New Children's Book

Cast off with Mimi & Papa on the adventure of a lifetime.

Whether you're a boater or a land-lover, seven or seventy-seven, come cruise along on America's Great Loop through the eyes of Sandy's grandparents.

Grandma & Grandpa's Great Loop Adventure book cover
Our Story

A bedtime story worth setting sail for.

Told through the eyes of young Sandy, this children's book follows her grandparents as they travel America's legendary Great Loop by boat, teaching lessons about family, curiosity, and the joy of the journey.

📚

Educational

Written by two retired teachers with 50 years of classroom experience between them.

🚢

Adventurous

Sail along the Great Loop, 6,000 miles of rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.

💕

Heartwarming

A loving tribute to the bond between grandparents and grandchildren.

🌍

For Everyone

Ages 3 to 103, boaters and dreamers alike will find something to love.

Map of America's Great Loop cruising route
The Journey

What is the Great Loop, anyway?

America's Great Loop is a continuous waterway stretching over 6,000 miles, connecting the Atlantic coast, the Gulf of Mexico, the Great Lakes, and the inland rivers. Boaters who complete the entire route earn the title of "Looper."

It's a journey full of sunrises over still water, small towns that feel like family, and wildlife sightings you'll never forget. Mimi and Papa invite you aboard for every mile of it.

6,000
Miles
15+
States
1
Big Loop
Presentations & Appearances

Bring the adventure to your school or community.

Kelly and Jean love sharing the story of the Great Loop with young readers, teachers, boaters, and community groups. From school visits and library readings to boat show talks and community events, they bring Mimi and Papa's journey to life with a full stage set, handmade props, and plenty of interactive fun.

Kelly and Jean presenting at a school assembly with the boat prop, mangrove set, and book cover on screen
School AssembliesFull-stage set with props, costumes, and read-alouds
Kelly in a captain's hat and Jean in a colorful apron standing in the boat prop with the AGLCA flag
In-Character FunMeet Mimi & Papa aboard the J&J Adventurer
Kelly and Jean sitting on stage with the handmade Sandy paper doll character
Sandy Joins the StoryKids meet the star of the book in person

Interested in booking a visit?

Reach out to Kelly and Jean directly. They would love to hear from you.

✉ Get in Touch
Meet the Creators

Two teachers, one big adventure.

Kelly and Jean are lifelong friends and retired elementary school teachers from Prescott, Wisconsin, and they believe the best stories come from real life.

KJ

Kelly Johnson

Author

A retired third- and fourth-grade teacher who later taught gifted and talented students. Kelly lives in Prescott, Wisconsin. Between boating trips, family time, and exercise classes, she found time to bring Mimi and Papa to life.

JH

Jean Halverson

Illustrator

A retired first- and second-grade teacher with a gift for introducing young readers to the world. Jean and her husband Scott raised three children and now chase adventures with four grandsons and one granddaughter. Travel, family, and a good story are her three favorite things.

Come aboard the adventure.

Order your copy today and start cruising along with Mimi and Papa on America's Great Loop.