Author Profile
Marsha Diane Arnold
18 Books
Marsha Diane Arnold is an author of picture books for children, often writing warm stories about animals, nature, friendship, and courage. Her books include Heart of a Tiger, Lost. Found., Badger's Perfect Garden, and May I Come In?. Her stories are known for gentle humor, emotional kindness, and a strong sense of wonder about the natural world.
It is the middle of the night, and the entire Huffle household is fast asleep. Well, everyone except for Jack. He is wide awake because an incredibly loud, rumbling noise is shaking the bedroom door and rattling the floorboards. Someone in the house is snoring with the force of a freight train, and Jack is determined to find out exactly who it is. With his loyal dog by his side, Jack creeps through the dark house. He checks on Mama Gwyn, Baby Sue, the twins, and even Papa Ben, waking them up one by one. But to his utter surprise, the mighty snore roars on! You will love predicting who is making all that noise as the family tiptoes out to the barn. Follow your ears to a hilarious and totally unexpected bedtime surprise.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
The chilly wind blows a bright red scarf right off a bear and sends it flying into the woods. What happens when a perfectly warm scarf is up for grabs? Two raccoons decide it makes an excellent rope for tug of war. A beaver thinks it is a fabulous winter hat. Soon, a fox and some playful squirrels are using the scarf as a swing and a trampoline. You will giggle as every creature in the forest tries to claim the red scarf for themselves. Soon, the animals are tangled in a giant, chaotic tug of war. It will take the original bear, a little bit of patience, and a lot of teamwork to sort out this massive mix up. Enjoy a nearly wordless winter adventure that shows how sharing with friends is the best way to stay warm.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
A giant shadow is creeping down the mountain, and it belongs to Big Bear. Little Skunk is feeling very nervous. All the other animals in the forest have incredible ways to escape danger. Deer has long legs to sprint away in a flash. Blue Jay has wings to soar high into the clouds. But Little Skunk cannot run fast, and he certainly cannot fly. You might wonder how a small, slow creature like Little Skunk can protect himself from a massive bear. Join Little Skunk as he discovers that you do not need to be the fastest or the biggest animal in the woods to stay safe. Sometimes, the most powerful defense comes from the most surprising place. Follow along to find out what secret weapon Little Skunk has hiding right behind him.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Booming thunder and flashing lightning make for a very scary night. Raccoon is trembling in his home and decides he does not want to brave the storm completely alone. He rushes out into the rainy woods of Thistle Hollow to find a friendly face. But when he knocks on the doors of Possum, Quail, and Woodchuck, they all tell him there is simply no room for him inside. Just when you think Raccoon will be stuck in the cold rain forever, he spots a warm, glowing light in the distance. Will this next neighbor finally open their door and share a safe space? Step into the stormy forest and discover a heartwarming tale about kindness, empathy, and making room for friends when they need it the most.
