Exploring the life and work of an inspiring author and educator
Dr. S. K. Grunin’s “Life Lessons and Tales of Little MisFit” series uses humour to teach children life skills, drawing from her extensive experience in education and justice systems.
Dr. S. K. Grunin is a remarkable figure whose multifaceted career has left an indelible mark on both the academic and literary worlds. With over three decades of experience as a trainer, educator, and executive, Dr. Grunin has dedicated her life to empowering individuals across various age groups and backgrounds. Her work with juveniles and adults in the justice system has provided her with unique insights into the challenges faced by young people today, inspiring her to create the beloved series, *Life Lessons and Tales of Little MisFit*. This series, which has garnered over 30 five-star reviews on Amazon and other platforms, is a testament to her ability to weave humor and wisdom into engaging narratives that resonate with both children and adults. Dr. Grunin’s contributions extend beyond her books; she is a retired college professor from the University of Virginia, where she authored a textbook for graduate courses, and she has held numerous leadership roles, including CEO and Human Capital Consultant. Her dedication to fostering growth and learning is further exemplified by her involvement with the Gulf Coast Writers Association of SW Florida and her recent feature on the international podcast, People of Distinction.
In this exclusive interview for Reader’s House Magazine, we delve into Dr. Grunin’s journey and explore the inspiration behind her acclaimed series, *Life Lessons and Tales of Little MisFit*. Through her stories, Dr. Grunin introduces readers to Ivy Sue Klutz, affectionately known as Little MisFit, a character who navigates life’s challenges with humor and resilience. The series is designed to engage young readers and their adult mentors in meaningful conversations about life’s lessons, without resorting to preachy messages. Dr. Grunin’s ability to blend humor with life lessons has not only captivated readers but also earned her the prestigious Pinnacle Achievement Award for both Book 1 and Book 2 in the series. As we discuss her diverse career and the themes that permeate her work, Dr. Grunin shares her vision for the future of the Little MisFit series and the key messages she hopes to impart to young readers. Join us as we explore the mind of a visionary author whose work continues to inspire and educate across generations.
Dr. S. K. Grunin’s Journey to Using Humor to Engage Young Adults/Children in Learning Life Lessons with an Adult Role Model
Today, the challenges of getting young adults and children to put down their electronics and engage in dialogue with significant adults in their lives and learn life lessons all the while, are even more challenging than in years past. The series of Life Lessons and Tales of Little MisFit is intended to do just that through using humorous tales that explore how Ivy Sue Klutz (the main character – Little MisFit- LMF) faces different issues and uses humor to handle the challenges of the life lesson that she is facing. The many five-star reviews on both Amazon and other sites given by adults suggest that these books allow the adults to discuss their life experiences and life lessons while focusing on Little MisFIt’s handling of various situations – without having to use “preachy” messages or disparaging tones. Book one is geared for younger children (ages 3 ½ – 9) – when Little MisFit learns that Life Isn’t Always What It Seems and Book two is for children 10-11, when she learns that Life Isn’t Always Fair. Book 3 in publication – Life Is Like a Fountain – It Has Its Ups (opportunities/successes) and Downs (challenges/failures) is for ages 12-14. As Little MisFit grows up – there are seven books planned for the series.
Your extensive experience in teaching and working with both youth and adults in the justice system has undoubtedly influenced your writing. Why did you write Life Lessons and Tales of Little MisFIt? And how have these experiences shaped the life lessons you explore in the Little MisFit series?
I think that besides having a sense of humor, building resiliency, self-confidence and perseverance helped me to keep on going when I met challenges and failures and to overcome obstacles and look for opportunities that I could use. As an educator, executive coach, counsel and a juvenile court probation officer, I noted that the children/young adults who were often in trouble were those who did not have a role model or an adult who took a significant role in mentoring them. I also saw how children who grew up with an adult who guided them and used humor and dialogue, helped them to become more self-confident and achieve goals. In these books, LMF is a great role model who demonstrates how using humor can build confidence and be a fantastic and fun media for engaging kids in conversations about life lessons without preaching to them. From what is said in the 30 plus five-star reviews found on Amazon, you can see how these books get kids to put down their I-Phones and I-Pads and to ask questions of adults who read these books with them. The kids become interested in knowing what their parents, grandparents, teachers or coaches did when they grew up and how they would have handled some of the situations faced by Little MisFIt. I also want to add that my own access to books at a young age also greatly influenced my life choices and successes and I wanted to be able to write books that could directly benefit children of all ages.
