Pondside Park

Step into the charming world of Pondside Park Stories, set in the idyllic expanse of Pondside Park, nestled in the heart of ‘Every Town USA.’ This beloved park is a hub of activity, where children converge after school for playtime and families unite for festive holiday gatherings. The surrounding community boasts a diverse array of residences, from single-family homes and apartments to a few condos.

The children of this town each have their own unique tales to tell, resonating with experiences that mirror our own. Meet characters like Anna with her extraordinary life, Francis grappling with his name, and Eddie, whose fun is dampened by rain. Discover Barack’s proud self-identity, and join Cari and Donna in their enduring friendship, among many others.

But the surprises of Pondside Park don’t end there. The local wildlife, including squirrels, goldfish, and ducks, not only share in similar challenges but also demonstrate remarkable problem-solving through reasoning, understanding, and acceptance. Delight in stories like ‘Sammy the Unhappy Duck,’ ‘Hazel and Harry’s New Home,’ and ‘Lisa and Louis’ Lesson in True Friendship.’ And don’t miss the intriguing tale of ‘The Trouble with Ginger,’ a companion dog.

Pondside Park is a collection brimming with heartwarming narratives, each as enjoyable and enlightening as the last.

Shugart: The Candy-Eating Dragon

Too much candy

Won’t be fun,

And the holiday season

Has just begun.

‘What to do with the excess?’

Grown-ups might ask.

This book has the answer:

(hint): A dragon’s up to the task!

“‘Twas the night before Halloween and all through the house,

a creature was stirring, but it wasn’t a mouse…”

The Wild Imaginings of Telma: Book 1

On the day the little elephant was born, the sun shone brightly, and birds sang in the trees. She was born on an elephant reserve, where many other elephants lived and were cared for by staff and volunteers from all over the world.

For a time, she stayed close to her mother, looking, listening, and taking in the world for the first time. Her mother, Uzuri, whose name means ‘beauty’ in Swahili, gently nudged her baby, encouraging her to stand. She tried but was unable.

She tipped over because she was born missing the lower half of her right leg and was small even for a newborn elephant. The staff at the reserve grew concerned and stepped in to help care for her. She did not have a name yet.

As the days passed, she was determined to survive. She ate as if she wanted to grow big and strong, always finishing her milk and searching for more. No matter how many times she fell, she never gave up trying to stand.

One day, a staff member at the reserve looked at her and said, ‘I will name you Telma.’ In Greek, Telma means ‘the will to overcome any obstacle,’ a name she would live up to. She was learning to walk, but she dreamed of running.

Mackenzie's Deer Trouble!

Where are displaced animals supposed to live? Because their natural habitats are disappearing, they are sharing our yards and parks more every day.

For the last several years, we have encountered wild animals in our yard on almost a daily basis. That made it necessary to learn how to interact with these animals. We have had individual deer, does with fawns, and little groups of five or six deer in our yard looking for food and water. They come all year long, no matter the season.

The deer are adorable, look harmless, and do not seem to fear humans. You can take photographs of them and enjoy watching their little ones at play. They seem to tolerate our presence if we do not get too close to them or try to touch them.

But, for the safety of our children, they need to understand the difference between a wild animal and a pet.

Señor Iguana’s Great Adventure

When Señor Iguana left behind his ordinary life in the jungle, he didn’t realize he and his newfound friend would encounter mystical and magical events and become the god of music and dance.

Little did Señor Iguana know that his adventures were just beginning.

We Always Have a Choice – Mean or Kind

Although this book is written from the point of view of a ten-year-old, it is meant to speak to the child that still lives inside each of us.

The part of the brain responsible for decision making and understanding consequences does not fully develop until around the age of twenty-five. This is one of the many reasons childhood is so important. Some of us are forced to grow up quickly depending on the circumstances in which we are raised, and once we reach adulthood, many of us begin to focus only on ourselves.

The problem is that when we become self-centered or exclusive, we make it difficult for others to receive what they need. But imagine a world where we shifted that focus. What if we all made the choice to be kind, even to those who seem unkind?

No one comes into the world mean. Most of the time, there is something behind the behaviour. What if we paused to learn more before jumping to conclusions? In my own life, I have often encountered people who seem difficult or unkind. I have learned to listen first and only respond when they are open to hearing me.

Because most of the time, their actions are not really about us. They are about something much deeper inside of them.

What if God Had Been Sleepy?

Have you ever wondered how our world might be, if God had been sleepy when He made you and me?

This whimsical picture book about the seven days of Creation is a fanciful tale for God’s littlest angels at bedtime or any time. Children will love the pictures and the rhymes. They can read along with mom or dad, or just relax and let their imagination run wild with the illustrations.

Experience God’s wonder and His love on every page. And know that once this fanciful week of Creation begins, the smiles will never stop.

The Key

Memories unfold like scents carried on the wind—one breath of lilac, crisp bacon, coffee, or freshly toasted bread can transport us back in time.

For me, the scent of mothballs lingers strongest, forever tied to the narrow, enclosed staircase in my grandparents’ farmhouse. That dark passage, designed to keep the main floor warm, held the scent of stored goods, protected from tiny pests by the sharp odor of mothballs. It was a place of mystery, a gateway to adventure in a home that stood firm through the Great Depression and the harsh Dakotah winters.

Winters were so fierce that children, including my parents, were sent to stay with town families where school remained open. Meanwhile, my grandparents and other farmers kept their coal-heated homes running, waiting for the plows to carve paths through the deep snowdrifts.

Even in summer, the house carried its secrets. The coal cellar and hidden storage areas held the whispers of the past, each one an invitation to adventure.

The Squirrel and the Acorns

In this heartening Clarke Fable, your child will learn that courage reaps rewards. One little baby squirrel remains in the nest. As the story unfolds, the young squirrel must learn to overcome his fear of leaving the safety of his snug home. Will he have the courage? What might be his reward? Find out as you read this sweet tale. Be sure to look for the blue jay that appears on each page.

The Moon Fairy

Have you ever wondered about the magical world of fairies?

There are many different kinds, each with their own special job.

Among the most enchanting are the moon fairies, whose task is both mysterious and important: they must find the rare and beautiful moon flowers.

The Critter Collection

Have you ever been lost in a forest?Have you ever tried to speak, only for a squeak to come out?Were you ever the shortest in your class?Step inside and discover a collection of animal stories that might just make you laugh, cry, or both!These heart-warming and entertaining tales of everyday animals will keep you turning the pages, eager to see what happens next.I hope you enjoy each and every one of them!

Kit the Keystone

When Kit the tiny baby beaver is born, they soon discover that they are incredibly special. Kit is a keystone species, who can create spaces for other animals to live in and thrive.

But Kit’s peaceful life at Stillwater Pond takes a dramatic turn when Kit’s best friend, a Green Treefrog, discovers an invasive plant species threatening to destroy all the plants of Stillwater Pond!

They must find a new home for all the creatures, but can little Kit brave the unknown for the good of all?

Join Kit and their best friend, Benny, on an epic keystone adventure that will change their lives forever.