Today’s Picture Book Postcard is from _________ of Backyard Stew.
It can happen anywhere…before you know it, you are BORED! But being bored is the BEST place to start in this fun, interactive adventure that encourages kids to explore the natural world and find ingredients for their very own Backyard Stew. As they tap the tops of wild strawberries, wiggle wild onions out of the ground, and rub every dandelion, young readers will delight in making this tried and true “recipe” over and over again. Especially when they discover the secret ingredient!
Backyard Stew
Author: Heather C. Morris
Illustrator: Deborah Schreiber
Publisher: Gnome Road Publishing
Publication Date: September 15, 2026
Fun Resources and Educational Materials: Book-Related Activities
While taking my dog for a walk, I marveled at the abundance of edible items that were scattered throughout my neighborhood – wild strawberries, honeysuckle vines, ginkgo leaves, wild onions, and more. I thought, “what if some kids got together and made a ‘stew’ that included many of these things?” You know, like making mud pies. Then I added interactive elements like tapping, turning the book, shaking the books, and more, and the story really sparkled.
– Author Heather C. Morris
About Author Heather C. Morris
Heather C. Morris is the award-winning author of multiple stories for kids – fiction, nonfiction, picture books, and middle grade – including Trunk Goes Thunk!, a ghost story in the Haunted States of America Anthology, and two more forthcoming picture books, Backyard Stew and Dribble, Shoot, Swish. She is an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and has written seven titles for the educational market. When Heather’s not reading, typing, or running carpool, you’ll find her hiking the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains with her husband, their three kids, and their rescued border collie.
Find out more about this author at https://heathercmorris.com.
About Illustrator Deborah Schreiber
Deborah Schreiber is an illustrator from Munich, Germany. She can always be found dreaming of new adventures in life and on paper. Her travels brought her to many different countries and finally to the seaside town of Falmouth, England, which she now calls home.
Find out more about this illustrator at https://www.deborahschreiber.com.
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