Tag: books

I Got This!

Barbara Gruener

Today I’m thinking about resilience, and these words resonate.

What makes the difference between looking ahead toward a new beginning and looking back and just seeing the end? What gives us that bounce-back strength? How do we find and grab ahold of that bounce-forward gumption?

Let’s take a page from nature. Look at this little maple tree:

We lost it when hurricane Beryl’s 60-plus mph winds bent it over. Or so we thought. Bent but not broken; look at the foliage that’s sprouting, growing even, as if to boast that it is down, but not done. How can I take that lesson and apply it when life tries to blow me over?

Enter my friends, child psychologist and resilience researcher Dr. Michele Borba and former school counselor, author Julia Cook and their new book I Got This!

Prepare for Charlie’s adorableness to reel children in as they realize that he has some hard work ahead and even some hurdles to overcome if he’s going to accomplish the goal he set for himself, to become a rescue dog. Which one of the six bounce-back strategies will be most helpful to him on his quest?

Which one might help you?

And even though Amazon lists it for ages 7-12, this book’s adorable illustrations are bound to capture the attention of even our youngest learners. As we know, it’s never too early to help our future leaders to learn how to bounce back (and forward!) into their new normals when problems arise.

I love that two of the characters, Charlie and Hazel, are named after Dr. Borba’s grandchildren (such a charming personal touch!) and I think that Julia’s dedication to a loved one named “Skunk” is precious. I’m also drawn toward the feathers in the Eagle’s talon, complete with a resilience strategy to help all of us fly. Consider using a feather template for a writing extension activity about a time that your student bounced back from an adversity and soared to new heights. Or download this freebie coloring sheet or bookmark I created.

Wanna add some music? I think that this grit gem would pair well with the song Going On A Lion Hunt for our youngest kiddos. What happens when you’re a little scared? What can you do to muddle through? Who can help you?

Check out I Got This! I Have Bounce Back Superpowers; it’s a newcomer that I think belongs on every classroom shelf.

JOY in July

Barbara Gruener

Happy July, dear reader.

As I turn another calendar page, I’m thinking about joy, what inspires it in me, and how I work with intention to choose it and hold on to it. So I sat down and scripted a month’s worth of ideas to share. Download it here if you’d like to print a physical copy. Which ones speak to you? Which ones would you be willing to try?

I’m also reflecting a lot about my brother Mipps now that our book is out. I’ve saved a few of his final texts to me; here’s one from about 10 days before he died. Let me give you some context; Mr. Quigley’s Keys had just come out in June and Mipps wanted to help me market the book. He had just given away his last copy, so he texted to ask me if I could get him a few more. I offered to send ten and he replied, “Or 20!” He always found a way to make me giggle.

We were negotiating cost and postage; it’s his last sentence that gives me chills.

We are both doing well for a few farm kids. One of the very last texts I’d ever get from him. In fact, when I flew to his place the day I’d found out he’d suffered a fatal heart attack, I found the books I’d sent just days earlier, one book already given away, and 19 still boxed up, ready to go. He was so generous like that, helping spread the word about Mr. Quigley’s Keys by giving copies to friends of his with young children.

He told me that “it is too good not to share.” Always my biggest fan, that little brother.

And now that those two farm kids star in my new book, Birdie & Mipps, I can only imagine what he’d have to say. If only I could text him one more time, to tell him about the book. I’d thank him for being a jolt of joy for me when life started to overwhelm. I’d listen to his latest break-up story and I’d hang on every word. And I’d tell him that he is loved by so many people. Would he even believe that we stood in that receiving line at his funeral for five hours hugging family and friends and listening to how he was their best friend and what he’d done that touched their hearts and changed their lives for good.

Mipps, you brought so much JOY into our world.

If only I could hear your joyful laugh one more time.

And see that signature smile. I miss you and I love you, kid.

When Goofy Showed Me

Barbara Gruener

“Did you really have a cow named Goofy when you were little?” I heard that young girl inquire politely as she reflected on our tale.

