Oliver, The Frog that Couldn't Croak

About the Book

Oliver is the delightful story of a young tree frog that becomes separated from his parents during a storm. He winds up living with a family of birds. In order to get food from the mother bird Oliver learns to chirp like a bird. When the birds all leave the nest little Oliver finds himself all alone and unable to croak. The other frogs all laugh at him, until he meets a girl frog that likes his chirping like a bird. This is a very touching story with great illustrations that will enchant younger children.

About the Author

Jan Culbertson was born in 1938, in Portland, Oregon. At age seventeen he joined the U.S. Navy. While in the navy he served on various cruisers and aircraft carriers, as well as shore stations. He also served in the Vietnam War and received several citations. In 1980, he retired with the rank of Chief Intelligence Specialist. While still in the navy, Jan graduated from the University of North Florida in 1979, with a BA degree in History. Upon retirement he and his family moved to San Diego, California, where in 1984, he graduated from the University of San Diego School of Law with a JD degree. After working for several years as an attorney, Jan decided it was not for him so he quit the law business and has been writing books eversince. So far Jan has written and published two short novels, two reference books about Chinese edged weapons, three children’s chapter books, and with “Wilber, The Littlest Pumpkin” has entered the field of children’s picture books. In 1973, Jan married Teresa de Jesus Villela Medina. They have three daughters, five granddaughters, and one grandson. Jan readily admits that many of his ideas for books come from his grandchildren.