Life Isn’t Always What It Seems introduces readers to Ivy Sue Klutz and her early life lessons. What inspired you to create this character, and how much of her story is drawn from real-life experiences, either your own or those you’ve observed?
As a child I too was a Tom Boy- like Little MisFit – the main character and I found that I didn’t always fit in with different groups or clicks but nor did I want to always fit in. I wanted to find my own way and I found that having a sense of humor was a great way to build self-confidence and make friends without always having to conform. I also discovered how having an adult role model – mine was a school guidance counselor helped me to find my way and to figure out my own path and to learn how to try new things and through reading books I learned about other cultures and exciting possibilities in life. Thus, I would also say that the majority of this series of books are based upon either my own experiences or experiences of other children/young adults who I observed or read about.
As a retired college professor and executive, you’ve had a diverse career spanning multiple fields. How did your academic and professional background contribute to the themes and messages in your books?
As a college professor for the University of Virginia, I taught business and Human Resources courses and noted that there wasn’t a textbook to help executives and human resource managers take a strategic view of how to lead and manage an organization. Thus, I embarked upon writing a text book which was used for the UVA graduate course on Strategic Human Resource Management. This was my first venture into becoming an author. But, also having been a teacher, an executive coach, a counselor, a Federal probation/parole officer, a trainer for leadership development and a CEO – and in my personal life – a mother of two sons I was a Sunday school teacher, a Cub Scout Leader, a school volunteer and a little league coach. All of these roles helped me to see what it takes to become successful in life and leadership in my view can be taught starting at a young age. If young adults/children can learn how to use humor and build self-esteem and confidence at a young age these life long skills will help them succeed in life.
Both Book 1 and Book 2 in the Little MisFit series have received the Pinnacle Achievement Award. What do you believe resonates most with readers in this series, and how do you plan to continue developing the character and lessons in future installments?
I believe that the humor in these tales and being able to share experiences and life lessons with a significant adult in the life of a child or young adult are the keys to the success of these books. In addition, the life lessons of these books, along with the stories shared by an adult help to make the books relevant and encourage the children and young adults to ask questions of the adults while sharing the books tales together. It engages the readers and allows for them to keep the life lessons relevant and pertinent to each reader. The character will be developed as she grows into adulthood with the last book reserved for her retirement journey.
Your series is designed to help young readers learn important life lessons. What are some of the key messages you hope children and young adults will take away from reading about Ivy Sue’s experiences?
I hope that parents, grandparents, teachers and kids of all ages realize the benefits of reading educational, humorous books with role models like Little MisFit. It is also important to recognize how children and young adults can benefit by having fun conversations together to overcome life challenges that they face; while building self-esteem, and recognizing that it’s okay to not always fit in and to be a MisFIt at times. And, finally to learn how to use humor to face obstacles to become successful in life. Thus, I’d like to see all parents and grandparents to first read these books then purchase a book for their child or grandchildren and begin having discussions about life lessons and laughing out loud together. I can’t see any better way to bond than doing these things together. If these things happen, I believe that the world would be a better place and we’d have stronger, emotionally healthy adults in the future.
As someone who has also authored and published a textbook for graduate students, how is writing for young audiences similar or different from your academic writing, and what challenges or joys does it bring?
As a college professor for the University of Virginia, I taught business and Human Resources courses and noted that there wasn’t a textbook to help executives and human resource managers take a strategic view of how to lead and manage an organization. Thus, I embarked upon writing a text book which was used for the UVA graduate course on Strategic Human Resource Management. This book was similar in one way to the Little MisFit series in that it was meant to help adults become leaders.
The LMF series is also meant to help children/young adults, the target audience of these books – as one British teen described Little MisFit as a female Harry Potter with important but humorous tales to learn from. Then, parents, grandparents and teachers or other adults who mentor and guide youngsters. I find joy from the adults who have also said in their reviews that they have enjoyed reading these books to bring back memories of their own childhood. Furthermore, I find it exciting that these books give kids and the adults in their lives, the chance to share experiences and to ask about their own past. Too often I hear some of my friends say that they wish that they had books like these to read while growing up so they could have had conversations with their parents/grandparents and learned more about their lives before they were gone. Finally, adults and kids also find that they have many opportunities throughout these books to laugh out loud together. How precious is that? That brings me joy and gives me hope that kids and young adults can share LMF books with an important adult in their life so they too can become self-confident, find one’s way and be successful in their life’s journey.
