Cory Tarwater’s New Children’s Book Promotes Kindness Over Conflict

Cory Tarwater’s The Grumble-Gator’s Greatest Raft: A Tale of Toby, Barnaby, and the Sunny-Stream Pond uses a pondside fable to teach children empathy, friendship and second chances. Published by JCT Creations on June 26, 2026, the picture book aims to show young readers, parents and educators how choosing kindness can change a conflict.

Why it matters: - The book frames conflict resolution in a way young readers can understand. - The story centers on empathy, standing up to bullying without violence and giving second chances. - The message is aimed at children, parents and educators.

What happened: - Cory Tarwater released The Grumble-Gator’s Greatest Raft: A Tale of Toby, Barnaby, and the Sunny-Stream Pond through JCT Creations. - The picture book was published on June 26, 2026. - The book follows Toby, a small turtle, and Barnaby, a large Grumble-Gator, in Sunny-Stream Pond. - Barnaby splashes Toby off a lily pad and frightens the pond’s residents. - Toby chooses not to retaliate. - Toby instead invites Barnaby to help build a raft.

The details: - Toby responds with the line: “A fist can break a branch, but a kind word can plant a forest.” - The story shows Barnaby learning that size and strength can be used to help others. - The book’s stated theme is that being big means having more room for others. - The book carries ISBN-13 979-8182359337. - Tarwater says his stories are inspired by the magic of growing up and learning how to be a good neighbor. - Tarwater writes from Utah. - Tarwater also says it is never too late to change your ways. - Tarwater has discussed mindset, personal growth and positive life redesign on the podcasts Redesign Your Life Today, hosted by Daniel Kobryne, and Mindset2Results, hosted by Elena Apalkova. - More information is available on Cory Tarwater’s Facebook page.

Between the lines: - The book uses a simple animal story to model a nonviolent response to aggression. - The raft becomes a symbol of cooperation, not just a craft project. - The message suggests that harmful behavior can be redirected into community value.

What's next: - Tarwater says he is already dreaming up the next adventure for Barnaby, Toby and the other creatures of Sunny-Stream Pond. - The author’s growing media appearances suggest continued promotion around the book’s themes.

The bottom line: - The book’s core lesson is straightforward: kindness can turn an enemy into a friend.