Reviews

David Jaggart

for Readers' Favorite

Grandpa Day: Nurturing Grit, Smarts, and Love in the Next
Generation by Perry Solomon is a moving book for grandfathers
who would like to build strong relationships with their grandkids.
The author shares what he learned over more than twenty years
with his own six grandchildren. He draws inspiration from simple
outings and meaningful chats to show how small moments can
really shape a child’s conﬁdence and curiosity about the world
around them. He explains how the role of a grandfather has
changed from a distant individual to someone involved in their
grandchild's life. The book describes how Grandpa Days, family
traditions, and honest communication help children become
independent while feeling loved. The message is clear—modern
grandfathers can make their best impact through love, patience,
and genuine care.

Perry Solomon’s Grandpa Day is both a practical and personal self-
help guide. It is written in a calm, thoughtful style that makes the
author's guidance very easy to understand. The book blends family-
life storytelling, gentle humor, and sincere advice, giving readers a
clear picture of how relationships grow over years of shared
routines and patient teaching. I admire how the author paints
children as individuals with their own identities, rather than mini
versions of their parents. I also love how he portrays
grandfatherhood as an active role. The focus on simple
experiences—hobbies, books, walks, meals, music—makes the
guide feel even more sincere. Readers who enjoy parenting guides
or family memoirs will ﬁnd this book warm, enlightening, and
encouraging. I highly recommend reading it.

Diana Lopez

for Readers' Favorite

Sometimes grandparents don't know how to approach their
grandchildren because generational changes can feel pronounced.
It's normal to have doubts, but the important thing is always to be
present and actively participate in young people's lives. This way,
they can share life experiences and guide them on the right path.
That's why Perry Solomon shares Grandpa Day with us. In this
guide, he begins by talking about the ﬁrst time he had to take care
of his granddaughter and how nervous he felt, but in the end,
everything turned out ﬁne. He then describes how his interactions
with his other grandchildren developed and what he learned from
spending time with them. Through his anecdotes, he oﬀers tips for
building strong and loving relationships. He also suggests practical
ideas for teaching children to think for themselves and develop
healthy self-esteem.

I loved Perry Solomon's stories. Ever since his grandchildren were
little, he dedicated individual time to each of them. That allowed
him to get to know them in a deep and personal way, leading him
to participate in unexpected activities. For example, one of his
granddaughters loves chocolate, so together they learned about
artisanal chocolate. I liked the writing style for its honesty and the
eﬀort Perry puts into being involved with each grandchild's life. He
also addresses important issues, such as the changes that occur as
children grow up. When one of his grandchildren grew up and lost
interest in certain outings, they changed activities. They preferred
to have lunch together because it allowed them to talk more.
Grandpa Day illustrates how family bonds are strengthened over
time and through shared living experiences.

Anne van Leynseele, Esq.

founder and farmer of Pa’ani Farms and author of Savor Your Chocolate

Grandpa Day articulates a modern and meaningful approach to intergenerational relationships. Perry unlocks a magic world to grandparents by demystifying building deep connections with grandchildren and fosters their confidence and curiosity. Through personal stories and practical solutions, he presents a roadmap to instilling life-skills and values. Creating encounters that matter are a personal legacy that transcends any other inheritance.

Carol Thompson

for Readers' Favorite

Grandpa Day: Nurturing Grit, Smarts, and Love in the Next
Generation by Perry Solomon oﬀers a practical guide for
grandfathers looking to build meaningful relationships with their
grandchildren. Drawing from over twenty years of personal
experience with his six grandchildren, Solomon provides a wealth of
wisdom, stories, and advice to help grandfathers embrace their
special role as mentors, cheerleaders, and steady presences in their
families. The book is divided into ten chapters, each exploring a
diﬀerent aspect of grandfatherhood, from overcoming initial fears
and uncertainties to celebrating each grandchild's uniqueness. The
inclusion of "Grandpa Wisdom" one-liners adds a charming touch,
giving quick, easy-to-remember life lessons that children can
remember and use.

