"Bubby's Puddle Pond: A Tortuga's Tale of the Desert" by Carol Hageman!

"Children who learn how to rely on friends and themselves when they are young grow up to be happier adults. Bubby's Puddle Pond tells how Bubby, a tortoise in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, moves outside his solitary shoebox into an unfamiliar world, making friends who band together for safety, comfort and companionship. Along the way, Bubby realizes that just as he can trust his friends, he can trust himself, too. First-time author Carol Hageman, draws on her own experience with wildlife and with second-graders, who she tutored in reading and helped them create their own books as a school volunteer."

"Bubbly's Puddle Pond is much more than a children's book. It is also a reference, an educational curriculum, and a resource that creatively encourages children and adults to explore their curiosity about desert tortoises and the natural world." --Mike Demlong, Wildlife Education Program Manager, Arizona Game and Fish Department

"Young readers will enjoy this charming tale of friendship as Bubby, the desert tortoise, settles into life in his new home. A variety of native southwestern desert animals join Bubby in the cycle of desert seasons. Readers are introduced to vocabulary related to desert animals and their habitat. The author and illustrator reinforce the vibrancy of the Sonoran Desert with a warm, caring, delightful story of friendship in an Arizona backyard". --Martha Takacs, M. Ed., National Board Certified Teacher

Bubby's adventures with his friends are the perfect introduction to desert animals for curious young minds. This book is entertaining and educational, encouraging young readers to take a closer look at the nature in their own backyards. I'll be reading it to my desert box turtle more than once! --Dr. Teagan Wall, PhD, Neuroscientist and Television Writer

Carol Hageman:     https://ninastorybooks.com

"This is a wonderful book about a desert tortoise. The book tells of making friends and the hibernation of the tortoise in the winter months. There is also some educational information at the end of the book, so great for the classroom. I bought 2 copies, one for my great nephew, who loves the story and wants it read to him daily. The other book I share with people as I believe its a great story for everyone to purchase."

"This is such an enjoyable story, for both children and their adult readers! If you want to understand more about animals native to the southwest , there is much to learn well beyond the desert tortoise. The relationships that developed between Bubby and his friends were adorable and can help children understand how friendships can form spontaneously. I look forward to reading the author's next book!"

"What a charming story about Bubby and his friends. I live in Arizona and the desert tortoise is so precious to us. I really like the way the author, Carol Hageman, tells a delightful story and educates us at the same time about tortoise handling and adoption. Wonderful book for any child reader and any families considering adopting a tortoise."

"Very good book to determine what it takes to own and enjoy a turtle. There are important sources for parents and teachers to futher check into for turtle rescue in the back of the book. Children will enjoy the story of friendship and find humor in the friends’ adventure. The illustrations are beautiful."

About Carol Hageman:
"Wildlife always fascinated Carol Hageman. She grew up playing outdoors and doing chores on the family farm in Vincennes, IN, an area rich in flora and fauna. Also as an adult in Henderson, KY, she became interested in birds, for it was home to John James Audubon in his young career. When Carol decided to write the story of a tortoise in Bubby's Puddle Pond: A Tortuga's Tale of the Desert, she drew on some of the real-life behaviors she had witnessed. She wanted to pass along her lifelong curiosity and enthusiasm to today's young readers - many of whom may never have seen an animal in the wild. "I realize now how special it was to be raised on a farm. It gave me a greater appreciation and love of nature that I hope other children can experience," she said.

Hageman learned floral design early on while living in Indiana and later opened a florist shop in Henderson, KY. After the birth of her daughter, Erin - whom the book's main character is named after - she sold the shop and moved to Phoenix, AZ. She became a volunteer to a teacher at Erin's school, tutoring second-graders in reading and then helping them write their own "first" books.

Now living in Tempe, Arizona, with husband Bernie, Carol decided it was time to write Bubby's Puddle Pond and complete a long-time dream. In her free time, she practices yoga, rides horses and is a Master Gardener."