Rusty Rumble and His Smelly Socks

About the Book

This picture book was written for the enjoyment of children up to five years of age. I have used rhyming text because its flowing motion captures the comical and emotional connection that this little dog has with his new owners, the Rumble family, who rescue him from the local dog pound. It’s a very cute story, yet not too far from reality. I also believe that the ease of remembering rhyme helps children with word identification and is a fun learning-to-read experience. Rusty adores his new home and the Rumbles treat him as a valued member of their family. The book shows that they feed him well, walk him, bath him and of course, give him lots of love. So, in essence, the story subtly incorporates the important issues of adopting a dog and the level of commitment that people need to give when doing so. All is going very well for Rusty; however, when the family leave on the Monday morning for work and pre-school, Rusty finds himself alone again and cries all day. On arriving home later in the afternoon, his family are greeted with lashings of love from Rusty who runs to collect their slippers. When sitting by their lovely smelly feet that night, Rusty comes up with a great idea. As his family sleep, Rusty secretly collects a “smelly” sock from each one, some easier to retrieve than others, and hides them in his little bed for safekeeping. He is very pleased with himself and knows that these socks smell of his loved ones so, to Rusty, they will always keep his family near to him.

About the Author

My first book “Rusty Rumble and his Smelly Socks” was so popular with children that I was compelled to write another picture book featuring this lovable little character. I think poetry serves a positive purpose in my children’s picture books. Not only does it keep a fluent motion to the story, it also helps children with word identification. So, in essence, they are learning while listening and enjoying the book. Poetry has played a large part throughout my life and I have received commendations for several of my poems from as young as primary school age to current times. I have written several other picture books featuring more lovable characters in addition to three children’s chapter books. One day, I hope to see all my books being enjoyed by children.