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My grandkids call me Yaya. Sweet, right? Do they care that I’m the well-known (okay, maybe not that well-known) author L. B. Anne?
Absolutely not. To them, I’m just the person who always seems to have snacks and occasionally knows where they left their favorite blanket.
So, with Christmas approaching, what do they want? Oh, you know the drill: Legos, stuffed animals, anything Spider-Man, and everything Super Mario Brothers. The list is endless, chaotic, and exactly what you'd expect.
Am I getting them any of those? Absolutely not. That’s what their parents are for. Let them navigate the terrifying world of tiny Lego pieces and the inevitable plushie invasion.
As for me? I’m an author, a book enthusiast, and a literacy advocate. How could I not give books? It’s my thing!
This year, my bookish brilliance is going straight to work. My grandkids are homeschooled, so I’m hitting them with the good stuff:
The Triskety Spindles Dinosaur Adventures (because dinosaurs make everything cooler).
There are also a few video scenes from the book to read along with HERE!
The full Lolo and Winkle series (a.k.a. chaotic fun in every chapter).
And let’s not forget the Curly Girl Adventures series (because representation and great stories are important).
And Maybe even The Way to Storey (for my advanced little readers).
Holiday cheer? Oh, we’re doing it my way—one page-turner at a time. Books are the gift that keeps on giving. (Did I make that up? Should I trademark it? I feel like I made that up.)
Now, for the grandparents shipping books from out of town—worried the kids will rip open the package, sigh, and toss the book aside? Let me ease your concerns:
It makes for perfect Christmas Eve reading. Hand those kids a cozy blanket, a mug of hot cocoa, and let the holiday magic begin!
When the toys break (and they will), that book will still be there. Two days post-Christmas chaos, the book becomes the hero—unbreakable, unforgettable, and ready to entertain.
Give the parents a little tip. Suggest they add 30 minutes to an hour of reading into the daily routine. Trust me, it’s a win-win: more quiet time for the grown-ups and more imagination-fueling adventures for the kids.
So, to all the grandparents out there—forget the action figures and video game merch. Books are the gifts that last long after the wrapping paper hits the recycling bin. Go ahead and give the gift of imagination, adventure, and a little quiet time while the kids are lost in their stories. You’ll thank me later. 😉
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