The Warmest Memories

Jan 17

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Marissa Bader Author Interview

Saturdays With Gramps centers around a little boy who learns that love never truly dies after losing his grandfather. Where did the idea for this story come from?

 Saturdays With Gramps was inspired by my own experiences with loss. I lost my dad when I was 27, and years later I navigated the loss of my mom—first ambiguously, as dementia slowly changed who she was, and then physically when she passed away. During that time, I was also helping my children grieve their Grammy and find ways to keep both her memory and their grandfather’s memory alive. Writing this story became a way to honor those relationships and the love we shared. My hope is that the book helps children and families feel less alone in their grief, and gently reminds them that love doesn’t disappear—it continues in memories, traditions, and the bonds we carry forward.
 
Is there anything from your own childhood included in Sam’s story?

Yes! My dad, Henry, co-founded a restaurant named Embers, and they served the most delicious pancakes. When I was growing up, we would go to Embers every weekend for brunch, and I couldn’t wait to devour a syrup-drizzled stack of pancakes! I have the warmest memories from those days. In the story, I named them “Grampscakes” because my dad, who went by Papa to his grandkids, always called himself PapaBurger, as his restaurant also served yummy burgers (namely, the Emberger Royal!). Grampscakes are a way to honor that silly nickname of his, and those awesome pancakes! 
 

The artwork in Saturdays With Gramps is wonderful. Can you share with us a little about your collaboration with illustrator Ellie Beykzadeh?

Ellie is truly the most amazing illustrator. Her work is so stunning and always highlights every emotion beautifully. Her illustrations bring the book to life. I love working with Ellie because she is so talented, collaborative, and has the most creative ideas. She’s such a kind human, to boot!

What is one thing you hope young readers and their families take away from your book? 

My greatest hope is that young readers and their families find comfort in knowing that love never truly dies. Even when the people we love are no longer with us, their love continues to live on — in memories, traditions, and the quiet ways they remain part of our lives. 
 
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon

A warm hug of a book for any child who’s missing someone they love.

Saturdays were Sam’s favorite—Grampscakes dripping with syrup, lively chess matches, quiet moments spent birdwatching. Just Sam and Gramps, soaking up their special day together.

But when Gramps passes away, Sam is heartbroken—and Saturdays feel empty.

With his mom’s gentle guidance, Sam begins to understand a powerful truth: even though Gramps is gone, the love they shared—and their cherished traditions—will always remain. Because like syrup on pancakes, love sticks around.

Saturdays with Gramps is a tender, heartfelt picture book that helps children process grief and loss with warmth, comfort, and hope. Through gentle storytelling and beautiful illustrations, it reminds readers that the bonds we build with those we love remain long after they’re gone.
✅ Ideal for ages 7+
✅ Introduces loss in an age-appropriate, relatable way
✅ Encourages open conversations about big feelings
✅ Validates kids’ emotions and experiences
✅ Offers healthy, hopeful coping strategies
✅ A supportive resource for parents, educators, and therapists navigating bereavement
Whether a child is grieving a grandparent, parent, pet, or any kind of loved one, Saturdays with Gramps reminds them they’re not alone—and that love lasts forever.

Posted on January 17, 2026, in Interviews and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.

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