Since 1980, Scott has brought the weather to viewers of the Today
show with old-fashioned, all-American homespun heart and soul, and his collection of anecdotes about grandparenting by grandparents of every imaginable ilk has the same inimitable, genuinely folksy tone as his forecasts. The roster of over 100 contributors comprises both has-been celebrities, who were lured back into the public eye by this opportunity to share verbal pictures of their grandchildren, and widely known personalities. There's actress and former NEA chair Jane Alexander, attorney Alan Dershowitz, former president George H.W. Bush, composer and diarist Ned Rorem and singer Nancy Sinatra. Historical asides about subjects such as the story of Grandparents' Day and tidbits from Willard himself (e.g., "Willard's Favorite Nicknames for Grandparents") lend texture, and some of the lengthier, deeper contributions, like that of Stephen Covey (The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
), add substance, so the book is more than just a side-table decoration or a stocking stuffer. Although the book nicely lays out the qualities needed to qualify as a grandparent, it also has immense, laugh-out-loud appeal for readers of all ages, especially those already privileged to claim membership in the vast, growing and truly democratic demographic of grandparents. (Apr.)
Forecast:
Scott will push the book on
Today and will promote it via national TV and radio satellite tours, print ads and Mother's and Father's Day promos.
