At age seven, Jenny was an outcast at her school. She couldn’t play ball or run fast like the other kids, so they left her out. They made fun of her, and it made little Jenny sad. But one day, her mom told Jenny to write a list of personal strengths. Jenny knew she was good at spelling, so why not enter a spelling bee?

The tale of Jenny’s spelling bee is just one of the stories in the collection, Grandma Has a Mansion. These stories are designed to bring into focus the problems that primary students face every day. There are engaging stories about problem solving, sibling rivalry, personal safety, and discipline, all told in playful and positive jargon children will understand.

Mixed within the stories, children will find Godly wisdom, verses to memorize for strength, and even tips on becoming a Christian witness to others. There is also a parent discussion guide at the end of each story. Grandma Has a Mansion is for both parents and children struggling to find their identity. With the help of God, we can all grow into the person we want to be.

The Rescue

Jamie and his dad were going on a hike in the woods.  Mom packed them a lunch of sandwiches, chips and hot chocolate.  There were a few snacks also.  Jamie love to do things with his dad.

They both packed their backpacks and got in dad’s jeep.  It took about an hour to get to the woods.  There they found a place to light a fire, as it was rather cold.  Daddy had an ax to chop up little pieces of wood.  Jamie put them on the ground where they would make a fire.  They sat by the fire and dad got out a map.

They ate their lunch and then started out on the hike.  The fire was in a guarded park area where they did not have to put it out.  Dad told Jamie, “If we ever get separated look back towards the park where the fire is and I will meet you.”

They started to hike and everything went well.  They even saw deer in the woods.  Jamie thought they were beautiful.  They talked about how God made creation.  Everything had a purpose.  They had hiked about an hour and dad wanted to rest.  Jamie saw another deer and decided to follow it.  “Don’t go too far” said Dad.

Jamie did not come right back.  Dad was worried and started out where the deer had been to look for Jamie.  He could not find him.  He prayed to the Lord to help him find his son.  Then he remembered about the park with the fireplace.  He started there to see if Jamie had gone back.  But when he got there Jamie was nowhere in sight. 

Dad tried to stay calm and think of what to do next.  In an hour it would be getting dark and very cold.  It was no place for a boy to be alone in the woods.  Dad used his cell phone and decided to call the park ranger.  He explained what had happened.  The ranger said he would get some help and meet dad at the park.

Soon the ranger arrived with about six other men.  They all went different ways and had flashlights.  They had radios where they could talk to each other.

Jamie had followed the deer but fell and hurt his ankle on a rock.  It hurt to walk on it.  Then he decided to do the only two things he could think of to do.  First, he prayed to Jesus and second he started yelling out for help.  He kept yelling every few minutes and prayed Jesus would send his dad.

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Finally one of the rangers heard his voice.