Discover the wonder of D.A. Jennings' award-winning children's books - captivating tales that inspire creativity, imagination, and a love for learning
Kip's Newest Adventure - 2025
Kip, the lovable and mischievous mouse, is back—and this time, he's headed into a snowy adventure full of heart and holiday cheer, right here in Bel Air!
When Kip finds himself wandering through a sparkling winter wonderland, he’s not expecting to bump into a boy—literally. But that chance meeting leads to a budding friendship as Kip follows the boy into a nearby town filled with twinkling lights, joyful music, and holiday traditions from many cultures.
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Perfect for children of all backgrounds, Kip and the Best Gift is a warm and whimsical tale that celebrates friendship, generosity, and the true spirit of the holidays.
This book is supported in part by the generosity of the
Maryland State Arts Council
This book is supported in part by the generosity of the Maryland State Arts Council
Book 3 of the adventurous, and sometimes mischievous Kip, is now available. Reviews are coming in with this one from the United Kingdom...
"I must say, it’s all good fun, and I suspect most picturebook-aged readers will enjoy the accessible, rhyming text, and following the fun characters as they collect crops and feed the pigs. There’s also an underlying message of ‘it’s okay to be different’ which will go down well with parents."
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Wishing Shelf Book Review
2022 Moonbeam Children's Book Award Winner
Bronze medal - middle grade fiction
or read it on
The Adventure Continues...
"I have been a stick lover and user my whole life. Brilliant concept and so well realized. Like I said, you are a Moonbeam superstar."
Jim Barnes, Moonbeam Awards Director
The Tapping Stick Wins Silver Medal 2021 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards
"Thoughtful...unique...gorgeous illustrations...a splendid tribute honoring one of nature's greatest and most diverse gifts - trees...capturing the magnificence and ingenuity of children in their own imaginative worlds."
Jennifer Padgett, M.ED., Education Specialist - Texas
"I read this book with my three sons, ages 8, 6, and 5. They liked reading about the different ways kids play and use their imaginations, and they were entertained by the illustrations as well. The building and fishing sticks were their favorites. We enjoyed the storyline and the flow of the book. It ended very well with the planting of the tree for future generations. It gave them something to think about."
Lynette Tucker, Homeschooling mother of three boys - Oregon
"...an inspiring must-read story for all ages. With the author's endearing words, it combines the creativity of what a simple stick can be in a child's mind along with the powerful message to be kind to our earth."
Colleen M. Hyde, Reading Specialist,
Churchville Elementary School - Maryland
Kip, the mischievous mouse is back! Causing chaos and learning what it means to be a friend
Friends are not always easy to find. If you’re very lucky, you may come upon someone special and different. Kip, mischievous as ever, finds a new a friend and together their imaginations soar through adventures, creating memories for a lifetime. Check out this award-winning children's book.
Honorable mention award Best Cover and Best Illustrations - 2020
or read it on
The Adventure Begins
Moonbeam Children's Book Awards bronze medal for best Children's fiction first chapter book, 2020.
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Story Monsters Ink 2020 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Winner
for
Middle Grade Fiction
and Best Cover Design
“The content is rich with topics relevant to young children: love, friendship, forgiveness, bullying, loss, justice, and success. . .this book is ideal to use for literature circles and whole class readings.”
San Francisco Book Review
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"Will Mia accomplish her journey without any fear? Or will she fail the trip and choose a different path? I recommend this book to someone who loves adventure."
Kids' BookBuzz
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Seize the Cheese
Meet Kip. A mischievous mouse who wears sunglasses, runs around with a knot in his tail, and carries with him the mystery of why he has part of his ear missing. He will wiggle his way into your funny bone, and have you pulling your hair out because of his pranks.
One Hundred Lives
Life and Nature Poured into Poetry
Open the book
Slip into shoes that walk
City streets or roam the fields.
Turn the page
Sit on the corner with arrogance.
Laugh about Neuticles and nose pickers.
Flip the page
Tip your hat to the brave.
Tremble at the monster under your bed.
Walk with strangers
As you live one hundred lives.
American Sports Legends: Your Turn to Score
A poetic sports trivia challenge to identify 68 sports legends from 1912 through 2015. This book is created for the enjoyment of individual readers, family, friends, and competitive groups.
"Unlike any other book I know. The 68 verse quizzes on the identity of sports figures are challenging, provocative, and fun, not to mention a clever way of introducing students to reading and understanding verse."
Nick Acocella, author of The New Biographical History of Baseball.
I can say with great certainty that sports lovers will enjoy every single topic found within this history packed book's pages and fans of poetry will love each section's meaningful prose. This is a book for the entire family - one that you can turn to for quick review time and time again. This book engages with the reader and allows them to have an active conversation with the material. A fast-paced and exciting journey through poetry and sports.
Some poems would challenge even the most knowledgeable sports enthusiasts. A great book
for sports enthusiasts – especially those who love trivia.
Unlike any other book I know. The 68 verse quizzes on the identity of sports figures are challenging, provocative, and fun, not to mention a clever way of introducing students to reading and understanding verse.
Nick Acocella, author of The New Biographical History of Baseball
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This book of poetry reads like a compelling quiz show as you are taken back in time to some of sports' greatest moments. The prose contains clues as to the events and athletes that you must decipher to figure out. I would highly recommend this book to all lovers of sports, especially sports trivia.
Bill Speir, Sports enthusiast / Amazon.com review
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