Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always written funny, rhyming poems so, when I began reading picture books to my kids, I decided to give writing one a try. I now have seven published books (six are in rhyme). I love creating humorous, alliterative stanzas – I think that’s what makes rhyming picture books so much fun to read aloud! Here's an example from my book Cock-a-Doodle Oops: “I know that I’m quiet, but I’d like to try it. Here goes said a shy little sheep. / Her cock-a-doodle baaaa didn’t travel too faaaa. In fact, she made barely a peep.” I hope you enjoy reading the books I’ve listed and other humorous, rhyming picture books!


I wrote

Book cover of Cock-a-Doodle-Oops!

What is my book about?

Written in rollicking rhyme, Cock-a-Doodle Oops! is loaded with farmyard puns and wordplay. When Rooster leaves for a week at…

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of It's Only Stanley

Lori Degman Why did I love this book?

I love how Jon Agee uses a recurring pattern in the stanzas to tell the story. The rhymes and illustrations are super funny.

The best part is the subversive actions of Stanley (the family dog), unbeknownst to the family members and (in my case at least) the reader. And I loved the out-of-this-world ending!

By Jon Agee,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked It's Only Stanley as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, 6, 7, and 8.

What is this book about?

'The Wimbledons were sleeping. It was very, very late, When Wilma heard a spooky sound, Which made her sit up straight. "That's very odd," said Walter. "I don't recognize the tune..." "It's only Stanley," Walter said. "He's howling at the moon."' Whoever heard of a dog who can sing, cook and do DIY around the house? He makes a lot of noise and mess, but he's forgiven as does mend the TV. Not until the very end do we, or the hapless Wimbledon family, see just exactly what Stanley the dog has been planning all along!


Book cover of I Was Born a Baby

Lori Degman Why did I love this book?

I Was Born a Baby is my favorite Meg Fleming book – and that’s saying a lot! The rhyme and meter are wonderful! “I was born a baby. I was born a colt. / I was born a piglet. I’m a billy goat.”

The illustrations are so adorable and add to the humor! Not only will kids love listening to the rollicking rhyme, but they’ll also learn the names of animal babies! It’s the kind of book you love reading again and again and again! 

By Meg Fleming, Brandon James Scott (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked I Was Born a Baby as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Don't miss this irresistible read-aloud in the vein of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom-with catchy rhymes and bold, silly art about baby animals and the names they share!

I was born a baby and grew into a kid...

Soon all the other baby animals can't help but share what they are called and what they grew up into! Readers will learn about owlettes, pufflings, and more. But when the chick, calf, cub, and pup realize they share their names with several other species, they can't believe it. "No way! No how! That can't be true!" becomes a catchy, energetic refrain readers…


Book cover of Bathe the Cat

Lori Degman Why did I love this book?

This charming story follows a family frantically getting ready for Grandma’s visit.

To avoid getting bathed, the cat cleverly rearranges the magnetic, refrigerator letters listing the chores, leading to hysterical mix-ups: “Sarah, feed the floor. I’ll sweep the dishes. / Robbie, rock the rug. Dad will scrub those fishes.” The Rhymes are so fun, and the stylish illustrations add to the humor!

By Alice B. McGinty, David Roberts (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Bathe the Cat as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

Bathe the floor? Sweep the dishes? This riotous romp of a picture book follows a frantic family as they try to get some chores done-with no help from the family cat, who keeps scrambling the list of chores with hilarious effects. Get ready for a rollicking read-aloud with a truly purrfect ending.

It's cleaning day, but the family cat will do anything to avoid getting a bath. So instead of mopping the floor or feeding the fish, the family is soon busy rocking the rug, vacuuming the lawn, and sweeping the dishes. Bouncy rhyme carries the story headlong into the…


Book cover of The Three Ninja Pigs

Lori Degman Why did I love this book?

When asked to bring his favorite book to school, I had hoped my grandson would bring one of mine, but instead he brought Three Ninja Pigs because it was his favorite! The rhyme and meter are amazing, and it’s loaded with tons of ninja-related words to add extra depth! Dan Santat’s illustrations are fantastic!

