view on the Lord.
Thanks

This is the best book I have read on infertility! Easy to relate to, wonderful biblical reference, and brought me peace in a time of hardship. Enjoy and share!

OH what a wonderful book! We struggled with Infertility for years and spent thousands of dollars on treatments with what seemed like no end in sight. I felt so broken, so desperate....I always questioned WHY was this happening to me. Even though my husband was always wonderful & supportive I still hurt...we BOTH did. This book helped me out so much & completely changed the way I looked at my Infertility. I learned so much about myself & the "burden bearers" section of the book was most helpful in telling family members how they could handle this delicate situation as many of them unknowingly can sometimes say the most hurtful things. I had relied on God in the past for support & know that I wouldn't have made it without His comfort & strength as long as I did...but when I began reading this book and found the right places to search in the bible for specific verses, I was a changed woman. This book taught me great patience and that this was a time for me to grow & become closer to God. It gave me great hope and understanding about my struggles with Infertility.....and before I could even get to the end of the book....I got pregnant!!! All in God's time...and what perfect timing it was....just a few days before Thanksgiving! I'm now 13 weeks along and have seen my baby at 3 different times on ultrasound....the baby is perfectly healthy and we are so blessed. I was at my wit's end before starting this book. Of all the books I'd read on Infertility this one helped me the most & I would highly recommend it to anyone else who loves the Lord & is ready to trust in Him completely with their Infertility struggles. Best wishes to all those trying to conceive...may your journey be a short one!

This book is really life changing. It opens your heart and mind up to issues, thoughts, and feelings you may never have dealt with. This book is very well written and easy to understand. I can't imagine someone NOT liking it and gleaning something from it.

Since we began this new leg in our journey, I've been reading everything infertility related that I can get my hands on. The first full length book I've read dedicated exclusively to this subject is Hannah's Hope: Seeking God's Heart In The Midst Of Infertility.

Hannah's Hope is written by Jennifer Saake, previously mentioned on this blog and mother to two living children. She and her husband have walked the road of infertility for 15 years and they have had their hearts broken by several miscarriages and even more failed adoptions. The book is appropriate for women at any stage of infertility, though she writes mostly for a general audience and less for specific problems within infertility.

The structure of each chapter of Ms. Saake's book is a passage (usually a single verse) of scripture, a historical fiction retelling of Hannah's story (the mother of Samuel), Ms. Saake's writings on the subject of the chapter, probing questions on the subject at hand, a list of scriptures for meditation, and a passage (never more than a page) written to the loved ones of people struggling with infertility, designed to give the loved ones special insights and ways to support their friend or family member.

One thing I appreciate about Ms. Saake's book is her conversational tone. The book is a very easy read, and Ms. Saake's pen flows as easily and comfortably as I imagine her tongue would if she were sitting with you having a cup of coffee. Throughout the reading, I felt as if I were sitting across the table from a friend as she shared some of her innermost thoughts. This put me at ease to explore my own thoughts, agreeing with her in most cases, disagreeing with her in others, and overall deepening my intentional thoughts on our own journey.

The historical fiction retelling of Hannah's story from I Samuel 1 is designed to explore the thoughts Hannah (and occasionally some of the other main characters) may have had as she grieved her way through her own infertility journey. Through the process, the reader develops a kinship with the biblical heroine, taking comfort in the fact that though she lived thousands of years ago, her struggle was largely the same as that of a woman today and is not unknown to the heart of God.

As Ms. Saake divulges her own history and feelings, the reader is taken on a journey through exploring anger, jealousy, fear, bitterness, grief, disappointment, stress, hope, and intimacy with the Almighty. She tackles issues from fear, to bioethics, to the strength of the marital relationship, and most importantly, the infertile couple's walk with God. She is sensitive and gentle while still bold with her convictions.

There is no false piety at all in Ms. Saake. Everything is brutally honest yet still respectful of the sovereignty of God. On more than one occasion, I felt like I was reading my own thoughts simply penned by Ms. Saake's hand. There was comfort and validation in "aha! someone else has felt this way too!"

Ms. Saake does not dwell in the depths of her feelings. She provides thoughtful scriptural encouragement while at the same time refraining from giving pat answers and comfort cliches. She adds her own thoughts and insights as revealed to her through meditation and experience.

