| Grandpa’s
Fishin’ Friend: just in time for summer By Rhonda Westfall One look at the illustration on the front cover of Janet Sinke’s latest edition in the Grandma Janet Mary series of children’s books says it all – childhood memories are made in special moments, like catching fish with Grandpa.
The basic premise of making time to enjoy the so-called "little things" in life is as evident in Grandpa’s Fishin’ Friend as it was in the first two offerings of the children’s series: I Wanna Go to Grandma’s House, and Grandma’s Christmas Tree. "There are so many things that grandparents can do with their grandchildren – simple things like going fishing, baking cookies or gardening – that are very meaningful, both at the moment they occur and for years to come," Sinke says. Like the other books, Grandpa’s Fishin’ Friend features the real-life illustrations of Craig Pennington. From its cover illustration of a young child reeling in a fish under the watchful eye of ‘Grandpa’ and throughout the book, Pennington’s skill makes the characters come alive – particularly, Grandpa Sinke. "Honestly, these drawings look so much like Mike – they’re more ‘Mike’ than the real thing," Janet says with a laugh of the illustrations of her husband. "The kids really got a laugh out of that, and the attention to detail is just terrific." While she continues to be overwhelmed by the success of her books, the now ‘veteran’ author still counts the family that has inspired the stories as her biggest treasure. The growing brood now includes six grandchildren "with two more on the way." "My dream has come true – watching the grandkids running in the yard, playing with their parents is the greatest blessing there is," Grandma Janet Mary says. The opening message of Grandpa’s Fishin’ Friend conveys Grandma Janet Mary’s wish for families everywhere: "All life is a miracle: plants, earth, sky and fish that swim in the water. So, take time to notice. Take time to enjoy the miracles of life with someone you cherish, someone like your grandfather. In that way, you will come to know the greatest miracle of all – love given and love received."
It’s that zest and love of life that is helping the youthful grandmother in her continuing battle with the Parkinson’s Disease that she was diagnosed as having in August 2001. "This is an exciting time – I’m so thankful for the opportunities that have been presented to me through these books," Sinke says. Grandpa’s Fishin’ Friend is available at all area bookstores, or can be ordered via the My Grandma and Me web site, www.mygrandmaandme.com Future books in the Grandma Janet Mary series include Grandma’s Treasure Chest and My Grandpa’s Coaching Third.
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