No Kiss For Grandpa [Hardcover]

Harriet Ziefert (Author), Emilie Boon (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2001 | Age Level: 2 and up

After he and his grandfather spend the day doing what Louie wants to do, the young kitten gives Grandpa the best kiss ever.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 2 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic (June 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0531303284
• ISBN-13: 978-0531303283
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,034,644 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Harriet Ziefert was born in New Jersey. She grew up in North Bergen, New Jersey, where she attended the local schools. She graduated from Smith College, then received a Masters degree in Education from New York University. "About twelve years ago," says Ziefert in a 1995 interview, "I tried to get a job as an editor, but no one would hire me as a trade editor. So I decided to write my own books." Since then, she has written several hundred books, mostly picture books and easy-to-read books. "I write books very quickly," she says, "in about twelve hours. I rewrite them three times over three days, and then they're done." She writes about twenty books a year. Ziefert's picture book A New Coat for Anna is about a girl in a bombed-out European city during the months just after World War II. Anna has outgrown her old coat, and her mother trades her few surviving treasures--a watch, a lamp, a necklace, and a porcelain teapot--in order to obtain wool and have it spun, woven, and finally sewn into a fine red coat for Anna. A Horn Book Magazine reviewer stated, "the simple text, based on a true story, carries the narrative along effectively." The book, which was illustrated by Anita Lobel, was chosen as one of ten books to be read aloud by former First Lady Barbara Bush as part of a program promoting reading. Ziefert was invited to the White House for the occasion. The reason Ziefert began writing easy-to-read books was that she felt "they were getting too hard for kids to read in the first grade." She says that she wrote easy-to-read books with seventy-five or fewer words, even ones with fifty or fewer words, "to see how much of a story" she could produce with that limit. She enjoyed the challenge, and cites her book Sleepy Dog as an example. "Sleepy Dog is the most successful book I've ever done, in terms of number of books sold." She's also been working on a developmental program with publisher Dorling Kindersley, made up of books for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Her book Pete's Chicken, which was illustrated by Laura Rader, was reviewed in the New York Times Book Review as "a simple, sweet 'Song of Myself' for children . . . [which] applauds the specialness of every child as it reminds parents of the healing power of just being there for children." Among her other books is a series of easy-to-read books, such as Trip Day and Worm Day, about an inventive science teacher and his rambunctious class of students. Ziefert's book Let's Get a Pet was named an Outstanding Science Trade Book for Children by a joint committee of the National Science Teachers Association and the Children's Book Council. . Ms. Ziefert lives in Maplewood, New Jersey and Lincoln, Massachusetts. She has two adult sons.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Children's Book That Is Aimed at Adults, May 31, 2001

By 

Donald Mitchell "Jesus Loves You!" (Thanks for Providing My Reviews over 110,000 Helpful Votes Globally) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: No Kiss For Grandpa (Hardcover)

This book features illustrations of cats in warm, bright colors that will appeal to you. The book will work best for 2-4 year olds, and all grandfathers. The story describes a difficult child, Louie, who is visited by his grandfather. With patience and perseverance, Louie and his grandfather become comfortable together. I graded the book down one star for its potential to encourage some independent tykesters to model their behavior on the uncooperative examples of Louie. Grandfather's will find many subtle lessons for how to have more fun with their grandchildren. If the book is only read by the grandfather, I up my grade to five stars. This book would be a good gift from a parent to a grandfather who has trouble establishing a good relationship with one or more grandchildren. With Father's Day coming up, you have good reason to do so!

"'Do you have a kiss for Grandpa?' Louie's mother asked."

"No kiss!"

"'Do you want to play ball?' Grandpa asked."

"No ball!"

"'Let's play marching band,' said Louie."

"I'm the leader. You follow me."

As you can see, Louie wants to be in charge. But it takes him a while to decide what he wants to do. Grandpa also has to stick up for himself during these unpleasant conflicts, such as when Louie almost runs him over.

Rather than suggesting specific activities, Grandpa learns to ask more generally. "Now what?" seems to work well.

After Grandpa has patiently done what Louie wanted to do (play marching band, and make a sand cake at the beach), Louie is willing to take on Grandpa's command. "Let's read."

As you can see, children who are feeling contrary like to disagree. You can get them to agree only after letting them establish control. Then, you should stop suggesting activities, and simply ask what's next. After rapport is established, you can simply indicate what you will do next when it is your turn to lead.

After Grandpa reads two books, Louie demands two more. Grandpa explains that he cannot. He has to go meet Grandma now.

"'Now do you have a kiss for Grandpa?' asked Louie's mother."

"One kiss!"

The two smile as the kiss is given.

Even normally easy children will have bad days. This book contains many useful examples and lessons. In my own case, I suggest that parents not push kissing. Some children just don't like to do it very much. It can also become a bone of contention. If you simply back off for a few days, the kisses will soon return.

Think, too, about how other adults and children feel when you bombard them with questions. You may have more success by following the examples here.

Communicate in ways that help people open up to you!