My favorite passage in the book reads:


She [the woman at the well] sought happiness in the arms of men. Jesus provides peace that could be found in none other than Himself.

I sought joy in the new life of a baby. Jesus offers New life in Himself.

I wanted to know the feeling of carrying another soul inside my body. He provides the Holy Spirit to indwell me.

I longed to nurse a child. Paul wrote, "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good" (1 Peter 2:2-3).

I dreamed of watching my baby grow and mature. But am I ever-growing in Christ? "Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil" (Hebrews 5:13-14).

I bemoaned the "bread of adversity" I felt unfairly called to taste. The Lord answers with the cross: "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19).

I pleaded for a child to enrich my days on earth. He commands, "But store up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:20-21).

p 95



Ms. Saake does not promise anyone a happy ending. She admits that even though she now has two living, biological children, the scars of infertility will always leave an ache in her heart. The journey God has taken her on through this process has not been completed or nullified by the successful conception and birth of children. I would guess that this would be of special comfort to those either struggling with secondary infertility or who still feel a loss that their family is not what they imagined or hoped it would be.

She exhorts the reader,

While Satan imprisons some with bondage to past sins, he can entangle others in what seems to be a good and righteous goal, causing them to lose sight of God in the midst of self-evaluation.
p 49



That hit me as especially poignant because I've been stewing so much about this lately that I need to guard my own heart against making motherhood my idol. That is an important challenge for every mother, mother to be, or mother at heart.

I found some of the "Burden Bearer" passages (written to friends and family members of infertile couples) to be helpful, and others were not of particular significance to me. I appreciated her frankness with her advice of how to support, and in some cases, how to refrain from causing more hurt, on infertile loved ones. One thing that should be noted is that the passages are to be read in conjunction with the rest of the book and are not intended to be read independently.

My primary critique of the book is that each chapter is very brief. Just when I thought "ok, we're tackling something I'm really struggling with," Ms. Saake moves on to another subject. I longed for her to exegete the scriptural passages she offered and share more details on the HOWS of her journey and the conclusions she's made. I don't think that this is a flaw, per say, because I don't think it was ever the author's intent to give an exhaustive chronicle of infertility and so I cannot blame her for not writing as if it were. This was simply was more of a disappointment--I longed to delve deeper with my new found friend in to emotions that are for me, still raw and in need of exploration. The approach is just a matter of personal preference and I'm sure for as many as there are of women like me who longed for more depth, there are equally many women who appreciated the brevity.

However, the ease of the flow of the book makes this a very excellent, easily accessible and processed resource for pastors, ministerial staff and anyone else truly interested in learning an "insider's perspective" on infertility. One of my very favorite chapters in the book was on how the church could help break its own silence on this matter and offer comfort to those in their congregations who are burdened with this grief. I only wish it were longer!

Overall, my impression of the book is very positive. I would heartily recommend it to anyone at any stage in their infertility journey. I also recommend it as a must-have resource for any pastor. I do recommend it for loved ones of the infertile, with the disclaimer that this book is not written specifically to give you (the loved one) advice, and reading it should be done with the intention of understanding the heart of your infertile friend or family member, and not specifically equipping with you with the "how tos" of what to do as the friend (though there is some).

Brava, Jennifer! A valiant, sincere, and godly effort that is very much appreciated.

I first read "The Lesson of the Chopsticks" and must say that I was not disappointed reading "How to Keep Life's Small Problems from Becoming Big Ones"! Ms.Greenlee's unique view of life's everyday challenges is one we all can identify with on some level.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is in need of a boost to handle procrastination and prioritizing. Ms. Greenlee's uncovers a profound truth using vivid illustrations and metaphors to convey her point and shift us out of our "comfort zone". And, it's a LOT CHEAPER THAN THERAPY!

Finally, a most enjoyable and interesting book filled with practical and useful guidance that can be helpful for every age and every level. Each lesson is deeply meaningful, yet stated so simply. A true Gem!!!

Who knew that paying attention to inanimate objects could be so powerful? In "Paperclips", Ms. Greenlee has humorously and quite consciously given us a roadmap to sorting through the habits we all develop when faced with discomfort. Reading it again and again gives the reader a fresh way of envisioning life's way of offering opportunities to grow.