“Sure did!” I told her, “and she was my best non-human friend.”

She was a purebred Holstein heifer, one that was hand-picked for me to show at the County Fair. We practiced and practiced before it was decided that she’d be my choice for the Showmanship Class. Showmanship isn’t as much about the animal as it is about her leader; judges look for attributes like preparation, poise and posture, appearance, behavior and use of show-ring skills.

This is how a regular show ring looks, with animals parading around the ring and a judge observing and evaluating from the middle.

When the judge decides which animals make the cut, typically the top 10, he pulls those into the middle for a closer look. Normally, Goofy knew just what to do when I was showing her; follow me and we’ll do just fine. But that day in the ring, as I was showing Goofy off, she decided, right then and there, to show off her napping skills. Yep, that’s right; she laid right down for a nap.

Friends, don’t get me wrong; I’m a huge fan of a good nap. But not at the County Fair and for sure not when it’s show time! For a few panicked moments, I was sure we’d lost. You can’t just do that, you know, even IF your nickname is Goofy. Who was showing whom?

But then my heart and my head synced and helped me switch from panic to purpose, the reason I was in that ring. I needed my friend to get back up and keep going. So I started to talk to her while gently coaxing her into resuming the show. Win or lose, she needed to get up and I was her fearless leader, the only one who could make that happen.

I think I may have even started singing to her, though that memory is kind of foggy. What I do know is that after what seemed like an eternity but probably wasn’t really all that long, she did get back up and join the herd.

Pretty sure we’d not be called into the judge’s circle, I braced myself but kept my gaze back and forth between the judge and my calf. As he started to call the first round of finalists into the ring, I was shocked to see him motion to Goofy and me. Like, come into the circle. Unbelievable!

Then, and you may have guessed this by now, Goofy and I were moved into blue-ribbon position. We were chosen first in our Showmanship Class that day. The judge went on to say that he chose us because of how I kept my composure even when my heifer didn’t seem to want to cooperate. He liked the relationship that my best friend, Goofy, and I had. And he thought we deserved to win even though she had laid down on the job.

Goofy taught me about showing grace under fire and I’m grateful for the gumption and the grit that I developed from that wildly unpredictable heifer who showed me all about Showmanship (and life!) that day.

A Horse’s Gentle Tickle

Barbara Gruener

Nicknames can come from anywhere, but how did the word “nip” become Nippers, then Mippers, then Mipps? In the story, Mipps asks Birdie if she knows how he got his nickname.

Meet the real-life Scooter, my pride and joy, whom my sixth-grade self found malnourished and super skinny at a farm about 25 minutes down the road. I talked my Dad into letting me invest in her, a gorgeous Arabian Pinto mix, and I nurtured her back to health on my family farm in the early 1970’s. We went on to breed her twice; her foals Menty and Misty were absolutely gorgeous miracle babies. I love how our artist perfectly portrays this beautiful mare.

The cool part about realistic fiction is that a large part of it is true; this sneak peek into the real part of our story, Birdie & Mipps, and how my little brother, Mark, came by the nickname Mippers, then Mipps, comes from treasured memories that have lasted a lifetime.

I’m so very grateful for the affirming feedback that the book is receiving; check out this five-star review from passionate educator Mrs. Monty in Florida, as seen on Amazon:

Birdie & Mipps is not only a compelling story but also a fantastic resource for classrooms.

I’m so grateful that our story is resonating with educators like Barbie; it’s my hope that it’ll be a springboard for many cool conversations about the importance of names and the respectful use of nicknames and that it’ll serve as a reminder that how we treat each other matters.

Loving Feedback For Birdie & Mipps

Barbara Gruener

Today I’m grateful for the readers who took the time to share their reflections at BN.com.

Sharing a story so close to my heart can be daunting and a little nerve-wracking, so these kind words are helping still my soul.

The books are making their mark around our home state just like my Pied Piper brother did. Here, the books are proudly displayed in the Mark W. Natzke lounge at his workplace. They loved him and they miss him so much.

