After a successful career in accounting and real estate development, award-winning author, Dave Grunenwald has found a new calling: Writing children’s literature with a purpose.

Author Dave Grunenwald reader his book to a group of children.Grunenwald, a Youngstown native, began his writing career with publishing an activity book series for his grandchildren and close friends, and has now evolved into writing books that encourage community service—in particular, at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank with his latest book, “Lucas & Emily’s Food Bank Adventure.” It is his sixth book in Grunewald’s “Lucas & Emily” series.

Inspired by his volunteer work with the Food Bank, Grunenwald tells the story of Lucas and Emily discovering the joy of giving back.

He says he wants people to know that food bank outreach programs exist on smaller levels, and there are many additional ways to help. Grunenwald cites one of the groups in “Lucas & Emily,” the “Sandwich People,” which is a reference to a Northeast Ohio organization that compiles lunches for people experiencing homelessness.

“I wanted to move in a direction of philanthropy,” Grunenwald says. “I can’t say enough about the Cleveland Food Bank. I was so impressed by the work they do to help those in need.”

True to that mission, Grunenwald encourages readers to prioritize real-world giving over book sales. “If you are deciding between buying a book or giving to the Food Bank, give to the Food Bank,” he urges.

Grunenwald says the next installment in the “Lucas & Emily” series will highlight the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank, which distributes free books to children across Northeast Ohio.

Grunenwald says he was moved by the operation. “I walked into the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank, and I was astonished,” he says, “the volunteers, the organization, the dedication.”

Inspired by family
Grunenwald grew up in a large family and now cherishes time with his grandchildren. He first began writing as a way to create meaningful activities for kids. He first started making checklists and challenges for his family, which then evolved into writing a series of six “Grandparent Merit Badges” books that provide budget-friendly hands-on activity ideas for grandparents and their grandchildren. Gruenwald then followed the Grandparent books with “Friends and Family Merit Badges”—20 budget-friendly activity ideas that encourage friends and family to connect.

All of Grunewald’s 17 books are published by Cleveland-based Halo Publishing International, and all illustrations are done by Bonnie Lemaire, with colorful and whimsical drawings of the characters and content of each story.

Bonnie LeMaire's illustrations for “Working with Dave on his book series has been tons of fun,” says Lemaire. “The characters are always up to new and exciting adventures. I love putting my spin on things.”

Grunenwald has 55 nieces and nephews. He says becoming a grandfather was the added bonus.

“I knew how to be an uncle, a father, and a cousin, but becoming a grandfather was different,” he says. “My grandkids are the joy of my life.”

Despite describing this chapter of his life as “slowing down,” Grunenwald admits that becoming a children’s author has been anything but quiet.

“Human contact is vital,” he says. “That’s the theme across all my books: Put the phone down, connect with people, and learn about the world together. In retirement, I’ve never been busier.”