I admit it--I might need oxygen. Ozzy's aversion to socks won him a dragonfly award. I didn't even know I loved dragonflies, but I do now! The Purple Dragonfly Book Award is a worldwide competition to celebrate the best in children’s books. Ozzy Ox Stands Against Socks won this distinction based on scoring by industry experts ----including the "real" experts: children! Dragonfly Awards are granted to books based on content, originality, overall readability and design/illustration. Ozzy's sock story won in the category of Picture Books for Ages Six and Up. Surprising, since I, as an author, have heard from parents of children as young as 18 months that their children request Ozzy Ox over and over. One father even hid Ozzy Ox Candy Stash from his three-year-old because he had read it on repeat over months and months at the request--no, demands--of his son! Kudos and THANK YOU to Illustrator Emily Hagen on the appeal of her beautiful artwork. I always say: the PICTURES in a picture book are the most critical component! They were absolutely critical to the Purple Dragonfly Award. Ozzy Ox Stands Against Socks wouldn't be an award winner--and wouldn't even be a book--without the marvelous talent of Emily Hagen! Emily, thank you SO much for bringing Ozzy to life!

It's been a couple weeks now that we opened the gate on Ozzy Ox. He's found his way online on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Goodreads. And now he's knocking on the doors of local bookstores. Our first reading--and book signing-has been scheduled for Sat., Aug. 26, 10:30 AM at THE STORY NOOK in Jamestown, ND (109 First St. West). Every Saturday at 10:30 AM, Story Nook owner Emily Steele hosts Reading Time. We'll not only be reading Ozzy Ox: Candy Stash, but Illustrator Emily Hagen will be there too! We'll bring a few of her real life illustrations along so that she can show a little about the wonderful process that she uses to bring Ozzy books into living color! Emily and I will be all set to sign any Ozzy books already out there--and we'll have plenty of copies at the store for you to purchase as well. So set your calendar for Sat.. Aug 26, 10:30 AM at The Story Nook. -- just west of Babb's Coffee Shop, or east of Gun and Reel!

I didn’t go to kindergarten. Back in the 1800s (and also in the 1960s!), public kindergarten wasn’t a thing in North Dakota. Thank goodness, that has changed. My grandson, Eddie, turns six tomorrow. Like most kids his age, he attends full-time kindergarten and is reading like second-graders used to “Grandma, I started reading chapter books!,” he proudly announced recently. While authors like me see NOTHING wrong with sticking with pictures books long after age six, there is a whole lot of stats out there imploring families to sit down with their kids and read—as soon as they are born. By age two, a child’s brain is as active as an adult’s. By age three, the brain is more than TWICE as active as an adult’s—and stays that way for the first 10 years of life. By age 3, roughly 85 percent of the brain is developed. What should families do to nurture that development? READ TO THEM! SHOW THEM THAT READING IS FUN! According to a study from Ohio State University, one-fourth of children in a national sample are never read to, and another one-fourth of children are seldom read to. The same study found that children whose parents read them five books a day enter kindergarten having heard about 1.4 MILLION more words than kids who were weren’t read to. Based on their calculations, here is how many words kids would have heard by the time they were five years old: Never read to: 4,662 words; 1-2 times per week: 63,570 words; 3-5 times per week: 169,520 words; 7 times per week (daily): 296,660 words Five books a day: 1,483,300 words. Keep in mind where that million-word vocabulary will take a child: —A better childhood: A study found that when children know more words, they have an easier time paying attention and be more engaged in school, have better relationships with teachers, socialize more easily and receive more positive feedback from their peers. —A better adulthood: A study indicates that early reading levels in first grade as well as the trajectory of reading development through the first five years of school were associated with reading scores in adulthood. In 2024, 21 percent of US adults are illiterate. Would that be the case if every child was read to beginning at birth? You’ve heard it before, but now, more than ever—READ to and with the children in your life!

