About The Books

Thaddeus T. and Barnaby

Vantage Press; March 13, 2008

ISBN-10: 0533157951
ISBN-13: 978-0533157952

In Thaddeus T. and Barnaby, author Kent D. Walsh (“Uncle Kent”) once again delightfully delves into the special inner lives of the animal kingdom.
     This new adventure introduces readers to Thaddeus T., a tadpole who is not quite yet grown into a frog. After the disappearance of his father, Thaddeus T. is befriended by a wise and gentle old bullfrog named Barnaby, who helps educate Thaddeus T. as the two make the challenging journey across the pond.
     Their goal is to reach a secret fishing spot where they can go “fly-fishing.” But along the way, they run into a colorful cast of characters who make their journey as eventful as it can be! Filled with fantasy and humor, the story also contains important lessons every child should know, including minding your parents, helping others in need even if they are “different,” and the importance of making friends.
     With “Uncle Kent’s easy-to-read text and vividly descriptive illustrations, Thaddeus T. and Barnaby is another reason for parents and children to spend good quality reading time together.

Like most small towns, the homes in Lilliesville were built in all shapes and sizes. Some were made of floating logs, others were carved out of hollow stumps, but most were made up of large lily pads clustered together.

"I don't think we should go near that thing. It looks so much different than we do; maybe we should just go away and leave it alone."

Barnaby just shook his head as he explained to Thaddeus T., "It doesn't matter if it looks different than we do; it's still somebody who needs our help."

Just as they came around a large stump along the bank, they heard someone yell out, GET OUT OF MY YARD! They stopped, looked around, and then again they heard, "I said, GET OUT OF MY YARD!"

All of a sudden they saw him as he slid from a large log into the water and started to paddle toward them.

Thaddeus T. whipped his pole back just right, and smack, the flypaper snapped up and stuck to the bottom of the bug. Thaddeus T. began tugging on his line, pulling it in as fast as he could. He was so excited that he began wiggling up and down, yelling, "BUG ON! BUG ON!" And then, losing his balance he almost fell off his lily pad and into the murky water.

Dustin and a Mouse Named Cody in
"The Mouse That Stirred on the Night Before Christmas"

Vantage Press; March 28, 2007

ISBN-10: 053315555X
ISBN-13: 978-0533155552

Little Dustin Walsh was having a fun day playing on his parents’ floor. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, and certainly nothing gave any indication of the adventure he was about to enjoy.
      Then, all of a sudden, Dustin knocked Cody, a skinny, scrawny little mouse, out of his father’s reclining chair where Cody had been hiding. Well, imagine Dustin’s surprise at this turn of events! Add to that the fact that the little mouse, Cody, seemed so sad. What could be the matter? wondered Dustin. And what could he do about it?
     Dustin and a Mouse Named Cody in “The Mouse That Stirred on the Night Before Christmas,” by Kent D. Walsh (affectionately known as “Uncle Kent”), presents an up close and personal look at a very special friendship. Cody, you see, feels like a failure, and that is why he is so sad. He simply wants to do something to make his parents proud. When new friend Dustin springs into action to try to help Cody, the fun really begins.
     Complimented warmly by delightful illustrations, this charming story of helping one’s fellow mouse will provide quality reading time for parents and their children.

Oh, if only…if only I could do something great. Something that, well, something that would really make my parents proud of me. Something that would show all the mice in all the world that I am somebody. Somebody special!

All of a sudden there was this sparkle in the little mouse’s eyes.
“Would you really, Dustin? Would you really help me to become famous?”
“Why sure,” said Dustin.
“But how, Dustin, how?” Cody asked.
“Well, Cody,” Dustin explained, “the first thing we need to do is go out and find something great for you to do. Something that would be very special. In fact, so special that you would become famous.”

Days of walking, with frozen hands and feet from the freezing winter temperatures. Searching, searching, and more searching. Each day seemingly getting longer and longer. Yet Dustin and Cody trudged on, pledging to each other to continue until they could find something that would make Cody famous.

     As Dustin and Cody began tearing paper from the presents, they could hear Dustin’s dad reading the newspaper about an incredible little mouse…