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More than a Story, an Adventure
Floo Flocky Doo to the Rescue follows a kindhearted girl who rescues a baby squirrel and decides to bring him everywhere she goes, until a chaotic grocery store escape teaches her that love sometimes means letting go. What inspired the character of Floo Flocky Doo and her adventurous spirit?
In 2000, our youngest daughter, Hunter—just four years old at the time—slipped on an apron to help her mother prepare dinner. With a proud smile, she carried a plate over and declared, “Miss Floo Flocky Doo is here to serve YOU!”
In that joyful moment, our family knew this delightful character had the heart of a children’s story. Inspired by Hunter’s imagination, Miss Floo Flocky Doo was born. Twenty-six years later, that spark has come to life in my debut picture book, Floo Flocky Doo to the Rescue!
Beneath the humor, the story touches on responsibility and letting go. How did you balance silliness with that quieter emotional lesson?
Beneath all the laughter and mischief, that quieter message really grew out of real life. The story may feel whimsical—with a runaway baby squirrel, blueberry footprints, and grocery store chaos—but at its heart, it’s about doing the right thing, even when it’s not the easiest or most fun choice.
I was very intentional about letting the humor lead the way, especially for young readers. Kids connect first through joy, rhythm, and surprise. Once they’re fully engaged—laughing, predicting what might happen next—that’s when the deeper message can gently settle in without feeling heavy or forced.
So the balance comes from layering—keeping the story light, musical, and fun on the surface, while allowing the emotional lesson to naturally reveal itself through the character’s choices. For me, the goal was never to teach the lesson outright, but to let children feel it—and maybe even talk about it afterward.
What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book?
A joyful burst of fun, smiles, and giggles! Kids will delight in the book’s whimsical rhymes and love joining in on the catchy, confidence-boosting refrain—“Hootie Hoo, I know what to do!”—as the main character faces each new challenge with imagination and heart. It also combines the musicality of classic rhyming books with a personal, grounded storytelling foundation, which gives it a warm and authentic feel.
If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours?
If you’re going to choose just one book to share with a child this week, make it Floo Flocky Doo to the Rescue—because it delivers exactly what kids (and parents) are looking for in a read-aloud experience: laughter, rhythm, heart, and a character they’ll want to visit again and again.
This isn’t just a story—it’s an interactive adventure. Kids quickly latch onto Floo’s playful catchphrase—“Hootie Hoo, I know what to do!”—and love jumping in to say it out loud. That kind of participation turns reading into a shared moment, not just a quiet activity.
It’s also packed with high-energy, laugh-out-loud fun. A mischievous baby squirrel on the loose, a chaotic grocery store chase, and a hummingbird with a clue create the kind of delightful mayhem that keeps kids fully engaged from start to finish.
But beneath the humor is something even more important: heart. The story gently weaves in themes of kindness, responsibility, problem-solving, and friendship—giving parents and educators something meaningful to feel good about and to discuss with their children / students.
And finally, Floo herself is unforgettable. She’s bold, imaginative, and full of joy—the kind of character children connect with instantly and want to follow into the next adventure.
If you want a book that makes kids laugh, invites them to participate, and leaves them smiling at the end…this is the one to bring home.
Will Floo and Lucky Lou return for more adventures?
Absolutely. In fact, we encourage young readers and adults to visit the book’s website, www.FlooFlockyDoo.com and vote for what adventure Floo Flocky Doo, should pursue in book number two!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
A runaway squirrel. A frantic chase. A hummingbird with a secret clue. And a brave little girl who knows just what to do!
Meet Miss Floo Flocky Doo—a brave, imaginative girl who loves helping others. When she discovers a tiny baby squirrel named Lucky Lou, she rescues him, loves him, and brings him everywhere she goes. But during a trip to the grocery store, Lou escapes and chaos breaks loose!
Kids will giggle as Lucky Lou jumps into a customer’s wig, races through the aisles, spreads blueberry jelly footprints, and hides in the fruit section. With the help of her hummingbird friend Peanut, Floo shouts her favorite magical phrase:“Hootie Hoo— I know what to do!”
This charming, rhyming picture book is filled with:A lovable, mischievous baby squirrel
A clue-finding hummingbird named Peanut
A brave girl who uses kindness and quick thinking
Silly, unforgettable grocery-store antics
Bright, delightful illustrations on every page
Already an international award-winning children’s picture book, Floo Flocky Doo to the Rescue, is perfect for bedtime stories, classroom read-alouds, and early readers who love funny animal adventures. Families will enjoy the heartwarming themes of caring, problem-solving, and the magic of friendship. Bring Miss Floo Flocky Doo along with YOU!
