Books with author Kimberly K Schmidt

Freckles is a common white hen, not as beautiful as the others. Her ability to count, to fly, and to hide her eggs, sets her apart. But it’s her curiosity that takes her on adventures that the other hens cannot abide. Although the kindly and dignified rooster Sergeant Pepper is her friend, the proper and pretentious hens do not accept her as one of their own—which often leaves Freckles standing sadly alone. This fast-moving story will keep you on the edge of your seat, where the chickens will face peril, but unexpected courageous acts change the course of events. By the end of the book, Freckles as well as the other hens come to appreciate that it is her differences that are also her strengths. And sometimes, a good friend may turn out to be someone least expected. Meet a colorful cast of barnyard animals, and find out all about Freckles---who’s not so common after all—in this fun, fast-paced, adventurous chapter book that teaches readers about curiosity, courage, and friendship.

Lydia—a bright copper-colored filly—is born into the world on a stormy night. Lydia is beautiful and healthy except for one thing. She is born with one eye. Her mother does not tell her, so she doesn’t know that she is different. Lydia does not understand why none of the other young horses will be her friend. Due to her half blindness, Lydia, with the help of some new and unconventional animal friends, learns how to use her other senses to her benefit. The playful crows teach her how to read the wind to predict the weather, the serious dogs teach her how to smell and identify predators, and the friendly calico cat teaches her how to see in the dark. But when Lydia finally learns the truth of her disability, will she be able to muster the courage and strength and grace to help the rest of the horses when they all find themselves in danger? Or will she not be able to save them? Lydia’s Gift is an uplifting and inspiring story that explores what it really means to be different and find acceptance. This fast-paced tale is one that can be enjoyed by parents and children alike—it’s a heartwarming look at the power of true friendship and the realization that sometimes our greatest weakness turns out to be our greatest strength…and perhaps a disability may really be a gift we didn’t know we had.

This peek into the lives at Grayson Farm follows a delightful goat named Henry who seems desperate to know what he is –– only to discover (with the help of his animal friends) that it's who he is that counts. The audience (not only children but also adults) will find this a charming and insightful tale featuring beautiful, detailed illustrations and a relatable storyline. The reader will be delighted with the many colorful farm animals with distinct personalities all their own. The repetition of Henry's question (What am I?") and his self-reflection leads the reader toward the unexpected ending and moral of this story: that it's one's worth that counts, regardless of what one is labeled. Young children will enjoy the "find the rabbit" feature on every page as they travel throug this beautiful book with Henry. Henry's Discovery is the perfect bedtime story that ends with Henry falling asleep snuggled with the adorable brown and white bunny, realizing that he is a friend...and that is the best thing of all to be.

"Listen and you can hear God speaking", said Anabel's mom Featuring gorgeous illustrations and a relatable storyline, "Listen" is an inspirational and uplifting story geared toward children ages four to seven. Set on a horse farm and following the seasons of the year, young readers will find themselves learning important faith-based lessons along with the main character, Anabel, and listening carefully for the voice of God, all along the way. Young children will enjoy the "find the cat" feature as they travel through the story with Anabel, getting lost in the illustrations and searching for the pesky calico cat hiding on every page.

"Listen and you can hear God speaking", said Anabel's mom. Featuring gorgeous illustrations and a relatable storyline, LISTEN is an inspirational and uplifting story for children ages four to ninety-four. Set on a horse farm and following the seasons of the year, the detailed illustrations will capture every child's imagination. Anabel listens for God's booming voice from above the clouds...Nothing. Yet, she keeps her ears open, waiting and wondering what God will say. It is when a sudden inspiration and a simple act of kindness lead her to realize that she has been hearing God's voice all along...Just not the way she expected. Young children will enjoy the find the cat" feature as they travel through the story with Anabel, getting lost in the illustrations and searching for that pesky calico cat that is hiding somewhere on every page.