“Yeah!” Kinley yelled, as she climbed up in front of Grammy. She held on to the handlebars and pretended she was driving. Grammy put the four-wheeler in gear and pressed on the gas. Away they went!
“While Their Parents Were Sleeping…” is a heartwarming children’s adventure story written by Patti Pavolko. Proudly published by Citi of Books, this is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major retail platforms.
Patti Pavolko is a wife, mother, grandmother, and retired special education teacher. She has been married to her best friend and hero, Dennis, for thirty-nine years. They have two children, Paul and Leslie; and three grandchildren—Wesson, Kinley, and Haylen. She attended Edinboro State College from 1978–1982 where she pursued a double major.
She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Special Education. She taught seventh-, eighth- and ninth-grade learning support at Conneaut Lake High School for one year. She then spent thirty-two years teaching learning support at Springfield Elementary School. She retired in 2015 and is now a stay-at-home grandmother. She enjoys riding her four-wheeler, picking blackberries, quilting, and playing with her grandchildren.
In this story, Kinley doesn’t want to go to bed — she’s convinced that bedtime means missing out on exciting adventures. Her Grammy understands this feeling, and together they make a pact: once Kinley says their special phrase at bedtime, Grammy arrives in her shiny blue 4-wheeler, and the two (soon joined by Kinley’s siblings Haylen and Wesson) set off on new adventures through the family’s 80-acre woods while their parents sleep.
On their journeys, they meet wood sprites, friendly animals like a frog named Felicity and squirrels named George and Duncan, and walk along a Sparkling Gemstone Path. Through these enchanting escapades, the children explore the outdoors, nurture their imaginations, and bond more deeply with their grandmother. This gentle, imaginative narrative captures both the excitement of discovery and the emotional warmth of family connection, making it a perfect read for young children and bedtime reading alike.
What makes “While Their Parents Were Sleeping…” genuinely compelling is the blend of imagination, warmth, and family connection that permeates every page. The narrative doesn’t just tell a story — it invites young readers to feel the thrill of nighttime adventures, the comfort of a loving grandmother, and the wonder of discovery in the natural world. The simple yet vivid descriptions of woodland creatures, sparkly paths, and wood sprites fuel curiosity and engagement, while the presence of siblings and family bonds reflects values of cooperation, encouragement, and shared joy. Because it’s written through the lens of a caregiver and teacher, the story balances adventure with gentle reassurance — making it both exciting and soothing for bedtime reading.
For children learning about exploration, empathy, and relationship, this book provides an enchanting, heart-centered world to enter.
Grab your copy of “While Their Parents Were Sleeping…” by Patti Pavolko through the buttons below: