Awards

• Commended for Benjamin Franklin Award (Young Reader/ Fiction) 2024

Overview

""Hi, my name is Rusty. I am a puppy who loves secrets, but I just can't keep them to myself. That is why I want to share a very BIG one with you about me and the young girl, who is my owner, Emma Puff. Just yesterday I was a grumpy old dog and Emma was 90 years old. You won't believe what happens next?"" Readers of all ages will laugh out loud at the antics of Emma and Rusty, as they are transported to a world where age is just a number. Mr. Musk is the hilarious but naughty parrot who knows all their secrets. When he accidentally creates a mysterious elixir, the magic begins to happen. Old Emma and Rusty become young again and chaos ensues. The duo gets a second chance to appreciate the joys of childhood, the importance of friendship and family while holding on to their old souls. The story and illustrations are designed for, but not limited to, young readers, family members, guardians, and teachers, who enjoy sharing stories that encourage children to love reading and to value people of all ages. All are sure to be delighted by the unexpected twists and turns this cast of characters experiences throughout the book.""Rusty and Emma's Big Shock!"" is the first book in the Emma Puff's Secrets Series by Annie Wilde. Emma was born from the imaginative bedtime stories that the author created for her children to whom this book is dedicated. Annie's words are beautifully complemented by the illustrations of Beebe Hargrove. Together they weave a fun, action-packed story filled with hope and second chances.

Full Product Details

9781950495412

Table of Contents

Reviews

"""This delightful story with its gorgeous illustrations begins when Rusty, an old dog, Emma Puff, a 90-year-old woman, and Mr. Musk, the parrot, go into the woods to find plants for Emma's medicines. One day, they find strange purple seed spheres that Emma cooks in her Magic Cooking Pot. Then the fun begins! The story has all the elements kids enjoy like poo and food fights, and the story has twists and turns that will delight young readers."" -Mickey Goodman, co-author of The Cowboy Little, Cowboy Small Series ""A beautifully magical story for all readers. Sure to be cherished. Emma and Rusty's tale will captivate audiences from the first page."" -Jennifer Gillman, owner of The Book Exchange, Marietta, Georgia ""The story was interesting and funny. I loved the illustrations, because they had a watercolor texture. My favorite characters are Emma and her dog Rusty. I was surprised that George had red hair when he was a child. I loved the book!"" -Gracy Issa, age nine"

Author Information

Annie Wilde was born in London, England. As a young girl she relocated with her family to the wilds of the Suffolk countryside. At just sweet sixteen, she moved back to the big city to train as a hairdresser. It was the Swinging Sixties, and she was slap bang in the middle of all the excitement. Since then, Annie's life has been full of twists and turns, back roads, main roads, highways andjunctions...all eventually leading to retirement on the Italian island of Sicily.Upon sorting through a lifetime of memorabilia stored in her garage, she stumbled upon a box of and drawings that were from a time of bedtime storytelling with her children and grandchildren. So, with time on her hands she decided to develop some of the characters and create her first book!This labor of love has been realized with the help of her family and friends to whom she is eternally grateful. Her plan did not include becoming an author at the age of 73, but since embarking on this new journey, she has re-discovered her vivid imagination and is full of excitement about bringing the adventures of Emma Puff and all the other characters to life. With such a wealth of life experiences behind her to draw upon, there are no limits to the adventures that lie ahead. She hopes that children and adults alike can connect with the stories and bond with the characters that prove age is just a number and inside we are all still young at heart. Now, when she isn't tapping away on her computer, Annie enjoys and takes inspiration from the beautiful Sicilian sunshine and hanging out with people of all ages and from all walks of life. Beebe Hargrove grew up in the middle of a spinach field in King City, California. Surrounded by a lot of pets, gusty winds, some decent books, and parents who let her paint on her bedroom walls, she decided to study Illustration at Cal State Fullerton. Her professional work features a variety of projects and styles. She has designed t-shirts, architectural illustrations, and several seasons of fine and fashion jewelry. She is proud of a series of murals she created collaboratively with her hometown and the non-profit King City In Bloom. Placed throughout the city on local businesses they tell the story of the town's inception and the people who planted its seeds. There is nothing better than standing on a high scaffold, with a view of open farmland, drenched in sunshine, the wind whipping through your hair and doing its best to upend your paint pan. The supportive community and local creatives were a joy to work with. Beebe has always loved fantastic stories and working on ""Emma Puff"" has been a dream and the greatest privilege. Author Annie Wilde's sense of big color, mess and fun has been a perfect fit for Beebe's love of strong lines and splashing paint. She currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her family and two precocious cats, surrounded now by extremely tall trees instead of spinach and even larger piles of books. She loves reading, exploring, and supporting the arts wherever she finds it. She is grateful for Annie, Lucid House and all you readers who make her current messes possible.

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