Books One, Two, and Three available on Amazon July 1, 2025!
Links below!
Praise and Reviews
Book 3 "Sydney Monarch's Wondrous Day" received a very positive review from a well respected children's book site, The Children's Book Review. If you enjoy these Beargrass Creek Friends books, please do a "star review" on Amazon. If you love the books, consider leaving a short written review on Amazon. Reviews and rating really help a newly self published author. Thanks! Appreciate you taking the time to check out these books from the illustrator Sian Rips and myself. - Greg
Ruby Hummingbird Touches the Moon
Ruby Hummingbird loves her life and her critter friends at the Sycamore Bend in Beargrass Creek. But she sometimes wishes she could fly high like an eagle and do great things beyond Beargrass Creek. Ruby gets the bright idea that if she is the first bird to touch the moon she will be admired and famous. Her friends rescue her when her ambitious goal derails. But Ruby and her friends find meaning in striving and in team work. They learn that "it's not the size of the bird but the size of the heart in that bird." This is book one in a 10 book series. Published July 1, 2025.
The Rescue of Junior Snail
Junior Snail is bored with his daily life at the Sycamore Bend. Today, adventure finds him as he is swept down the creek during a rainstorm. Will the Beargrass Creek Friends get to him before he tumbles over the falls at Big Rock? Junior Snail learns that he is loved and his friends are always there for him. But, he shows that he still often gets bored! (as children do!) This is book two in a 10 book series. Published July 1, 2025.
Sydney Monarch's Wondrous Day
Sydney Monarch wakes up feeling full of joy and wonder. Everything—from the Sycamore Tree to her critter friends—seems magical! But after a nap, that special feeling fades. “Oh, the wonder is gone!” she cries. With help from Crawdaddy and Eleanor Crayfish, Sydney learns an important truth: happiness may come and go but we foster lasting joy in our hearts.
A gentle, heartfelt story about feelings, friendship, and the changing rhythms of our days.
Sian Rips - Illustrator
Sian Rips is a New York-based designer, artist, and illustrator with an MFA in illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design. She now works as a children's book designer and illustrator inspired by nature, animals, family, and adventure. She has gone on to work with HarperCollins, GreenRhino Media, Archway Publishing, and many self-published authors to bring stories to life.
Greg Maddox - Author
Greg Maddox is a therapist, writer, and dad who first created the Beargrass Creek Friends to entertain his daughter Sally at bedtime. Twenty-five years later, with Sally’s encouragement, he’s brought the stories back to life to share with new families.
Set in a magical bend of Beargrass Creek in Louisville, these tales are full of friendship, wonder, and small moments that matter.
