New · Book 2
The Grumble-Gator’s Bravest Choice
Barnaby was picked on too, once. A gentle story about where hurt comes from, and the brave choice that can stop it. Ages 3–8.
Or buy direct: Paperback (2–3 weeks to ship)
Welcome to JCT Creations
Gentle picture books about kindness, courage, and family
Hi, I’m Cory Tarwater. I write stories made to be read out loud together. Some are about a grumpy gator and a brave little turtle. One is about my own grandparents. All of them are about the small, kind choices that change everything.
My Books
New · Book 2
Book 1
The Grumble-Gator’s Greatest Raft
A gentle turtle, a grumpy gator, and the kind word that turns a bully into a friend. A read-aloud about second chances. Ages 3–8.
Or buy direct: Paperback · Hardback
▶ Watch the trailer · Stores worldwide
Hardcover
Under the Same Sky
The true love story of my grandparents, Roy and Mary Rucker. A boy, a girl, and a bicycle under the wide Arizona sky. A family picture book.
A little look at the story
Why families love it
Story time with a big little heart
These aren’t just cute stories. They give kids the words and the courage to choose kindness, even when it’s hard. Parents, grandparents, teachers, and homeschool families use them for bedtime, circle time, and social-emotional learning (SEL).
Kindness over conflict
Toby chooses a kind word instead of hitting back. A gentle way to talk about bullies and big feelings.
The cycle can stop
In Book 2, Barnaby learns that hurt doesn’t have to be passed on. Everyone gets a chance to choose kind.
Made for reading together
Warm language and beautiful pictures make every book a joy to share, from the pond stories to a true family love story.
For teachers & librarians
Free classroom kindness resources
An SEL and anti-bullying read-aloud for ages 3–8 — with a free educator kit, a read-aloud discussion guide, kindness printables, and author story-time visits, all ready for your classroom or library.
What readers are saying
Loved at bedtime and in the classroom
“A charming children’s story with a wonderful message about kindness, friendship, and second chances.”
“Gentle, funny, and heartwarming — perfect for ages 3–7 and classrooms.”
“…showing how inclusion can dissolve aggression faster than retaliation ever could.”
“A fist can break a branch, but a kind word can plant a forest.”— from The Grumble-Gator's Greatest Raft
Peek inside
Step into Sunny-Stream Pond
Every page is painted in the golden light of the pond Toby and Barnaby call home.
A little gift for visiting
Free Sunny-Stream coloring pages
Thanks for stopping by the pond. Here’s a coloring book to print at home — six pages of Toby, Barnaby, and their friends, all ready for crayons. No sign-up, no catch. It’s yours.
Prints on regular paper · ages 3–8 · 6 pages
Join the Sunny-Stream story circle
Join the Story Circle and get the free Story-Time Kit — every kindness printable in one download. New printables and pond news land in your inbox first. No spam — just good stories.
🎁 Join by November 13 and you’re entered to win 1 of 3 signed copies! Details
We’ll only email about new books and story-time goodies.For grown-ups
From the Sunny-Stream blog
Gentle, practical ideas on kindness, big feelings, and handling bullies — for the parents and teachers reading along.
World Kindness Day · Nov 13
World Kindness Day Activities for Kids 3–8
Eight easy ideas for home or school, from kindness heart notes to a kindness jar, plus free printables and a read-aloud.
For parents & teachers
How to Choose Anti-Bullying Books for Kids 3–8
What makes a kindness book work, a quick checklist for the library, and five ways to read it so the lesson sticks.
Book list
Picture Books Where the Bully Becomes a Friend
Six gentle picture books for ages 3 to 8 where the bully changes and becomes a friend, plus questions to ask when you read them.
For parents
When Your Child Comes Home Sad About a Friend
Four gentle ways to help your little one when a friend has hurt their feelings, so they feel heard and learn to choose kindness.
Questions families ask
Good to know before story time
Who is Cory Tarwater?
I’m a children’s author from Utah. I write picture books. So far there are three: The Grumble-Gator’s Greatest Raft, The Grumble-Gator’s Bravest Choice, and Under the Same Sky. The stories come from my own growing-up years, and from one simple belief. Kindness changes people.
What makes this anti-bullying book different?
Most bully stories end with the bully losing. Not this one. Toby doesn’t hit back. He offers a kind word and an invite to build a raft together. Barnaby changes. Kids see that people can grow, and that their kindness can be the reason.
Are the printables really free?
Yes. Every coloring page, bookmark, and activity on the printables page downloads free. No sign-up. Want them all at once? Join the Story Circle and I’ll send you the Story-Time Kit, every printable in one download.
How do I read it with my child?
Slow down and let them talk. The free Family Reading Guide helps. It has read-aloud tips, six pause-and-talk moments, conversation starters by age, and three at-home activities.
Can Cory visit my classroom or library?
Yes. I do author story-time visits for classrooms and libraries. Teachers can also grab the free educator kit and discussion guide on the For Educators page. Or reach me on the contact page.
Where can I buy the books?
Both Grumble-Gator books are on Amazon. You can also buy them direct from me, printed to order. Under the Same Sky is a hardcover you can order on its page. Outside the US? The where-to-buy page finds a store near you.
Which book should I start with?
For the pond stories, start with The Grumble-Gator’s Greatest Raft, then read Book 2. Under the Same Sky stands on its own. It’s a sweet one to share with grandparents. See them all on the Bookshelf.