Where every story connects us.
– Invisible String Stories
Books
Grandpa Loved Wild Things
Grandpa Bill had a deep love and understanding of wild things. He shared this love with his grandchildren, showing them the wonders of nature and the creatures that inhabit it.
"Grandpa Loved Wild Things" is a heartwarming children's book about the bond between a grandfather and his grandchildren, and the wisdom and love for nature that he imparts to them.
2024 Reader's Choice Finalist
2024 Chanticleer Book Review - Little Peeps Award Finalist
Grandpa Loved The North Shore
For over 60 years, Grandpa Bill shared his love for Lake Superior’s north shore with his family, creating cherished memories in the small town of Grand Marais. Every summer, he guided his grandkids, Melissa and Jason, on adventures along the rocky shore, exploring the forests, skipping stones, and sharing a sweet Skizzle by the water.
Through Grandpa Bill’s gentle encouragement, they learned to be brave, even when faced with big jumps or fears. This book celebrates the timeless bond between family and nature, honoring a legacy of love, laughter, and the magic of the north shore.
Grandpa Loved The Farm - Coming Soon
What People Are Saying
Grandpa Loved Wild Things
“I love the story, the education on animals, the sweet memories shared, such a great book! Can’t wait to read to my grandkids and will be buying more for other children in my life. Definitely a great book to have on the shelf!”
— Amazon Review
“I was tickled and inspired and actually quite affirmed to read this wonderful book!
I too, like grandpa Bill am a wildlife rehabilitator and was really moved by this writing and the legacy that he left, just being grandpa Bill. He helped not only wildlife but brought awe and wonder to his grandchildren, who have not only passed the awe and wonder on, but have captured it between pages!
I am thankful to have read and been inspired by this. It is educational as well as teaches children to be curious about the wild world that we live in. Great little book that I plan to read to and inspire others.”
— Amazon Review
“The story is great. Educational but also has an underlying mention of growing older. The book is a great length. Perfect to keep a child engaged. The illustration makes the narrative come to life. Overall a great, easy read. Will be in the rotation of nightly reads for a while.”
— Amazon Review
“Grandpa Loved Wild Things by Melissa Rousu is a charming, illustrated picture book that explores the special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren, and the importance of passing down knowledge and stories through generations. Grandpa Bill patiently teaches his grandchildren about nature, and in time those children pass on the same learnings to their own children. The book has a gentle environmental message, encouraging young readers to explore the world around them, and to take care of nature. A perfect book to inspire children to get involved in outdoor activities and nature.”
— 2024 Reader’s Choice Editorial Review
Coloring Pages
Get To Know Me
Melissa Rousu lives in Minnesota with her husband, teenage daughter, and their dog. She has a Doctor of Education degree from Capella University. After the passing of her grandfather, Melissa knew she wanted to find a way to continue his legacy. The logical step was to talk about his love of birds, so Grandpa Loved Wild Things was born. Grandpa Loved Wild Things became a Reader’s Choice Finalist, Chanticleer Book Review - Little Peeps Award Finalist, and a Wishing Shelf Book Awards Red Ribbon Winner. Melissa went on to appear on WCCO 4 at 4, Kato Living, and Minnesota Live.
After the launch of her debut children’s book, Melissa knew there were more amazing stories to tell, so the Grandpa Loved Series was born. The second book in the series, which was published in February 2025, brings readers along to discover the north shore of Lake Superior with Grandpa Bill in the story Grandpa Loved the North Shore. If you have never been, you are missing a magical place. My family has been vacationing in Grand Marais, MN for over 50 years, it is truly my happy place. I have so many memories of my grandparents in this amazing place. My grandpa loved this place because it combined everything he loved - nature and his family. This is truly a place where I still feel his presence and would love to share the magic of this special place with families. In this book, kids will learn about the history of this amazing lake and the charming community on its shore.
The third book in the Grandpa Loved Series is Grandpa Loved the Farm. Grandpa Marlyn owned a farm in northern Minnesota where he raised sheep, goats, and horses. He loved to make horse carts and sleighs that he would show in local parades or drive around in the snow. He loved showing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren all of the animals at the farm and he dreamed that one day his farm would be passed on to the next generation, which it did! He would love the idea that his farm would teach other children about farm life and the animals that are on it!
I wanted to thank all of those who contributed to my Kickstarter campaign.
Your support is helping to make Grandpa Loved the North Shore and Grandpa Loved the Farm possible.
I especially want to thank:
Creative Bytes TB, Laurie Nave and Maegan C. for your pledges to make this dream a reality!