from A Grandpa's Notebook, Meyer Moldeven
Stories for three to five year old children are best told within their range of comprehension and imagination; stories that tell of things, activities
and places to which the age group can readily relate. In fantasies, for example, I might animate familiar toys or modify characters from the youngster's favorite books and send them off on adventures that do not raise apprehension for the toy's or child's safety. Invariably, the stories close with the characters back in a secure and familiar setting.
Beyond the immediate pleasure of a grandma or grandpa story itself, the shared grandparent-grandchild experience transforms over time into recollections of enjoyable times in one's early childhood. The process
helps to lay a foundation for a positive relationship between the generations and opens doors to future confidences and dialogues as the grandchild matures.
Stories from distant grandparents have a special aura. Young children remember the warm glow of family readings where Mom and Dad add their own versions of the story.
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