Knit Back Together

Welcome to my author page; I’m glad you’re here. Check out this preview of our newest book.

Knit Back Together, a Mom’s Choice Gold Award recipient, is written by Barbara Gruener and illustrated by McKenna Giamfortone and available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble online. We couldn’t be more excited to put this newcomer into the hands and onto the hearts of readers of all ages.

Brief synopsis: The sudden passing of his beloved Grams finds Levi engulfed in an unforgiving fog of confusing feelings. Lost, he wonders how he can possibly go on without his guiding light. But when he moves to a new school to start over, it feels like a lucky coincidence to find there’s a knitting center in his new classroom. That’s where he finds Frances. Her simple request for a ball of yarn to match her mood turns into a kind offer to teach Levi to knit. But isn’t knitting just for girls? Perhaps it’s just for grandmas? Or maybe, just maybe, it’s for everyone. Step into Levi’s lost-and-found story to discover exactly how his broken heart gets knit back together and find out how he finds himself again even as he grieves for Grams.

First-look Feedback:

I like how you make the story with so much detail and how descriptive you were in the story. ~ Cooper, 4th grade, Howard Elementary

I like that knitting is not just for girls or grandmas. I like that Frances is nice. I like that Levi loved Grams so much because Grandmas are special. I like that Levi completely did not talk back to Riley and I think Riley should of gotten in trouble. I love that the boy gave Frances the slippers and I think the you should have them doing mittens next. ~ Juliette, 4th grade, Howard Elementary

I like the part where Frances knit his broken heart back together and helped him find himself again because it reminded me of when my brother broke my favorite lamp I used for making art and he got me another lamp. ~ Nixon, 4th grade, Howard Elementary

I love how you keep circling back to Grams when Levi is around Frances. One thing I would change is that when Levi was being bullied, Frances should have come in to stop the bully. ~ Brynn, 4th grade, Howard Elementary

KNIT BACK TOGETHER is a beautifully written and illustrated story of intergenerational love, remembrance, and friendship. This charming, heartwarming story is told in first person by Levi, a boy who has moved in with his grandmother. He feels safe and warm with Grams and loves their time together. Grams is a knitter and spends time creating gifts for others. She promised to teach her grandson to knit but, sadly, that day never came as she became ill and was gone too soon.

Lost and flooded with unfamiliar emotions, Levi struggles but learns that his new class has a knitting corner. Frances, a classmate, offers to teach him to knit, and though he’s reluctant, he agrees to try as he remembers Grams’ encouraging words to be patient, never panic and pull. Grams wise words guide him through a difficult encounter with a bully and help him to forge new friendships. When he and his Frances donate their joint project, Levi comes to truly understand what Grams meant when she called knitting for others heart work.

Five reasons you need to add KNIT BACK TOGETHER to your bookshelves:

Grief is handled sensitively in a way that speaks right to the heart of a child who has lost their guiding light and must deal with sadness and difficult emotions.

Knitting is a central feature of this lovely story showing how knitting creates a sense of calm peace and is a way to share kindness and develop connections. Knitted objects become expressions of love, or as Grams would say, works of heart.

The importance of passing on wisdom and love shines through on every page of this special story.

The backmatter is extensive with suggestions for starting a knitting club and a recipe for Gramma Emma’s Monster Cookies -yum!

There is a special section on practical ways to help grieving children by giving them the tools they need when dealing with loss.

KNIT BACK TOGETHER is a wonderful story that is meant to be read and shared together and perhaps will encourage readers to take up knitting. ~ Claire Noland, MSLIS, Children’s Book Author, Speaker, Field Trip Planner

This story beautifully weaves together themes of grief, resilience, and connection in a way that feels both tender and empowering. Through Levi’s journey, children and adolescents learn that healing can come in many forms — through creativity, friendship, and service. They’ll also learn that even the most painful losses can be “knit back together” with patience, compassion, and community. What makes it especially powerful is how it gently normalizes big feelings while also modeling healthy ways to process them, even in the face of adversity. 

I would want to see this book in the hands of educators and parents everywhere because it opens doors to conversations about loss, empathy, and the healing power of shared traditions. As a parent, a book like this can be a powerful tool for handling difficult conversations in a safe and relatable way. It offers children not just comfort, but also tools: the reminder to pause, the encouragement to persist, and the inspiration to create something beautiful for others even in hard times. It’s the kind of book that nurtures both hearts and classrooms, helping young readers feel seen, soothed, and strengthened. ~ Emmy Jess, M.S.E., Director of Pupil Services, Ripon Area School District

When Barbara generously offered to let my 5th grade class preview her latest book, Knit Back Together, I was thrilled. Like her earlier book, Birdie and Mipps, it bravely addresses a challenging topic for elementary students—this time, loss.

