Children's Book, Co-Written with Her Father
Live Like Grunt.
A story about a yellow lab who gave the Burdine family unconditional love and loyalty for about a dozen years. Grunt was his name, and love was his game.
The Story Behind the Story
Where the idea
came from.
Nikki was reading to her daughter, Andi, when she was inspired to write down some of her own childhood stories. Growing up, the Burdine family had a yellow lab named Grunt, a name her father, USMC Colonel Miles Burdine, chose because Marines are often called "grunts." They do the hard work, the dirty work, the groundwork.
Miles used to send his three daughters a daily "Thoughts by Grunt Dog" email, usually a photo of Grunt paired with a life lesson. Live Like Grunt is a collection of those thoughts, co-written by Nikki and her father and illustrated by Teresa Wilkerson.
Inside the Book
Lessons from a very good dog.
Grunt followed the Burdine girls, Nikki, Laura, and Alyce, wherever they went, and taught them more than they realized at the time.
Love Fiercely
A gentle lesson on loving loyally and unconditionally, told through Grunt's devotion to the family.
Stay Positive
Grunt's easygoing attitude becomes a model for facing hard days with a good mood and an open heart.
Do the Groundwork
Inspired by the Marine Corps meaning of "grunt," a lesson in showing up and doing the work without complaint.
Classroom readings of Live Like Grunt.
Nikki is available to visit classrooms across Nashville and Tennessee to read Live Like Grunt and talk with kids about kindness, positivity, and doing the hard work with a good attitude.