This charmingly simple book spoke volumes to me about the dangers of a disorganized life, and brought to mind several practical applications. If I don't hang up my clothes every night, my bedroom is soon an unworkable mess. If I don't take care of my mail (and other paperwork) diligently and often, it soon becomes overwhelming, and I can't find that piece of paper I really need. If I don't spot-clean the kitchen and baths (almost) every day, things get disgusting quite quickly, and germs can grow. And the list could go on. It's so refreshing to see a simple, highly useful truth presented in such an engaging way, and I look forward to the next "lesson." Way to go, Gina!

A quick read that leaves you feeling refreshed and confident to face the challenges ahead. This is not a book you'll read just once but one you'll reference again and again.

This is a lovely picture book that talks about babywearing around the world. We are a babywearing family, so it's a nice addition to our collection, but it's valuable for any family that wants a beautiful picture book, or a book that talks about families around the world. Highly recommended!

This book is not only colorful and entertaining, it is very educational. There is a picture of babies and their family members carrying them in a variety of carriers and positions. The author took the time to write a sweet little story of what they do and how they live in different countries. It truly is a sweet little book that will encourage you to carry your baby and connect with someone else in the world who carries their baby too!

If you babywear then this is the book to get your kids.. this is a great book full of vidid illustration and color :) It's a great educational tool for any babywearing meetings as well. Would definately like to see more of this type of material offered:)

My daughter loves this book,she loves looking at all the pictures and enjoys hearing about the babies and kids around the world that are lucky enough to be worn. Plus as a bonus she enjoys finding which people go where on the map on the inside cover of the book. This is one book I don't mind reading over and over again.

My 2-year-old and I love this book. While the text is a bit long for her, it is easy to read just some of it, as each page can stand by itself (each page spread is about a different child and family in a different culture). The global map on the end pages show where each family lives, and there are notes at the end about each culture -- very helpful since it was a long time since I took geography! This book helped us talk about babies as we prepared for our family's second child, about nursing/feeding the baby, and caring for the baby... but this is also a book that will continue to be useful as my children grow and we can talk about other cultures and their traditions.

The Mom's Choice Awards® honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, Ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, New York Times Best-Selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, Motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books; Tara Paterson, Certified Parent Coach, and founder of The Just For Mom Foundation(tm) and the Mom's Choice Awards®. Parents and educators look for the Mom's Choice Awards® seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families. This book has been honored by this distinguished award.

Joanne,

Provided over 15 signed copies of her book for me to send to my daughter and her Company who are currently stationed in Iraq. I received numerous emails and thank you notes from not only women but the men in her company that shared this book with their spouses. I must admit I too kept a copy for myself in order to provide my 4 children with a better understanding of who I am. I am now back online once again to purchase 4 more books for co-workers with children. This book is a must have for anyone - man or woman- with children. I have a daughter who is about to marry and a son entering elementary--Time is priceless and Joanne's book has given me a tool to be a better "mom" and one could say I am paying it forward for my children and many more generations to come. My only wish now would be that my mother had given me such a timeless gift. Hats off to Joanne and a big thank you for your generous donation to our troops!!! Kudos

This book is fabulous. I have wanted to journal for my son so many times but wasnt sure how to begin. This book does it for me. It asks the questions that I want to answer. The perfect way to get started. I only wish that my grandmother was alive so I could get her "Answers"

What a wonderful legacy to leave your children. No matter who you are, some day your children will wonder what Mom or Dad would have thought about certain situations in their lives. If you follow this very user friendly book they will always have your wisdom and experience to refer to. Mrs. King's vivid imagery in the prompting questions is extremely helpful in evoking the feelings you want to capture on the page. I will be giving this special book to friends and family!!

I loved this book! My wife passed away a couple of years ago and I wish we would have had this book then for our children. It gives a great format for beginning a journal for your children. This book will help you leave a legacy for your children. I plan on using it for my writings but also to put some things down that I know my wife would have wanted to say. God bless the author for writing it!

After reading The Stained Glass Pickup myself, I gave several copies for Christmas gifts. Each recipient shared with me what I already knew--that this book touches the heart and inspires Christ-followers to seek Him. My hands-down favorite devotional was "A Whole Bunch of Nothing," which reminded me to return to the simplicity of my relationship with Christ and to slow down an overly hectic life. As a busy mother of three teens, I need that reminder constantly!

