Humbert and the Bully Frog —A Timely New Children’s Book by Local Authors

In the Great Swamp, the peepers and frogs tell the tale about Humbert, a small frog who outwitted a bully.WHAT?! You don’t know about Humbert? Well, it all began on a warm summer’s night at the Swamp’s big Starry Night Dance Competition....

Daffodil Press is pleased to announce the release of a third collaborative effort by Carol Paterno (Pawling) and Doris Tomaselli (Brewster). The co-authors, known for their uplifting children’s stories and positive messages that make you giggle while you read, have tackled bullying with their trademark humor and sensitivity. The book draws you in with its delightful illustrations but then offers the reader so much more….

“We absolutely wanted this story to be thoughtful and appropriate while still being an entertaining, fun read,” said Ms. Paterno, “so we ran the manuscript by Jackie Muller LCSW-R, a local, licensed clinical social worker, to make sure it was suitable.”

Ms. Muller’s reaction: “I love how Humbert outsmarts the bully using his wits instead of brawn to avoid becoming a target. Humbert clearly demonstrates how to become ‘bully proof.’ Humbert’s story is a conversation starter for parents and their little ones.”

“When the story’s design/illustrations worked best at 24 pages,” said Ms. Tomaselli, the illustrator, “we decided to keep our usual 32-page format and add some extras to enhance the book.”

First, the duo asked Ms. Muller to create a short section with helpful hints on handling bullies geared for children. As the book is suitable for 2-10 year-olds, youngest readers can be read to, while independent readers can read this section for themselves. Bullying is personal and sometimes, a private read can help. Some of the topics include: How do you know if someone is bullying you? Why do bullies bully? Are you being bullied? Are you being a bully? How did Humbert handle the bully? How can you? Plus affirmations for children to respect themselves and know their strengths and awesomeness.

“Then we thought,” Ms. Tomaselli continued, “since Humbert is set in a swamp, why not make it the Great Swamp and use that as a ‘hopping off’ point to introduce young people to this invaluable—local—fresh water, environmental resource?” Ms. Paterno contacted FrOGS, the Friends of the Great Swamp, for their input and approval. This local non-profit organization protects and studies the Great Swamp and educates the public. Thus, the book’s third section was born: an introduction to the Great Swamp by Ms. Tomaselli with Judy Kelley-Moberg, FrOGS’ Educational Chairperson and retired Earth Science teacher. Meanwhile, Ms. Paterno sought out local photographers, who’ve captured extraordinary images of the Great Swamp, for their participation as well.

“The result,” Ms. Paterno said, “a book—and a group effort—that we are so very proud to share.”

The book—also suitable for classroom and counseling use—is available from Daffodil Press (daffodil-press.com) along with the duo’s previous children’s books: Slippery Soap! and Swan Pond; on Amazon; and locally at the Imperial Castle Toy Shop in Pawling, or by messaging Ms. Paterno through Daffodil Press’s FB page. “We’ve also donated a number of books to FrOGS to use in their fundraising,” said Ms. Paterno, “so you may choose to support their wonderful organization by purchasing the book from them (frogs-ny.org).

Carol Paterno is a music educator, singer, and writer. Doris Tomaselli is the author of several children’s books and two biographies, illustrator, and designer with her own graphics studio, Empress Creative, in Brewster.

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Submitted by Carmel, NY

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