Meet the Author
Kate McCarroll Moore is a lifelong educator and former poet laureate for the City of San Ramon, California. She is the author of a picture book titled Chelsea Skye, Nature Spy, and two novels for children, Elinormal and New Girl: The Further Adventures of Elinormal, and has also published poetry collections for adults. She never grows tired of people-watching and eavesdropping, using her writer’s imagination to turn ordinary events into unique characters with interesting stories to tell. Kate lives with her family in Northern California. Most days, you can find her in her garden, reading, writing, painting, and listening to the birds.
Details
Format: Paperback, Hardcover
ISBN Paperback: 978-1-966369-55-4
ISBN Hardcover: 978-1-966369-54-7
Pages: 38
Release date: 6/9/2026
Endorsements
“Walter and Benny: Good Guys, Nature Spies has it all! A feel-good story where teamwork, friendship, caring, and taking action make a positive difference. I especially love the guide to keeping a nature journal. Appreciating and noticing the natural wonders around us is so grounding and centering, something that I try to practice every day. This book has so much goodness to share with the reader.”
~ Kristi Yamaguchi, Olympic gold medalist and the author of the New York Times bestselling picture book Dream Big, Little Pig, and other books for children
“In Kate McCarroll Moore’s latest book, Walter (with his dog Benny) saves the day for finches, ducklings, and Dickens, the library cat. Prepared with a stack of books and a nature notebook nestled in his bicycle basket, Walter is the young, thoughtful hero every community needs. Readers will take joy in moments of rescue and will notice acts of kindness woven throughout: a librarian’s promise, a bowl of water outside the library, a firefighter’s readiness to help.”
~ Amy Ludwig VanDerwater, author of The Sound of Kindness and other books for young readers
“Walter may be small, but he has agency. Responding to a baby duck emergency with creativity and determination, this nature spy comes to the rescue. Kate Moore’s story provides a beautiful example of how reading and writing contribute to a child’s ability to make this world a better place. Young readers will be inspired!”
~ Carol Jago, author of The Book in Question: Why and How Reading Is in Crisis and past president of the National Council of Teachers of English
“Walter and his dog Benny exemplify kindness and the importance of being a helper. Readers will cheer for them as they make a difference, one baby bird at a time!”
~ Anna Ouchchy, author of the picture book I Don’t Wanna Hibernate
“Who doesn’t love good guys? And who doesn’t want to be a nature spy? Walter and Benny will win your hearts in this latest adventure. As a bonus, kids will adore learning how to create their own nature journal!”
~ Teri Drobnick, author of the picture book Moving Day
“Walter and his pup Benny have an active day making a difference in this kindness-centric STEM story ideal for reading aloud to early primary school children.”
~ Judy Bradbury, author of the Cayuga Island Kids chapter book series
“Getting children interested in wildlife, nature, and the environment is more important than ever. Walter and Benny, and Kate’s other Nature Spy books, are a terrific way to engage children and spark their curiosity about the natural world. Learning should be fun, and Kate’s Nature Spy series has nailed that formula.”
~ Lance W. Raffe, owner & founder of Wildbird Junction Backyard Nature Shoppe