Floo Flocky Doo to the Rescue
Floo Flocky Doo to the Rescue is a buoyant and rhyme-driven picture book about a spirited little girl, Floo, who follows her hummingbird friend Peanut to a baby squirrel, rescues him, names him Lucky Lou, and then discovers that loving a creature doesn’t always mean bringing him everywhere. The story moves from cozy domestic play to mild chaos at the grocery store, where one sneeze sends Lou flying into Miss Nellie Faye’s hair and turns a simple errand into a comic chase through produce, jam, and aisles full of alarm. It’s a small adventure, but it has that enlarged picture-book feeling where every mishap becomes momentous, funny, and just a little breathless.
What I liked most was the book’s wholeheartedness. Floo’s voice is earnest and excited, and the writing understands the peculiar intensity of a child’s logic, especially that wonderful conviction that affection and improvisation can solve almost anything. I found the repeated “What should I do?” and “Hootie Hoo” refrains genuinely effective. They create a chant-like rhythm that feels made for reading aloud, and they give the story a playful musical spine. At the same time, the book’s emotional center is sweeter than it first appears. Under all the commotion, it’s really about care, attachment, and the moment a child realizes that good intentions aren’t always enough. That note of dawning responsibility gives the silliness a little weight.
I also think the illustrations deliver a great deal of the book’s charm. They have a soft watercolor brightness that suits the story’s gentle mischief, and they know when to lean into absurdity. The image of Lou tangled up with Miss Nellie Faye’s wig is the sort of visual joke that children will instantly seize on, but I was equally taken with the quieter scenes, like the baby squirrel tucked into a floppy shoe or Lou smugly sticky with blueberry jelly. Those details keep the book feeling fun.
Floo Flocky Doo to the Rescue is endearing and relatable. It’s funny, warm, slightly chaotic, and rooted in a real fondness for family lore, which gives it more heart than many breezier picture books manage. It believes in imagination, in little messes, in love that learns as it goes. I’d recommend it especially for children who like animals, repetition, and read-aloud stories with a lot of motion, and for adults who don’t mind a picture book being a little rambunctious as long as it has tenderness to spare. This is a lively and affectionate children’s book that shows its heart right on the page.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0GPPGLK1V
Peaches and the 19 Cobras
Peaches and the 19 Cobras tells the story of Peaches and Jake, two sweet rescue dogs who misunderstand COVID-19 as “19 cobras” and spend the pandemic doing everything they can to protect their mom. The book moves through their daily adventures from quarantine in Florida to summers in Maine. There are masks and costumes, funny misunderstandings, shiny Christmas trees, and a whole lot of love. The dogs tell the story in their own voices, so the whole thing feels warm and comforting.
As I read it, I kept catching myself smiling. The writing feels like someone chatting with me in their kitchen. It’s simple in a good way and full of genuine emotion. The idea of hearing the pandemic through the ears of two confused and devoted dogs was surprisingly emotional. It reminded me of how strange that time was and how pets kind of carried so many of us through it. Some moments even made my eyes sting a little because the mix of humor and fear from that year still sits in my chest. Seeing the dogs try to make sense of everything made the whole memory softer for me.
I also loved how the book leans into joy. There are photos everywhere, and they’re adorable. The stories jump from masks that never stay on to gigantic Christmas trees to lobster dinners in Maine. It felt chaotic in a charming way. Like watching someone you love tell a story while getting distracted every few sentences. I honestly laughed out loud when the dogs kept ditching their masks or when Peaches tried to look fierce with her tiny warrior stance. The whole thing just felt honest. Not polished in a stiff way. More like real life with all the messiness and sweetness mixed together.
Peaches and the 19 Cobras is great for kids who want a gentle way to understand a heavy moment in history and for adults who want a soft, funny reminder of how we made it through. Anyone who loves animals or who leaned on a pet during the pandemic will feel this one. It’s light and goofy and unexpectedly touching. I’d happily pass it along to families, teachers, grandparents, and anyone who just needs a picture book that feels kind.
Pages: 88 | ASIN : B0DDW3GM88
Who is “Not Me”?
Not Me! follows a little boy on his first day of school who learns an important lesson in responsibility when he is forced to take the blame for his own actions. Where did the idea for this book come from?
