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My Everyday Experiences
Benjamin & Honka’s Backyard Adventure follows a young boy who forms a sweet friendship with a woodland duck and learns important lessons about caring for animals. Where did the idea for this story come from?
The real-life inspiration behind the story came about when we moved into a house which was closer to the local creek. We would walk along the trails beside the creek just about every second day and notice there were a lot of ducks, birds, and other wildlife hanging around. I felt like I was in heaven, as I’m a huge nature & animal lover.
Every morning I would sit on the back porch eating my breakfast when one day I had a solo duck fly into the backyard, he was a very friendly duck and he used to follow me around the garden as I watered all my plants after a while I thought to myself that this duck wasn’t making any sound until one day I decided to feed the cute little guy and afterwards he would try to quack to thank me, but instead of a quack he’d let out a Honk, it was the cutest thing I’d ever heard, we soon became friends as he started to honk more and more while following me around so I decide that I would name him Honka. There were some days when I didn’t see him, and I was worried, but another time he brought a littler duck with him, which I named Baby. This is how the second book was created. So most of the story is some of my everyday experiences in the backyard/creek. I hope this has given you some insight into why I created the stories.
Honka has a lot of personality while still feeling like a real animal. How did you strike that balance?
Well, I simply just wrote about what I saw him do, like when he went swimming in the pond, he would dive under to search for food, he’d follow me around the backyard when I would attend to my plants, he would also tap on my back door window, which I found quite funny.
Do you see the story as mainly about friendship, or about helping children notice and respect the natural world around them?
I think a bit of both, as I feel that teaching children to respect and learn about wildlife, and while forming friendships through interaction.
If children remember one thing from Benjamin’s time with Honka, what do you hope it is?
I would hope that it would be Honka and Benjamin playing around in the pond together, but maybe more importantly, it would be about the lesson that Benjamin’s mom teaches him, the importance of feeding ducks the right food.
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Benjamin’s & Honka’s Backyard Adventure (Second Edition) is a heartwarming children’s picture book that celebrates kindness, curiosity, and the joy of connecting with wildlife.
When Benjamin hears an unexpected HONK! by the pond, he meets Honka – a little brown duck with a big personality and no duck friends to play with. What begins as a simple backyard encounter soon turns into a delightful adventure filled with puddle splashing, garden exploring, silly snacks, and moments that show how even the smallest friendships can make a big difference.
Perfect for young readers, this beautifully updated second edition features refined storytelling and refreshed illustrations, making the story even more engaging while preserving the warmth and charm families already love.
Designed to gently introduce children to the wonders of nature, this story encourages empathy, respect for animals, and the importance of caring for the world around us – all through a playful and relatable backyard setting.
Ideal for:
Children aged 4-8
Families who love nature-inspired stories
Young readers who enjoy animal friendships
Bedtime reading and early learning moments
Wether shared at bedtime or read together during the day, Benjamin’s & Honka’s Backyard Adventure (Second Edition) invites children and parents alike to slow down, look outside, and discover the magic that can be found right in their own backyard.
A gentle story.
A memorable duck.
A friendship that stays with you.
Benjamin & Honka’s Backyard Adventure: Second Edition
Benjamin & Honka’s Backyard Adventure is a gentle picture book about a six-year-old boy who discovers a woodland duck near the pond in his backyard and names him Honka because of his funny, husky call. What begins as a simple encounter turns into a sweet friendship, with Benjamin learning how to care for Honka properly, including the important lesson that bread isn’t good for ducks and healthier treats are a kinder choice. The story settles into a warm rhythm of pond play, small discoveries, and the quiet promise that ordinary days can hold real wonder.
I liked the tenderness of this book most. It has the feel of a memory a parent might tell at bedtime, soft around the edges and full of backyard magic. The writing is simple and direct, which suits the age group, and I appreciated that the story doesn’t force a big, dramatic lesson. Instead, it lets care and curiosity do the work. Benjamin’s sadness when Honka disappears for a day felt especially true to childhood, that quick little ache children feel when something they love suddenly isn’t where it should be.
The artwork gives the picture book much of its charm. The pond scenes are especially calming, with muted greens, golden light, soft water, and little details like butterflies, reeds, and garden plants that make the backyard feel alive. I also liked how Honka is drawn with personality rather than exaggerated cuteness. He feels like a real animal, a child might observe closely and come to love. There are a few places where the text could be smoother, and some phrasing feels a bit uneven, but the heart of the book comes through clearly. Its best idea is a lovely one: children can learn compassion not through lectures, but through paying attention.