6-8 Years
34 Pages
Velma Jean is the most fearless person ten year old Ruby Jane knows. Every single day, Velma Jean does something bold and daring. She marches barefoot over prickly sandburs, takes a swim in the brand new horse tank, and even stares down the intimidating farm bull named Alfred. Ruby Jane is absolutely certain that her older sister is the bravest girl in the entire world. But the sky turns dark green, and a roaring tornado touches down near the edge of their family farm. Suddenly, fearless Velma Jean is terrified and refuses to go down into the dark, spooky storm cellar. Now it is up to Ruby Jane to find courage she never knew she had. You will be on the edge of your seat as Ruby Jane steps up to protect her sister from the ferocious weather. Discover how true bravery often appears exactly when you need it the most.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
32 Pages
Imagine running an enormous race completely fueled by slices of pumpkin. While most sheep ranchers in Australia use horses or jeeps to check on their flocks, Joshua Summerhayes prefers to run across the sprawling valley with his loyal Yellow Dog right behind him. So when a massive race from Melbourne to Sydney is announced, Joshua happily decides to join the competition. The city crowds cannot help but laugh when the old rancher arrives wearing overalls and chunky gumboots, calmly snacking on a piece of pumpkin. But their laughter quickly turns to cheers as Joshua steadily runs his way to the front of the pack. You will cheer for this humble hero as he proves that being true to yourself is more important than fitting in. Run alongside Joshua and discover why winning is not the only reason to enter a race.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
40 Pages
The night sky is supposed to be dark, but artificial lights are glowing everywhere. For humans, these bright streetlamps and glowing buildings might seem helpful, but for the animals, they are causing massive confusion. Migrating birds are losing their way in the sky, singing frogs are falling silent, and nocturnal creatures are struggling to survive in a world that never truly gets dark. Join the animals as they set off on an important quest to find true darkness. You will learn exactly how light pollution changes the natural world and why shadows are just as important as sunshine. This eye opening journey is a powerful reminder that sometimes the best thing we can do for our planet is simply to turn out the lights.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
The most important day in a young kitten's life is rapidly approaching. Name Day is the special time when he will finally be given his true identity, but this little cat does not want just any ordinary name. He dreams of a title that is fierce, noble, and strong. To prove his worth, he decides he must follow the path of the most magnificent creature in the jungle. You will travel deep into the lush wilderness as the small kitten trails a massive Bengal tiger. By watching the tiger's quiet grace and immense power, the kitten hopes to earn a name that reflects true bravery. Follow along on this beautifully illustrated adventure and find out if a tiny house cat can truly possess the heart of a wild tiger.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
35 Pages
The neighborhood Trade Ya club meets every week, and this time, Cynthia Lucinda has brought the most amazing item ever. It is the Beautiful Pink Hairbow, and Evelyn J. immediately decides that she must have it. There is just one giant problem. Evelyn does not have anything good enough to trade for such a spectacular hairbow. In a moment of pure desperation, Evelyn realizes there is exactly one thing she can offer. Her cute but incredibly demanding baby brother, Edward G. You will laugh out loud as Evelyn attempts to negotiate the ultimate sibling swap. Will she actually give away her little brother just to wear the perfect pink accessory? Dive into this hilarious story about family, trading, and discovering what is truly valuable.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
47 Pages
The rest of the herd walks in a perfectly straight, dignified line from the barn to the pasture. But Lily is not like the other cows. She has rhythm in her hooves and would much rather spend her time prancing, twisting, and dancing across the grass. Because her lively moves disrupt the quiet order of the farm, Lily decides it is time to pack her bags and see the world. You will tap your toes as Lily travels from the busy streets of New York City to the vibrant festivals of Senegal. She learns amazing new routines and meets wonderful friends along the way, but none of the dances feel exactly right for a cow. Discover if Lily can find the perfect rhythm and a place where her unique talents truly belong.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Sophie LeBeque is not an ordinary pet. She is a pampered superstar and the famous cover model for Fancy Cat magazine. She is used to riding in luxurious limousines and being treated like royalty. But Sophie's perfect, glamorous life takes a wild turn when a sudden bump sends her travel cage flying right out the window. Suddenly, this high society kitty finds herself stranded in the chaotic middle of the morning rush hour. You will be breathless as Sophie navigates crowded train stations, loud noises, and rushing commuters. Discover how a spoiled cover cat learns to survive the gritty underground metro system. It is a hilarious, action packed journey that proves even the fanciest felines have a fierce, adventurous spirit hiding inside.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Nathaniel has a very special routine with his hundred year old great grandfather. Together, they share delicious chicken salad sandwiches while his grandfather spins fascinating tales from his long, adventurous past. Nathaniel loves listening to every single detail of the history that comes alive right at the kitchen table. But one day, Nathaniel realizes that his elderly grandfather is growing tired of telling his own stories over and over again. The spark in his eye is starting to fade. It is up to Nathaniel to find a brilliant way to lift his great grandfather's spirits. You will be touched by this warm, intergenerational tale that shows how swapping stories can build a beautiful bridge between the young and the old.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Badger has planned every seed, every row, and every part of his perfect spring garden.
