Backyard Buddies' Badventures
Backyard Buddies:
Let the Badventures Begin!
DECEMBER 2022
Co-authors Gloria Lauris and Allan E. Carty along with illustrator Sarah Woronchak are pleased to share the semi-illustrated version of three middle grade children’s badventure stories in this novelette.
According to JJ’s mom, a blue jay, a badventure is a bad adventure that turns out good in the end. Usually.
“In life there is the plan, and then there is what happens,” said Chippy.
The stories follow the antics of Chippy, the sensible chipmunk and Dash the anxious red squirrel and their backyard animal friends and foes. The importance of community, harmony and friendship is explored in a humorous and suspenseful way.
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“The cover is very attractive and foreshadows fun and mystery. The illustrations definitely add to the book and the number of them is just right. The map of the garden works very well for reference along the way and the simplicity of the black and white drawings is perfect. I am curious to find out what badventures happen to these animals! A lovely read for kids and adults alike.”
Helen Rogers, Canadian Visual Artist in AB and ON
See interview about the book here
Invaders Make BAD Neighbours: A Backyard Buddies Badventure
APRIL 2024
Co-authors Gloria Lauris and Allan E. Carty along with illustrator Sarah Woronchak are pleased to present their semi-illustrated sequel to Let the Badventures Begin!, in a novella called Invaders Make BAD Neighbours.
Can a diverse group of northern backyard wild animal buddies led by an old, half-tailed chipmunk named Chippy help their new forest friends save their magnificent but dying Elder Tree?
While doing so, they must dodge jealous squirrels and crow clan vendettas. Will they save the ancient tree in time and survive themselves?
Above all, they will need to remember an important lesson from LBJ’s sparrow mother: “Tweet others the way you wish to be tweeted.”
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“CONGRATULATIONS on your magnificent new book! The page layout is well done, the illustrations are perfectly attuned to the story, and the extra touches like the cast of characters, map and glossary really raise it to a special status.
I found the book to be an incredibly accomplished story, so deeply skillful on so many levels…it was a total pleasure to be immersed in its creative world! It is a gem of a story and I feel like I have come to know the characters on a whole new level.”
E. Cloutier, Retired Family Therapist and Research Analyst, Ottawa, ON.
See review about the book here
TBA
Book 3 in the series Coming Spring 2025!
Books are available at:
Singing Pebble Bookstore (Ottawa)
Ritchie Feed and Seed (Ottawa)
Urban Nature Stores (Toronto/GTA)
Ottawa Public Library
Amazon
Events
November 20, 2024 – Scarborough Village Community Center, Holiday Market
December 7, 2024 – Birchmount Bluffs Neighborhood Center, Holiday Market
December 8, 2024 – Pickering Urban Nature Store, Book Signing
December 14, 2024 – Ritchie Feed and Seed, Author Reading and Book Signing
Knitted by a Miss Fluffy fan