“Not Me” came from a situation that often happened to me as an early childhood educator for 39 years. Oftentimes when a child did something “accidentally” and I would see it happen, I would go over and ask “who did this”? The child didn’t want to admit their mistake, even though I had seen it, and would often reply “not me!” One day this happened 5 times before lunch. I was convinced we had someone in our class named “Not Me.” I held a class meeting with all the kindergartners sitting around me. I asked the children to stand when they heard their name and to stay standing. After everyone was standing, I added one more name, Not Me. The children glared at me and said, “we have no one in our class named Not Me.” I explained that it is important to admit our mistakes rather than blame others. I am not saying Not Me never got blamed again but instead wrote a humorous children’s book to illustrate to all of us how we can learn from our mistakes.
What is your favorite scene in Joshua’s story?
My favorite scene in the story is the last page, when Not Me leaves B.A. Friend Elementary. Joshua knows the importance of admitting his mistakes and doesn’t need to put the blame on Not Me. I often ask readers “where do you think Not Me” is going next? I listen to their priceless reactions but often conclude with “I hope he’s not going to your house/school.” I want the discussion to lead to the importance of taking responsibility for your actions. I also like the scene where Joshua and Not Me are talking in Mr. Fair’s (the principal’s) office. Not Me realizes he is not needed anymore and Joshua wants to learn from his mistakes.Things have calmed down once the principal enters the room and Joshua can admit all the things he has done wrong.
Where did you get the inspiration for Joshua’s traits and dialogue?
I loved writing the character descriptions, especially for Joshua. He is the oldest with twin younger sisters at home. He is the first child in his family to go to school and he is a people pleaser. Even though I don’t have twin siblings, I am the oldest and have always loved school and pleasing others. Joshua’s dialogue is based on my many conversations teaching kindergarten and first grade children. Most of the time, they love their teacher and want to please him/her. As I was writing Joshua’s dialogue, I felt the anguish of wanting to do everything right but making mistakes along the way. I wanted a book that let children know that making mistakes is part of growing up.
What do you hope young readers take away from Not Me?
I hope readers find “Not Me” to be humorous and that they can relate to at least one character. My illustrator, Carissa Harris, did a wonderful job bringing the story to life with Not Me’s dialog in a cartoon bubble. I think this distinguishes real from make believe. I hope my book provides discussion between the reader and those that love them, that we all make mistakes and what we learn from those mistakes is most important.
Author Links: Facebook | Instagram | Website
How would you handle a character like Not Me? Will he come to visit you next?
Not Me!
Not Me! by Deb Mortensen is a fun and meaningful children’s book about responsibility and honesty. The story follows Joshua, a young boy excited for his first day of school, but things don’t go quite as planned. A mischievous little character named Not Me appears on Joshua’s shoulder, whispering excuses and leading him to deny his mistakes. As Joshua’s day unravels, spilled milk, a runaway class hamster, and even a cafeteria mishap, he finds himself in deeper trouble. Eventually, he learns that blaming Not Me isn’t the answer, and taking ownership of his actions is the only way forward.
One of the best things about this book is how relatable it is. Every kid has been in Joshua’s shoes, messing up and wanting to dodge the blame. When he spills milk at breakfast and instinctively blurts out, “Not Me!,” I could almost hear the chorus of kids everywhere doing the same. The story captures that real moment of hesitation between telling the truth and avoiding trouble. Mortensen nails that internal conflict kids feel, making it an engaging and teachable story without ever being preachy.
The way Not Me! builds up Joshua’s frustration is hilarious and a little heartbreaking. Every time he tries to shake off Not Me, the troublemaker just digs in deeper. One of my favorite scenes is when Joshua, desperate to fit in, launches peas across the cafeteria and immediately hears Not Me blurt out the excuse. It’s a perfect moment of peer pressure, mischief, and regret all rolled into one. The humor keeps the story light, but there’s a clear emotional undercurrent that kids (and even adults) will recognize.
The turning point is what really makes this book special. When Joshua finally admits to everything, there’s no harsh punishment, no dramatic meltdown but a simple conversation with the principal and a realization that honesty feels better than hiding. That moment feels so genuine. When he tells Not Me to go away because he’s “not any fun,” it’s a small but powerful act of maturity. Instead of being lectured into honesty, Joshua arrives at it himself, making the lesson feel earned and real.
Not Me! is a fantastic read for kids who are just starting school or struggling with personal responsibility. The playful language and lively illustrations make it fun, while the underlying message about honesty sneaks in without feeling forced. Teachers, parents, and librarians will appreciate how it sparks conversations about accountability in a way kids actually understand. This is the kind of book that sticks with you and not just because of the charming story but because every kid will meet their own Not Me at some point. Hopefully, like Joshua, they’ll learn to send him packing.