When a book grabs your attention and touches your heart, it makes a lasting impression on your life.

This is exactly what Cathy Messecar's book, The Stained Glass Pickup_ does. The author has an incredible talent of showing how God touches everyday people in the most remarkable ways.

In one of my personal favorites, titled, "Ya'll Come," this short devotional recounts a day when the author's best-laid plans went slightly awry. The author had invited a group of women and their children to come to her farm and pick blueberries and then to enjoy a nice homemade lunch afterward. However, one by one, each of the families called and cancelled. But when her daughter called to see how the preparations were coming along, the author recounted her predicament: too much food and no one to enjoy it. Her daughter immediately suggested that the secretaries in her office come over for lunch. Open to the idea, the author soon found her home filled with her daughter's office staff. Everyone enjoyed the delicious impromptu luncheon as well as the new friendships being formed.

What originally looked like a wasted effort turned out to be a true blessing. In fact, she recounts, "One woman eventually began a Bible study with us and later became a Christian." Wow! What an opportunity God had given her to show hospitality and His love. Sure the first group cancelled but because the author was willing to host others whom she did not know, the blessings expounded.

With every devotional I read, The Stained Glass Pickup reminded me that God isn't found only in Sunday school or in a church social, God is everywhere, waiting to pour His love out into my life and yours, in the most unsuspecting moments.

Armchair Interviews says: Nice message in this special book.

Cathy Messecar catches a stained glass view of every day life in God's creations. Her insight is shown in short, two-page stories, which enlighten us to look at the world with
awe and wonderment. I had planned to read this 127-page book in one evening yet the stories capture your heart, soul, and mind. They make you think using parts of your brain never tapped until now. You must take time to ponder about the cowboy in his stained glass pickup and his prayer for his daughter, or the grandpa's worn and frayed work coat, or the trust of a four year old and her parents. Cathy Messecar ties these every day happenings, which most of us take for granted, with the passages of the Bible with such ease. Each story ends with a prayer to remind us He is our provider, our strength, and our creator. Thanks Cathy for writing a book that inspires us to be His in every way every day a blessing in His Name.

Newspaper columnist Cathy Messecar shares a collection of stories that will deepen the faith of every woman. The title comes from the first devotional in the book, about a rancher who prays aloud for his high school age daughter while he drives her to school in his truck. I can certainly relate to praying in extremely humble places.

The book contains an eclectic mix of uncommon wisdom gleaned from the Bible and the author's daily life as a grandmother in Texas. Each devotional begins with a short scripture and concludes with a heart-felt prayer.

This would make a wonderful gift to help someone start the new year with an inspiring mentor to lead the way.

-- Christian Women Online Book Buzz

As a busy mom, I like books from which I can grab snack-sized wisdom based upon biblical principles conveyed through every day events. The Stained Glass Pickup is a like a special truffle with morning coffee that I look forward to and savor each day. Snippets of scripture set the tone for each small story which ends with prayer. Story sets comprise themed chapters. I marvel at Cathy Messecar's unique insight in every day occurences to the point that one short passage causes me to look for God throughout the day. Highly recommended.

I have been a fan of Prosek since his Trout days. This introspective book helped me to understand his precocious talent for observation and drawing and his need to get out on the stream. I wish him well.

The Day My Mother Left beautifully captures the agony and the pathos of an adolescent abandoned by his mother. The novel includes a myriad of conflicts that are typically found in realistic contemporary fiction. We see the conflict of person vs. person with the main character dealing with his father, mother and the school bully. The main conflict; however, is between Jeremy, the protagonist, and himself. His unresolved issues with the divorce, his mother leaving and offering no communication and his burgeoning artistic talent contribute most to the overall theme of the novel: beauty and love can grow from struggles and pain. Each character is round and dynamic; the major characters in this story evolve and change subtly as time progress in the novel. One of the highlights of the book is how the author reveals these character changes. The book is told through the eyes of Jeremy, an early adolescent. His self-centeredness only shows the other characters flaws and transformations when Jeremy finally sees them. Prosek reveals his characters and themes so movingly and realistically. This novel will appeal to late middle school students and up.