Blog: From My Corner Windows Everyone is entitled to My opinion! (And yes, I am just kidding!)] But I definitely want to hear what YOU have to say! We can talk about kids' books, education, history, current events, travel, parenthood and grandparenthood! Or chocolate! Who doesn't love chocolate? Subscribe to From My Corner Windows--the view changes constantly! Enter your email here Sign Up Thanks for subscribing! Welcome to My Blog! It's about kids' books that children can relate to. it's about life and its celebrations. About parents and grandparents and families. About current events and getting old. Or not. Reely? Check out the action! Ozzy appeals to children as young as this 15-month-old! Hey, what's the recent view from The Corner Windows? Check our past blog posts! Shocked to my socks! Don't call me grandma--unless you qualify Love of country--and a good dog I want to be a part of it... No, it's NOT all about the Benjamins! Moms, you deserve Christmas, too! All Blog Posts Here Shocked to my socks! I admit it--I might need oxygen. Ozzy's aversion to socks won him a dragonfly award. I didn't even know I loved dragonflies, but I do now! The Purple Dragonfly Book Award is a worldwide competition to celebrate the best in children’s books. Ozzy Ox Stands Against Socks won this distinction based on scoring by industry experts ----including the "real" experts: children! Dragonfly Awards are granted to books based on content, originality, overall readability and design/illustration. Ozzy's sock story won in the category of Picture Books for Ages Six and Up. Surprising, since I, as an author, have heard from parents of children as young as 18 months that their children request Ozzy Ox over and over. One father even hid Ozzy Ox Candy Stash from his three-year-old because he had read it on repeat over months and months at the request--no, demands--of his son! Kudos and THANK YOU to Illustrator Emily Hagen on the appeal of her beautiful artwork. I always say: the PICTURES in a picture book are the most critical component! They were absolutely critical to the Purple Dragonfly Award. Ozzy Ox Stands Against Socks wouldn't be an award winner--and wouldn't even be a book--without the marvelous talent of Emily Hagen! Emily, thank you SO much for bringing Ozzy to life!

