Kindness over conflict
Toby chooses a kind word instead of hitting back — a gentle, powerful lesson in handling bullies and big feelings.
The kindness story where the bully becomes the hero
The Grumble-Gator's Greatest Raft
A gentle turtle. A grumpy gator. And the kind word that turns a bully into the pond's greatest hero. A read-aloud about second chances, for ages 3–8.
📖 Read the story · ▶ Watch the trailer
Printed to order — ships in ~5 business days.
Book One of
Sunny-Stream Pond
Sunny-Stream Pond
Coming soon · A new book
A new story from Cory
Under the Same Sky
The true love story of Roy & Mary Rucker
A boy, a girl, and a bicycle beneath the wide Arizona sky — the true story of Cory’s grandparents, told gently in their own voices to their grandchildren. “We fell in love at twelve years old.”
A little look at the story
October · National Bullying Prevention Month
A kinder pond, one kind word at a time
This October, share a story where the bully isn’t defeated — he becomes a friend. The Grumble-Gator’s Greatest Raft is a gentle anti-bullying read-aloud for classrooms and bedtimes, and our free kindness printables make it easy to keep the conversation going all month long.
Why families love it
A bedtime story with a big little heart
More than a cute animal tale — it gives children the words and courage to choose kindness, even when it's hard. A gentle anti-bullying picture book and read-aloud favorite for ages 3–8, loved by parents, teachers, and homeschoolers for social-emotional learning (SEL), empathy, and bullying prevention.
Everyone can change
Grumpy Barnaby learns that being big just means more room for friends. It's never too late to start again.
Made for reading aloud
Warm, rhythmic language and richly painted pond scenes make it a joy to share at bedtime or story time.
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.
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.
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.
Kindness & October
A 31-Day Kindness Challenge for October
One small act of kindness a day for all of October. A simple, free way to practice kindness with your kids this Bullying Prevention Month.
Questions families ask
Good to know before story time
Who is Cory Tarwater?
I’m a children’s author from Utah. I write and illustrate my own picture books. The Grumble-Gator’s Greatest Raft is my first one. 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 book?
On Amazon in paperback and Kindle. You can also buy the paperback or hardback direct from me. Those are printed to order and ship in about five business days. Outside the US? The where-to-buy page finds a store near you.
Is there another book coming?
Yes. Under the Same Sky is the true love story of my grandparents, Roy and Mary Rucker. You can sign up to hear when it’s ready.