Polly

Polly spent most days sitting alone, sadly looking at her reflection in the mirror. Countless lonely hours were spent trying to figure out why all the squirrels in the forest refused to accept her. In the mirror, she saw long curly eyelashes with huge eyes. Her fur was soft and silky with unusual highlights. It varied in color depending on how the sun beamed on it. The fur underneath her belly was as white as snow. Her tail was long, full, and bushy. As she continued to observe her reflection in the mirror, she became painfully aware of the striking differences between her and all the other squirrels. Just like all the other squirrels in the forest her mother had the same small black eyes, dull gray fur, and semi-short less bushy tail. Even her mother was baffled by her unusual features.

Polly’s plight will illustrate to you how children today will take any characteristic or any physical differences and find fault to make fun, taunt, tease, and sometimes brutally attack you. This can be the cause of low self-esteem, fearfulness, and sadness all because someone dislikes you because you are different. I remember growing up in a community where my peers taunted me about the tone of my skin. Unfortunately, rejection, snubbing, teasing, and taunting still exists in the form of bullying and it’s even more prevalent today.

As you read Polly’s story you will see how one little squirrel gained respect and friendship from her peers through her selflessness, bravery, and courage. Her peers will learn a valuable lesson in pre-judging as it pertains to someone because of their nationality, physical appearance, race, or ethnicity.

Pedro and the Red Eyeglasses

Pedro is a short-sighted green turtle who lives in Mexico. His world is turned around when a little girl in a tourist boat falls into the water and loses her eyeglasses. Down, down they go to the ocean floor, where Pedro finds them and his life is changed forever.

This is not just a story book but also introduces children to green turtles – where to find them, where they breed, how long they can stay underwater. Did you know they can rest for up to five hours at a time before coming up for breath. Could you do that?

Children learn about eye health and, if they need to visit an eye doctor, the many colored fun frames they can find at the clinic. The book also teaches kids how important it is to wear a life vest when they are in a boat. Don’t just sit on one!

Finally, they learn that the ocean is in danger and how they can help by picking up the trash that washed up onshore.

Peanut, the Guinea Pig

Peanut finds herself lost and all alone in a strange place as a result of her own actions. Completely separated from her beloved owner, will she ever find her way back home? She’s quirky and her adorable little personality will entertain and capture the hearts of readers. Follow Peanut on her journey as she tries to find her way back home and see what valuable lesson she learns in the process.

Peanut Learns to Share

Peanut is having so much fun while on vacation with her new swing she was recently surprised with, that is until a second surprise threatens to ruin everything.

Peanut is forced to face her fear of sharing.

Find out what the second surprise is and if Peanut is able to learn to share before it is too late.

Ooops!

Excited to own a brand-new pair of white sneakers, Turtle wondered if he should be careful with them. Will he able to run fast? Will he be able to jump high? Will his friends like them? Turtle just wants to test out and show his friends how special his new sneakers are!

Squirrel is busy climbing a tree, Rabbit is hopping around the carrot patch, Bee is buzzing through the garden, and Firefly is glowing his twinkling light.

Will Turtle get a chance to use his new sneakers? Will they be as good as he imagines them to be?

Olive Everything

Olive is a young girl who loves everything. She loves all her clothes and wears more than she needs. She loves all the things her mother makes for breakfast and asks for some of everything. Rather than making a choice, Olive says yes to this, yes to that, and nothing is left out. This becomes a problem when she starts school and is expected to wear one outfit, have one breakfast food, and there are so many other things she must choose. Choosing one thing over another feels like something is being lost, and Olive worries that she’ll never get a chance to have the things she didn’t choose. Her father helps her see that making choices is a privilege, not a loss.

My Two Ancestors

Pauline stands at the crossroads of two remarkable lineages, tracing her heritage back to the rich soils of Africa and the vast landscapes of North America. Her story is a vibrant tapestry woven from the histories of Native and African Americans, celebrating their unique confluence and shared legacy in America. We are the sum total of our ancestors, their experiences shaping our interests, beliefs, and identities.

