Branching out as a multi-genre author, Ed Danko says he was ecstatic to finally be holding a finished copy of his first children's picture book, more than four years since he first came up with the idea for the story.
The Barrie author says he worked tirelessly with his publisher, Acute By Design Publishing, to bring Frog Soup Surprise to fruition.
Described as a humorous rhyming story, the book, which is Danko's first foray into the world of children's stories, is complete with colourful images from international illustrator Sanghamitra Dasgupta.
"I wanted to bring an engaging story to life which both young children and their parents could relate to," Danko said.
The inspiration for the book came from memorable moments of trying to get his own young children to eat things that were good for them, he says.
"It was as if you were trying to make them eat bugs," Danko said.
Frog Soup Surprise tells the story of young Matt who loved to visit his auntie, but there was only one problem. She was a witch with good intentions, but her cooking left something to be desired.
She served him bugs and worms and cold frog soup surprise. Blech!
Matt has to politely let her know what kids really liked to eat, and none of it involved wiggly bodies or scrambling feet.
Auntie follows Matt's advice and comes up with a magical solution in this hilarious rhyming story.
Danko dedicated the book to his three adult children and his granddaughter, as well as to all the kids who refused to eat their peas.
The book is available through his publisher, Amazon and the usual online book outlets.
Danko is set to launch his second picture book, Tazi Learns a Lesson, while the first book of his sci-fi trilogy, The Stone Hunter, is scheduled for release in October 2024.
"From suspense thrillers to children's books to science fiction, I'm eager to go where my imagination takes me and hope that excited readers will join me on that journey, " he said.