Mary De Groat is an award-winning novelist whose debut, Beyond the Last Horizon, earned top honors in 2015—taking Gold for Inspirational Fiction, Silver in Women’s Fiction, and receiving the prestigious Readers Literary Review Award.
Her second novel, A Brighter Day, has captured Hollywood’s attention and, as of January 2025, is in development with a producer and screenwriter for a planned film adaptation.
Mary discovered her love for storytelling during a successful career in marketing communications. She now writes from her home in the breathtaking High Sierra near Lake Tahoe, California.
Daniel's Surprising Adventures in the Park is a delightful collection of magical tales about friendship, courage, and the wonders of the tiny world all around us. When Daniel nearly steps on a talking praying mantis named Mickey Tipplepott, he discovers a secret circle of insect friends—Betty the worried ladybug, Willy the fuzzy caterpillar, Antonio the brave little ant, and Bart the misunderstood stinkbug. Together, they share funny, heartwarming, and sometimes daring adventures, from searching for a missing ladybug spot to rescuing Antonio from a giant puddle, and even witnessing Willy's amazing transformation into a butterfly. Through it all, Daniel learns that even the smallest creatures have big stories, and that kindness, curiosity, and teamwork can turn an ordinary day in the park into an extraordinary adventure. Perfect for young readers who love nature, laughter, and surprise, this enchanting book invites everyone to look closer—you never know what friends you might find in the grass.
