Children's Book Review: History Timeline and Great Story - 'Grandma, Aren't You Glad... the World's Finally in Color Today!'

I had the privilege of reviewing a new children's book, Grandma, Aren't You Glad... the World's Finally in Color Today! by Lori Stewart. I received the hard-cover 11 X 8.5" 32-page book in exchange for an honest review.

THIS BOOK IS CLEVERLY WRITTEN TO INCLUDE AMAZING PHOTOGRAPHS, SEVERAL HISTORY TIMELINES RELATED TO VARIOUS ASPECTS OF LIFE, AND WHEN YOU CLOSE THE COVER, YOU JUST MIGHT FEEL LIKE THERE IS NO GENERATION GAP AFTER ALL!

The story is told from the viewpoint of a grandma, telling the story of her mom to her grandchildren. Her mom was born in the 1920s, so on each page of the story, it takes you back in time reflecting upon how life was like for great grandma and then comparing it to what life is like today.

Some of my favorite lines from the book include:

It all started way back, way back in the day, When cameras were Brownies and photos were grey...

Before the computer was ever envisioned; And way long before all the air was conditioned; long before ice cubes or red Model T's; Before movies could talk, before jazz and TVs; When gold was the standard and LIFE cost a dime; In fact, it was just a few years before TIME," 

LIFE and TIME are, of course, referring to the magazines; while, a Brownie refers to the first cameras. The entire book is written in flow-off-the-tongue, easy-to-read rhyme.

When the story reflects back in time, the photographs on the page are black and white. When the story compares modern times to history, the photographs are in color.

The story begins when Grandma pulls out a family album to share with her grandchildren who are visiting for the summer.

The story is really interesting, walking you through various parts of great-grandma's life. But, what I found the very best part of this book is the timeline that runs along the tops of the pages.

It is set up in order, dating back to the 20's till the present, and grouped in categories as follows as the story progresses:

• Inventions, Magazines
• Transportation, including space travel
• Happenings in history you learn about in school
• Inventions having to do with food, science and work
• Trends, toys, games and clothing
• Entertainment
• Sports
• Music, movies, and dance
• Wartimes
• Cameras and art

Voila! It becomes a history book that is interesting to kids of any age. Though, the book is recommended for children ages 4 and up.

The book would make an amazing Grandparent's Day gift. It is published by Palmer Press, includes 102 four-color and black and white photographs, and sells for $19.95. Visit loriscottstewart.com for more information.

The author also wrote the award-winning book, If I had as many grandchildren as you.."  I got to review this book as well. Please read the review, and get the complete set.