Nine-year-old Jeremy has a close relationship with his mother. She goes to every one of his baseball games, cheering him on from the bleachers. Jeremy gets teased for her enthusiastic encouragement, but he doesn't care. The bond they share is special. In fact, she is the only one to whom he has ever shown his collection of bird drawings. But when she abandons the family, Jeremy's world shatters into a million painful pieces.

It starts with an argument about her excessive drinking, the fact that Jeremy's father isn't making enough money, her crazy behavior at the fancy dinner party, his lack of attention, and especially about her seeing another man --- the father of Jeremy's rival, Rick. The two of them met at one of Jeremy and Rick's baseball games. Somewhere in the middle of it all, Jeremy's mom decides to leave and be part of a different family, one that doesn't include Jeremy.

Jeremy's older sister responds by escaping in her car for work and friends, while their father becomes imprisoned in his own despair. Jeremy must decide for himself how to put the pieces back together. Recreating his collection of bird drawings is the first step, since his mom took the old one with her. Jeremy finds comfort in the birds, in mirroring their beauty, in tromping through their wooded habitat. He also takes an art class to improve his talents and meets a girl named Casey.

Over the next three years, Jeremy continues to struggle with the fact that his mother abandoned him and never even called him on the phone, much less paid him a visit. But life continues, with even more obstacles to overcome, such as his dad remarrying and his beloved uncle getting sick. Jeremy learns to wade through the tough times without overloading his heart of bitterness. He even manages to say a prayer for Rick when he needs an operation. But will he ever be able to forgive his mom for leaving him?

James Prosek has created a beautiful story that all ages, genders and races will enjoy. He has an obvious love of nature, which shines through in his vivid descriptions of feathers, fish and forests. His novel's voice is precise and rare, nailing perfectly Jeremy's preteen character enduring pain and grief. Jeremy's spirit will inspire us all to be better people.

--- Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman

I first became aware of James Prosek through his artistic and literary treatments of fly fishing and thought I would give The Day My Mother Left, his first fictional effort, a go. I am so glad I did--what a wonderful little book! Though it is intended for young adults, as a mature reader I found it very engaging.

This autobiographical novel is a very candid picture of a difficult time in Prosek's, and his protaganist's, life. Prosek tells his touching story beautifully and without remorse. I would liken this book to Angela's Ashes in its portrayal of an unbalanced family and their troubles in a voice that does not blame but instead finds grace in the struggle. In the case of Prosek, his gravitation to art and nature provides ballast and equanimity; he shows us an inner journey enabled by his exploration of the natural world. And it is a damn good story. . .

Yale-educated James Prosek is clearly an extremely gifted and multi-dimensional creative talent. I know of few other YA books that tell such a story of charm and tenderness from the male point of view. I highly recommend it!

Jeremy's mother has often been disappearing for hours at a time, but on a Sunday afternoon all truths are told.

His mother has found a new love - the father of Jeremy's enemy at school and on the baseball field. A fight occurs between Jeremy's mother and father. His mother leaves, and she takes everything with her - including Jeremy's Book of Birds that he had been illustrating himself.

No one can believe that she left. Especially Jeremy. He feels abandoned and hurt. Through his father's sadness and his own mixed-up feelings, Jeremy recreates the Book of Birds and finds solace within himself through nature.

James Prosek's THE DAY MY MOTHER LEFT is very moving. Coming from a divorced family myself, it's easy to relate and understand Jeremy's feelings. Mr. Prosek uses outstanding details within the story and has also created lovely drawings. It is a great book and experience from beginning to end.

Reviewed by: Jeremey

everyone loves to hear those three special words, "i love you," but when you tell them to a child, do they truly understand the depth of your love for them? this book gives children a deeper understanding of those words in a fun and wonderful way. the rhymes are melodious, the illustrations are fabulous and once you see and read it, you'll want to pass a copy on to your friends and special little ones in your life.

Great book with illustrations to match the words that pop on the page. Great for any preschooler. Colors wonderful. Way to go Susan.

I love this book. The words and illustrations are beautiful; I love reading it to my daughter!

