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There’s a Rhinoceros in My House
There’s a Rhinoceros in My House! is a playful picture book built around a wonderfully simple misunderstanding. A sleepy mom, stumbling through the house without her glasses, becomes convinced a rhinoceros has invaded the kitchen, only to discover that the supposed beast is really her husband, noisily making breakfast, flipping pancakes, vacuuming the rug, and clattering through the morning routine. The book turns that small domestic mix-up into a comic little adventure, then lands on a family-table ending that feels affectionate rather than merely punchline-driven.
What I liked most is how fully the book commits to its premise. It doesn’t overcomplicate anything. Instead, it trusts the delicious absurdity of a half-awake mind trying to make sense of thuds, crashes, and splashes. That trust pays off. The repeated rhythm of Mom blinking, squinting, and misreading the chaos gives the story a satisfying bounce, and the reveal works because the book has already made the rhinoceros feel real enough for a child to believe in it for a few pages. The humor is warm. The joke is rooted in family life, in the strange exaggerations that happen when we’re tired, annoyed, or not yet fully in the day.
I especially appreciated how the language leaves room for the wonderful illustrations to carry part of the joke. The book’s ideas are gentle and young readers will be able to recognize them. Every page is filled with colorful, lively artwork that gives the story its energy, with expressive scenes and playful visual details that make the household chaos feel funny, inviting, and easy for children to follow. I especially liked the character sketches at the end, which offer a fun glimpse into how the artwork was created. They add an extra layer of charm to the book, and I think children will love trying to draw the characters on their own. It’s a lovely touch that could easily inspire budding young artists.
I came away from this story smiling. It’s an easy book to imagine reading aloud, especially with relish for the sound effects and the slow, teasing build toward recognition. In the end, what stayed with me wasn’t just the joke of the rhinoceros, but the fondness underneath it, that sense of a family translating everyday racket into story. I’d recommend this picture book to young children who love silly visual misdirection, for families who enjoy read-alouds with a theatrical streak, and for anyone partial to picture books that turn ordinary mornings into something slightly magical.
Pages: 25 | ASIN : B0GNJ3CZ63
Woody Woodchuck: Adventure in the City
Woody Woodchuck lives with his mama in a small cabin, wrapped in quiet country beauty. He is a homebody at heart. The big city holds no appeal for him. One summer afternoon, curiosity gets the better of him when he notices a bakery truck stopped on the road, its driver busy changing a tire. Warm, tempting scents drift through the air, rich with memories of his mama’s wild berry and acorn pies. Woody gives in to temptation and hops inside. A sudden slam of the door changes everything. Trapped and frightened, he finds himself heading straight for the city.
Once there, Woody is completely out of his element. The noise, the crowds, and the unfamiliar sights overwhelm him. Fear replaces curiosity. The central question soon emerges: can a country woodchuck survive a bustling metropolis and find his way safely home?
Woody Woodchuck: Adventure in the City, by Steven Frank, is a children’s book aimed at readers roughly ages three to seven. The story echoes familiar themes found in films such as Babe: Pig in the City or Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco, though it remains firmly grounded in a gentler, younger framework.
Because of its intended audience, moments of danger never become intense. A barking dog gives chase, but the tension stays mild. The tone remains reassuring throughout. This approach makes the book especially suitable for children who are not yet ready for higher-stakes adventures. The illustrations stand out as a major strength. Bright, expressive, and full of detail, they expand the story and help hold a child’s attention, whether at bedtime or during a quiet afternoon indoors.
The idea of a character becoming lost and relying on others is familiar, yet effective. Woody meets a wise owl and other city dwellers who guide him along the way. Their help proves essential. Longtime fans will also appreciate the return of old friends introduced in the first book of the series, which adds continuity and warmth.
Frank demonstrates a clear understanding of pacing and structure for young readers. The book never overstays its welcome. The problem-and-solution arc is clean and satisfying. The underlying message about seeking help and trusting one’s community comes through naturally. Taken together, these elements give the story lasting appeal and position it as a likely favorite for both children and caregivers alike.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0FD7X2W6M
Many Types of Families
Pesky Penguins follows two adopted sisters who get whisked away by a magical beam of light to all sorts of places after they wish for different things. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Becky and Sonya’s adventures were originally written as short-story drafts with the intention of making a picture book series about the girls. I decided against that model after publishing The Dee Lanson Series, which is for middle-grade readers. I love writing chapter books! So, I tossed around the idea of combining the adventures into the fantasy novel now known as Pesky Penguins and went with it!
What was your inspiration for their characters’ interactions and backstories?
At first, I imagined Becky and Sonya as friends and neighbors, but I felt the story would have greater depth if they were sisters. Being one of three sisters, I know how important and strong the bonds can be. Also, there are many types of families, so I wanted to show that adopted siblings can have a strong connection even if they come from different backgrounds.
