SPUD GROWS
The Spud Grows series is designed to empower kids to build resilience and problem solving skills in a world that is full of imperfections and complex challenges.
In each story, Spud, an expressive and thoughtful boy, learns how to respond (and how NOT to respond) when faced with life’s persistent and often unavoidable challenges.
The Author’s Inspiration
See that kind of bald guy? That’s Evan, the author, next to his amazing wife and their three spunky kids. This picture provides a little bit of insight into the origin of the Spud Grows series. If you’re a parent (or if you’ve ever tried to tell a child something important) you can probably relate to the following pattern:
Evan spots a teachable moment in his children’s lives. Evan gathers his beloved children. He makes sure they are listening, and then he bestows the most profound, insightful, life altering, wisdom-filled, practical, life lessons he can muster. He’s sure that this moment, this speech, and these words will be a core childhood memory for his children, and they will look back one day and say “That’s the day my dad changed my life!”
After his oration, Evan eagerly waits for his children to respond with awe and gratitude.
“Can I have a hotdog? Look at that bug!” Or when things went really well “Okay.”
That’s about when Evan decided to try giving his children lessons with stories instead, and that’s when Spud’s adventures began.
The Spud Grows series was born out of a father’s earnest attempts to turn teachable moments into fun, and memorable stories that his children actually take to heart and WANT him to read again and again.
Published Books
That’s Not Fair
That’s Not Fair explores timeless truths and equips readers with a practical and hopeful lesson: even when life isn’t fair, we still have the choice to respond well.
In That’s Not Fair, a boy takes Spud’s swing, and Spud doesn't quite know how to respond. Should he cry, get angry, get revenge, take it out on someone else? When all of these responses make things worse, he realizes he needs a new approach. Instead of trying to make things fair for himself, Spud discovers that if he treats others the way he hopes to be treated, not only does his day get better, but the whole playground around him becomes a more beautiful place.
More Is On The Way!
Do you wish there were more Spud books?
Good news! There are a few things you can do to help.
Leave a verified review wherever you purchased your copy.
Sign up for the mailing list at the bottom of this page so you’ll be notified when a new Spud book is available.
If you’re so inclined, contact the author about future topics you hope Spud can explore.. Chances are, these topics are already in the queue, but enough requests may expedite particular topics.
Get notified about new releases!
Want to be notified when a new Spud book is available? Sign up on the mailing list, and you’ll receive one email per book release.
Want to request a future topic for Spud to explore? You could influence future books!
Are you willing to share your “Interview with Spud” answers? I love to read these, and with your permission, I may even post them on the site.