WELCOME TO GRADY BUNCH BOOKS!
Grady Bunch Books began when a little spare time collided with an overflowing mind, full of children’s stories. Creatively piecing together ideas to engage children’s emotions, encourage questions and embrace the joy of caring about one another, Grady Bunch Books launched the first in a series of LoveBug Books in June, 2017.
Reading together is instrumental to a child’s early language development and literacy skills. Numerous studies show that reading with children well before pre-school increases the thinking process of young minds and assists them in the educational opportunities which lie ahead. Even at a very young age, they grasp communication skills, self expression, repetitive patterns (reading left to right, turning pages right to left), and develop listening skills – although you might not believe it if you’re dealing with a ‘terrible-two’ or a ‘threenager’ right now.
As a young mother, Joanne Grady, enjoyed sparking imagination in her own young children with the use of books, songs and games of silly sentences. Many giggles and fond memories ensued from the tales told during their childhood. Years later, life as life began to unfold its next chapter with the next generation, it happened! Grady Bunch Books took root as Joanne’s work schedule allowed for a little extra time with her first grandchild. As the toddler began to walk and talk (often saying the silliest things, to the delight of this new grandmother), ideas for fun-loving stories emerged.
Even the youngest fans will enjoy the sweet simplicity of lighthearted stories, playful characters and favorite activities. Combined with the artistic talent of Adam Turner, Grady Bunch Books continues to offer a heartwarming reading time with your little ones.
“It’s absolutely darling!The illustrations are bright and colorful. I will definitely put this in my classroom -my first graders will LOVE it!”
“What a cute book! It is a beautiful story about family and love! I thought the illustrations were very engaging.”
BOOKS
In The LoveBugs Welcome Party young Ashlynne’s heart thump-thumps, wishing the new BabyBug will come live at their house. She joins her friends and shares in the excitement of the new arrival, as they each do something special for the new Bug. They finish just as all the LoveBugs are called to come gather for the welcome party. And although it’s not a surprise party, nobody is prepared for the surprise they discover!
Beautifully illustrated by Adam Turner, The LoveBugs Welcome Party boasts 32 pages of full color, vibrant and eye-catching illustrations.
Layla is a young LoveBug with “fashionista” style. She likes everything to match, head to toe. Today MommyBug reminds her to wear party shoes for a special celebration, but Layla has trouble finding party clothes to match. Frustration grows as the LoveBugs begin to gather for the celebration. If Layla doesn’t hurry, they’ll be late!
Whimsical, colorful and engaging, The LoveBugs, Party Shoes Give Layla the Blues will delight young book lovers and those who love to read to them.
Beautifully illustrated by Adam Turner, The LoveBugs, Party Shoes Give Layla the Blues boasts 32 pages of full color, vibrant and eye-catching illustrations.
Who are the LoveBugs?
The LoveBugs are happy, whimsical critters who pop up each morning excited to embrace the day, and one another. These sweet characters find simple joy in all things big and small. In the LoveBugs stories, kindness, encouragement, acceptance, silliness and love, (of course!) fill the pages. And readers quickly discover that there is always reason for LoveBug hearts to thump-thump in celebration. Ashlynne, J.J., Olivia, Layla and Kyle pal around together a lot, but readers will meet other LoveBugs, too.
Illustrated by Adam Turner, The LoveBugs Welcome Party boasts 32 pages of full color, vibrant and eye-catching illustrations that children of all ages will enjoy.
Click here to purchase.
“Coming Soon”
Click here to receive an email notice about the next LoveBugs Story – don’t miss it!
“I Want the Next LoveBugs Book”
Click here to be one of the first 50 people to reserve your purchase of Grady’s next book and you’ll receive a signed, hardcover version at the paperback cost. Enter “I want the next LoveBugs book” in the comments, along with the date.
“I loved LoveBugs. It’s a wonderful story of love, community and inclusion told with bright illustrations and beautiful words. And, as someone who is hearing impaired, I especially love Olivia. I’m sending the book to our great granddaughter in Seattle. I know she will love it.”
“Bright and Colorful. The characters are sweet; the story light and refreshing.”
“It just arrived -it’s beautiful! “Love bugs Welcome Party” is a delightful children’s story. Joanne created a lovely story with a heartwarming ending! As a Grandmother, I look forward to reading all her books to my own 3 “Lovebugs!”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Who am I and why am I writing?
I was born in the Midwest, part of the growing culture of suburbia, which emerged as the city of Chicago stretched its city limits in the 1960’s. My early childhood years began in a sprawling new neighborhood, built on land known, at that time, as the Ballard farm. The youngest of three, I trailed after my siblings whenever they would allow, and joined them in many typical childhood adventures. Neighborhood friends of all ages played together, chased kittens, created carnivals and backyard theater productions, and much more. It was a time when you helped the next door neighbor, or walked to the grocery store, while picking strawberries on your way home. A time when the kids played sandlot baseball all day and collected fire-flies in a jar at night. Windows were open and friends chatted on the sidewalk. Those moments, those sweet memories of childhood, planted a seed and encouraged a passion for community and a love for others.
After graduating college with a Bachelor of Science degree in child development and family relations, I worked for two different social service organizations, including a position with the first after-school-care program for elementary age children in the west suburbs.
When my own children were born we entertained each other with games of silly sentences and bedtime stories where they always starred as the main characters. We read books together daily and I’ll even admit that I sang to them (quite off-key), often making up the words, accidentally or on purpose.
As life’s activities, my work and simple daily tasks battled for attention, creativity took a back seat…Until I slowed down to embrace my first precious grandchild.
When the pure joy of spending time with this first favorite “Lovebug” took its rightful place in my heart, that storytelling spirit returned. This time I took better notes and the idea of The LoveBugs was born. These sweet, happy, community-loving critters, embrace life and embrace one another. Their childlike nature is reminiscent of simple days and the pleasant, but often forgotten, notion to care about others.
The LoveBug stories are also reflective of my love for working in the non-profit world. They gently display concepts such as getting along, sharing one another’s joy and working together for the common good.
I’m pleased to say it is now the second generation in my family who have become the main characters. Many ideas for the books are true-to-life expressions of the LoveBugs I call my very own! They are my real inspiration.
I left the Midwest once my kids were off to college and now reside in sunny Arizona, just a half an hour drive from my oldest – and two of my grandchildren. Thanks to tools like Facetime, I have become well-acquainted with the antics of my out-of-town LoveBugs, too. I continue to work in the non-profit world and am an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
CONTACT GRADY BUNCH BOOKS TODAY
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