Backyard Stew

From the award-winning author of TRUNK GOES THUNK! A WOODLAND TALE OF OPPOSITES comes another exploration of the wonder and fun that can be found just outside your back door. It can happen anywhere...before you know it, you are BORED! But being bored is the BEST place to start in this fun, interactive adventure that encourages kids to explore the natural world and find ingredients for their very own Backyard Stew. As they tap the tops of wild strawberries, wiggle wild onions out of the ground, and rub every dandelion, young readers will delight in making this tried and true "recipe" over and over again. Especially when they discover the secret ingredient!

The vibrant, watercolor illustrations capture rich, natural details and the interactive concept will delight fans of Press Here and Tap the Magic Tree. Perfect for elementary classrooms, early-grade science teachers, interactive story times, and fun read-alouds at home.

Author: Heather C. Morris
Publisher: Gnome Road Publishing
Published: 09/15/2026
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.91lbs
Size: 10.90h x 9.61w x 0.36d
ISBN: 9781957655710
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 05/11/2026
Kirkus Reviews 09/01/2026

About the Author

Heather C. Morris is the grateful author of multiple stories for kids - fiction, nonfiction, picture books, and middle grade - including Trunk Goes Thunk! (Gnome Road Publishing, 2024), and a ghost story in the Haunted States of America Anthology (Godwin Books/Macmillan, 2024). She has published six books for the educational market, spanning a variety of topics, from outer space to animals to weather.

Prior to writing full-time, Heather spent more than a decade working in NASA laboratories, designing experiments that flew on the International Space Station, and conducting equipment tests in extreme environments. She is passionate about showing kids and adults alike that it is possible to pursue interests that may not seem related (like her background in laboratory science and her love for writing fiction). When Heather's not reading, typing, or doodling, you'll find her hiking the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains with her husband, their three kids, and their rescued border collie. Find out more about her at: https: //heathercmorris.com/.

Deborah Schreiber is an illustrator originally from Munich, Germany. She can always be found dreaming of new adventures in life and on paper. Her travels brought her to many different countries and finally to the seaside town of Falmouth, England, which she now calls home. Inspired by nature, wildlife, and personal experiences, Deborah creates atmospheric and playful illustrations that seek to spark wonder and curiosity amongst children and adults alike. While primarily working with traditional media such as watercolour, gouache and coloured pencils, she also embraces digital tools to maintain a flexible creative process. Outside of illustration, Deborah enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring the outdoors and sharing a meal together. Find out more about her at: https: //www.deborahschreiber.com.