Duck Hunting Dreams

For twelve-year-old Hailey, the upcoming annual family duck hunt is a chance to prove that she's finally ready to join her family in the duck blind. She's also hoping that Cocoa, the excitable young dog she chose last fall against her parents' advice, has what it takes to make a great retriever. When hunt day arrives, Hailey is sure she and Cocoa have everything under control. But Cocoa's inexperience spoils several good shots for the rest of the family, and the young dog risks being sent home from the hunt. And Hailey soon learns that willing things to go right doesn't mean they will.


About the Author
Tarkela, Johanna: - Johanna Tarkela is a digital artist who loves playing with strong, atmospheric light and shadow in her realistic-style work. Born and raised in Finland, she spent a lot of her childhood outdoors and surrounded by the beautiful Nordic nature, which reflects in her favorite themes to draw. She has been drawing since she was a young child and has worked on many children's books. Johanna later attended university to study illustration in England, where she currently resides and works as a freelance illustrator, represented by Lemonade Illustration Agency.Roe, Monica: - Monica Roe grew up in a tiny farming town and spent her childhood holed up in a corner of the local library, where she was once almost locked in at closing time. (She saw this as a huge win; the librarian disagreed). Monica has spent more than a decade as a physical therapy provider for remote, off-road communities throughout rural Alaska. When not commuting to work on bush planes, Monica studies public health at the University of Alaska Anchorage. She and her family spend summers at their apiary in South Carolina and provide local educational programs about pollinators and beekeeping.