I found Benjamin & Honka’s Backyard Adventure to be an affectionate children’s book with a sincere love for animals and nature. It has a comforting sweetness that stayed with me after I finished it. I’d recommend it for young children who enjoy animal stories, backyard exploration, and gentle books about kindness, especially for parents looking for a calm read-aloud with a little real-world care lesson tucked inside.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0GRTCML8T
Profound Learning Experience
Freckles is the sweet and heartwarming story about the unlikely friendship between a young girl and a duck decoy who spreads the message that being unique is something to be proud of. What was the inspiration for your story?
My inspiration stemmed from my daughter’s charming and unique, real relationship with a duck decoy she named “Freckles.” Since she was three, Freckles has been her constant companion, and their unusual friendship has touched the hearts of many, spreading joy wherever they go. It became clear to me that this story was worth telling from the moment they started interacting with others.
I dove into the project, dedicating countless hours to writing and exploring the publishing landscape. Thankfully, I connected with a publisher who resonated with my vision and a talented illustrator who brought my ideas to life on the pages. This journey has been a profound learning experience, filled with late nights to bring this tale to light.
I’m excited to share this uplifting tale about friendship, self-discovery, and the power of kindness. It’s a family-oriented book that chronicles Freckles’ adventures alongside my daughter and captures their special bond. I hope it brings joy to all who read it.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
The book is written simplistically but has some deep underlying and important messages for children, such as empathy and friendship, showing the importance of kindness, and reaching out to others. It also encourages imagination and creativity while fostering emotional growth and embracing one main, simple truth: it’s okay to be different. My goal was to allow children to learn some valuable lessons in a heartfelt, light, and meaningful way.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator?
Thank you! I wanted art for the book that was focused on being real and true to the story, so I set out on a journey to find the right illustrator to convey this tale with watercolor in the most vibrant way. The collaboration process was incredibly rewarding; I shared my vision and the essence of Freckles and my daughter’s adventures. The illustrator took the time to understand the emotions and nuances I wanted to capture, which resulted in an authentic representation of our story. Together, we explored various styles and color palettes, ensuring the art not only complemented the narrative but also engaged young readers. The exchange of ideas and feedback created a beautiful synergy, culminating in illustrations that truly brought our enchanting tale to life. Communication was absolutely key, and providing real-life images helped us get through all illustrated-related challenges!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
We aren’t sure what’s next for Mave and Freckles, but we know they have many more adventures ahead!
Author Links: GoodReads | Blue Balloon Books | Instagram | Amazon
Freckles is a captivating children’s story based on a true friendship between a little girl named Mave and her beloved duck decoy, Freckles. From the moment Mave pulls Freckles out of the box, it’s clear that he is no ordinary duck.
As Mave takes Freckles to school, the library, and around the community, he quickly becomes a source of comfort and happiness for everyone he meets. He starts to make an impact with his unique presence, fostering connections and encouraging kindness in a world filled with challenges.
Throughout their adventures, Freckles proves that being different is not only acceptable but something to be celebrated. He teaches those around him the importance of joy, compassion, and friendship. The story culminates in a powerful message: It’s okay to be different.
Freckles
Freckles is the sweet and heartwarming story of an unlikely friendship between a young girl named Mave and a duck decoy named Freckles. From the moment Freckles leaves behind his past as a hunting tool, his new life becomes a colorful journey of spreading joy, comfort, and kindness to everyone he meets. Mave brings him along everywhere, from school to the grocery store, and it quickly becomes clear that Freckles is no ordinary duck. He’s different in the best way, and he shows the world that different can be good. The story’s message is loud and clear: being unique is something to be proud of.
What I loved most about this book was how simple it was, yet how much it made me feel. The writing doesn’t try too hard. It doesn’t need to. It has a quiet rhythm to it, like a bedtime song whispered after a long day. The rhyming lines are playful without being sing-songy, and they carry a certain warmth. It felt personal, like the author was letting us peek into a real bond. That authenticity shines through. The fact that Freckles is a literal duck decoy, not a magical creature or a talking animal, makes the whole thing oddly touching. There’s a kind of grounded magic in that.
And the ideas behind it? They’re gentle but strong. The way the book handles being different. how it flips that word into something empowering, really stuck with me. Kids don’t always get to hear that message in a way that feels natural. But here, it works. Freckles helps people, not by doing big things, but by just being there. That message of everyday kindness, of quiet impact, was something I enjoyed. The illustrations add to that, too, bright and friendly and full of little touches that make each page worth a second look. The watercolor artwork is bursting with life and detail and will easily capture a child’s attention.
I’d say Freckles is a lovely read for kids ages 3 to 8, or anyone who needs a reminder that being different isn’t just okay, it’s something to be celebrated. It’s perfect for bedtime reading or classroom discussions about kindness and empathy. If you’re looking for a book that’s simple, sincere, and full of heart, this little duck might just be your next favorite friend.
Pages: 22 | ASIN : B0F8YQXP1K
