For over 40 years, Sue Grandi was a reading specialist in Mesquite, Texas’, public schools. So it was no surprise to her daughter, Merry Miller, when Merry found her mother’s script for a children’s book. Sue had been writing for years, but had not published any books. Merry and Sue began the task of finding an illustrator and finding out how to publish the book.

Then COVID hit. 

“Then all of a sudden, everything came to a screeching halt,” recalled Merry, a professional harpist, among other things. “In 2020, [Sue] lost Richard [Sue’s husband]. She lost Dawna [Sue’s daughter]. We lost Doug [Sue’s grandson]. Two siblings [Buddy and Alice]. And a dog. And we were in shutdown. In Dallas, it was shelter in place. We had a curfew. Dallas was one of the strictest cities.”

Regardless, Sue and Merry pushed forward. “And she and I put 150% of everything we had into cranking these out.”

Eddie’s Amazing Adventures

Eddie’s Amazing Adventures is a collection of eight children’s books. The latest, Camp Sonshine, tells the story of Eddie at a Christian camp. It highlights worship and prayer, and it teaches kids not to be afraid of going to camp. Camp Sonshine also teaches children how to be kind — even to fireflies. At the end, it explains how God sent Jesus to the world, and that He loves each of them. All of the books teach lessons that children can understand, but Camp Sonshine does so in a straightforward Christian way.

Sue and Merry work with schools, churches and camps to bring the lessons directly to children. “If there’s a Christian camp out there that would like us to come and read to the kids, or a Christian school — we love going to the schools, especially, then we can do that,” said Merry. 

How the Books Impact Kids

Sue and Merry have received very positive feedback from kids, parents and even pastors. “One of our parents [said] the book got all three of their grandchildren to go to a camp, when they weren’t going to go at all.” Another book, Chocolate Sneakers, influenced the children to be mindful of making messes. After Sue and Merry read the book in a church school, all of the children wiped their shoes before entering a church. Bubble Gum Balloons — the number one seller — allows children to use their imagination to make up stories themselves. Baby Blues is a book about what it’s like to have a baby brother or sister. A nurse at a local hospital tells parents to get a copy for their family. “So, we’re giving it out to libraries to try to get kids to realize [that] their world’s not going to end when they become a big brother or sister.”

Benefiting Charities

All of the books have a charity component as well. Candy Corn is an emotional story about how important grandparents are in children’s lives. This book is dedicated to Dawna, Sue’s daughter and Merry’s sister. Dawna passed away with pancreatic cancer. “So, for that book [10% of each sale] benefits National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation in Dawna’s name.”

Camps, Christian schools and churches buy Camp Sonshine at wholesale, then sell it at retail and keep the difference. “If they just want us to come read to the kids, read to the church … then at that point, they get 10% of whatever we sell.”

Merry Kidsmas, a Christmas book, benefits Snowball Express, actor Gary Sinise’s charity, which goes to children of fallen soldiers.

As a professional harpist, Merry has released musical CDs. The books contain a QR code to listen to her music free. Like Baby Blues — where babies are soothed by “Dream Baby,” Merry’s first album released. 

The two women are now looking forward to a new TV show in production. “We’re working with a production house, so that’ll be fun,” said Merry. 

Lessons for Young Children, and Yet…

The books all teach lessons for young children. But Merry believes the books were also there to help to her mom during 2020. “I think that you really see the power of prayer to get through the grief and the importance that the books were to mom, to be that outlet that she needed. I mean, the whole world hurt during COVID, but no one lost that many people.

“I just think you have to take what Satan uses against you, [and understand that] God can use it for you. And that’s kind of how I feel about all of our books.”

For more information, go to Eddie’s Amazing Adventures. Stream readers get 10% off with the code “Grace.”

Nancy Flory, Ph.D., is a senior editor at The Stream. You can follow her @NancyFlory3, and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.