Tucker the Gecko has a heart filled with joy like a tummy full of giggles, but he wants to find more friends to share it with. Normally Tucker only has nighttime friends because that’s when he’s awake.
What would it be like for him to have daytime friends too? Come along on Tucker‘s journey of joy and see the unlikely friendships he forms as he overcomes unexpected obstacles.
About the Author
Known for nearly three decades as Nanny Julie, she is now embracing a new role – Author Julie Ball. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Julie currently lives in West Palm Beach, Florida with her husband – her high school sweetheart from 1988. Julie’s passion for writing began when she was 7 years old.
With a degree in early childhood development and years of experience as a nanny, preschool teacher, and kindergarten teacher, she has always found joy in nurturing young hearts and minds.
When Julie’s not writing, she enjoys volunteering with Friends of Manatee Lagoon where she educates visitors about these gentle giants.
Follow Julie on Facebook at @julieballauthor and Instagram @julieballauthor for regular updates on her upcoming release of her first children’s book, The Gecko In The Cinnamon Broom: Tucker’s First Adventure..
If you’d like to receive text or email updates on book release dates, fill out the contact form here.
Illustrations provided by Robert Dunn, a Scottish illustrator, who shares his cozy studio with his parakeet, Chirply. He is represented by the lovely folks at Advocate Art.
The Gecko in the Cinnamon Broom: Tucker’s First Adventure is a heartwarming tale about the transformative power of following your heart. Follow along as Tucker the Gecko steps outside his nightly routine to do something that truly matters to him - sharing his joy with others. This playful story encourages children to trust their inner voice, take responsibility for their dreams, and build meaningful connections with others.
—Jack Canfield, co-author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul® series
Testimonials
A delightful story with a rich and memorable cast of characters.
- Michael Jamin, author of A Paper Orchestra
I highly recommend The Gecko in the Cinnamon Broom: Tucker’s First Adventure for every classroom! It is a charming, high-energy adventure that celebrates the pure joy of stepping into the unknown. Tucker the gecko's daytime journey is a beautiful lesson in how making new friends can brighten your day while making others happy along the way.
It’s the perfect read-aloud for any little explorer with a 'mind full of thinking things' and a heart ready to share its own sunshine. Teachers and students alike will love this sweet story.
- Romeo Marquez, Jr.
International Speaker and Best Selling Author
The Gecko in the Cinnamon Broom: Tucker’s First Adventure, by Julie Benevento Ball, introduces Tucker the gecko and follows his quest to find new friends. Readers who have anxiety around meeting new people will find comfort in Tucker’s get-to-know-you strategies, and will watch his efforts and bravery be rewarded with fun new experiences when he leaves the comfort of his home. Brought to life by Robert Dunn’s vibrant illustrations, this charming tale is a must-have for any child learning to find their own bravery.
- Lisa Mundorff, children’s book author of
A Troop of Kangaroos: A Book of Animal Group Names
The Gecko in the Cinnamon Broom: Tucker’s First Adventure, gives a great example of having a goal, and finding the courage to step out of our comfort zone to achieve it. And how, in taking that step, our worlds can be open to further beauty, joy, learning and new relationships along the way. This story is a refreshing reminder of the innate joy of spreading joy, and how simple acts of kindness and can enrich our lives. Beautifully written and illustrated, children will love joining Tucker on his adventures.
- Lis Drage, children’s book author of
Differences, My Arms are Too Short, and Yup
Tucker and His Friends
While not native to Florida, Tucker is the real-life leopard gecko that I raised back in college. The gecko in this story is a Mediterranean house gecko and lives in a cinnamon broom on my porch in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Learn more about leopard geckos here.
Learn more about the Mediterranean house gecko here.
The green anole is a small, bright green lizard that can change color, climb trees, and loves to catch bugs. They are native to Florida.
Learn more about the green anole here.
A zebra longwing butterfly is a black butterfly with bright yellow stripes and a three-inch wingspan. It is the state butterfly of Florida.
Learn more about this beautiful butterfly here.
The American flamingo is a big, pink bird with a long neck and skinny legs that loves to wade in water and sometimes stands on one leg. They get their pink color from the shrimp they eat.
Learn more about the flamingo here.
The Florida box turtle is a small, land turtle with a colorful, dome-shaped shell that keeps it safe from danger.
Learn more about box turtles here.
The eastern fox squirrel is a large, fluffy squirrel with a long bushy tail that helps it steer when leaping out of trees. They can weigh up to 3 pounds.
Learn more about the eastern fox squirrel here.
The Florida manatee is a giant, gentle sea cow that is a cousin to the elephant. It has a paddle-like tail to help it move through the water as it eats seagrass. In the wild, manatees only give birth to one baby and twins are extremely rare.
Learn more about conservation efforts to protect manatees - Friends Of Manatee Lagoon
The loggerhead turtle is a big ocean turtle with a huge head, strong jaws for crunching crabs, and a reddish-brown heart-shaped shell.
Learn more about loggerhead turtle rescue and conservation here.
Coloring Pages
Click on desired coloring page. PDF document will open in a new window.
You can print the page directly from that window.
Be a Part of Tucker’s Future Adventures
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