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Protect the Most Vulnerable
A Strange Sound follows a toad who works as a berry delivery driver, who is perplexed by the mysterious noises she hears along her route and is pleasantly surprised to discover their source. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration comes from a deep desire to nurture a love of animals in young readers. I want children to be curious, thoughtful, and compassionate. Of course, my dog, Mazzy, was my greatest muse. I adore her completely. She gives me so much warmth and saves me emotionally every single day. I wanted to share this deep connection through a spirited story, helping children discover these feelings in a fun way.
Was Mazzy the puppy part of the original concept, or did the story evolve toward adoption as you wrote it?
Mazzy was the heart of the concept from the very beginning. She is a real-life companion whom I rescued from a dangerous situation in another country. In fact, she traveled a long way, by truck, before we met. The story is a tribute to her presence in my life.
What do you hope children learn about care and responsibility from Terry’s decision?
I hope children learn not to close their hearts to those who need help. It is important to protect the most vulnerable creatures in our world. Responsibility means recognizing when another living being depends on us and choosing to act with kindness, even when it requires patience, strength, and effort. Terry’s kindness brings a loving puppy into her life, but her decision matters most because she offered help when it was needed, without knowing what would come of it.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book is titled Little Differences, the first part of a two-book series. It uses funny rhymes and brilliant art by Dainius Sukys to explain the differences between animals that are often confused with one another. For example, children will learn how to tell a hare from a rabbit or a toad from a frog. Many adults who have seen the previews told me that they themselves just learned how to tell these apart. So much fun! We plan to launch it just in time for Christmas or sooner.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Free Activity Pack | Instagram | Amazon
It opens gentle conversations about kindness and discovery where you least expect it.
Terry the Toad is driving through a beautiful landscape when something unusual breaks the quiet. First, a great roaring sound. Then, much softer, a sweet and curious sound from somewhere deep inside her truck.
Another driver might have hurried on. Terry stops. She listens. She looks. What she finds in that still, unhurried moment brings a warmth that lingers long after the final page.
For parents, this is a thoughtful gift that creates a space for quiet sharing. For children, hearing these rhythmic words feels like a comforting embrace. Through its lilting rhyme and Terry’s observant choices, the book builds real emotional vocabulary without ever feeling like a lesson. Each repeated phrase and turned page guides little readers toward kindness and an unexpected visitor.
Open this gentle story today and let curiosity lead you both home.
A Strange Sound
A Strange Sound, by Olive Green, follows Terry the toad, a berry delivery driver who keeps hearing mysterious noises along her route: howls, whistles, snores, strange little word-sounds, and finally a roar. Each time she stops to investigate, the world around her seems full of possibilities, but no clear answer. The surprise, tucked among the berries in her trailer, is a small black puppy who has been riding along unnoticed. What begins as a playful sound-hunt turns into a gentle adoption story, with Terry naming the puppy Mazzy and realizing, almost at once, that she’s found someone to love.
The writing is sweet in a way that feels deliberately old-fashioned, with its rhymes, repeated phrases, and musical animal sounds. Some lines have a bouncy, bedtime-story charm, especially when Terry keeps deciding the noise “must be the wind,” even as the reader can feel something tender building underneath. I appreciated that the mystery never becomes too tense. Even the “scary” roar is softened by the warmth of Terry’s curiosity and concern.
The heart of this children’s book is its idea of unexpected belonging, and that’s what stayed with me most. Terry doesn’t need much explanation before her compassion takes over. She sees a little creature who is alone, small, and afraid, and her response is immediate and deeply emotional. That moment could have felt too sudden, but the artwork helps make it believable. Dainius Šukys fills the pages with odd, funny, lavish details: animals on scooters, clocks hanging from trees, a bear dodging bees, enormous berries, dreamy hills, and skies that shift from stormy drama to soft nighttime blue. The illustrations invite lingering. My child would absolutely stop me mid-page to point things out.
A Strange Sound is a tender, whimsical picture book with a big emotional center hiding inside a silly little mystery. I liked it most for its tenderness, its cozy strangeness, and the way it turns noise into connection. It is a lovely choice for children who enjoy animal stories, gentle suspense, rhyming read-alouds, and books about adoption, caregiving, or finding family in unexpected places.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0GMS1RRZJ
Awe and Tenderness
Who Are We, Really? follows three inseparable tadpole friends who go on an adventure to figure out who they are meant to be and learn an important lesson in the process. What was the inspiration for your story?
