Kirkus Reviews says: "Colorful characters animate this magical tale with an environmental message."

Read the entire review, here. 

More about my book!

"Once in a Pink Moon" is a contemporary retelling of the frog prince tale—twisted inside out.
Thanks to an object Nora, 17, inherits from her mother, everything in Nature, the trees, the water, even frogs come to life in a new way that shows Nora not only the interconnectedness of all things but the grave danger the physical world is in, thanks to the destructive ways of humans.

This new superpower only makes Nora's battle to save her murdered father’s tree farm more complicated. Now she not only has enemies in the human world but because of the object she possesses which is sacred to the world of frogs, she has enemies there too. Especially Ranya, Queen of Frogs, who sees Nora as a threat to her reign. Her son, the frog prince Azzie, however, takes a different view and proposes something audacious—something that might save both worlds.

But the cost of Azzie's request, to Nora, is high and under the light of the pink moon she must decide—will she put aside her own wellbeing to help, or will she stand aside and watch our ecosystem crumble? This is Book 1 of the Frog Tale Trilogy.

The Setting

This story takes place in a small town in Washington state: Salmon Falls. Like many small towns, Salmon Falls is suffering environmentally and economically. For decades the forests have been stripped for their resources, causing changes in the local environment that are becoming alarmingly apparent to its residents. Especially a group of young environmentalists known as Mother Natures Commandos.

The Characters

Two worlds collide in this YA Fantasy: the world of frogs, led by the strong-willed Queen Ranya, and the world of largetoes or humans. Nora Peters, 17, is the main largetoe character in this story. Nora is a member of group of teenage environmentalists known as Mother Nature's Commandos.

The Story

"Once in a Pink Moon" is a retelling of the Frog Prince tale set against the backdrop of climate change. Creatures around the world are suffering because of largetoe (human) greed and our destructive nature, especially frogs. Known as the environmental 'canaries in the mine', their demise can only point to one thing --our own. Can anything be done to stem the tide of environmental destruction? That's one of the key questions this book explores.

More about this book!

Poe the Raven

Poe the Raven plays a small but pivotal part in this story. I was inspired by a real-life rescued raven by the same name, who is cared for by the American Eagle Foundation in Pigeon Forge, TN.

Nora as a little girl

Nora has a special connection with trees and has since she was a child. The trees around her home appreciate her hugs and kisses. They were honored by her tears when her mother died when she was ten.

While the trees have always known about Nora's compassionate nature, throughout this story, she becomes more aware of the hidden power of trees and learns to use their help when needed.

Here's a little inside information--my main character, Nora, was named in honor of my niece. The collage of the little girl, known as Freya on my art website, is the real Nora's daughter. 

The Book Cover

As with all collages in the book and on this page, the cover art was created by me. The cover itself was designed by Rudy Ramos of Rudy Ramos Design Studio. The interior of the book was designed by Colleen Sheehan of Ampersand Book Interiors.

Caroline Clouse did both developmental and line editing. Kelly Wise was associate editor. The author is grateful for the help of many excellent subject matter experts who are listed in the acknowledgements , as well the large group of supportive friends who cheered her on.

As with all collages in the book and on this page, the cover art was created by me. The cover itself was designed by Rudy Ramos. The interior of the book was designed by Colleen Sheehan of Ampersand Book Interiors.

I am lucky to live in a suburb of Seattle, WA where many of my fellow citizens are very active in environmental matters. I find their commitment inspiring. I am also grateful for the help of many excellent subject matter experts who are listed in the acknowledgements, as well the large group of supportive friends who cheered me on.