A Children’s Book
by Nikki Burdine

Nikki reflected on her childhood stories and decided to put them into a children’s book.

Nikki Burdine’s first children’s book is a story about a yellow lab who gave her family unconditional love and loyalty for about a dozen years.

Grunt was his name and love was his game.

A classroomSetting with children seated on the floor, some raising their hands, and two women sitting at the front, one reading a book and the other sitting near a whiteboard that says "Be a good listener". There is a digital display that reads "Welcome to the Library Where we... Read. Learn. Grow." and bookshelves filled with books in the background.

A woman reading a book to a group of children seated on the floor in a cozy indoor setting with large windows and a plant in the background.

A woman in a tan suit signs an autograph for children in a classroom library. Several children stand around her, and adults are observing. Some are taking photos. Bookshelves and posters are visible in the background.

Children raising books titled "Like a Girl" during a book event or classroom activity.

A woman sits on a table holding a microphone and a clipboard in front of a group of children seated at tables in a classroom or assembly hall. One child has their hand raised, while others listen attentively.

The story of Grunt dog

Nikki got Grunt as a puppy, and as with all animals in her family, they decided to have a naming contest. Nikki’s family likes to get creative with their animals’ names… They chose the name Grunt for a couple of reasons:

1. Grunt is the name for a Marine. Her dad is a USMC Colonel, aka, a Grunt. They do the hard work, the dirty work, the ground work…the Grunt work.
2. Grunt Dog ‘grunted’ quite a bit when her family first brought him home.

Grunt followed them wherever they went, did whatever they wanted, and loved them unconditionally. The feeling was mutual. But they slowly learned, it was Grunt’s attitude they should be emulating.

Nikki’s dad created a daily “Thoughts by Grunt Dog” email he sent out to his girls. The 'thoughts' were often accompanied by a picture of Grunt Dog and a quote. Looking back on Grunt's years, Nikki’s family learned so much from him.

This book is a collection of Thoughts by Grunt Dog that make for great life lessons for any family.

Follow Live Like Grunt on Instagram and share your little ones reading!