I am a story teller and songwriter and have included two of my favorite stories in this book. Pop Pop's Pond and Russ the Hippopotamus are two fun and educational stories, contain fun activities, and both inspired by my grandchildren. I hope you get as much enjoyment and entertainment from this book as I have had in creating it. Pop Pop's Pond is a real backyard pond and my favorite place. It's not very big but it has everything a big pond or small lake would have living in, and around it. The story describes the pond, its inhabitants, and instills a sense of wonder and respect for nature to the reader. Russ the Hippopotamus is an educational story describing the hippopotamus and its environment in a creative and imaginative manner. As you will see, Russ's imagination is as creative as yours. Although the young reader will have fun with these stories and the activities, the intent is to find and share a special time, where the more experienced reader, and the young reader, can use their imaginations and, together, visit these special places.