Author & Illustrator Profile
Vern Kousky
7 Books
Vern Kousky is an author and illustrator who creates charming and heartfelt children's picture books. His works often feature endearing animal protagonists navigating gentle life lessons, as seen in popular titles like Otto the Owl Who Loved Poetry and the Harold the Bear stories. Through expressive illustrations and thoughtful storytelling, Kousky's books encourage young readers to embrace their unique qualities.
Harold the bear loves everything about his world. He loves the bright flowers of spring, playing with his friends in the summer, and the beautiful colors of fall. But winter is coming, and that means it is time to hibernate. The only problem is that Harold is determined to stay awake. You know how hard it is to go to sleep when you want to keep playing? Harold feels exactly the same way. With a little help from his friends the crows, Harold tries all kinds of tricks to keep his eyes open. He fills his belly with sweet berries and puts on warm pajamas to stay cozy in the freezing air. But as the soft snow begins to fall, Harold realizes that maybe resting his eyes for just a minute will not hurt. This gentle, cozy story perfectly captures the familiar feeling of fighting bedtime.
6-8 Years
22 Pages
Oscar the bird is very worried about falling in love. Living in a forest filled with a scurry of overly friendly, affectionate squirrels, he decides he needs some serious protection for his heart. Determined to keep everyone at a safe distance, Oscar hires a scruffy guard dog named Brutus.
At first, Brutus is excellent at his job. He quickly learns to growl, bark, and chase away anyone who gets too close to Oscar. Because Brutus is such a good guard dog, Oscar rewards him with a friendly scratch and a tasty treat. But soon, growling and chasing aren't Brutus's only jobs. They start fetching sticks together and keeping each other company in the quiet forest.
Without even realizing it, Oscar might just be learning that sometimes your best friend is only a tail wag away. This sweet, heartwarming story is a joyous celebration of friendship and the healing power of love.
6-8 Years
19 Pages
Step into another beautifully illustrated world from Vern Kousky, the creator of beloved characters like Harold the bear and Otto the owl. In this engaging story, young readers are invited to explore gentle themes of self-discovery, nature, and the importance of being true to yourself. With Kousky's signature lush artwork and compassionate storytelling, this book provides a wonderful reading experience for children who are just beginning to understand their own unique place in the world. Whether read aloud at bedtime or shared in a classroom, it offers the warmth, comfort, and quiet wisdom that parents and teachers have come to expect from this talented author and illustrator. A perfect addition to any growing library.
6-8 Years
Otto is not your average owl. While the other owls in the forest are busy roosting and hunting for mice, Otto would rather be reading. He loves poetry more than anything else in the world, spending his time reciting the beautiful words of famous poets like T.S. Eliot and Emily Dickinson. But standing out from the crowd is not always easy. When the other owls start making fun of him for being different, Otto feels like he does not belong. This leads him on a brave journey to discover his true self and find his inner poet. Along the way, he searches for a community that will love and accept him exactly as he is. Featuring a delightful mix of famous poems and original verses, this funny and fresh story celebrates the courage it takes to follow your true passion.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
What makes you special? For a little bear named Harold, the answer is easy: his beloved, striped woolly hat. He loves it so much that he wears it absolutely everywhere. He wears it to school, to bed, and even during his monthly bath. But one day, a sneaky crow swoops down and snatches the hat right off Harold's head, carrying it high up into a tree branch. Suddenly, Harold does not feel very special anymore. He tries everything to bargain with the crow, offering up delicious blueberries, squiggly worms, and shiny treasures to get his favorite hat back. Nothing works. But when Harold climbs the tree, he discovers that his hat has a wonderful new purpose he never expected. This heartwarming story is a gentle reminder that true specialness comes from who you are on the inside, and that helping others is the best feeling of all.
6-8 Years
41 Pages
The ocean is a vast, beautiful place filled with colorful coral reefs and dark, cozy caves. But for a tiny yellow octopus named Milo, something does not feel quite right. The moment he hatches from his egg, he has a sneaking suspicion that he is missing something very important, even if he cannot figure out exactly what it is. Determined to solve the mystery, Milo sets off on a grand underwater adventure. He swims down into the deep sea to explore fascinating sunken shipwrecks and travels across the vast ocean from shore to shore. Along the way, he meets all sorts of friendly faces, from graceful jellyfish to wandering polar bears. But no matter how far he searches, he still feels like a piece of his world is absent. Join Milo on his journey as he finally discovers the missing piece of his heart in this rhythmic, comforting aquatic mystery.
6-8 Years
41 Pages
A little blue songbird wants nothing more than to sing just like her sisters. But every time she opens her beak to try, the tune comes out all wrong. Feeling sad and discouraged, she listens to her mother's wise advice: she must leave home and find a special song that only she can sing. Gathering all her courage, the brave little bird sets off on a worldwide journey to find her voice. Along the way, she meets a wise crane, a serious owl, and a very grumpy crow, hoping one of them can teach her the perfect melody. Filled with gentle, lyrical writing and vibrant artwork, this inspiring story teaches young readers that you do not need to sound like everyone else to be beautiful. It is a powerful journey about finding your own unique voice and having the confidence to share it with the world.
6-8 Years
41 Pages