Family, responsibility, and helping others are virtues that are highlighted throughout the story. Why are these important to telling the story?
Becky and Sonya are presented with a challenge when the baby penguin follows them home. They feel sad for Petey because he is separated from his family. The strong bonds within their own family fuel their desire to return Petey to his, even though they would love to have him for a pet. They assume the role of caregiver while they figure out what to do. It is a great learning experience for them and for the reader also.
Will this novel be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
I would love for The Adventures of Becky and Sonya to become a series, but at the moment it is a stand-alone book. The future of The Adventures of Becky and Sonya is yet to be decided!
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Two adopted sisters, Becky and Sonya, get a big surprise when a beam of light transports them to Antarctica! They are surrounded by penguins as their adventure begins! When a baby penguin follows them home, they see just how fun and wacky life can be. Their attempts to get him back to his penguin family don’t go as expected; they never know where the light beam will take them next. Join Becky and Sonya on their exciting, magical journey!
Pesky Penguins is a heartwarming story of the importance of family, developing responsibility, and helping others.
Janice Laakko is the award-winning author of “Gloppy”, the first book in “The Dee Lanson Series”
Explore Life’s Adventures
Bunny and Fawn: The Midnight Creature Mystery follows three friends living in a new part of the woods who hear a strange sound in the dark, leading them to embark on a quest to discover its source. What was the inspiration for your story?
Bunny and Fawn are based on my two rescue dogs, Lulu and Pixie. I’ve drawn from their quirks, personalities, and even some of their funny habits to shape the characters and their adventures.
This second book picks up where the first one left off. After being separated during a storm, Bunny and Fawn find each other again with the help of their new friend, Bear. They decide to stay near Bear’s home by a pond, a perfect spot since swimming is one of their favorite activities.
As for the mysterious creature they meet later in the story, I won’t spoil the surprise, but the character was inspired by Pixie’s love of burrowing into blankets and making playful noises. This new addition will return in future books as part of the continuing story.
Much like my first book, I’ve woven in themes that children can relate to, but that also resonate with readers of all ages. Diversity is a central idea, shown through different species of animals sharing the forest and learning from each other as they explore life’s adventures.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
For all my books, I intentionally include themes that are applicable to children. In Bunny and Fawn: The Midnight Creature Mystery, several main themes include friendship, resilience, and discovery. All three themes are truly universal. Our lives are shaped by those around us. We seek guidance from those who have the experience, like Bunny in my first book, when Fawn taught her ways to be safe in the forest. Life is unpredictable, and we need to be ready for various opportunities and obstacles that come into our lives. I want readers to understand that it’s important to learn from experiences, be it good or bad, and that taking away those experiences makes us stronger. Also, specifically related to discovery, there’s so much to our world, and to simply ignore opportunities to meet someone new or experience a new adventure will only serve as a disservice.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Damien Hall?
I’ve worked with Damien on both books, and the process has been wonderful. I shared my manuscript along with a short description of what I pictured for each illustration, but I encouraged him to bring his own creativity to the art. The process usually went from sketches to final renderings, with my feedback at each stage. Many times, he suggested changes that ended up making the illustrations even better than I imagined. Collaborating with him was smooth and inspiring.
Will this story be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
Bunny and Fawn: The Midnight Creature is the second book in the Bunny and Fawn series. I’m currently writing the third book in the series, which will be revealed in January of next year, marking the start of the illustrations phase of the process. I have no plans to stop writing books in the Bunny and Fawn series.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Amazon
A Message From a Butterfly
Marty and the Dragon follows a little butterfly out enjoying a sunny day at the park, who ends up meeting a lonely dragon and teaching him about friendship and kindness. What was the inspiration for your story?
My inspiration was unique, in that one of my favorite songs talks about a crow chasing a butterfly. This made me think of the high contrast between the two entities. Since I am in SW Florida, I thought about “a hurricane and a butterfly”, but how would I give life to a hurricane. So, I then thought of a dragon. And seeing as how I am a huge advocate of anti-bullying, I thought that a children’s book using these two characters would be a nice contrast. This lead me to also write the other 6 stories, all giving easy teachable life lessons.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to help teach simple life lessons for young children. Sometimes, a message from a butterfly will make an impact better than that of elders.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The playground scene with the arrival of Drako, was alot of fun, even though at first it could be scary.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
There are 8 books in total, that have all been launched at the same time- 7 stories and 1 free coloring book. All of the stories are different and fun adventures with a fun life lesson. All of these stories will be available on Martysfantasticadventures.com, around July 15.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
What would you do if a giant dragon landed in your favorite park? Marty the butterfly loves adventures, making new friends, and having fun at the park. But one day, just as Marty enjoys the swings and slides, a dark shadow covers the sky. With a loud thud and a roar, a huge dragon named Drako appears, scaring all the animals! Drako isn’t like other dragons—he’s big, loud, and… lonely. He thinks being a bully is the only way to get noticed. But Marty isn’t scared. He’s brave enough to fly up to Drako and discover the reason behind the dragon’s roars. Can Marty help Drako find friends and show him that kindness is the greatest strength of all? Join Marty on this heartwarming adventure filled with bravery, friendship, and a little dragon-sized fun! Perfect for kids who love exciting stories with an important lesson about kindness and understanding.
