If you haven’t discovered artist and writer Marianne Richmond, you’re missing a wonderful resource for celebrating life’s milestones, memorable journeys, and relationships with your children and grandchildren. I admire Richmond because her books appeal to children of all ages as well as the adults who read them.
Richmond has four children and each one’s unique eye color inspired her to write a book about them. Her latest is Beautiful Blue Eyes, which is dedicated to her blue-eyed daughter, Julia. The book is recommended for ages 4 and up.
My two brown-eyed granddaughters loved the book for different reasons. (I told them next time we’ll read Beautiful Brown Eyes.) The 8-year old enjoyed the art work because many of the simple drawings of children’s faces resembled hers—with big almond eyes and pencil lines for noses and mouths. The 4-year old had fun completing the rhyming words that accompany each illustration. For me, Richmond’s bold use of color is what keeps me going back to them and discovering more whimsical details. Her faces are so expressive with the simplest strokes of color. I love her use of buttons for freckles when she asks “Where do freckles come from?”
Richmond is a wonderful artist who began drawing cards in 1991. After her greeting card company took off, Richmond tried her hand at writing children’s books in 1997 with Gift of An Angel. Now she has over two dozen titles.
I also have Richmond’s Grand-o-grams, a book of 40 postcards to keep in touch with your grandkids all year round. My friend Lisa gave them to me when I became a grandma eight years ago. These cards are part of Richmond’s winning formula of sweet, colorful illustrations that touch the heart and make you smile. They include cards for Valentine’s Day, back to school, Halloween, Hanukah, and Christmas.
I love her message on the first page: Any season is a reason to be in touch with your grandchildren. You may even inspire a return letter!
- Kids Can Explore the Outdoors with Curiosity Cards Curiosity Cards from Rebeccaplants are a wonderful tool to enjoy the outdoors with children. These round laminated cards contain 50...
- Blue Goo Fun Are you up for an art adventure that's messy but loads of fun and teaches a little science? On one...
- Caps For Sale – An Enduring Classic A favorite childhood book is now enjoyed by a third generation of children...
- Be There Bedtime Stories for Families That Are Far Apart Be There Bedtime Stories is webcam storytelling for families that are far apart. It's one of the easiest online technologies...