Mipps’ friend Bridget from the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern WI worked with her team to place a copy in each of the family rooms at their house that bear his name. He served on that Board of Directors for 9 years and absolutely LOVED that place as he championed their cause.

It has been a bittersweet few weeks as we put this story about how Mipps got his nickname out into the world, but my heart is happy that his legacy of connection, generosity and love continues. That’s what this beautiful bird symbolizes and that’s why I’m loving the feedback that’s feeding my emotional reserve.

The softcover copy is available at Amazon now.

Zooming In To Wisconsin

Barbara Gruener

Not sure I’ll ever forget this moment, when my late brother Mark’s friend Mike tells his sister’s class that he was gifting each of them a copy of Birdie & Mipps.

Is this not just the most adorable shot of them digging in?

But my favorite has to be this budding author looking at Mipps’ memory page.

I am grateful to have been able to put Mark’s picture in the back across from the reflection questions; turn the page to find empathy enrichment activities and name extension ideas. Publishing with Road To Awesome has been an incredible experience. Holding this special delivery sent my soul soaring.

And reading with our granddaughter, Leah? A joy we’ve not known, until now

If you have your copy, we’d love your feedback over at BN online.

Happy summertime, dear reader.

Young Authors’ Day

Barbara Gruener

I had the most incredible time on Friday celebrating the 20th-annual Young Authors’ Day at Willow River Elementary in Hudson, WI; what a treat to be invited to be their special guest and get to share our story. I’m so grateful to Sarah and her beautiful school family for the warm welcome and loving kindness throughout the day.

To walk into the library and see our book among these special literary picks?

PRICELESS!

Sometimes it just doesn’t seem real, that I get to travel around helping young writers learn about the publishing process from seedling idea to hardback book. It gives me great joy to answer their questions and sign words of encouragement in my book for them. My favorite new phrase? Sometimes empathy is quiet.

So what’s next? As another school year winds down and we slide into summer, our release of Birdie & Mipps is just around the corner, set for next week, May 23rd, 2024. This Thursday, I’ll be at our Friendswood Library to talk with local young authors about publishing, then we’ll do a “Hello-my-nickname-is” activity before our fabulous librarian Christina and I read the book aloud. I get to play the older sister Birdie, while she tackles the role of a very curious Mipps.

Didn’t she do an incredible job on the invitation?

Oh, and before I head out, a huge shoutout to Julie Garnett for showcasing Mr. Quigley’s Keys on her Musical Storytime Plus. We are super grateful to be a part of her stellar storytelling family.

Do let me know if you’d like to schedule an author visit for your budding writers.

Inspiring School Visits

Barbara Gruener

Happy February; today I’m excited about and grateful for my visit to Howard Elementary in WI last week, to follow-up a virtual visit I’d had with these fourth-grade empathy heroes back on Kindness Day in November.

Mrs. VandeHei invited me back for an in-person visit when I got home, so on the Friday of this year’s Great Kindness Challenge, off I went, to meet them in person. Once there, I found a hand-colored sign Welcome Mrs. Gruener hanging on the shelves in their library; this S donned the keys to connection from Mr. Quigley’s Keys!

I introduced the three classes to my puppet Winthrop as we talked about what empathy is; how can they predict how Winthrop is feeling even though they don’t speak bird? Their answers were intuitive and inspiring.

Then, we looked at what it means to switch places with another, step into their story, and walk in their shoes for a spell. We practiced the Empathy Switch on our hands and paired it with this poem: E-M-P-A-T-H-Y; put yourself in my shoes and I think you will find; E-M-P-A-T-H-Y, you’re a superhero of the empathy KIND, adding the hand-jive movements to jazz it up.

Since I’d already read Mr. Quigley’s Keys to them, this visit lent itself to a debut of my new book, Birdie and Mipps! My sister and I acted it out; my Dad played the cameo role of the narrator.

