Book Collection
Explore rhyming stories inspired by the Arizona desert and the heart of every child.
The Bravest Javelina
The Hero No One Expected
The Bravest Javelina is a heartwarming rhyming children’s book set in the Arizona desert, this educational story follows Harold, a young javelina who struggles to fit in because of traits he cannot control, his poor eyesight, thick glasses, awkwardness, and even the strong smell javelinas are known for in real life.
Because he is different, Harold becomes the target of teasing, exclusion, and bullying, especially from Jake the rattlesnake. Harold begins to feel alone and starts doubting his own worth.
But beneath Harold’s insecurities is a kind, brave heart and one person who never stops believing in him: his mother. While others focus on Harold’s flaws, his mother reminds him that true character is measured by kindness, courage, and the way we treat others. Her unconditional love and encouragement give Harold the strength to keep going, even when the world around him makes him feel small.
When danger strikes in the desert, Harold is faced with a choice that changes everything. In the moment that matters most, the little javelina who was bullied and underestimated becomes the hero no one expected.
Through adventure, humor, friendship, and redemption,
The Bravest Javelina gently teaches children important lessons about:
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Bullying and the emotional impact of being treated differently
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Self-esteem and learning to believe in yourself
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The power of encouragement & unconditional love
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Looking beyond outward appearances
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Courage, compassion, and forgiveness
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Understanding that our differences can become our greatest strengths
Young readers also discover educational facts about Arizona desert wildlife and the real-life traits of javelinas and other desert animals. The Bravest Javelina has connected with families, schools, and children of all ages.
Great for ages 1-10
A Cowboy's Tale
Vulnerability Takes Courage
A Cowboy's Tale is the sequel to The Bravest Javelina and part of a desert learning series. The bully has a story too.
So, Gather 'round the campfire, lil' cowpokes — there's a tale to tell. Jake the rattlesnake was the meanest critter in the desert. He bullied poor Harold the javelina, hissed at every animal who crossed his path, and made the desert a scarier place to be. But underneath all that hissin' and rattlin', Jake was hidin' a hurt nobody could see — and a crush on Gail the quail he didn't dare admit.
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When Jake's friend Harold shows up to listen, Jake learns that the bravest thing in the world isn't scarin' folks or shoutin' the loudest. It's kindness. It's the courage to be vulnerable. It's the friendship that doesn't excuse cruelty, but doesn't write you off either. And when Gail's life suddenly hangs in the balance deep inside the haunted Vulture Mine, Jake gets the chance to become the hero he never thought he could be.
Told entirely in cowboy slang around a desert campfire by a friendly old timer, A Cowboy's Tale is a heartwarming, educational rhyming children's book about second chances, empathy, and the bravery it takes to be kind to someone who hasn't been kind to you.
Along the way, young readers learn fascinating facts about rattlesnakes and visit the real-life Vulture Mine ghost town outside Wickenburg, Arizona, a piece of real Western history woven into the story.
Book Two of the Desert series, the sequel to The Bravest Javelina. Beautifully illustrated and joyfully rhymed — built for storytime, classroom read-alouds, and the bedtime conversations every parent wants to have.
Great for ages 1-10
Never Forget
A Mother's Love
There is a moment every mother knows. The room is quiet, the baby is finally asleep, and the love is too big to hold. Never Forget — A Bedtime Story is a keepsake gift book built from that moment.
When Theresa Marie Baldwin's daughter was just six months old, Theresa wrote her a poem. She framed it and hung it above the crib, never imagining those simple words would become the most important part of their lives. As her daughter grew, she would climb into bed, reach her little arms toward her mother, and whisper, "Mommy, Never Forget." Every night, for years, Theresa read it to her.
Twenty-eight years later, Theresa is sharing the poem with the world.
Through soft watercolor illustrations of mothers and children from cultures across the globe — India, Africa, Asia, Mexico, the American Southwest, Scandinavia, and the Middle East — this gentle keepsake reminds every reader of a quiet, universal truth: no matter where a mother lives, no matter the language she sings, no matter the home she keeps, a mother's love remains the same.
Inside, readers will find:
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The original poem, Never Forget
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A Tribute to the Mothers of the World
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A Mother's Blessing
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Scripture promises for mothers and children
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A heartfelt letter to new mothers
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The story behind the poem
Perfect for new mothers, baby showers, Mother's Day, grandparents, christenings, and gift-givers looking for something meaningful to whisper over a sleeping child. Never Forget is the book mothers will read every night, and the one daughters will carry with them long after childhood has passed.
A portion of every purchase supports the MMA Youth Outreach program, helping local families through education and bullying prevention.
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