Book Giveaway: The Mindful Grandparent

July 9, 2024

I love books, and I love giving them away!

So for a mid-summer treat, I’m giving away several copies of The Mindful Grandparent: The Art of Loving Our Children’s Children by Marilyn McEntyre and Shirley Showalter (Broadleaf Books, 2022).

It was a great treat for me to visit with Shirley and her husband, Stuart, when they were in Abbotsford for a book event to celebrate The Mindful Grandparent and to visit friends in the area. Shirley and I first connected online through her website and mine. We’ve done a book event together, and I was glad to be able to see her again. The three of us had a delightful time over lunch at the delightful Mandarin Garden buffet.

I’m not a grandparent, but The Mindful Grandparent looks like a great book for those of you who are, especially for those just starting out with younger grandchildren. Of the 52 short chapters in this book, here are just a few that caught my eye:

What to Expect when They’re Expecting (yes, being a grandparent starts that early!)
Building a Grandparent Team (did you even know you were part of a team or needed one?)
Every Child is an Artist
Talking with Grandchildren about Dying
Using Technology with Grandchildren
Helping Raise Kids Who Raise Questions
Navigating Special Needs
Letters for Later

The Mindful Grandparent offers a wealth of personal stories and practical suggestions for grandparents. Thank you, Shirley, for sharing your experience and wisdom in this beautiful book and for generously leaving me with copies for this giveaway.

Dear readers, if you’re a grandparent or know someone who is, you can enter the giveaway by leaving a comment below, sharing this post on social media and tagging me, or send me a message. I’ll make the draw at the end of the month.

Writing/Reflection Prompt: What memories or lessons were passed on to you from your own grandparents?

21 responses

schroedereh

Jul 9, 2024

My German speaking grandmother loved books and so do I. Every Christmas I got a book from her ordered from Germany. That’s how I kept up my German even though after age nine I went to English speaking schools in Canada. As an adult I got a PhD in German literature! Grandparents have more influence than they realize!

Reply
1. April Yamasaki
  
  Jul 10, 2024
  
  What a wonderful legacy from your grandmother! Thank you for sharing.
  
  Reply
Kathy Yamasaki

Jul 9, 2024

This sounds like an amazing book for first time grandparents!!!!!

Reply
1. April Yamasaki
  
  Jul 10, 2024
  
  Yes, it’s packed full of stories and practical ideas!
  
  Reply
Nan Kanagy

Jul 10, 2024

Would love to give this gift to my parents (grandparents of 8 kiddos)! Thanks so much!

Reply
1. April Yamasaki
  
  Jul 10, 2024
  
  It would make a wonderful gift! And I’m glad for so much interest in this book with the comments here, sharing on social media, and direct to my inbox.
  
  Reply
Kim Hairston

Jul 10, 2024

I love being a grandmother! I have beautiful memories of my Grandmother. Extremely fond memories of her wisdom filled conversations while helping in her garden. Praying that I will be creating the same for my grands. Loving your articles

Reply
1. April Yamasaki
  
  Jul 10, 2024
  
  Thank you for your interest, Kim. Just as you have wonderful memories of your grandmother, I’m sure you’re making wonderful memories with your grands too.
  
  Reply
Sharon Rohrer

Jul 10, 2024

I loved hearing Shirley’s growing up story when she spoke at a Women’s Retreat at Amigo Center in MI. I purchased and have read “Blush”. We both grew up on dairy farms. I would enjoy reading her new book as I have 5 grandchildren presently. Three boys who are almost 17, almost 15 and 11 years. And two granddaughters who are 7 and 4. I also became a great aunt to an IVF baby born 4 months ago and would enjoy sharing the book with my brother and his wife. They are first time grandfolks and this could be their only grandbaby so Elliana Grace is a very special baby girl.

Sharon Rohrer/ Dover, Ohio

Reply
1. April Yamasaki
  
  Jul 10, 2024
  
  Blessings to you and all your grands, Sharon! I loved “Blush,” and “The Mindful Grandparent” is just as good although in a very different way. Enjoy this precious time of loving your children’s children.
  
  Reply
Janeen Bertsche Johnson

Jul 10, 2024

Please enter me in the drawing. We are loving the weekly contacts we have with our grandsons!

Reply
1. April Yamasaki
  
  Jul 10, 2024
  
  You’re entered! And what a joy that you’re able to have those weekly contacts. Your grandsons and you are blessed!
  
  Reply
Ruth Simpson

Jul 10, 2024

Please add my name for the draw; this sounds like a wonderful book. Please note that this is a big step for me—the first time I am responding on social media, April.

Thank you.

Reply
1. April Yamasaki
  
  Jul 15, 2024
  
  I’ve entered your name, and congratulations on taking this first big step! First-time comments are held for moderation as part of my website platform to avoid spam, but yours should go through automatically from now on, so I hope you’ll feel encouraged to comment again sometime.
  
  Reply
Wendy K Erwine

Jul 11, 2024

We have began the tradition of family dinner every two weeks for our 4 grandkids (1,3,8,12) and their parents for the past 11 months. The children look forward to a home-made meal and an evening of fun. I am always looking for ways to make connections between our generations. The book sounds like an encouraging read.

Reply
1. April Yamasaki
  
  Jul 15, 2024
  
  What a wonderful tradition for all three generations! Thank you for sharing such a lovely way of connecting with one another.
  
  Reply
Ruth Wiens

Aug 18, 2024

This sounds like a very helpful book for those of us who are grandparents. What a joy it is to be in this role – but when one contemplates the state of the world, it feels overwhelming, too.

Reply
1. April Yamasaki
  
  Aug 19, 2024
  
  Yes, what joy and responsibility for both parents and grandparents! Blessings as you continue this journey.
  
  Reply
April Yamasaki

Aug 19, 2024

Thank you to all those who entered the book draw by leaving a comment here, sharing this post, or sending me a message. I appreciate hearing from you! The books are on their way to the three draw prize winners, and for the rest of you, I hope you’ll get to read this excellent book in some other way.

Reply
Shirley Hershey Showalter

Aug 20, 2024

Thank you, April, both for your hospitality in Abbotsford and for offering these books to your readers. May many blessings abound to all of you!

Reply
1. April Yamasaki
  
  Aug 20, 2024
  
  Truly my pleasure, Shirley. I just received an email from one of our prize draw winners that he’s going to a wedding in Zimbabwe and taking your book to read on the long plane ride. Your words are travelling far and wide, and will continue to bless many!
  
  Reply

Faith and Hope with April Yamasaki

Visit my home page for an overview

I write, edit, teach, preach, and mentor in a variety of venues, platforms, and publications. The common thread? To encourage and inspire people of all ages to live with faith and hope. I’d love for you to join me!

In all the challenges, joys, and ordinary moments of daily life, God’s mercies never fail. They are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).