Kindness is strength
Toby shows that responding to meanness with a kind word takes real courage — and works.
Picture book · Ages 3–8
The Grumble-Gator's Greatest Raft
A Tale of Toby, Barnaby, and the Sunny-Stream Pond
★★★★★
At the shimmering center of Sunny-Stream Pond lives Toby, a kind young turtle. At its shadowy edge lives Barnaby, a Grumble-Gator with a splashy tail and a grumpy heart. When Barnaby’s teasing goes too far, Toby remembers his father’s words — and chooses a kind word over a hard shell. What happens next turns an enemy into the pond’s greatest raft-builder.
$15.99
Paperback
|
$5.99
eBook
- 📦 Available in paperback and eBook
- 🌐 More retailers coming soon
- ❤️ A gentle lesson in kindness & courage
The details
Book details
- Format
- Paperback
- Pages
- 26
- Reading age
- Ages 3–8
- Published
- June 26, 2026
- Language
- English
- Dimensions
- 8.5 × 8.5 in
- ISBN-13
- 979-8182359337
- Publisher
- JCT Creations
What your child will take away
Big lessons, gently told
People can grow
Barnaby isn’t a villain; he’s lonely. Children learn to look for the hurt behind the grump.
Friendship is built
Toby and Barnaby literally build something together — a warm picture of teamwork and belonging.
Praise for the book
What readers are saying
Real words from the parents, families, and readers who’ve shared the story.
“It was INCREDIBLE! Loved the story line, and the pictures are some of my favorite. Rowan said, ‘How did they paint these?!’ … It’s perfect — super cute, and a good lesson my daughter actually needed to hear this week.”
“A lovingly told tale, based on a true story from the author’s life. I read it to my nephews (6 and 9), and they really enjoyed it.”
“Great story and wonderful artwork. Can help many people who deal with being picked on — a positive approach some people could try.”
“This is such a cute book. My kids have loved it.”
“Educational and family-friendly… it stands out immediately.” — Jeff R., via Facebook
Questions parents ask
Frequently asked questions
What age group is it for?
It’s written for children ages 3–8 and shines as a read-aloud for preschool and early elementary.
What is the book about?
A kind turtle named Toby is bullied by Barnaby, a grumpy gator. Instead of hitting back, Toby offers kindness and invites him to build a raft — a gentle lesson in empathy, peaceful courage, and change.
How much is it and where can I buy it?
The paperback is $15.99 and the eBook is $5.99, available on Amazon. More retailers are on the way.
Is it part of a series?
Yes — it’s the first book set in Sunny-Stream Pond, with more Toby & Barnaby adventures planned.