Brothers Jeremy, 7, and JD, 4, live on a horse farm with Mom and their dog Jessica. Jeremy calls Jessica "The Furry Baroo" because whenever she meets someone new she says "Baroo baroo, who are you?" Jessica narrates the story: Jeremy, JD and Jessica help Mom with the chores on the farm, taking care of the horses. But when they think Sunshine, one of their horses, and her new colt Half Moon are lost in the woods, they go searching for them, encountering "wild" animals such as a skunk and gray fox along the way. The behavior of the animals is explained in a simple and entertaining way with each encounter as the animals help them in the search. Understanding and respecting rather than fearing the animals lead children to empathize with and care about these wild creatures. Authors Judith Wheeler Moore and Jeremy Jackson Moore Illustrated by Karen Brown Growing up with horses and dogs as friends and companions, Judy shared her love for animals and nature with sons Jeremy and James Dustin. After obtaining an M.A. Ed. from The College of William and Mary, her work as an educator in natural science museums in Virginia and Texas led her to the firm belief that every wild creature needs to be understood and respected in order to be appreciated and valued. Jeremy, a graduate of The University of Arizona, grew up with a family of animals and friends who were his playmates and confidants. He was their protector as much as they were his. He believes that those who mean everything to us should be loved, cared for, respected, and always remembered - his reason for writing Jessica the Furry Baroo with his mom. Professional artist Karen Brown began her art education with Lucretia Newman, a student of Frank Reaugh. Her areas of expertise include western-themed oil paintings of children, horses, and American Indians. She and her husband Tony live on a farm in Nemo, Texas.