Three years ago, following the deaths of his parents and uncles, Frank Rivas found himself in a deep depression. Rivas, a long-time custodian at Tulalip Elementary School, started missing work. His unhappiness became evident to others, but Rivas was not aware of his effect on others until a kindergarten teacher asked him to read a book to her class.

The book was "Mr. Grump."

"I asked myself if that was how everyone saw me, as a big old grumpy guy," said Rivas. "That made me start thinking about what really makes me happy. And I realized that being around the kids in school made me happy."

Rivas decided to start writing about his job, jotting down the tasks that contributed to the health and safety of the kids and to their learning environment. Before he knew it, he had written five books, one for each grade from kindergarten to 4th grade.

At about that same time, the department's manager, Joanne Limb, founded a voluntary advisory committee of ten custodians and Rivas joined the group.

"She saw what I was going through, and asked me to bring my book to the table," said Rivas. "We started with the kindergarten book and all of us went through it. Everyone in the group helped edit and contribute to the finished product."

After the manuscript was polished, reading specialist Heidi Johnson began to seek out grants to get the book printed. The Marysville Noon Rotary stepped up with a $4,000 contribution, and the project took off.

"The Happy Custodian" was unveiled recently to elementary students at several Marysville schools. On Friday, September 18, the entire custodial committee attended the first reading at Quil Ceda Elementary. The school's lead custodian, Becky Taylor, read the book while the pages and pictures were displayed on a projection screen.

The book describes some of the duties performed by the school custodians, and explains the importance of everyone working as a team. The colorful illustrations, created by Limb and Sue Holland, a custodian who works at the district service center, added to the simple but powerful message.

"The book is a great way for kids to learn the value of the contributions made by our custodians every day," said Limb. "We were thrilled when Frank stepped up to the plate, and the whole team demonstrated great collaboration during the project."

Rivas is excited to see his book in the hands of students and is anxious to find a way to publish his other works. He's been contacted by an agent who may be able to help with that.

"I just have to thank Joanne for giving me a venue of the committee to work on the book," said Rivas, "and the other members of the committee for their help in editing and their contributions. Heidi saw the potential and searched for grants, and the Rotary came through with the funds to make it a reality. I just can't thank everyone enough."

The Rotary grant paid for the printing of 200 books, and each kindergarten classroom will receive three copies of "The Happy Custodian."

Rivas is planning to work on a book about recycling with fellow custodian Matt Edgerton, the originator of a successful recycling and composting program--the "Green Team"--that started at Marysville Middle School and is being adopted by other schools in the district.

These days, Mr. Grump is nowhere to be seen. Frank Rivas is a smiling, kind-hearted man who loves his job and the kids with whom he spends his days.

Rivas flashed a big grin from under his green Dr. Seuss hat and said, "You just never know where life will take you."