

Follow the adventures of a young boy and his pet dog Wingnut, as they meet a fascinating man in the park in The Man in the Hazelnut Tree, re-connect with him in the boy’s home accompanied by dozens of quirky animals in Never Pat a Porcupine, and complete the series as they explore the loving mystery of his Aunt Betty’s Spaghetti.

When a young boy and his dog, Wingnut, meet a curious little man hanging upside down from a hazelnut tree, they discover a delightful lesson: life is more fun when you embrace what makes you unique and celebrate the magic of being yourself.
Filled with humor, heart, and imagination, this enchanting story is sure to spark laughter, meaningful conversations, and a lasting appreciation for the beauty of being exactly who you are.

What would you do if you woke up to find llamas in pajamas, salmon playing backgammon, and a moose using his antlers as a laundry rack? This whimsical rhyming adventure teaches valuable lessons about treating animals with kindness, protecting nature, and respecting the world around you.
Never Pat a Porcupine is a delightful story that entertains, educates, and inspires young readers to care for all living creatures.

What makes Aunt Betty's spaghetti sauce so unforgettable?
When a curious young boy sneaks into the kitchen to solve the mystery, he discovers something far more meaningful than a list of ingredients. With help from the whimsical little man introduced in The Man in the Hazelnut Tree, he learns that the true magic of Aunt Betty's sauce comes from the memories, traditions, and love that bind a family together.
Aunt Betty's Spaghetti celebrates family, nostalgia, and the timeless truth that love is the best ingredient of all.


Rick Simonds has spent much of his life working with children both as a teacher and a coach. He has taught classes at multiple levels for many years and coached both boys and girls as well.
In addition to this trilogy, he has had poems, short stories and novels published and is proud to have helped many young writers sharpen their writing skills.