As Barbara read her draft aloud, I was struck by how beautifully it showed love and traditions carrying on even after someone dear is gone. The gentle message of grief, memory, and the healing power of creativity and collaboration resonated deeply with my students and me. They listened closely, shared thoughtful reflections, and noticed how the child in the story found comfort through knitting, which brought people together while also honoring those we’ve lost.

This book sparked meaningful discussions about remembrance, community, and finding peace in hard times. With its touching message, engaging illustrations, and opportunities for reflection, Knit Back Together would be a valuable addition to any classroom library. ~ Sharon Dixon, M.S., 5th Grade ELA Teacher

Knit Back Together, so simple, so real, so necessary, so connected, so full of love. Grief is a complicated, ongoing season, making this is a book we all need on our shelves. Love is felt throughout the entire story, which tugs at the heart and is especially important for our children (and adults as well). As a school counselor, I am thankful for a book that genuinely invites and allows us to try to feel, understand, relate and connect. Grateful for this beautiful story! ~ Patricia Howard, M.S., School Counselor

Birdie & Mipps

Here’s what people are saying and feeling about my first two picture books.

From Suzie Housley, a thirty-year senior reviewer for Midwest Book Review:

Synopsis:  In a world where our names hold immeasurable significance, the story of a young Mippers and his sister, Birdie, beautifully encapsulates the essence of understanding and respect in personal relationships.

As Mippers grapples with the fear that an unwanted nickname might have jeopardized his friendship with Patty, he seeks solace in his favorite serenity spot. But it is here that his sister Birdie steps in, ready to guide him on an enchanting walk-through of nature.

This enchanting stroll becomes more than just a walk; it transforms into a journey of self-discovery and healing. With her caring demeanor, Birdie gently reminds Mippers of names’ power.

Each name tells a story, reflecting individuality and our depth of connection. Their conversation flows as naturally as the breeze, emphasizing the importance of kindness and respect in addressing those we cherish.

Critique: Birdie & Mipps is a beautifully illustrated book that takes readers on a delightful journey through the essence of friendship. This enchanting tale not only captivates with its charming visuals but also emphasizes the vital role of respect in nurturing meaningful connections. Like the characters in the story, the bonds we create enrich every journey we embark on.

Barbara Gruener is a remarkable author whose unique storytelling style captivates audiences far and wide. Her characters, rich in depth and substance, invite readers to embark on enchanting journeys that resonate long after the last page is turned.

With each tale Gruener weaves, we find ourselves not just observing her characters but genuinely connecting with their emotions and adventures.  This book echoes the warmth and connection of the bond of friendship, evoking a deep sense of empathy in the readers.

Editorial Note:  Birdie & Mipps is a Mom’s Choice Gold Award Winner, a testament to its quality and the impact it can have on readers.

**Purchase the softcover of our Mom’s Choice Gold award story at Amazon here.

Here’s what some reflections from our Focus Group Friends after their first look:

Birdie & Mipps is a sweet look at the way our special connections with family and friends can create our nicknames. The vivid illustrations and reflection questions create an interactive and engaging reading experience for young readers. This would be an excellent elementary classroom read at the beginning of the year as students are learning each other’s names to discuss why it is important to be respectful and kind when using nicknames with classmates. A beautiful tribute and example of sibling love in a way only Barbara Gruener could create. ~Sarah Flier, WI School Counselor of the Year 2020, ASCA School Counselor of the Year Finalist 2021

*Brimming with Symbolism and Heart!

The tale of Birdie & Mipps (pseudonyms chosen for a purpose) delves into the complexities of nicknames and the boundaries that come with them, offering both compelling storytelling and valuable insights suitable for readers of all ages.

One of the book’s standout features was the use of dialogue bubbles between sister and brother, creating an engaging ‘walk n’ talk’ conversation that drew me in from page to page. And who could resist the thrill of spotting the cardinal hidden on each page?

Kudos to the author, Barbara Gruener, for the thoughtfully-crafted extension activities and reflection questions, which not only deepened my understanding of the story but also sparked new ideas for engaging with my own students.

Finally, the captivating illustrations throughout the book beautifully complement the carefully woven tale. From the rustic dairy farm to the precise character portrayals, each scene is brought to life with vibrant colors and intricate details, making every page a visual delight. 

