The Exquisite Joy of a Granddaughter's Love

Hi everyone! A few weeks ago I gave my 8 year-old granddaughter, Winnie, her copy of The Storm. When I passed it to her, her eyes turned big and round with excitement! She took the book into her hands and immediately turned it over. Her smile grew in intensity when she saw my picture and she exclaimed, "Nana!" Her reaction got even better when I showed Winnie the dedication, made to her, of course. There was no time for me to read it to her, but when her mother, Christy, did so I was told that Winnie loved the story. She told her mom that she wished she could bring it to school for show-and-tell but it was the end of the school year and that wasn't going to happen. Then Winnie told her mom that she wanted a copy for her school library. Wow! A Nana couldn't have been more pleased and proud. Of course, Winnie will get her wish. I am just working on publication of my latest book, Study Guide and Lesson Plans for Use with The Storm. I will be approaching Winnie's school in the fall to see if Winnie's and other teachers would be willing to pilot this book. The kids will be entertained and get to build a castle out of playdough, just like in the book. As an aside, I want to share with you that I just received my royalty payment for The Storm; three books have been sold for a payment to me of $8.70. I know it doesn't sound like much but it's a sign to me it will be a winner.

I remember the first time that I was gifted a book. I was about 7 years old at that time. My best friend who lived next door, Bobby Seager, was the giver. It was a chapter book, Treasure Island. I was over the moon with excitement and I ran to my mother to show her. "Look, Treasure Is land!" No, that's not a typo, that's how I pronounced the title being a fairly new reader. It was the best gift ever! Giving a book can be filled with surprises. It invites the reader to venture forth on new horizons and adventures. I still love receiving, and giving, books as gifts.

Don't forget to visit my website for what is new with me and what's coming next, at barbarasbooks.ca

Blessings,

Barbara