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Penelope Anne Cole enjoys writing children’s stories to be read aloud. “Reading to children is the best way to help them love literature.” Ms. Cole has taught and tutored at every grade level, K to 12, and community college. She also reviews children's books. When not writing or reviewing children’s books, Ms. Cole enjoys dog walking, reading, gardening, church, and choir activities. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, a member of the California Writers Club:  Fremont Area Writers, SF Peninsula Writers, and South Bay Writers, and is a Reading Therapist with Read America. Ms. Cole reviews books at

http://pennyreviews-chat.blogspot.com/

See reviews of Ms. Cole's books at

http://reviewsforpenny.blogspot.com/

Her website is www.penelopeannecole.com

Contact Ms. Cole for School Author Visits, locally in-person, or by SKYPE.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

"The Fearless Grandpa" by Mary Esparza-Vela, Illustrated by Denis Proulx



The Fearless Grandpa, is another charming picture book by Mary Esparza-Vela, illustrated by Denis Proulx. Grandpa comes for a visit with his daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren. The kids are enthralled by his ghost stories. When asked, “You’re not afraid of ghosts?” he says “No honey, I’m not afraid of anything!” Grandpa is fearless.


Suddenly, Grandpa jumps up, forgetting his cane, arthritis and asthma problems, and rushes around outside. He slaps at his back and acts crazy. Finally, a tiny mouse falls out of his shirt—that’s what was bothering him. The whole family collapses into laughing fits. Their fearless grandpa is afraid of mice!


The sweet and homey illustrations by Denis Proulx show us everything we need to see. Here’s a family enjoying spending time together. Happy grandchildren glad to be with their grandpa, and a contented grandpa happily sharing his stories with them.


This is another dear story from Ms. Esparza Vela about loving families and the interaction between generations. However, it’s more than a humorous anecdote about a grandpa being afraid of mice. The family wants Grandpa to come live with them. He lives alone now that Mami has passed. He’s afraid to be a burden to his kids and leave his wife’s animals behind. We wonder what will happen after this story ends. Can they convince grandpa to live with them and can he let go of the past and join his family?


Many sandwich generation families face this dilemma. They’re raising children and caring for their parents at the same time. If only it was more expected and accepted that our elderly come live with us. They wouldn’t be alone and everyone could appreciate what they can share with us while we give them the care and support they need.


Thank you Mary Esparza-Vela for this endearing story that warms us and makes us appreciate what we have. And maybe think about what could be. Most of Ms. Esparza-Vela’s picture books are translated into Spanish. Visit her online for more information:

www.marysdollsandbooks.com

Here's a list of her other GAP picture books (available on Amazon):


Bearly Learning About Water
The Smiling Burro
El Burro Sonriente
Lucky's Lick
You Can't Take the Dinosaur Home!
¡No Puedes Llevarte El Dinosaurio A Casa!
The Fearless Grandpa
The Odd Chick
The Turtle Who Imagined
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Tags:  
Mary Esparza-Vela, Bearly, Water, Smiling Burro, Lucky Lick, Dinosaur Home, Fearless Grandpa, Odd Chick, Turtle Imagined, children's books, picture books





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7 comments:

  1. Sounds like an endearing book. Educational for kids and heart warming. Thanks for your review. Wishing much success, and best wishes to Mary.

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    1. Hi Susan, Thanks for your support and comments. Mary writes books that celebrate family love and a happy home life. Wishing her success, too.

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  2. So cute. I love that Grandpa's afraid of mice; such a nice stereotype buster! Best of luck with this book.

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    1. Hi Nancy, thanks so much for commenting. I'm afraid of little mice in the house, too! Cute story. Wishing Mary much success.

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  3. Thank you for your beautiful comments. The story was written in memory of my grandfather who spent weekends with us and told stories before we went to bed. He inspired me to write for children.

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    1. The above is from the Author: Mary Esparza-Vela:
      Hi Mary, Thanks so much for sharing your sweet story with us. What a lovely memory of your Grandfather. Your stories are always so positive and uplifting. I wish you much success.

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