It’s the only book I’ve found that tackles the subject of nicknames, making it a valuable addition to any collection! ~Tanya Kirschman, ASCA-Certified School Counselor, Montana School Counselor of the Year 2014

*Honored to have a first glimpse

We are in LOVE with Barbara’s book! The kids were SO EXCITED to be “previewers”… they felt awfully special! They loved the story and we talked again about nicknames … kids really connected with names they like people calling them and names they don’t like.  

*My students noticed right away that there was a cardinal on all of the pages, so that led to a good discussion.

*They loved how colorful and detailed the pictures were… they noticed the farm pages and we talked about how that may be a nod to Barbara’s homestead. They thought it was so cool that even though she was the author, the illustrator brought all of these special parts of her life into the pages.

*We are learning about quotation marks in class and some remarked that they liked the speech bubbles … they said it was more fun to read than using quotation marks! (So perceptive, these 7-8 year olds are!)

*They noticed and liked the dedication page of Barbara’s brother at the end … we talked about how special of a man he must have been. They liked the “realness” of the picture to go along with the book.

*For me, personally, I always love the added instructional/ follow-up activities; they add so much value for teachers.

Bravo. This is exceptional and I can’t wait to add it to my personal library! ~Colleen Huber, Second-grade Teacher

*Reflections from my fourth-grade students

Jaxcson: I loved the farming illustrations and how Mrs. Gruener included them as it relates to her personal life. The life lessons of empathy and forgiveness are something we all need reminders about.

Ja’nelle: The use of the color choices, the brightness and flowers all make me feel happy while I read this book.

Maria: The beautiful illustrations remind me of a one point perspective, meaning they feel life-like and I could imagine myself in each page. I loved the use of the cardinal.

Celia: I especially liked the reference from the first image of her brother and him riding his bike and the plate saying “Mippers” and the last image where it changed to “Mipps”. The extras at the end were also something that added a nice touch for students and teachers. 

All loved the picture of Mark and being able to talk about him more. Hearing a story about nicknames is not something we have ever heard before and we were so happy to be a part of this preview. We can’t wait to get our hands on this! ~Kerri Vandehei, Fourth-grade Teacher

*Thank you for sharing your book with us

This is a great book that teaches and reminds us to respect other people’s boundaries and experiences. We’ve read lots of books with this message, but this is the first one we’ve read about nicknames. We like that this is a book that people can relate to that also helps us to remember to try and listen to understand other people’s perspectives.  Using nicknames reminds us to use kind words. 

We also loved how the beautiful pictures added to the story! Writing a story about your brother was something we really enjoyed, too.  

My students were truly SO eager to read the story with pictures today and were honored to help with the launch. ~Brienne Heimermann, Fourth-grade Teacher

I found myself reading it over and over

“Birdie and Mipps” is a heartwarming story that beautifully captures the essence of sibling love and support. Mipps knows that he can ask his sister Birdie anything and can open up to her when he’s feeling vulnerable and emotional. In turn, Birdie enjoys sharing her wisdom with her brother, drawing from the life skills their parents were known to provide.

As you journey through the captivating landscapes of the family farm, you are introduced to the intricate world of nicknames and the profound impact they can have on others. Through the interactions between Birdie and Mipps, you witness both the intended and unintended consequences of nicknames, and you gain insight into the range of positive and negative emotions they can evoke. You can’t help but feel compelled to reflect upon your own use of nicknames and make a pact with yourself to always be mindful of using nicknames to lift others up, rather than embarrass them or frustrate them.

“Birdie and Mipps” is not just a delightful story; it serves as a call to action for readers of all ages to be mindful of the effects our words can have on those around us. It encourages us to embrace the values of empathy and understanding, fostering stronger relationships and creating a more compassionate world. So, if you’re looking for a visually stunning picture book that celebrates the power of kindness, support, and empathy, “Birdie and Mipps” is a must-read. Join Birdie and Mipps on their journey of understanding, and let their story inspire you to cultivate deeper connections with your own friends and loved ones. ~Paul Solarz, Elementary Educator and Author of Learn Like A Pirate and Optimized Learning

Feedback from a 10-year-old Canadian scholar:

This book helped me to see that we all have precious names that deserve to be honoured and that it is ok to tell someone if you don’t want to be called by a nickname even though it is one your family might use. I like when my family calls me Sadie Pie but not when people that don’t know me do, just like Mipps. ~Sadie McIntosh, Learner and Friend

I am so grateful to Darrin and Jessica Peppard and the Road To Awesome publishing team for helping this dream become a reality.