As a mother, watching my little one grow, explore, and dream inspired me to write this story. One moment in particular sparked the idea for this book. I was walking with my son along a trail here in New England when we came upon a small pond filled with tadpoles. My son immediately scooped up a few into his hands. His eyes opened wide with wonder. It was the first time he had ever held tadpoles, and watching him study them so carefully, with such awe and tenderness, was pure magic. I knew then that I wanted to capture a part of that beautiful moment — to preserve the innocence, curiosity, and joy that childhood brings.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
One important educational aspect I wanted to explore in this story is self-discovery. While we all grow and change, who we are goes far beyond our appearance. It is our actions, choices, and character that truly define us. Another educational aspect that I also wanted to explore is creative thinking. Children learn through play, exploration, and imagination. Imaginative play is a vital part of childhood, helping them grow, make sense of the world around them, and discover more about themselves. In Who Are We, Really, the tadpoles imagine themselves as sharks, turtles, and dragonflies. This encourages children to play with different possibilities and outcomes and explore different perspectives.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The scene where the three friends discover they have become frogs. Joey, the most stubborn and spirited of the trio, continues to believe they are dragonflies, even though his reflection in the water reveals the truth. In that moment, I wanted to capture a simple yet powerful idea — that who we are comes from within. It isn’t our appearance that defines us, but our feelings, our choices, actions, and the kindness we carry inside.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
I am currently illustrating my fourth book, and I started writing my fifth. It tells the story of a bear cub trying to make friends in a forest where all the animals fear him. At its heart, it is a gentle reminder about kindness, acceptance, and seeing beyond appearances.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram | Amazon
Who Are We, Really? is a heartwarming adventure with three tiny tadpoles―Polly, Molly, and Joey―on a BIG quest to figure out what (or who) they’re meant to be. Sharks? Turtles? Dragonflies? The sky’s the limit when you’ve got imagination!
Along the way, they meet wise creatures, swap wild ideas, and stumble onto a truth bigger than any dream: the best thing you can be….is yourself.
With vibrant, handmade watercolor collages and a story packed with heart, humor, and the power of believing in yourself, Who Are We, Really? is perfect for little dreamers ages 0–7—and anyone who’s ever dared to wonder who they might become.
Frog Butts and Toad Warts? Fascinating Frog Facts
If you’ve ever wondered what makes frogs and toads so fascinating, or if you just enjoy the idea of a book with “butts” in the title, Frog Butts and Toad Warts? is your new favorite read. Jessica Lee Anderson delivers a delightful mix of education and entertainment, all wrapped up in a visually stunning package, thanks to Bob Ferguson II’s vibrant photography. It’s the kind of book that makes learning irresistible.
From quirky facts about frog butts (yes, really!) to scientific tidbits about their adaptations, this book doesn’t just skim the surface it dives into the weird and wonderful world of amphibians. Anderson’s writing is clear, engaging, and friendly, making complex biological concepts easy to understand for readers of all ages.
Ferguson’s images capture everything from the details of a frog’s color to the warty textures of a toad’s skin. Every shot is crisp, colorful, and packed with personality just like the frogs themselves. This book could sit proudly on a coffee table, but it’s equally at home in a classroom or on a kid’s nightstand.
One of the standout features is how well Frog Butts and Toad Warts balances fun and education. Whether you’re a herpetology enthusiast or a parent trying to entertain a frog-obsessed child, this book has something for you. It’s a joy to read aloud, and the tidbits of knowledge sprinkled throughout are perfect for sparking conversations (or impressing your friends with random frog facts).
Frog Butts and Toad Warts? is a valuable teaching tool. It’s accessible enough for young kids to enjoy independently but packed with enough substance to captivate adults. It’s a perfect gift for animal lovers, budding scientists, or anyone who appreciates a good mix of weird, wild, and wonderful. And let’s be honest—how often do you get to say you’ve read a book with a chapter about frog butts?
Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0DP1HL3CZ
Moose and Frog Go for a Walk
Moose and Frog Go for a Walk is a charming children’s book that teaches kids the value of patience and the consequences of acting too quickly. Moose and Frog, two close friends who love spending time together, set out on a walk through the woods when Moose notices the changing colors of the leaves. They both eagerly pack their picnic baskets and head off, but Moose, in his excitement, rushes ahead without waiting for his friend. His haste lands him in trouble. He gets his foot stuck in a pile of rocks. Luckily, Frog is there to help him, reminding readers of the importance of friendship and teamwork.
Patience is a vital lesson for children, as it helps them manage frustration and approach situations calmly. It also encourages them to be considerate of others, taking the time to think before acting. Author Janice Hostetter delivers these themes through a delightful story that balances entertainment with valuable life lessons. The narrative flows smoothly, with characters that feel real and relatable despite their differences. The moral of the story is clear, and the resolution of the plot is quick. It is the perfect read to keep the attention of young readers.
Hostetter’s illustrations, which are bright and full of life, add a unique artistic touch that deepens the reader’s connection to the story. The large, expressive eyes of Moose and Frog are particularly captivating, adding warmth and charm to the characters.
Moose and Frog Go for a Walk is an engaging adventure that introduces children to important social skills in a fun and accessible way. Hostetter’s unique blend of storytelling and vibrant illustrations makes this a delightful picture book that is perfect for helping young readers understand patience, friendship, and the importance of thinking before acting.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0DB5QZ614
