The book that started Unique Time Designs
Critter Tails: You Are Valuable is a children’s chicken book based on the true story of a Polish rooster, with a message for readers of every age: you are special, and your life has value.
I wrote this book in 2013, at a time when bullying and suicide were weighing heavily on my heart. It is based on the true story of our pet Polish rooster, Woodstock, who gave us eight wonderful years on our farm in Idaho.
Woodstock joined me for many book readings and was always the star of the show! Since then, Critter Tails has sold more than 10,000 copies. My goal is still the same: to encourage children and adults to recognize their worth and treat others with kindness.
A story that stays with me
One of my favorite moments came from a friend who gave a copy to a mother in Indiana to share with her son. As the mother read it aloud, she began to cry. My friend told me that, in that moment, God spoke to her heart and reminded her how special she was.
That story still gives me chills, because it is exactly why I wrote this book. Wherever you are in life, sometimes you need a reminder of how much you matter. My hope is that this little story about a chicken can offer that encouragement.
Fun facts about Woodstock
- Woodstock was our real pet Polish rooster, not just a character!
- He lived with us for eight wonderful years on our Idaho farm.
- He accompanied me to book readings and became the star of the show.
- We hatched him ourselves, so we always knew his birthday.
Meet the real Woodstock in this short video from his eighth birthday:
Choose your book or matching keepsake
Select the option you would like from the listing. Book copies, cards, and prints are separate options unless otherwise specified.
- Unsigned book: A copy of Critter Tails: You Are Valuable.
- Signed book: A copy signed by me, the author. If signed copies are unavailable, please message me. Restocking may take an additional month.
- Handmade pop-up card: Featuring a Polish chicken rubber stamp that I sketched especially to accompany the book, with watercolored details inside. Some cards also have speckled watercolor details outside.
- Christmas pop-up card: The matching chicken design with Woodstock wearing a Santa hat.
- Woodstock wreath print or card: A matching Christmas wreath watercolor design.
Matching cards and prints make lovely birthday additions. Cards may ship separately from books.
Wholesale and group orders
Unsigned copies are available in wholesale quantities of 10, 25, or 50. These are options for fundraising, local farm and feed shops, school or church book sales, and classroom or church groups. Select the applicable wholesale option from the listing.
Delivery and ordering details
- Copies currently on hand are ready to ship, while supplies last. Please message me to confirm availability for your preferred option or a larger order.
- Unsigned copies ordered from the manufacturer arrive within 3–4 weeks.
- Signed copies that need to be ordered require shipping from the manufacturer to me, then from me to you, so there is an additional charge.
- Free shipping is included within the continental United States.
- Books are not available for returns or refunds.
As the author, I retain full rights to my book.
Read other families’ experiences
As a mom, I like to read reviews before choosing books for my children. You can explore readers’ experiences with Critter Tails here: Read Amazon reviews.