Perry Solomon highlights the importance of active listening,
emotional connection, and the establishment of traditions like
"Grandpa Days," special one-on-one outings tailored to each
grandchild’s interests. He shares practical strategies for teaching
grandchildren resilience, critical thinking, and the value of
perseverance. His stories, such as mentoring his granddaughter
Serena in her journey to becoming a craft chocolatier, illustrate how
small moments of encouragement can spark lifelong passions. He
also highlights the importance of respecting boundaries, celebrating
uniqueness, and modeling authenticity, which helps grandchildren
develop conﬁdence and emotional security. Grandpa Day is ﬁlled
with thoughtful advice and personal stories, making it a valuable
resource. Readers who enjoy the wisdom and family-focused
storytelling of Mitch Albom or the practical, relationship-building
advice of Bruce Feiler will ﬁnd Grandpa Day equally inspiring. Fans
of books that blend personal anecdotes with actionable life lessons
will appreciate Solomon’s warm and insightful approach to
grandparenting.

Leonard Smuts

for Readers' Favorite

Having a grandchild is a life-changing experience that brings opportunity and joy. Perry Solomon explores this theme in Grandpa Day: Nurturing Grit, Smarts, and Love in the Next Generation. He encourages grandfathers to become active and loving grandparents, mentoring their grandchildren without taking over the role of the parents. Grandparents are free to encourage curiosity, share traditions, have adventures, and teach grandchildren about money, savings, and generosity. Offering a strong foundation and providing guidance will build their self-confidence. The author recommends having a Grandpa Day, such as going on outings built around their favorite interests. This will introduce grandchildren to arts, crafts, and museums to encourage learning and creativity. Baby sitting provides opportunities to bond, as do mealtimes and visiting familiar haunts. Grandpa Day reminds readers that the role of being a grandfather has evolved from being a distant patriarch to becoming actively involved and providing guidance and empathy.

Perry Solomon brings the warmth of connecting with grandchildren to the reader. It is about building affinity and sharing special moments. The book is a perfect introduction to becoming a grandfather, as well as bringing fresh ideas if you already have grandchildren. It is natural to have doubts and concerns about being a role model, but life is not a perfect process. It nevertheless presents an opportunity to grow with your grandchildren, while adapting to their evolving needs one step at a time. The author shares heartwarming moments that he experienced with his six grandchildren, describing the activities that they could share and how this strengthened family bonds. I found the account of his exploits with his granddaughter Serena, inspired by her fascination with chocolate from the age of three, to be particularly endearing. The writing style is enchanting, reflecting the love, joy, and pride of being a grandfather. It is filled with practical wisdom and ideas on how to build the relationship between grandfather and grandchild, as well as pointing out mistakes to avoid and overcoming challenges. Grandpa Day is entertaining, informative, and highly recommended.

Jamie Michele

for Readers' Favorite

Grandpa Day: Nurturing Grit, Smarts, and Love in the Next Generation by Perry Solomon is a guide that digs into how new grandfathers often feel at a loss about their own relevance, and gives his ideas on presence and attention as the backbone of effective involvement. He sets up current expectations next to mid twentieth century patterns, speaking on how participation was limited because of work and shorter life expectancies. Solomon describes recurring “Grandpa Days” designed around each child’s interests, showing how repeated shared activities build trust and security over time. Examples involving aviation, music, reading, and food illustrate how observation guides planning and supports interest development. Solomon champions cooperation with parents, respect for routines, and calmer settings (such as meals). He documents methods for mentoring through listening, shared experiences, community, and adaptable use of technology.

Grandpa Day by Perry Solomon is the book most grandfathers probably did not know that they needed, and it is a wonderful wealth of knowledge. Solomon has the experience of being a grandparent himself, and I love that he uses his own stories with his grandchildren and applies them as examples to all that he shares. The writing style is straightforward and conversational, feeling more like a chat than a guide, and, most importantly, it is relevant to contemporary relationships and child rearing. Solomon's approach looks to the present and the future, and does not rely on the usual “back in my day” as a reference on bonds today. The standout to me is the respect given to children as participants, and not simply kids going along with Grandpa. The effect is encouraging and practical, leaving readers prepared to actually show up with patience and love during everyday moments together. Overall, this is the perfect companion for grandfathers ready to be genuine companions to their grandkids themselves.