Imagine what you love most, and then imagine that someone loves you more than that! This book is a great conversation starter for children to explore what love means and how it feels. Whether the book is for a child that needs to know you love them more than the thing that they love most, or for a library at school, this book communicates a freedom to love and to express that love!

What a wonderful book!! I have purchased several for gifts aftering purchasing one for my grandson. I never get tired of reading the book and enjoying the illustrations.

I look forward to more books from Sue.

Carolyn Harris

Small enough to carry with you everywhere.

Get one and watch the power of Devotions prayers work!

Praise be to our Lord Jesus Christ!

This is a small prayer book full of big-time punch. I always find it hard to review prayer books. Either you like them or you don't, which is like most books, but unlike fiction or theology it is a much more personal reaction. That being said, this is a great book. I wish there were a hard cover edition so it could take more of a beating.

Michael Dubrueil does an amazing job in just over 350 pages of giving solid teaching on Novenas - both the history of Novenas, and how to endure in praying Novenas. He also instructs the reader in ways of encountering God, the reasons to pray Novenas and gives a personal account of some of the prayers he has used and God's care and provision for him.

With over 30 Novenas highlighted in the book and Appendices to the prayers common to Novenas, and the shrines associated with Novenas in the book, Michael covers the whole gambit of Novenas. The specific Novenas in the book are categorized as Novenas to:

1. Christ and the Holy Spirit
2. The Blessed Virgin Mary
3. Relatives of Jesus
4. Particular Saints
5. American Saints
6. Holy Souls
7. A Quick Novena

This collection of Novenas and prayers said over nine days will be a source of light, hope and encouragement in your life. Thank you Michael for this treasury.

I was expecting the usual novena book and was wondering why I had ordered it when I already had so many. But as I thumbed through the book I was fascinated with each little story attached to the individual novenas. The foreward and introduction was fascinating as well because I was not all that familiar with the history of novenas. I enjoying reading how they progressed from prayers for the dead to weekly "social nights" in church and finally to private novenas. I think my favorite novena from this book will be the "Quickie Novena" by Mother Theresa. If you don't have 9 days to do a novena, you just do this one 9 times in one sitting. There are also novenas that I had never seen before. Even if you, like me, have a stack of novena books, you will enjoy this one. My only worry is that the pages are super-thin. Keep your coffee cups away!

I bought this book for my wife and she likes it. She said that the variety of reflections in it are quite good. She carries it around in her purse and she also reads it at home.

I bought this book for my Mother for Christmas. She just loved it, so much so, that she insisted I buy a copy for myself.

I'm really enjoying it. The effort made regarding history, reasons, superstitions etc, as well as the personal note from Mike regarding his experience with St. Therese makes the book practical as well as inspirational.

The stories prior to the Novenas are perfect.

I bought this great book for my Mom for Mother's Day so she could work on filling it out with our daughter each time we visit. I love the playful tone of the questions, as well as the detail things it asks: like "How much did a movie cost when you were growing up?" and "How would your friends at school have described you?" I also like that there are pages for putting "stuff" - her high school report card, for instance - instead of having it lie buried in a box. It LOOKS great too, with a fantastic color scheme and the same playful tone. This book is perfect for passing on life stories for fun, interesting people who HAPPEN to be grandmothers - like my Mom!

This book was a big win--twice over. First with my mother in law, who loved this book so much. She even tells all her friends about it and the incredibly fun time she had making it. I cant tell you how happy that makes me. And Second with my daughter who cherishes this book from her grandmother like its an advance copy of Harry Potter. All of her friends now want to get their own books for their grandmothers.

The Grandmother Book serves as a sweet template for handing down information across the generations. I encourage the authors to create some Grandfather, Aunt and Crazy Uncle books to complement it!

This is a terrific example of a great idea that turns into an even better product. What a wonderful way for grandchildren (and even their parents) to learn about two (or more) of the most important people in their lives. The book is beautifully designed, well thought out and full of humor and spirit. A great gift for sure!

I just got this book to give to my step-mom on Mother's Day. She's a relatively new grandparent and will love filling it out with my nephews. When it arrived, it was even cuter than it looked online. The pictures and the questions, themselves, are whimsical and entertaining. I'm thrilled that the kids will have a chance to know her as the whole amazing person she is, not just as their Grammy. It's something we'll all treasure forever.