Has your copy of Birdie & Mipps been delivered yet?

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Mr. Quigley’s Keys

A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives. ~Jackie Robinson

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This beautifully-illustrated story is both cleverly written and full of life lessons that speak to heart, humanity, and empathy. It is an inspiring message and reminder that the “keys to connection” live within each of us, when we can step out of our shoes only to walk for another. ~Dr. Jodi Duron, Superintendent of Schools, Elgin ISD, Elgin, Texas

Truth be told: I’m a HUGE Barbara Gruener fan: her pulse on children’s needs is profound. And so when I heard she was writing a book, I wanted to be first in line to read it. And I LOVE Mr. Quigley’s Keys. Barbara has combined her compassion and rich counseling experience to create a powerful story about empathy, the glorious virtue that’s key to raising our children today. Every child craves connections like the one that these can-doer classmates share with their dear Mr. Quigley. I could feel the joy jingling through the halls as Mr. Quigley lives and models the twelve keys to connection, the greatest legacy we can leave for our children. Our children are hard-wired for empathy, but it must be cultivated. The simple lessons in Mr. Quigley’s Keys will help us to raise a strong generation of children who are strong in heart and mind. Please read this book! ~Michele Borba, Ed.D., Educational Psychologist, Author of UnSelfie and Thrivers

This is a much-needed and beautiful book. A touching story of empathy, compassion, love, and gratitude. There is a multitude of ways that this book can be used as a story and learning tool. I appreciate honoring the memory of an incredible man, of a job that often goes unnoticed and of celebrating differences that make every person unique. Gratitude found in everyday moments is important and makes a greater impact when seen through the eyes and heart of a child. An incredible gift for kids, parents, and educators. ~Roman Nowak, HS ELA Teacher, Agent of Transformation, Author of Building H.O.P.E.

Mr. Quigley’s Keys is a heartwarming account of the beautiful relationship between one group of students and their unforgettable school handyman. The story depicts so clearly and simply the power of thoughtfulness and empathy to create extraordinary impact in the lives of others. Mr. Quigley, as described through the eyes of the children who adore him, is a memorable character to be cherished, respected, and modeled. The students in Ms. Pittman’s class serve as a wonderful example to children everywhere of how to appreciate caring relationships and how to replicate the kindness of others. I am thrilled to be able to share this dynamic and delightful story with eager students for many years to come. ~Toni Mullins, Primary Teacher, Content Creator (a.k.a. Teacher Toni)

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL in so many ways: School helpers, working together, being considerate, communicating in sign language, being loving, celebrating in a special way . . . I could go on and on! Mr. Quigley’s Keys has touched my heart on so many levels; every child in America needs and deserves to have this book! ~Dr. Jean Feldman, Veteran Educator, Speaker, Author

Mr. Quigley’s Keys will leave you listening for the sweet “jingle” of kindness and empathy in your own story. Barbara Gruener has captured the real sacrifice of an American veteran and hero, while gently giving us both roots and wings. Amazing. ~Dennis Lee, Ventriloquist Educator, Entrepreneur

Mr. Quigley’s Keys brings a certain level of both comfort and inspiration. Certainly we have all felt the anticipation of surprising someone and the joy that comes along with showing kindness toward others. Reading about Mr. Quigley reminded me of the Mr. Quigleys in my own life and the times that kindness has been shown to me. This book is a great reminder that while we can’t fix everything, we can still be there to feel things with people. That human connection is what life is all about. ~Cebrina Ramirez, Middle School Counselor, former Elementary Teacher

A rare find, Mr. Quigley’s Keys is loosely based on the life of my uncle Don, a man who was beloved because of his humor, his empathy, his kindness and his impeccable work ethic. He will be a wonderful example for any child, but especially for a child who is deaf or hard of hearing. As a deaf educator, I am thrilled with this book because children who are deaf or hard of hearing rarely see a leading character in children’s literature who is also deaf or hard of hearing. If a child grows up never seeing anyone like themselves featured in literature, it leaves them without a sense of self-affirmation, identity and self-confidence. When a deaf child sees a deaf adult as a main character in a book, it simply validates who they are and shows them that they can be a person who impacts the lives of others, just by being a kind, thoughtful, hard-working person. It also makes books more interesting to a deaf child and makes literature more appealing overall, creating a more motivated reader. ~Paula Pittman, PhD., Deaf Educator/Early Intervention Specialist