Doireann, Boook. It’s Book Granda!

Book excerpt: This book offers a factual account of Irish grandparents minding their granddaughter, including funny interactions and dreadful meltdowns. Doireann’s development is captured over a thirteen-month period known as the “terrible twos.” Her urge to overcome and master physical obstacles is a continuous challenge. As grandparents, the author and his wife needed plenty of energy to keep up with her. They faced physical demands along with the imaginary role-playing their granddaughter constantly wanted to act out. They also learned that a toddler is like a sponge—and you must be careful what you say around them. In addition to depicting the trials and tribulations of child rearing, the author highlights the benefits of Vygotsky’s social learning theory, the Zone of Proximal Development. Later referred to as Scaffolding, by Jerome Bruner, David Wood, and Gail Ross, it assists a learner to build on prior knowledge. With a glossary of slang words and funny misspellings and written in a diary-type format, this book will serve as an informative account for anyone who spends time with and cares about children.