Mary De Groat
Author
Coming in 2027: Edward's Superpower!
Nine-year-old Edward discovers an extraordinary secret during a birthday visit to his grandparents' home: he can hear what animals are thinking. What begins with understanding the thoughts of his grandparents' beloved dog, Emma, soon leads Edward on a series of adventures as he helps animals in need—from rescuing a frightened cat stuck in a tree to solving a mystery that is making a herd of wild horses sick.
Along the way, Edward learns that his unusual gift is more than a superpower—it's a responsibility. By listening carefully to animals and understanding their needs, he makes a real difference in their lives while forming unforgettable friendships. Filled with humor, heart, and a deep love for animals, Edward's Superpower is a story about kindness, empathy, and discovering that sometimes the greatest heroes are those who simply listen. Copyright 2026, Mary De Groat. All rights reserved
Currently being pitched to become a feature-length film:
A BRIGHTER DAY
Love between a wealthy, determined young woman and a homeless man prevail over her family’s arrogance and pretension in New York City. Samantha, "Sunny", Day's story is a testament to the transformative power of love and compassion. Sunny’s decision to break away from the norms of her privileged upbringing is driven by her deep concern for others who are less fortunate. Early in her pursuit of a meaningful life, Sunny encounters Web Hitchcock, a homeless man with hopes, dreams, and despite his own troubled upbringing, a great capacity for love.
Copyright 2025, Mary De Groat
DANIEL'S SURPRISING ADVENTURES IN THE PARK
Available 9/30/2026 - Teacher approved!*
From the award-winning author of Beyond the Last Horizon comes a heartfelt and imaginative debut into children’s literature. In her newest work, the author introduces young readers to a vibrant miniature world hidden in plain sight — all sparked by a moment of serendipity in a neighborhood park.
Daniel’s Surprising Adventures in the Park is a delightful tale 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.
The author says, “While foundation of the story is about belonging, self-worth, and how diversity and kindness can transform and impact anyone's life. It was inspired by my grandson Daniel, who lives in Taipei with his Taiwanese mother, American father, and younger brother. I wanted to give him — and other children — a story that speaks to connection across cultures and differences.”
Set in the lush, everyday wonder of a neighborhood park, this debut children’s chapter book blends humor, adventure, and emotional depth, making it an ideal read for ages 6–9. Whether it’s Ladybug Betty panicking over a possibly missing spot or Stinkbug Bart wrestling with his self-image, young readers will find both laughs and life lessons in these charming pages.This marks the author’s first venture into children's literature, following the critical acclaim of her 2015 novel Beyond the Last Horizon. Copyright 2026, Mary De Groat. All rights reserved.
* I had the pleasure of having MaryDe Groat read her book, Daniel’s Surprising Adventures, to a third grade class for which I was doing a long term sub job. The class then illustrated the book using her author’s notes. The students were very engaged during the reading and clearly loved her book. It is a wonderful story about friendship and accepting differences in others. Their illustrations mirrored Mary’s very vivid descriptions and characterizations. The scientific information about each insect was also very interesting to the students. A great read aloud to promote kindness and empathy!
- Janine Wolcott, Educator, 2024
Sample cover. Not final.