About the Author:
Susan Smith grew up in Brooklyn, New York and
received a BA in Art Education from Brooklyn College.
In addition, she studied at the Brooklyn
Museum Art School. She moved to California and
continued her graduate studies and received two
masters degrees: Special Education and Early Childhood
Special
Education.
She was a special education preschool teacher at the
Culver City Unified School District for twenty years.
Susan is the mother of three, and currently resides in
Santa Monica with her husband and Lucy, their
Labrador Retriever.
Goldie and Gretzky...and the coronavirus was written
during the shelter in place directives of March
2020. Susan woke to the sound of two ducks swimming
in a neighbor’s pool and the rest is history.
This is her first book.
Email: designsmith100@yahoo.com
BOOKS
Goldie and Gretzky…and the coronavirus
Two ducks learn about the coronavirus and travel around the neighborhood bringing joy and cheer.
Goldie and Gretzky…visit the zoo during the coronavirus
If all of the people are staying at home, our friends at the zoo must be lonely. Let’s visit them.
Goldie and Gretzky…and their 3 ducklings
They called them “Do, Re and Mi” because they made such beautiful sounds! What a sweet family!
Goldie and Gretzky…at the pond
Goldie and Gretzky and their three ducklings, Do-Re and Mi, live at the local duck pond. They bring love and happiness to the pond as they raise their ducklings.
Goldie and Gretzky...help the bears
Join Goldie and Gretzky and their three ducklings, Do-Re-Mi, at the local duck pond as they help the bears. Goldie and Gretzky hear about dangerous forest fires and learn about a bear cub who was injured in the fire and is now being cared for at a local animal rescue center. Find out how their neighbors at the duck pond plan a local fund raising event to help the bears, frontline workers, and firefighters. Everyone has a great time and the ducks proudly display their art project to help the cause. Learn how positive things can happen when people work together to help others in need. This story includes a variety of creative follow-up activities designed to promote art, social and play skills.
Goldie and Gretzky...sail the sea with Do-Re-Mi
All aboard as Goldie and Gretzky sail the sea with their 3 ducklings, Do-Re-Mi. Join the ducks for a real adventure as they sail to Hawaii with a local family and their dog. When the sailboat arrives, they explore the island of Oahu and discover the beautiful beaches and find new friends. They meet a real rescued duck named Daffy, who surfs and inspires people. Daffy stays with a woman named Susie at her duck sanctuary along with other ducks and ducklings who need shelter and a home. The colorful collages capture the imagination and inspire creativity. This is an endearing true story about how people working together can inspire others to create a better community.
Goldie and Gretzky…carry their song
Goldie+Gretzky and Do-Re-Mi, their ducklings, sailed from California to Hawaii with some local friends. They share their message of kindness as they carry their song wherever they go. Join Goldie+Gretzky and Do-Re-Mi, as they move to Susie’s Duck Sanctuary and learn about the Aloha Spirit, spreading friendship and good will. Meet all of their new friends and experience the spirit of the island as they settle into a new home and shhh!!!…a big family surprise is on the way!! The colorful collage artwork inspires storytelling and comprehension. There are suggested follow up activities which provide opportunities to develop art, play and social skills.
Goldie and Gretzky and the Surfing Dogs
“SURF’S UP!” “HANG TEN!”
Goldie+Gretzky and their family join the world of surfing in Hawaii, their new home. They live on a beautiful duck sanctuary on the North Shore of Oahu with other duck friends.
One day they all ride to the beach with Susie, their caretaker, to play and surf. It is a beautiful beach day and everyone is excited to have fun in the sand and sea.
At the beach, Goldie+Gretzky and Do-Re-Mi meet dogs that surf. Today there is a dog surfing competition. They join the festivities and have fun alongside the dogs and the newest ducklings in their family. The ducklings are named numbers 1-6. One, two, three, four, five and six stay together and love their new sport and life in Hawaii.
Goldie+Gretzky continue to bring friendship, fun and the Aloha Spirit to their friends and neighbors.
An exciting time is had by all in this inspirational story about trying new activities and making friends.
Audio Book
Listen to this audio recording to hear how the ducks bring joy and cheer to their neighbors.