Pages: 34 | ISBN : 978-1779441867
I’m THAT Cat
August E. Allen’s I’m THAT Cat is a charming collection of whimsical cat tales brought to life through enchanting rhyming poetry. This beautifully illustrated children’s book combines Allen’s artistic brilliance with a storytelling style that captivates young readers and their families. The poems introduce a delightful array of feline characters, each embarking on lighthearted adventures. Whether celebrating birthdays, dodging raindrops, or tackling the ever-dreaded bath, readers are whisked away on a fun and relatable journey.
Allen’s rhyming narration gives the book a lively and musical rhythm that makes it easy to follow and a joy to read aloud to younger audiences. The text has a whimsical flow that elevates the playful tone, ensuring every turn of the page is met with enthusiasm. What truly stands out to me is how Allen’s playful language captures the joy in everyday moments. From the simple pleasures of a cat’s life to the more special celebratory occasions.
The illustrations are vibrant and full of life and perfectly match the spirited verses. They enhance the storytelling and will hold the attention of young readers. These full-page artworks offer visual appeal, and they convey the emotions and personalities of the cats, sometimes without needing words at all. The mischievous expressions during bath time, for example, are particularly amusing and will undoubtedly make children laugh. The book’s ability to appeal to both children and adults is a testament to its versatility and charm. Allen’s mix of engaging poetry and delightful illustrations creates an experience that can be enjoyed time and time again.
The book offers a fresh dose of joy with every reading. Whether you’re a cat lover or simply appreciate a well-crafted children’s book, I’m THAT Cat is sure to win your heart and leave you smiling.
Pages: 26 | ASIN : B0DBL2G4MY
Engaging Content
Curious Chris – Why No Flamingos? follows a curious young boy and his parents who decide it is time to get a family pet. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for Curious Chris-Why No Flamingos? was our son Chris who was very curious. He used the word, “falingmo,” for the word flamingo, and I wanted to find a way to use it in a story. I incorporated the way we got our dog, Charlie, from our local pet shelter, and thus the story was born.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
As a former English teacher, I know how important it is to create engaging content, so young readers will want to read more. I want children to know that curiosity is encouraged, yet parents may need help sometimes. In addition, I want everyone to know that pet adoption is the best way for people to get a new pet. Finally, many times, children are not going to get their way, so I wanted to offer a story for young readers to see a child pivot when his/her dream isn’t available.
The collaboration with illustrator Sally Garland resulted in exceptional art in this book. How was the process managed, and what were some of the key factors that contributed to the successful outcome?
Sally Garland is an amazing illustrator, and she and I consulted prior to her illustrating my story. She wanted to create a scene where Chris dreamed of a perfect scenario of Chris and his falingmo which is how she created the swimming pool scene.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
As of right now, this is the only book and not a series, and I have not thought of a follow-up book as of right now. However, I will never say never.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
“Why is the sky blue? Why doesn’t the sun smoke if it’s so hot? Why can’t it rain cotton candy?”
His exhausted parents decide it’s time for a pet. For the first time, Chris has no questions to ask because he knows exactly the pet to choose. But when adoption day finally arrives, Chris needs to make a choice. Will he find his pet at the local animal shelter?
Curious Chris- Why No Flamingos?
Curious Chris – Why No Flamingos? by Cindy B. Witty, illustrated by Sally Garland, stands out as a particularly charming and insightful children’s book. The story, centered around Chris, a boy with an insatiable curiosity, captures the essence of a child’s imaginative world. Chris’s constant stream of questions, ranging from the mundane to the fantastical, not only entertains but also reflects a deep and relatable aspect of childhood.
The narrative’s strength lies in its portrayal of how Chris’s parents navigate his endless inquiries. They ingeniously propose a pet as a way to channel his curiosity, leading to Chris’s whimsical desire for a flamingo, or “falingmo” in his endearing mispronunciation. This choice is an imaginative yet grounded approach to dealing with a child’s boundless imagination. As the story unfolds, with the realization that a flamingo is an impractical pet, it takes a gentle turn towards dealing with disappointment and finding joy in unexpected outcomes.
The introduction of Angel, the sandy-colored Labrador, marks a significant shift in Chris’s journey. The gradual shift from disappointment to affection is handled with a deft touch, teaching an important lesson about adaptability and openness to new experiences. What truly elevates this book are Sally Garland’s illustrations. They do more than just accompany the text; they breathe life into Chris’s world, making the story more immersive and engaging for young readers. The combination of Witty’s storytelling and Garland’s visuals creates a captivating experience.
Curious Chris – Why No Flamingos? is a rich, multifaceted tale that delves into themes of curiosity, adaptability, and the joys of unexpected companionship. It is an excellent choice for children, offering both entertainment and valuable life lessons in a delightful package.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0CFW25HT3
