Geronimo the Frog

by Matthew Stein, Taillefer Long (Illustrator)

How can a group of animal friends from Florida’s Big Cypress Swamp defend their home from Bad Billy’s gang? Leave it to Geronimo, the little frog with a big mission. He’ll stop at nothing to save his beloved land from being trashed by Bad Billy and his gang, who are leaving their garbage all over the place. Can Geronimo save the day? Geronimo the Frog, written by Matthew Stein and illustrated by Taillefer Long, tells the story of one brave frog and his wonderful cast of animal friends. By working together, they are brave enough to fight the pollution that is threatening their beautiful Florida forests and swamps. Light-hearted and featuring a valuable environmental message, this illustrated children’s tale for kids ages two- to seven-years-old offers plenty of swampland excitement, while also teaching the positive values of ecology, courage, and teamwork. With a nod to the Seminole Native Americans who make the Florida swamps and forests their home, Geronimo the Frog provides a perfect introduction to the singular culture and the natural wonder of the state. The book features animals native to the Florida swamp and forest setting, while engaging children with the all-important topic of working to preserve the habitat of these delightful animals. Geronimo rallies friends Echaswa the Raccoon, Koowe the Panther, Kunu the Squirrel, Yube the Alligator, Obu the Owl, and many others to chase Bad Billy out of the swamp. But Bad Billy is equally ready to put a stop to them. To do so, he must stop Geronimo first. As the two groups clash, and Geronimo is captured, the suspense and excitement build in this delightful, fast-paced tale with a meaningful message. It’s up to Geronimo to save Big Cypress Swamp!

59 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 22, 2013

About the author

Matthew Stein holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from MIT. He is an engineer, author and building contractor. He has also worked as a schoolteacher, carpenter, and rock climbing and ski instructor. As the owner of Aloha Aina Builders, Stein has built hurricane resistant, energy efficient and environmentally friendly homes. As a mechanical engineer and president of Stein Design, he has designed consumer water filtration devices, commercial water filtration systems, photovoltaic roofing panels, medical bacteriological filters, drinking fountains, emergency chemical drench systems, computer disk drives, portable fiberglass buildings and automated assembly machinery for Open Energy, Hewlett Packard, Seagate, Plantronics, Duraflame, Haws, and IGT, among other companies. He currently resides with his wife Josie (see www.inner-journeys.com) in the High Sierra Mountains near Lake Tahoe, CA. Additionally, Stein holds a number of US patents and was a National Merit Scholar. For many years, Stein has pursued avid interests in renewable energy, alternative healing, sustainable growth, and preventative medicine. He is available for lectures and workshops. Check out his green building and mechanical engineering web site at www.stein-design.com and his book's web site at www.whentechfails.com."

Reviews

[Terry]

This is a clever take on (IMHO) the over-written topic of bullying. Yes, Bad Billy is a goon toward the animals, but it his treatment of the Great Cypress Swamp that takes center stage. As a result, the story has more depth for readers.

To read our full review, go to the Reading Tub.