Outskirts Press, INC.

Behind the house, a path led to Grampa's old workshop. Inside, everything was still and dry and smelled a little musty. There was only one small window, so even in daylight everything was in shadow. To us, it was a hallowed place, full of sacred silence. We stepped softly and whispered when we went in there. It felt so empty without him.

On the workbench along one side were a myriad of neglected hand tools and coffee cans full of nuts and bolts. Up the ladder, in the loft, were trunks full of lonely old dolls, a baby cradle shrouded in dust, an ancient metal highchair, a faded red rocking horse sagging sadly on his rusted springs, and heaps of other discarded toys and furniture we’d worn out or long outgrown.

Leaning against the wall, dreaming of winter, was a glorious six-foot toboggan that five of us could ride at a time. Made of sturdy wood, it had thick, twisted rope handles all down the sides, and the front curled up like a sleigh. It reigned undisputed as King of the Snow, but for now, could only stand and wait patiently for its season to return.

We never stayed long in that lonesome place, but after a little while of softly exploring, with relief, we would head back out into the sunshiny, flowery, run-through-the-grass world.

Book Review, Charles Ashbacher

Charles Ashbacher - "This true story about a loving grandmother is heartwarming and an ideal to strive for. The grandmother of three children would put her arms out when the children were first learning to walk and say, “Come to gramma darling.” This became her call sign and the children spend a lot of time with her, on weekends and for extended periods during the summer."

"They did many things, from working in the garden to exploring to playing games to eating gramma’s delicious kitchen products. It was very much an idyllic childhood, full of fun, love and a sense of belonging. Gramma had been a waitress for 50 years and rather than emerge cynical about dealing with people, she kept a sunny and optimistic disposition."

"The illustrations are very detailed and lifelike, the flesh tones are natural, with shadowing that conforms to the proper direction of the light. This is a book that will light a gentle and satisfying fire in readers of all ages."

The Midwest Book Review

James A. Cox, Editor in Chief, Midwest Book Review - "Clearly a picture book for grownups, 'The book' is very highly recommended and will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to personal and community library collections."

The Fairview Review

Suzanne Costner, The Fairview Review - "Schroeder’s reminiscences of childhood days spent at her grandmother’s house make a wonderful picture book. Whether it is the memory of playing in the enclosed front porch during a rain storm while Gramma works at her sewing machine, or Gramma tucking kids in at the end of another long summer day, the memories are full of love and warmth. Anyone lucky enough to have a grandmother like Gramma Darling will feel an instant kinship with the remembrance of delicious desserts made with lots of love or the safety of performing a song or skit knowing that she is always there to applaud. The circular nature of the story is a reflection of the “circle of life,” with the book opening on the scene of a grandchild just learning to walk across the rug and into Gramma’s arms, and closing with a similar scene -but this time with a great-grandchild toddling into those arms."

"Doron Ben-Ami’s illustrations are so clear and crisp readers may double-check to make sure that they are not really looking at photographs. The happiness on the children’s faces as they explore in Gramma’s yard, the pleasure on her face as she watches them eat her homemade pie, and the love beaming from her smile as she waits for those hesitant steps to carry her grandchild across the room and into her arms are all captured perfectly. This is a book that will become a family tradition among readers. And what’s better than snuggling in a grandmother’s lap for a read-aloud? (Although offering the recipe for Gramma Darling’s Chocolaty Cherry Cake is also very nice.)"

Amazon Reviewer

Gayle Pace - "Remember Grandma and how she was a second Momma to you at times. I remember spending so much time with Grandma especially on the weekends. She lived down the street from us. She had such an influence on me and my sister. This book by Ms Schroeder is simply a loving book that will bring back so many good memories of your own Grandma. The story is based on actual memories. It is the author’s way of honoring a wondering, inspiring and influential person in her life. I remember going to Grandma’s on Saturday. First it was the day you went to town and the grocery store. What a thrill it was when Grandma would take you to Kresgee’s Five and Dime Store and you would get a lemonade at the soda fountain. Then after shopping you would go home and the afternoon was for baking. What wonderful pastries, cookies and treats. This book will take you through the author’s wonderful memories of a childhood spent with Grandma. You.as the reader, will relate so much to this wonderful story of times past, but times fondly remembered. You’ll remember how much Grandma loved you and you definitely will feel it as you turn these pages. Along with the story are some lovely illustrations, simply lovely. At the end of the book is the recipe for Gramma Darling’s Chocolaty Cherry Cake. I tried it and it is yummy. This is a wonderful book to add to a child’s bookshelf and a must for adults also."

Amazon Reviewer Terry Lynn

Terry Lynn - "Author Lissa Schroeder has written a beautiful book about her beloved grandmother entitled Gramma Darling. She takes us back to the time when she was young and enjoyed many happy visits with her gramma at her house in a little town in Minnesota. The story is lovingly told and will take you back to your youth if you have ever played in trees, caught fireflies, helped your grandma bake pies or snuggled under a warm quilt in your grandma’s old house with a creaky step! If all children in the world could enjoy the kind of visits this author had with her grandma, there is no doubt the world would be a much better place. And while the story is good and will sweep you and your children away to Schroeder’s life as a child, what set this book apart are the illustrations. They are quite simply some of the best I have even seen and they breathe life into the book on every page. If it were up to me this book would be nominated for both the Newberry and Caldecott book awards it’s that impressive. Gramma Darling is a wonderful journey you can take with your children, grandchildren or the kids in your classroom. Not only is it an engaging story but a visual feast for the senses. I can whole heartedly recommend this book for children roughly ages ten and under. Five Stars."

Apple Blossom, Online Blogger since 2007

Apple Blossom - "This book is an absolutely WOWZER! if there is such a word. I was very stunned and drawn in right from the start by just taking a picture walk. The illustrations are so detailed. You think they are real. They come alive. They make the story. As an adult the whole way through reading the book, I was going back and reliving my childhood. There is a warm, nostalgic mood through out this book. It is an amazing book. Beautiful in message and illustration. Just take a picture walk and see for yourself."

Amazon Customer

Jenifer Lara - "Gramma Darling by Lissa Schroeder is a beautiful story of nostalgia about grandmas. As seen through the eyes of a child, the memories that are created with gramma are treasured. The book is also beautifully illustrated by Doron Ben-Ami which brings the images to life with stunning realism. The adventures at Gramma’s house. The discovery as children exploring the rooms, finding treasures Time in the garden with the flowers and vegetables. Children helping pulling weeds and pull the wrong plants, opps! Watching the birds and wildlife around her house. And most importantly Gramma’s cooking and baking! Gramma Darling is filled with the author’s memories of her own gramma. Reading her memories, reminded me of my own memories of my grandma and the adventures I had at her house. At the end of the book, the author included Gramma Darling’s Chocolaty Cherry Cake, which I will definitely try! I recommend Gramma Darling for its nostalgic feel and memories of wonderful grandmas."