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Imagination and Inspiration
The Grand Adventures: A Secret Unveiled follows a group of cousins who stumble into a magical sleigh that kind of works like a time machine, taking them to witness important moments in Biblical history. What was the inspiration for your story?
When covid locked down the country, I bought a Santa outfit for my husband and made a Mrs. Claus dress for me. Our volunteer fire department got a list of all the kids and addresses, raised funds, bought and wrapped presents, and devised a plan to distribute throughout town. On our little trailer behind the command truck with the 2 big fire engines behind it all began. Social distancing went out the window with the first little boy and his sister about knocking Santa off the trailer, and us getting the best hugs ever. Ever since we give to whoever asks for Santa and Mrs. Claus. When we shared with our grandkids they loved it and they wanted to share with the world that their grandparents were in fact the real Santa and Mrs. Mary Claus. So, grandma’s storytelling and the imagination of the 10 grandkids, the story emerged. It inspired our oldest grandson, who is now working as the lead writer on the 2nd story for the series.
How did you decide which biblical moments to include?
It was rather easy for us as we were at Thanksgiving but Christmas was just a month away. We gathered together and talked, I just listened. There are so many to choose from, but most decided on these 2.
How did you approach writing emotional faith moments for kids?
The grandkids were the inspiration. Asking what would you say, think, do, or feel in these situations?
Do you plan to continue the cousins’ adventures?
Yes, very much so, the adventure is continuing with our 16-year-old grandson, William, who has taken the lead in writing book 2. I am so very proud of him and each of my grandkids. The hardest is trying to get all 10 grandkids together to decide what to do, where to go, and how to fulfill the adventure.
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The Grand Adventure: A Secret Unveiled
The Grand Adventures: A Secret Revealed is a wild, sweet, faith-filled story about a huge bunch of cousins who stumble into a magical sleigh that works kind of like a time machine. One minute, they are surrounded by animals and chores on the Triple M Ranch, and the next, they are standing at the Red Sea watching Moses part the waters. Then they go see the birth of Jesus. After that, they learn their grandparents are actually Santa and Mrs. Claus, and everything spirals into more excitement, worry, and love. The story is packed with big moments. Huge awe-filled scenes. Family chaos and magic all mixed together.
When I started reading, I got sucked right into the voice of the kids. It felt like hearing a family member telling me what happened. Just pure excitement and confusion and humor. The poop jokes cracked me up because they are exactly the kind of jokes kids never let go of. The parting of the Red Sea scenes were my favorite. The kids staring at the giant water walls felt so real and honest. The writing had this warm, homemade feel. Like someone sitting at a table telling their grandkids a story and laughing and maybe tearing up a little. I liked that about it a lot. It felt personal. What also felt personal were the hand-drawn images throughout the book. There are also some wonderful graphic artwork pieces throughout that show biblical times in wonderful detail.
I also loved how the story blends faith with adventure. Seeing baby Jesus through the kids’ eyes was emotionally stirring. The moment where Jonathan tears up talking about Jesus growing up and dying on the cross was so tender. I really felt that scene. And then there is the Santa reveal, which is honestly hilarious and sweet at the same time. The writing shines most when it leans into the kids’ emotions. The panic. The joy. The wonder. The fear. The whole section where Samantha and Baby Artie accidentally launch the sleigh gave me that little stomach drop. The one you get when you know the kids messed up big time and now everyone is in for it.
I had fun with this children’s book. It gave me warm feelings. It made me smile. It surprised me with a few emotional moments that really landed. I think this book is perfect for kids who love adventure and families who enjoy reading faith-based stories together. It would also be great for grandparents to read with their grandkids. Anyone who likes Christmas magic, Bible stories, and wholesome chaos would have a great time with it.
Pages: 85 | ASIN : B0DYQ3Z3JX