With help from Red Squirrel, Dormouse, and Weasel, Badger weeds, rakes, and plants with care. He can already picture neat rows of flowers and vegetables growing just the way he imagined. Then a rainstorm sweeps through and scatters the seeds, leaving Badger sure that everything is ruined.
Badger’s Perfect Garden is a gentle animal story about plans, disappointment, friendship, and the surprises nature can bring. Young readers who like garden stories and woodland animals will connect with Badger’s big feelings and his friends’ steady support. It is especially useful for conversations about flexibility, patience, and finding beauty when things do not go exactly as expected.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
A terrifying lightning storm has swept through the forest, and poor Raccoon has lost his home to a terrible fire. Squirrel, Beaver, Mouse, Badger, and Rabbit watch the smoke rise, feeling completely overwhelmed by their friend's massive tragedy. Not knowing how to rebuild a whole house, they retreat to their own homes to try and forget the sadness. But true friends cannot stay away for long. Each animal decides to do just one tiny act of kindness for Raccoon. You will see how a handful of berries or a warm hug can completely change a devastating day. See exactly how a collection of very small gestures can add up to make a huge, healing impact when a community comes together.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Badger is completely ready for winter, and he cannot wait one single minute longer for the snow to fall. He stares at the sky, pacing and hoping for the first white flakes. His calm friend Hedgehog tries to explain that the weather takes time and everything will happen exactly when it is supposed to. But patience is not Badger's strong suit. Seeing how frustrated he is, Badger's friends decide they need to take action. They come up with a series of hilarious tricks and clever ideas to grab the sky's attention and force the snow to start falling right now. You can join this funny group of woodland animals as they bang pots, perform dances, and eventually learn that some things in nature simply cannot be rushed.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Mama Duck is always in a massive hurry, rushing her fluffy babies around the barnyard. But little Quack simply cannot be rushed. He is the slowest duckling in the family, perfectly happy to waddle behind the rest and take his sweet time exploring the farm. No matter how many times Mama shouts for him to catch up, Quack stays moving at his own gentle pace. Everything changes when a sneaky, hungry Cat comes prowling through the tall grass. Suddenly, the duck family is in serious danger. You will laugh out loud as Quack proves that speed is not always the best way to handle a problem. Discover how the slowest duckling's relaxed attitude just might be the exact thing needed to save the entire family.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
The World's Largest Steam Engine Roars Back to Life!
All aboard for the biggest locomotive adventure you will ever experience. Step back in time and meet Big Boy 4014, the absolute largest steam engine to ever travel the tracks. For years, this massive train rested quietly, seemingly retired from its rumbling glory days. But a dedicated crew known as the Steam Team had other plans. You are invited to join the incredible journey of restoring this historic giant. Discover the heavy tools, the teamwork, and the sheer mechanical power required to bring a sleeping monster back to life. Feel the heat of the firebox and hear the deafening blast of the whistle as Big Boy finally rolls out of the station. Perfect for young engineers and history fans, this true story shows how hard work and passion can make even the most gigantic dreams steam ahead.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
Armando knows every single inch of his lush rainforest home. He knows the sweet smell of the damp earth, the vivid colors of the canopy, and the exact sounds the monkeys make at dawn. The towering trees provide shelter not just for Armando, but for a magnificent variety of wild creatures living from the dark forest floor all the way to the bright emergent layer above. But the peace of the jungle is shattered when heavy machines arrive. As outsiders begin to violently chop down the trees, the frightened animals have nowhere to run. They desperately seek refuge with Armando in the last remaining patch of untouched woods, a small green sanctuary he calls his island. You will witness the heartbreaking reality of Amazon deforestation and discover the incredible importance of protecting our fragile natural habitats.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
32 Pages