With a deep appreciation for her cultural roots, both the joys and the struggles, Pauline embraces the full spectrum of her heritage. These dual lineages, with their distinct and interconnected histories, have taught her invaluable lessons about resilience, identity, and the complexity of the human spirit. In Pauline’s journey of self-discovery, she mirrors the multicultural essence of America itself: diverse, complex, and enriched by the convergence of different worlds.

My Janitor's Name is Ben

Have you ever noticed that no matter how much of a mess you make at school, there is always someone special that cleans it up?

From glue to glitter, from lunch tables to trash cans, every school has a special person that makes sure your school is as clean as possible.

Have you ever noticed what they look like? Have you ever noticed what they do for school every day? Have you ever wondered why those carefully placed crumbs disappear overnight?

My Big Cousin Mike

Did you ever have an iconic big brother, big sister, older cousin, or neighbourhood hero that everyone admired and wanted to be around? Someone who shielded you from bullies, wild animals, or even your own self-doubt? Someone who bolstered your confidence and made you feel like you belonged? If so, then you had your very own Big Cousin Mike. This series is a tribute to those remarkable individuals. It’s a heartfelt thank you for including us in your adventures, sporting trials, and games. Thank you for believing in us when we doubted ourselves and our abilities. Thank you for standing up for us against bullies, animals, and adults who may not have understood the right way to discipline.

These unsung heroes have helped many of us navigate the turbulent waters of childhood and adolescence. My Big Cousin Mike offers a nostalgic chance to reminisce about those times in our lives when we either had our own Mike or were the Mike to someone else. If you know someone who was there for you in the ways described, either in your youth or even now, take a moment to remember, acknowledge, and appreciate them. And if you were, or still are, that unsung hero, this series honors you. You are personally thanked here, and know that this series is in honor of you.

My Best Friend

Discover the essence of true friendship in the heartwarming tale, My Best Friend. In a world where connections are invaluable, this poignant story reminds us that everyone longs for a companion.

Amidst the myriad forms friendship can take – a neighbor, a schoolmate, even a beloved pet – have you found that one special bond? Within these pages, immerse yourself in the journey of finding a friend, a confidant, someone who remains by your side through thick and thin.

Sometimes, a best friend is invisible to others, a cherished presence only you can perceive. In this tender exploration of companionship, unlock the magical realm where unseen friendships are forged and cherished, demonstrating the profound impact a single, steadfast friend can have on our lives.

Mr. Higgins to the Rescue

In this delightful and insightful book, Mr. Higgins overhears that he is a ‘rescue dog,’ and he doesn’t know why he is. He discovers that nobody is perfect and that everyone has unique needs. But more importantly, Mr. Higgins realizes his purpose is to rescue and help others.

Also available:

A Home for Mr. Higgins
Mr. Higgins Takes a Stand

About Mr. Higgins:

In 2014, the authors David Preece and Jim Webber adopted a black Scottish terrier who was a shy, nervous, and somewhat suspicious mid-life rescue dog. “Mr. Higgins” (the fitting name he came to us with) gradually emerged from his shell and enjoyed his new life in his forever home. Still, on guard with most strangers, Mr. Higgins learned to return love while protecting his home and keeping his dads to their daily routines. Not a fan of pats on the head, “Higgins” prefers a light touch on his sides and burrowing into a safe space. He loves walks, other dogs, treats, and – as a born outfielder – plays fetch.

Mr. Higgins Takes a Stand

A loving family finally adopts Mr. Higgins. However, he still doubts his self-worth and lacks confidence in himself. But then, one day, Mr. Higgins has had enough and boldly rescues a friend from a pack of canine bullies. Mr. Higgins Takes a Stand deals with bullying, caring for others, and gaining self-confidence.

Also available:

A Home for Mr. Higgins

Mr. Higgins to the Rescue

About Mr. Higgins:

In 2014, the authors David Preece and Jim Webber adopted a black Scottish terrier who was a shy, nervous, and somewhat suspicious mid-life rescue dog. “Mr. Higgins” (the fitting name he came to us with) gradually emerged from his shell and enjoyed his new life in his forever home. Still, on guard with most strangers, Mr. Higgins learned to return love while protecting his home and keeping his dads to their daily routines. Not a fan of pats on the head, “Higgins” prefers a light touch on his sides and burrowing into a safe space. He loves walks, other dogs, treats, and – as a born outfielder – plays fetch.