Merideth Mehlberg

Author of Your Finest Work

Perry Solomon's approach to grandfatherhood is inspiring. As I read Grandpa Day, I found myself wishing I was his grandchild to benefit firsthand! What I find most remarkable about Solomon's writing is that his lessons apply not only to being an excellent grandpa. Mentors of all kinds benefit from the easy-to-follow examples, making it simple to connect deeply with those in one's life. The result? A close relationship where the person you invest in blooms right before your eyes, plus a profound sense of meaning for you. What a win-win. So glad to have Solomon show us the way.

Antonia Bowring

Executive Coach and Author

I can't wait to be a grandmother (it is a way's off!) and Perry's book makes me even more excited about that milestone.
I appreciate his enthusiasm balanced with very practical tips for making the journey more meaningful. And yes, times have changed. And that opens up even more opportunities for grandparents to be involved in the lives of their grandchildren.

Thank you for this gift, Perry.

Hilary Kraft

Communications consultant and co-owner, Sticker Planet

This book is wonderful for any adult who wants to develop strong loving, mentoring, meaningful relationships with the children in their lives, whether those are grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, or children of friends. Perry Solomon offers charming anecdotes and actionable advice for anyone who may not be sure how best to genuinely connect with small children or teenagers. The gentle guidance and techniques he offers, while designed to build confidence, grit and positive life skills for the children, will also surely build confidence for adults to embark on these joyful journeys.

Marc Covitz

Owner of andSons Chocolatiers

It may be called Grandpa Day, but this delightful and heartwarming book offers life lessons that extend far beyond grandfathers. Through personal stories and memorable anecdotes, Perry Solomon effortlessly weaves together practical guidance and timeless wisdom that will resonate with aunts, uncles, parents, godparents—anyone who wants to build meaningful relationships with young people. If you are seeking thoughtful, intentional ways to connect with children, this book provides a clear and inspiring roadmap.

As the owner of a chocolate business—one that happens to intersect with the passion of one of Perry’s grandchildren—I have had the rare privilege of witnessing these lessons come to life. I have seen firsthand the impact Perry’s presence, encouragement, and guidance have had on his grandchildren, particularly Serena, whose journey into the world of chocolate has been shaped by his support. Being part of that journey has made my own work more meaningful, and it is grandparents like Perry who remind us of the extraordinary power of showing up with curiosity, patience, and love.

— Kirkus Indie Review

A grandfather shares his memories, wisdom, and helpful tips for creating tightly bonded relationships that bridge the generation gap in this nonfiction guide. Solomon has six grandchildren: three on the West Coast, where he and his wife live, and three on the East Coast. It was with the two oldest of the West Coast children, Felix and Serena, that he initiated the concept of Grandpa Day, a tradition in which each grandchild had their own special day with the author. Solomon writes, “It can’t be overstated how important it is to spend focused one-on-one time with each grandchild. When it’s just the two of you, you get to see who they are, what makes them laugh, what they’re good at, and what sparks their curiosity.” When Felix, the oldest of the West Coast brood, was almost 3 years old, the author, who discerned that the youngster had a fascination with airplanes, took him to the Santa Monica airport, where the child watched, mesmerized, as planes took off and landed. They then stopped for brunch at a nearby restaurant, which gave them a chance to talk and share their thoughts. Serena was 2 when Solomon first took her to a restaurant. She loved books and storytelling, so the author read to her during their lunch together. This outing set the pattern for years of adventure and discovery, with Solomon setting up unique opportunities for his grandchildren to explore and participate in their individual developing passions. The charming, articulate vignettes Solomon shares with readers are in furtherance of his goals: to build self-confidence, encourage independent thinking, support inquisitiveness, and, above all, to offer unconditional, nonjudgmental love. The author repeats this mantra a bit too frequently, but the illustrative experiences are relatable. Although Solomon spends more time and money on his Grandpa Day adventures than is likely possible for many grandparents, the book contains plenty of useful advice for all.

Engaging guidance for fostering meaningful relationships with one’s grandchildren.