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 Friend John

Meet John, a remarkable new student at The Huckleberry School. John’s life takes a heartwarming turn when he befriends a sweet little girl named Bella. Everything seems to be going smoothly for John, until a challenging situation resurfaces, shaking the foundations of his world.

In My Friend John, we are invited to witness a touching journey that explores not only the essence of friendship but also the profound qualities of kindness and leadership. This poignant tale serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience within us all and the transformative power of genuine connection.

“This is a book about acceptance, curiosity about others, and understanding. In this story of a boy named John, we see his classmate Bella tune into the humanity in his eyes, his sparkle, and then in his sadness. By telling the story through the burgeoning friendship between these two, the reader can feel what it is like to be vulnerable and shamed, to be cared about by another, and to be seen for all of who you are. My Friend John is a story of kindness, human connection, and overcoming one’s hurdles in the safe care of others, all parts of developing empathy.”

—Tovah P. Klein, Ph.D.; Bestselling author of Raising Resilience & How Toddlers Thrive

My Hollydog Rides in the Car

My Hollydog loves to go for a ride in the car. Come along with her for an adventure on the road!

My Home Is Me

A whimsical journey of self-discovery as the reader learns that home is not just a place, but a feeling that comes from deep within. The notion of home transcends physical boundaries and is about a sense of wholeness and sanctuary within oneself. Join our main character as she shares the many homes she experiences with family and friends, ultimately unfolding into the real meaning of home.

Awaken your sense of wonder and creativity with the turn of each page in this simple but brilliant truth. With enchanting illustrations, this charming tale will inspire readers of all ages. A heartwarming story that reminds us that no matter where we are, our true home is within.

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 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.

Nancy and the Christmas Story

Nancy experienced culture shock when she moved to a new city. The belief that Santa Claus existed confused her. And the reason people thought they celebrated Christmas was entirely different from what she knew.

However, her discovery of the difference between Santa Claus and Jesus Christ saved the world. 

Not Anymore

What would it take for a Grandpa to get upset with his adorable five-year-old granddaughter? Would waking him from a much-needed nap do it? How about accidentally breaking a valuable antique?

Not Anymore follows Becky and her Grandpa through a day in their life, describing the ups and downs of a mischievous but loving child who adores her Gramps, who adoringly and unconditionally loves her back.

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.

Omar's Artichoke

What possible good can come from a 16-inch square of dry dirt in a big grey city? It’s just concrete dust and city dirt surrounded by sidewalk.

What happened next when Grampa gave a rumpled bag with a wilted spiky plant to Omar took the five year old’s life in a new direction, sparking a new interest, a daily conversation. That 16-inch square garden became the center of his and his grampa’s life.

That summer they spent watching over the grey-green spiked artichoke plant in its impossibly improbable garden surrounded by sidewalk.

Who knew that almost magical changes could happen to that scrap of dirt and stringy plant with just a bit of help from a little boy and an elderly man.

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?

Pass the Note, the Lizard's Loose

It all happened one day when Jonathan brought his lizard to show the class. Miss Weston noticed a note was being passed around the room. She also noticed that the children were looking around at each other and down at the floor. Miss Weston stopped teaching multiplication facts and said, “Ok, let me see the note.” The student had written the note in pencil, “Pass the note, the lizard’s loose.”