Rusty and Emma's BIG SHOCK!

Named a finalist for Fiction Young Reader (8-12) in the 36th Annual IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards. Winners will be announced on April 27, 2024.

Rusty and Emma’s BIG SHOCK!

Emma Puff’s Secrets Series, Book 1

By Annie Wilde

Publication Date: October 3, 2023

“Hi, my name is Rusty. I am a puppy who loves secrets, but I just can’t keep them to myself. That is why I want to share a very BIG one with you about me and the young girl, who is my owner, Emma Puff. Just yesterday I was a grumpy old dog and Emma was 90 years old. You won’t believe what happens next…”

Readers of all ages will laugh out loud at the antics of Emma and Rusty, as they are transported to a world where age is just a number. Mr. Musk is the hilarious but naughty parrot who knows all their secrets. When he accidentally creates a mysterious elixir, the magic begins to happen. Old Emma and Rusty become young again and chaos ensues. The duo gets a second chance to appreciate the joys of childhood, the importance of friendship and family while holding on to their old souls. The story and illustrations are designed for, but not limited to, young readers, family members, guardians, and teachers, who enjoy sharing stories that encourage children to love reading and to value people of all ages. All are sure to be delighted by the unexpected twists and turns this cast of characters experiences throughout the book.

“Rusty and Emma’s Big Shock!” is the first book in the Emma Puff’s Secrets Series by Annie Wilde. Emma was born from the imaginative bedtime stories that the author created for her children to whom this book is dedicated. The words of Ms. Wilde are beautifully complemented by the illustrations of Beebe Hargrove. Together they weave a fun, action-packed story filled with hope and second chances.

Genre/category: Juvenile Fiction: Fantasy & Magic, Family/Orphans & Foster Homes, Action & Adventure, Holidays/Christmas

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023942606

Paperback ISBN 9781950495412
$19.99

Meet The Author

Annie Wilde

Meet the ILLUSTRATOR

Beebe Hargrove

Review Quotes:

“’You are now a child and the sooner you start acting like one, the safer we will be.’ Words of wisdom from a talking dog to his newly young friend, Emma. In ‘Rusty and Emma’s Big Shock!’ writer Annie Wilde combines the spirit of youth with the wisdom of age in a fun new way. Beautifully illustrated by Beebee Hargrove, both the young and young of heart are sure to be delighted in this tale of sudden-onset second childhood.” —Gretchen Baer, Artist and Director of Studio Mariposa, free children’s art center on Mexican side of U.S./Mexico border wall

“’Rusty and Emma Puff’s Big Shock!’ was an absolute joy to read. One of those rarities in children’s literature where, as an adult, you’re thinking you’ll read to the end of the chapter, and then suddenly you’ve read another three without noticing. The tale is told by Rusty, the dog, and through his narration the enchanting characters of Emma, Rusty, Mr. Musk and everyone else come to life as their adventures are weaved through the book. Annie Wilde makes Emma Puff heart-warming, whimsical and oh-so funny all at the same time. The antics of Emma, Rusty and the gang are naughty enough to make children (of all ages) laugh out loud. When I read it, the only thing I wanted to change was that my son was still a child, so I could read it to him. In fact, make that two things, I’d have the next book ready for us to read now. Hurry up, Annie Wilde!” —Charlie Tilly, BBC Television

“So full of excitement, fun and mischief, you’ll find you can’t stop turning the pages to discover what happens next! Wonderfully imaginative, an absolute delight!” —Mark Powell, gallerist, New York

“This delightful story with its gorgeous illustrations begins when Rusty, an old dog, Emma Puff, a 90-year-old woman, and Mr. Musk, the parrot, go into the woods to find plants for Emma’s medicines. One day, they find strange purple seed spheres that Emma cooks in her Magic Cooking Pot. Then the fun begins! The story has all the elements kids enjoy like poo and food fights, and the story has twists and turns that will delight young readers.” —Mickey Goodman, co-author of
The Cowboy Little, Cowboy Small Series

“In my 30 years as a teacher, I’ve never run across such a refreshing story with enchanting characters. This charming story will open a world of reverie captivating readers young and old. Rusty and Emma’s adventures share teachable moments with expressive vocabulary that will entice the young reader.” —Ann E. Prizzi, educator, Baltimore

“We all went back wanting to be children again.” —Franca Canzone, Sicily

“Annie Wilde has written a wonderfully fresh and imaginative new story that is truly a charming read for children and parents to enjoy together. It will no doubt leave you excited to see how the story continues for Rusty and Emma in the next book!” —Holly Jean Cosner, author of PeeWee Pilates

“A beautifully magical story for all readers. Sure to be cherished. Emma and Rusty’s tale will captivate audiences from the first page.” —Jennifer Gillman, owner of The Book Exchange,
Marietta, Georgia

“The story was interesting and funny. I loved the illustrations because they had a watercolor texture. My favorite characters are Emma and her dog Rusty. I was surprised that George had red hair when he was a child. I loved the book!” —Gracy Issa, age nine, Beirut, Lebanon