The bookshelf

Cory’s Bookshelf

Gentle picture books about kindness, family, and the moments that make us who we are.

The Grumble-Gator's Greatest Raft cover
The Grumble-Gator's Bravest Choice cover — Barnaby and Toby on a raft at sunset
Under the Same Sky — Roy and Mary Rucker
Available now · Ages 3–8

The Grumble-Gator’s Greatest Raft

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Available now · Book 2

The Grumble-Gator’s Bravest Choice

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Available now · Hardcover

Under the Same Sky

Read about it →

Buy the hardcover

More stories are always brewing at Sunny-Stream Pond… 🌿

About the books

Every book on this shelf is written by Cory Tarwater, from his home in Utah. The stories are gentle. They’re made to be read out loud together — at bedtime, in the classroom, or curled up on a rainy afternoon.

Every book also comes with free extras for home and school — printable activities, coloring pages, and read-aloud tips — so the story keeps going long after the last page. Parents, grandparents, teachers, and homeschool families are all welcome to use them.

The Grumble-Gator’s Greatest Raft is the first Sunny-Stream Pond story. Toby the turtle is picked on by a grumpy alligator named Barnaby. Instead of hitting back, Toby chooses kindness. It’s a picture book for ages 3 to 8 about bullying, friendship, and second chances.

The Grumble-Gator’s Bravest Choice is Book 2, available now. One evening on the raft, Barnaby tells Toby he was once picked on too. It’s a story about where hurt comes from, and the brave, kind choice that can stop it.

Under the Same Sky is available now in hardcover. It’s the true love story of Roy and Mary Rucker, told as a heartfelt family picture book.

Want more from the pond? Grab the free printables, try the Family Reading Guide, or join the story circle to hear first when a new book lands on the shelf.