Transcript of Grandson surprises grandma by publishing children’s book she wrote decades ago

NBC News
02:19 1,328 views Published about 2 years ago
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00:00:00

For Barbara Rico and her grandson Chad Cooper, this new year is beyond belief. We're just barely into 2024. You guys have had quite a year already.

00:00:09

This has been insane.

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Total insanity. Hello.

00:00:13

I have a gift for you. Okay.

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That's because last month, Chad surprised Barbara with a gift more than 50 years in the making and posted her reaction on social media.

00:00:22

Got the present for me. What is it? Here, Moose.

00:00:26

What's in here? In that bag, a children's book based on an unpublished manuscript Barbara wrote way back in 1972. Barbara couldn't believe her eyes.

00:00:49

Oh, my God. This is probably the nicest thing anybody's ever done for me in my entire life. In my entire life. This is the nicest thing.

00:00:58

Can you explain what those tears were?

00:01:00

I couldn't believe that somebody would be that wonderful to me to do it, and he did. I adore him. I love him to death. When you make believe, you can be anything, but the little girl's so poor.

00:01:14

The book called More, More, More is based on an underprivileged little girl Barbara once knew who teaches other kids about gratitude. For decades, Barbara couldn't find a publisher. She'd told Chad all about it, and one day, he spotted her book file on her computer.

00:01:29

I had never published a book before or knew anything about the process or anything, but I learned it pretty quickly, and within two weeks, got it on Amazon.

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And now, More, More, More has become a number one best seller. Comments filled with love are now pouring in on mind from across the country. Oh, M-g. Yes, you made it, Grandma. To be seen and acknowledged for what we're passionate about is all anyone ever wants. Even, I'm a kindergarten teacher. This book will now be in my classroom library.

00:01:58

It's coming from their says it's all been a blessing. I feel like I've done something important in my life now, and all I want to do is just give everyone a hug. I mean this from the bottom of my heart.

00:02:10

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Episode description

Barbara Rieco's grandson gave her a life-changing gift, helping publish the children's book she wrote back in 1972. After a video ...