What people are saying

  • “I received my book and immediately fell in love - the story and illustrations literally take you into a magical world with wonderful characters and many great lessons. You brought Joey the sea otter, his adopted family, and his whole world to life! I shall buy more for friends, and keep some for future grandchildren. I must say I've read samples of your writing and admire your style, and have known the illustrator for a while - I have commissioned a few pieces - and both come together seamlessly as if it had been done by one person.”

    — Andrea E.

  • “I wanted to give a review of How Joey Became King. I loved this book! It had such a wonderful message. As a grandmother myself, I’ve read quite a few children's books. This one was engaging and thoughtful as well as giving an all over feeling of well being which is needed right now .”

    — Jane W.

  • “I received my book today and it is incredible! I cannot express how thrilled I am and what an amazing job @Tiny Tubie and @Lady Peanut's Mom (JK Russ) did!!! I hope the trainers all know about it too. Thank you so much for this incredible gift to the Joey & Friends community!"

    — Prunella

  • "A little backstory… as some of you know, I contracted Covid in early March of 2020 (ventilator, the whole nine yards). While recovering, I found the story of Joey, a little orphaned sea otter, on YouTube in July and became a member of a community across the world, who watched this little otter grow and thrive. He truly became all of our “support animal”. Our community is now on Discord and Twitch, including the live stream of all the otters at Vancouver Aquarium. Two of our members recently put a book out and it is a sweet positive book for children up to age 7 or so, with illustrations on every page. Then I shamelessly plugged it for anyone who might have children or grandchildren."

    Janice H.

  • "I also received mine and I love it! Wonderful story written with care and beautifully illustrated- I read it many times to absorb both words and illustrations. It’s a treasure I’ll keep for my future grandchildren. I hope it is translated in many languages for all meepers, wrigglers and squishies. Thank you @Lady Peanut's Mom (JK Russ) and @Tiny Tubie for a magical gift."

    — A.E.

  • "How Joey Became King" tells a story that will resonate with you, no matter your age. We've all experienced times when we felt we didn't fit in, maybe we were judged harshly for our differences, perhaps even told to disguise or hide them. Those messages told us that being different was wrong, a weakness, something shameful. The message of this book changes that toxic perspective to one that celebrates and finds strength in embracing our differences. While we know that changing our perspective can change our experience, sometimes we need a little help in order to see our differences not as liabilities, but as sources of strength. Joey learns some powerful lessons with the help of his friends and provides us with an important reminder of the power of love, friendship, and inclusiveness. There is also much delight to be found in the illustrations, which are full of wonderful detail and enchanting surprises. Highly recommended!"

    — psmithbottington

  • I received my book and love it so much! The story and illustrations are beautiful, a book I will keep for my future grandchildren. I highly recommend it!

    — Owlminal

  • "How Joey Became King....WOW @p_dog_mom (JK Russ) !!! This book is soo heartfelt with a beautiful moral, the illustrations from @tiny_tubie were spectacular, very detailed and colorful!! This story took me on a journey with our beloved Joey and being familiar with the @tazz_talks series I heard all the animated voices of the otters throughout the entire book. This book makes me so proud to be called Squishy, I soo recommend it for children of all ages, for story time, bed time any time!!! I can't wait for yours and Tiny's next adventure, put me on the waiting list and Thank you for sharing your talent!!! Here's to the next Otter Biography."

    — Tammie L.

  • I have read the book and I must say it is great! The message is so inspirational and even as an adult, I have to say that it moved me to appreciate myself more despite the qualities that I had previously thought were “imperfect.” I love watching the Vancouver Aquarium otters myself (loving the royal ranks and names they have here!). The illustrations were lovely and I even find myself chuckling over how adorable they are. This book is definitely the kind that needs to be on the shelves of any family, library, or school. You bet mine is going to stay on my self !”

    —Katie