By Corey Rosen Schwartz, Dan Santat (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Three Ninja Pigs as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, 6, 7, and 8.

What is this book about?

Practice makes perfect in this kick-butt fractured fairy tale.

Why does this wolf think he can come to town and blow all the houses down? These three little pigs just aren't going to take it from that bully anymore! The first starts aikido lessons—he'll make mincemeat out of that wolf! His brother learns a little jujitsu—he'll chop that guy to pieces!

But when the wolf actually appears, it turs out these two pigs aren't quite ready after all. Good thing their sister has been training every day to master some serious karate moves that save the day. KIYA!

Corey Rosen…


Book cover of Ollie and Claire

Lori Degman Why did I love this book?

I love the story of these best friends who, in trying to add something new to their lives, end up learning that the grass isn't always greener in someone else's yard!

The rhyme and meter are perfect, which makes it fun to read aloud, and the humor is subtle and sweet! Matthew Cordell's illustrations of Ollie and Claire are equally as sweet and matches the text perfectly!

By Tiffany Strelitz Haber, Matthew Cordell,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Ollie and Claire as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Explore my book 😀

Book cover of Cock-a-Doodle-Oops!

What is my book about?

Written in rollicking rhyme, Cock-a-Doodle Oops! is loaded with farmyard puns and wordplay. When Rooster leaves for a week at the beach, the other animals must pick up the slack and perform Rooster's cock-a-doodle duty - to wake Farmer McPeeper. The animals soon learn that McPeeper's a very deep sleeper and he sleeps the entire week. Rooster finally returns but he has a sore throat and can’t crow (the first surprise twist of the story), which leads to the hilarious twist ending that will have readers crowing with laughter. 2015 International Literacy's Book Award - Honor Book for Primary Fiction.

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The Peace Puppy: A Memoir of Caregiving and Canine Solace

By Susan Hartzler,

Book cover of The Peace Puppy: A Memoir of Caregiving and Canine Solace

Susan Hartzler Author Of The Peace Puppy: A Memoir of Caregiving and Canine Solace

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

I'm an accomplished author, award-winning writer, seasoned blogger, and savvy Public Relations Consultant, but my true passion lies in being a die-hard dog lover. Due to the demands of my current pack of Australian Shepherds, Seven and Paige Turner, I’ve built a rewarding career working from home, writing dog-centric books, blogging for diverse clients, consulting in public relations, and creating dog-friendly travel stories. I also launched the online shop, “Dog Travel Gear,” where I share tips and adventures with fellow dog lovers on the blog, “Paws on the Go.”

Susan's book list on life with dogs

What is my book about?

As one of 67 million Americans who serve as caretakers to their elderly parents, Susan Hartzler cared for her dad for three years, gaining profound insight into Parkinson's disease and the multifaceted challenges of caregiving. Throughout this period, Hartzler's rescue dog, Baldwin, a precious gift from her late mom, provided unwavering support.

This memoir offers a personal roadmap for those facing similar caregiving decisions. Thoughtful, tragic, and funny, it shows that, while demanding, caregiving can be a fulfilling endeavor, especially with a dog by one's side. The author's story will better prepare others in similar situations and encourage them to…

The Peace Puppy: A Memoir of Caregiving and Canine Solace

By Susan Hartzler,

What is this book about?

In a role 67 million Americans face as caretakers to their elderly parents, Susan Hartzler cared for her dad for three years, gaining profound insight into Parkinson's disease and the multifaceted challenges of caregiving. Throughout this challenging period, Hartzler's rescue dog, Baldwin, a precious gift from her late mom, provided unwavering support.

This memoir offers a personal roadmap for those facing similar caregiving decisions. Thoughtful, tragic, and funny, it shows that while demanding, caregiving can be a fulfilling endeavor, especially with a dog by one's side. Hartzler's story will better prepare others in similar situations and encourage them to consider…


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