After we read it aloud, one friend had a question that I wasn’t quite sure how to answer: Does our little brother, Mipps, know that I wrote a book about him? Sigh.

We had empaKEY necklaces for all of them, to remind them that they have the power to unlock doors with their kindness, that they surely hold the key to someone’s heart, that they are KEY to their school’s success. Before I laid my head on the pillow that night, this beautiful gift from one of my new fourth-grade friends seered itself on my heart.

What fun to make it a family affair, to get to share my story with Debra and Dad in tow. I’m so grateful for my continued partnership with this gifted teacher and her fourth-grade team!

Before I headed to WI, I led a workshop in TX; click {here] if you want to see those slides.

Now that I’m back in TX, I’m counting the days until I become a Grammy. Check back here for that exciting announcement in just a few weeks.

It’s EmpaKEY

Barbara Gruener

This morning as I packed for my final visit of 2023, a funny thought occurred to me: What if I changed the word empathy to empaKEY?

And what an incredible day it was. I got to visit with about 700 students at North Pointe Elementary, read them my book and share the quiet echo of Mr. Quigley’s Keys with them. Their librarian, Becky, was an incredible hostess; I’d never have known it was her first author visit in that position had she not told me. Look at the adorable flyer she made.

I even got to sign a couple dozen books and it’s always a gift to run into young people I’ve known since their childhood who are now rockin’ it as passionate educators!

They had vintage keys on a string for all of the kids to take with them, which were a huge hit. It’s so fun for me to see them wearing them around school and hearing them say, “I still have my key!”

I savored every second of blasting off with these Rockets; it was a bit like coming back home since I had the pleasure of being their National Schools of Character site visitor years ago. This NSOC is an incredible place to be and I could feel the fruits of their HEART work as I roamed the halls and shared my story with their superhero students.

I pray this finds you thriving as we head into the most wonderful time of the year. If you are looking for an author visit in 2024, I am scheduling those now. I’m already booked for a return visit to my home state of Wisconsin and I’m so SO eager and blessed.

Huge holiday hugs and heaps of hygge, Barbara

Making People Happy

Barbara Gruener

It’s World Kindness Week and I have been having a blast toggling between substitute teaching and author visits at some local Career Fairs. Lots of time with kids has left my bucket overflowing!

I was excited to be able to showcase the Spanish version of Keys; these students were looking at all of our replica keys and trying to find a match to the keys on our cover.

Everywhere I go, these tiny treasures continue to be the biggest hit. Yesterday, a conversation with a third-grade boy went like this: Do these keys open anything? he asked curiously. Hearts, I reply without skipping a beat. Oh yeah, he nodded knowingly, you did say it was a kindness key.

This young lady wanted to know more about the missing key. You see, she’d read our story with her school counselor and they discussed the key behind Mr. Quigley’s knee in the mural. I explained that it’s up to every reader to decide which trait was on that key, so she told me she thought either heart or respect. I affirmed her choices and told her that I think it might have been compassion or patience and she agreed that those would work, too.

One student wanted to know if I liked my job, so I said yes before turning the tables on him by asking him what he thought the best part of my job was. His answer? Making. People. Happy.

Spot on, little buddy, spot on. Oh, how I love to make people happy. But not just the temporary kind of happiness that might come from eating an ice cream cone. No, that’s lovely and all, but I want to help people feel JOY (one of our keys to connection!) deep down in their souls, to their very core. I do that by lighting up for people, by delighting in their presence, and by getting curious about who they are, what they want or need, what they dream about, what they’re going through. What their sorrows and successes are. Where they’ve been and where they’re going. Not in a fake, glossy sort of way, but wholeheartedly with them, unwrapping the present together. Good or bad, comfortable or uncomfortable. It’s my calling and it’s a gift of epic abundance. It’s the legacy I plan to leave in the people whose paths I’m blessed to cross.

So as we close in on Thanks {and} Giving 2023, my question is this: How do YOU share your joy in such a way that it makes people happy?

Tell us in the comments or drop me a line; I always loving hearing from my readers.