Local Author Showcases Grandmotherly Diversity in New Children’s Book
TOPEKA, Kan. — In a vibrant celebration of familial bonds and cultural diversity, local author Connie Mason Michaelis and illustrator Barbara Waterman-Peters have released a children’s book titled “The Way Grandmothers Are.” The duo’s creation emphasizes the rich diversity among grandmothers and their unique roles within families while underlining the universal love they share for their grandchildren. Aimed at fostering intergenerational conversations, the book provides an insightful look into the lives of grandmothers, helping to bridge gaps between generations through storytelling.
**Inspiration from Personal Experience**
Connie Mason Michaelis, herself a grandmother of 15, is no stranger to the challenges of balancing professional obligations with family life. As a regular newspaper contributor and a well-regarded author, Michaelis articulated feelings of guilt she sometimes experienced due to these demands. It was these very sentiments that stirred the inspiration for “The Way Grandmothers Are.”
“I realized that while grandmothers may differ in many ways, the love for their grandchildren is a constant,” said Michaelis. She hopes the book will initiate heartfelt dialogues between grandchildren and their grandmothers, potentially strengthening familial ties.
Barbara Waterman-Peters, the book’s illustrator, related to Michaelis’s experiences, having lived away from her grandchild. This common ground laid the foundation for their collaboration. “We realized we had similar stories, despite our different backgrounds,” Waterman-Peters shared, noting how such shared experiences can create strong bonds.
**Artistic Challenges and Successes**
Illustrating “The Way Grandmothers Are” presented Waterman-Peters with unique challenges, as the book strays from a traditional narrative structure. Each page required a thoughtful illustration tailored to the text, demanding creativity and precision. Waterman-Peters drew inspiration from a diverse collection of personal and external photographs, amalgamating elements from both the authors’ families and other sources to accurately portray the diversity of grandmothers.
“There are no central characters, it doesn’t flow like a narrative, and so this presented the challenge of having different images on each page to match the text,” Waterman-Peters explained. Her intricate watercolor illustrations have been praised for their vibrancy and authenticity, adding another dimension to the story.
**A Homecoming Unveiling**
Michaelis and Waterman-Peters premiered their book at a signing and reading event at McCrite Plaza in Topeka, a location steeped in significance for both the author and the community. This venue, where Michaelis formerly served as a marketing director, represented a homecoming.
“It’s just a fun day, and we’re happy to be here,” Michaelis shared with attendees. The event offered residents an opportunity to engage with the authors directly, fostering a sense of community and shared heritage.
**Community Impact and Relevance**
For Topeka and the surrounding areas, the book emphasizes a growing recognition of cultural and familial diversity. As a platform for cultural representation, “The Way Grandmothers Are” ties into wider community interest in inclusivity. By highlighting varying grandmotherly experiences and promoting intergenerational dialogue, the book resonates with local dynamics and reiterates Topeka’s ongoing efforts toward embracing diversity within family narratives.
Local librarian Janet Collins remarked, “Books like this are crucial in teaching young ones about the vast world around them, right from home.” Collins emphasized the importance of such narratives in public libraries as educational resources for nurturing culturally aware and sensitive children.
**Future Implications and Broader Conversations**
The unveiling of “The Way Grandmothers Are” could inspire similar cultural projects within the region, encouraging more local authors to explore stories that highlight underrepresented family dynamics. Such literary endeavors have the potential to influence how communities perceive and engage with cultural diversity.
The book’s introduction comes at a time when many are exploring identity and heritage. By providing a space for these conversations within families, Michaelis and Waterman-Peters’s book might influence ongoing discussions about diversity and representation not only within families but also within educational settings and broader community forums.
**Continuing the Conversation**
Residents interested in exploring the book or learning more about its cultural impact can access resources available on the authors’ dedicated webpage. This platform offers insights into their creative process and a glimpse into potential future projects that may similarly reflect community values and stories.
“The Way Grandmothers Are” not only crafts a narrative of love and diversity but also enriches Topeka with cultural vitality and reflects the resilient spirit of its residents—a community keen on nurturing its roots while embracing the breadth of human experience.
For more information or to engage with the authors, community members can visit [their website](https://www.justnowoldenough.com/product-page/the-way-grandmothers-are) or attend future book readings and cultural discussions at local venues across Topeka.
