I’m absolutely thrilled to share some exciting news: Saturdays with Gramps has earned 2nd Place in the 2025 Fall BookFest Awards in the Children’s Picture Book category!
This award-winning children’s book about grief, loss, and healing holds such a special place in my heart. I wrote Saturdays with Gramps after losing my mom in 2024, as a way to help my own children process their emotions and find comfort in love and memory.
The story follows Sam, a young boy who spends cherished Saturdays with his grandfather. When Gramps passes away, Sam learns that love never truly ends — it simply changes form. Through memories, shared traditions, and even a bright red cardinal, Sam discovers that his Gramps will always be with him.
To see Saturdays with Gramps recognized by The BookFest Awards is incredibly meaningful — not only as an author, but as a daughter and a mom. My goal has always been to write social-emotional learning (SEL) picture books that comfort, connect, and help children navigate grief, loss, and big feelings with warmth and understanding.
A huge thank you to The BookFest for this honor, and to every reader, parent, educator, and librarian who has supported this book and shared it with the children in their lives. Your love for Saturdays with Gramps means the world to me.
Purchase signed copies of Saturdays with Gramps, and my other children’s books about social-emotional learning here.
Share
This book is PERFECT for perfectionists (children and grown-ups!) and belongs in classrooms, libraries, and every child’s bookshelf.
Share
Stella’s Brave Voice follows the twins from The Only Me and has earned a 5-star Book Review Award from Litpick and Reader’s Favorite.
Share
The Only Me was named one of the top 100 indie children’s books of 2022 by Kirkus Reviews and earned a 5-star Book Review Award from Litpick.
We don’t spam! By signing up, you agree to get emails from Marissa Bader.
To ensure you receive my emails make sure to add marissa@marissabader.com to your contacts or list of safe senders. You can unsubscribe at any time.
A PDF download will be sent to your inbox.
We don’t spam! By signing up, you agree to get emails from Marissa Bader.
To ensure you receive my emails make sure to add marissa@marissabader.com to your contacts or list of safe senders. You can unsubscribe at any time.
A PDF download will be sent to your inbox.
We don’t spam! By signing up, you agree to get emails from Marissa Bader.
To ensure you receive my emails make sure to add marissa@marissabader.com to your contacts or list of safe senders. You can unsubscribe at any time.