Will Marty’s courage turn the dragon’s roar into a smile? Open the book to find out!
Marty and the Dragon
Marty and the Dragon is a bright and cheerful picture book about a bold little butterfly named Marty who sets out to enjoy a sunny day at the park and ends up changing a dragon’s life. At first, Marty simply wants to have fun, riding swings, watching bees, and enjoying the sunshine. But when a scary shadow appears and the animals panic, Marty shows his real courage. The shadow belongs to Drako, a misunderstood dragon who just wants friends but doesn’t know how to ask. With warmth and bravery, Marty talks to Drako, learns his story, and helps him become part of the group. What starts as a potential disaster turns into a heartwarming lesson in kindness, empathy, and the power of one small voice.
The writing is playful and sweet, full of rich imagery that paints the day in vivid color, which perfectly complements the accompanying artwork. The rhythm of the story has a gentle bounce to it, and the language is inviting, like a storyteller chatting directly with a child at bedtime. The part that really stood out, though, was how naturally it moved from silly fun to a deeper message. Marty doesn’t fight the dragon or run away—he talks.
The beginning lingers on the beauty of the day for quite a while before the real adventure kicks in. The rhyme at the end ties things up nicely. I loved how the book didn’t shy away from talking about things like loneliness, misunderstanding, and how being mean is sometimes just a mask for wanting to belong. There’s a lot of heart in this children’s book, more than some adult books, frankly.
Marty and the Dragon is a charming, feel-good story that’s perfect for young kids, especially those who might struggle with confidence or fitting in. It’s also a solid pick for parents or teachers who want to gently introduce themes like bullying, empathy, and making friends in a way that’s hopeful, not heavy. If you’re looking for something light and lovely with just enough depth to start a meaningful conversation, this one’s a winner.
Pages: 27 | ASIN : B0DWLTCNSX
Wonderment
Animals are Great is a playful, rhythmic children’s picture book, structured like a song, that invites young readers on an imaginative journey through the animal kingdom. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration started with a silly song that was interactive for children. We wanted to explore different parts of the voice by using animal sounds and thought it would be fun to have Animals Are Great as a book that kids could read and listen to at the same time.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
We are real-life musicians and teachers. Teaching kids voice and movement while pretending to be an animal is a great way to explore different parts of their voice.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
“Walking through the woods thinking all the time, animals are great, they really blow my mind. Some are furry, some are big, and some are kind of small, animals, oh animals, I like them all.” We love the silliness of this verse and the wonderment it creates.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
We are actually working on 2 more sing-along books — I Love That Train and No More Sugar. Also, we are excited to share that the audio track for Animals Are Great is available on Spotify, iTunes, etc. as a single. I Love That Train and No More Sugar song tracks will also be available when the books come out.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Amazon
Animals are Great
Animals are Great is a playful, rhythmic children’s picture book that invites young readers on an imaginative journey through the animal kingdom. Structured as a song, the book follows a simple repeating pattern: each spread introduces a different animal through short, catchy verses, with a recurring chorus that celebrates the wonder of animals in general. Whether it’s a wolf howling at the moon, a bird flying through the sky, or a monkey swinging through the trees, the animals come alive with a joyful voice and a sense of childlike curiosity. The story is peppered with gentle observations and ends on a high note of imagination, encouraging kids to think freely and dream big.
What I loved most about this book is how much fun it is to read aloud. The repetition, rhyme, and rhythm make it feel more like a song than a story, and that’s a huge win for group read-alouds or bedtime routines, especially when paired with the sing-along video on YouTube. The writing is cheerful and bouncy, and even though the words are simple, they convey a great deal of charm. It maintains a light and upbeat mood from start to finish.
The illustrations are bursting with color and energy. Each page features bright, cheerful animals that are irresistibly cute, with big, expressive eyes and playful poses that perfectly match the upbeat tone of the text. The vibrant backgrounds and friendly designs make the animals feel alive. Adding to the experience, the sing-along song available on YouTube is a fantastic bonus. It brings the book to life with music and movement, making it even more engaging for little ones who love to sing, dance, and explore the animal world in a fun and interactive way.
Animals are Great is a bright and joyful ode to the wild world around us. It’s ideal for very young children, especially those who love animals, singing, or imaginative play. Parents, teachers, and caregivers seeking a lively book to read aloud will find this a welcome addition to their collection.
Pages: 24 | ASIN : B0DKT8CDDC
