Writing my second book

 This story began as a bedtime story for my very precocious grandsons. They reminded me very much of their grandfather, or Opa in Dutch, when he was a little boy (at least from the many stories told by my mother-in-law), especially the eldest grandson, Little Thomas, the spitting image of his Opa in every way. Both Thomas's are hard-headed, disobedient, and willful, yet adorable. I had lots of fodder for my stories, and as those stories developed, they quickly grew into a life of their own. The more fantastic the stories became, the more they listened and seemed to enjoy them. I had high hopes that through the made-up misadventures of their grandfather, they would miraculously become obedient, sensible, lovely little boys. Needless to say, those hopes were slowly dashed throughout their growing up. Thank goodness, I enjoy challenges, and boy, oh, boy, those challenges have been a part of our lives every day. I need a respite!

The story is set in Indonesia, where my husband and I were born. Indonesia is a gorgeous country filled with exotic plants and animals, and I incorporated many in my book, including the Cassowary. What is that? Check it out! I also included a map of Indonesia to give readers an idea of where Indonesia is located. A little geography goes a long way.

The story begins with a warning that is soon ignored, and an adventure ensues for a willful child and his best friend, Little Tiger. Along the way, they see and enjoy everything Indonesia offers: beauty and the majesty of nature. Eventually, panic arises because of a guilty conscience, and becoming hopelessly lost, Little Thomas falls into an open tiger trap and is trapped. Now what? Come on our adventure with Little Thomas and Little Tiger as they trek through Indonesia's beautiful yet dangerous wilds. And learn a thing or two.

I also included a QR code in the glossary to aid readers interested in more information about some of the endangered animals mentioned in the book.