By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Elaine McAllister loves being a grandmother so much, she is releasing a book of ideas to engage and share with grandchildren.

“Celebrate Grandparenting” is McAllister’s debut book.

She offers 101 tips for simple meals and snacks to prepare with grandchildren, ways to spend special times with them, and simple crafts to share with children.

In her early grandparenting years, she was always looking for activities, crafts, recipes, and traditions to share with her grandchildren. When she still worked, she used to talk about things she did with her grandchildren, and co-workers asked how she came up with her ideas. Websites also provided ideas, McAllister said.

McAllister lived and worked in McPherson for years and recently bought a house in Hillsboro. All five of her grandchildren, ranging in age from 5 to 14, live within 50 miles of her.

McAllister will have book signings in McPherson and Newton this month.

She will be signing books from 1 to 3 p.m. July 20 at Faith & Life Bookstore, 606 N. Main St., Newton; and have a second book signing July 27 at The Well, 101 N Main St., McPherson.

She has a second book ready to publish, titled “The Road to Explode.”

“It talks about learning the detours to take in order to find self-control,” she said. “It’s a children’s book for strong-willed little ones to help them control their emotional outbursts.”

McAllister has a later book signing scheduled for 9 to 11 a.m. Sept. 7 at Woodbury Market in Galva.