Grandma, Aren’t You Glad the World’s Finally in Color Today!

By: Lori Stewart 
Publisher: Palmar Press 
Publication Date: September 2014
ISBN: 978-0-9839293-1-4
Reviewed by: Amy Lignor 
Review Date: August 14, 2014 

This new book is a rhyming tale for children that is absolutely perfect for adults as well. The author who brought the world If I Had as Many Grandchildren as You, which won rave reviews as well as awards, is back with this incredible creation that will become one of those ‘classics’ you keep on your shelf to share with your grandchildren one day.

School is out! Which is what every child likes to hear. But for the two siblings in our story, they are off to the shore to visit Grandma...and the adventure they embark upon is far better than any video game could supply.

As Grandma pulls down the old photo albums because the kids truly want to see what’s in them, a whole world is opened up that they never knew about. They learn all about those ‘black-and-white’ days, where it was fun to ride bikes outside, and horses were used for transportation. Grandma shows them photos of the past, of her mother, and the one-room schoolhouse with girls in pinafore dresses and boys in their sailor suits. These were the days of peace, hard work, and where family and friends sat around the dinner table each night. These were the days of family fun, before the TV invaded every home.

But what Grandma also shows is the difference between today and back then. She tells her grandchildren all about the toys she played with, as well as giving a pat on the back to technology and the inventions over the years that brought the world into Technicolor – from laptops to smartphones to the ability to light up the globe. She speaks of the ventures back then versus the ones that are ahead of our children now – and the amazing things they could create because of what there is to utilize in these modern times.

The beauty of this tale comes from the ‘good’ things in life that are very rarely spoken of anymore...except between those lucky ones who can visit Grandma’s house, smell the scent of the chocolate chip cookies, and literally have a time travel experience, as they meet their relatives and admire and learn about the generations that have come before them.

This author has done a stunning job; from the rhyme to the timeline across the top of each page that actually corresponds with the topic being spoken about (AKA: a timeline of toys is offered that marks everything from the Teddy Bear arriving on the scene in 1902 to the Apple iPhone introduction in 2007). This is a definite look back book, but combined with the present day ‘color’ that the past two centuries produced. Beautiful thoughts, exciting ideas and great photos make this one a definite ‘must-read’ for all kids and adults.

Quill says: A perfect tale that teaches to never forget the ‘black-and-white’ glory, while making sure to celebrate the Technicolor world of today!

For more information on Grandma, Aren’t You Glad the World’s Finally in Color Today!, please visit the author's website at: www.loriscottstewart.com

Author Interview