Author Callen Kropp presents children's picture books that tickle the funny bone with zany rhyme and vibrant illustrations, teaching values that help children make good choices.
And "From My Corner Windows," a blog about celebrating LIFE. About families and kids and parents and grandparents and getting old. Or trying NOT to! Welcome to the Land of Oxen! Callen Kropp and Emily Hagen present a series of kids' story books that tickle the funny bone with zany rhyme and vibrant illustrations teaching values that help children make good choices. Looking for picture books that start discussions that help children's hurdle life's lessons? For laugh-out-loud books in which your children will be so entertained that they won't realize they are learning? Meet Ozzy—the world's most stubborn little ox—and his incredibly patient mother, MomOx. Written entirely in bouncy rhyme and paired with breathtakingly vibrant illustrations, this 4-book series turns everyday power struggles into pure comedic chaos. Instead of lecturing, these books use slapstick consequences to teach children why listening to Mom and Dad is actually a pretty good idea. Perfect for Reading Aloud! The flawless, rhythmic cadence makes it an absolute joy for parents, grandparents, and teachers to read out loud without getting bored. Kids naturally root for the sensible choice when they see Ozzy’s over-the-top, hilarious disasters unfold. Find Ozzy Ox books here. Looking for my blog? Click here! Meet Ozzy and his MomOx in this quick clip! Volume up! "...a charming and insightful literary gem that stands out for its vibrant storytelling, endearing characters, and invaluable life lessons." "....Kropp's storytelling prowess shines as the narrative unfolds with rhythmic rhymes and an engaging plot." "...a heartwarming and insightful tale that beautifully explores the themes of responsibility, compassion, and the healing power of humor." "Ox Stands Against Socks is a cute and entertaining story that teaches children to listen to other people's opinions. " Ozzy Ox: Toy Trauma "Ozzy Ox: Toy Trauma" is not just a story; it's a vehicle for teaching children about understanding, compassion, and the importance of taking responsibility for their actions. The vibrant and endearing illustrations complement the narrative beautifully, making it an engaging and visually appealing reading experience." An ER isn’t where you’d expect a lad to show concern for others. But Ozzy Ox Toy Trauma d elivers a tender moment of compassion when you least expect it. 5-Star Reader's Favorite! Read Toy Trauma Reviews here Check out this 1-minute of fun--a glimpse of Ozzy Ox: Candy Stash! Yay! Ozzy Ox: Candy Stash-- has received great reviews ! Heralded as "a literary gem," and a "lyrical treasure," Ozzy Ox: Candy Stash has been received by hundreds of families with great enthusiasm, too! Ozzy Ox: Candy Stash 5-Star Reader's Favorite! Read Candy Stash Reviews here Ozzy Ox Candy Stash Trailer by Isaac Play Video The Ozzy Ox Channel Watch Now Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Channel Info Close Ozzy Ox Stands Against Socks “Let’s hold your thought, give it a rest, We'll go outside today and test!" Said Ozzy, running down the hall. He came right back and stood up tall.
 With thick, bright socks on all four feet. Out through the door, they met the street. 
But when he felt the brutal cold, Did Ozzy believe what he’d been told? Five-Star Reader's Favorite and winner of the Purple Dragonfly Award "Ozzy is an adorable, stubborn calf that many kids will relate to. His personality was evident in his body language and expressions, which can be seen in the colorful and eye-catching illustrations." Read Stands Against Socks Reviews here Ozzy Ox Moody Morning "Oh, Ozzy Ox, you began this day In a most sniveling, quibbling way. You waved your hooves so angrily, And scared the screech right out of me." "As Ozzy Ox watches the morning unfold, he realizes how devastating a simple tantrum can be and he’s full of remorse. However, his animal friends rallied together and their collaborative efforts put everything right again. Ozzy Ox learns an important lesson about friendship, kindness, and caring for others." --Review by Emily-Jane Hills Orford Read Moody Morning reviews here 5-Star Reader's Favorite! READ THEM RHYMING PICTURE BOOKS! BY DOING SO, YOUR CHILD WILL : Learn about words and language formation Notice individual sounds (example: the common ending “-ig” in wig, pig, jig) Spark their own imagination and poetry-writing skills (a lifelong skill) Appreciate the artistry and impact words make, especially in creating emotion Enjoy a fun, engaging, and memorable reading experience---our Ozzy Ox series WILL deliver!

Ozzy's Wins Award Ozzy Ox Stands Against Socks wins children's book award! Ozzy Ox Stands Against Socks is now a Purple Dragonfly Children’s Picture Book Award Winner! The Purple Dragonfly Book Award is a worldwide competition to celebrate the best in children’s books. Ozzy Ox Stands Against Socks won this distinction based on scoring by industry experts ----including the "real" experts: children! Dragonfly Awards are granted to books based on content, originality, overall readability and design/illustration. It is SO rewarding to see this book, inspired by a grandson who refused to wear socks in his toddler life, be commended. Here's a sample: “Oh no!” wailed Ozzy, in a fit. “Will I wear socks? No NO! I’ve quit! I just hate socks, you know that’s true. They bind my hooves and make them blue!” “I never find a matching pair. One disappears, right in thin air! And what is worse than any ox Who goes without at least one sock?" Ozzy's sock story won in the category of Picture Books for Ages Six and Up. Surprising, since I, as an author, have heard from parents of children as young as 18 months that their children request Ozzy Ox over and over. One father even hid Ozzy Ox Candy Stash from his three-year-old because he had read it on repeat over months and months at the request--no, demands--of his son! Kudos and THANK YOU to Illustrator Emily Hagen on the appeal of her beautiful artwork. I always say: the PICTURES in a picture book are the most critical component! They were absolutely critical to the Purple Dragonfly Award. Ozzy Ox Stands Against Socks wouldn't be an award winner--and wouldn't even be a book--without the marvelous talent of Emily Hagen! Emily, thank you SO much for bringing Ozzy to life!