Deer Diary - by Lauren Persons (Paperback)

About the Book

What happens when an unexpected guest comes to visit? What if that guest moves in for a while? What do you feed 'em? How do you entertain 'em? And suppose that the visitor is not a person but a white-tailed Deer named Maxi?

Book Synopsis

2025 Ella's Way Award Winner: Promoting Kindness Through Children's Literature

What happens when an unexpected guest comes to visit? What if that guest moves in for a while? What do you feed 'em? How do you entertain 'em? And just suppose that the visitor is not a person but a white-tailed Deer named Maxi? Read Ruby's diary to find out all the answers!

"On any given day, a miracle of life and nature can touch our hearts and teach us lessons that can change our lives and fill our souls. With her diary, Ruby shares her life-changing interactions with Maxi and Mini. A simple story with easy characters and winsome animals, it is also a story of great love and wonder." --Denna Patterson, retired English department chair and teacher, Stow-Munroe Falls High School

"How delightful to see a new collaboration between the generations! What began as a friendship between two mothers has produced a literary and artistic partnership. Deer Diary reflects the talents of seasoned author Lauren Persons and the budding creativity of artist Lydia Whitehouse. Deer Diary will gladden the hearts of children and those who read to them." --Nancy Greissing, literature, history and literacy teacher

"A true and heart-warming twist on a 'new pet' story! Ruby's authentic and humorous voice narrates the ups and downs of raising a baby deer. Illustrations and doodles by Noah Hrbek and his 11-year-old daughter, Lydia, add bounce and spontaneity." --Pegi Deitz Shea, award-winning children's book author

"This is a true and magical story, the best kind for children and adults to read and talk about together. Truly magical!" --Mary M. Salibrici, grandmother and poet

"Deer Diary is such a fun yet meaningful adventure. The characters were relatable, warm, with a consciousness to appreciate nature and all its gifts. I recommend this book to everyone but especially for teachers to use as a read-aloud and to have it accessible for students in their calming center or in a classroom library." --John Mascia, elementary school teacher

"Maxi is not the hero we deserve, she is the hero we need! Deer Diary had twists and turns, highs and lows, I laughed and I cried. Maxi's adventures will live on forever within the beautifully illustrated pages of this instant classic! A wonderful gift or addition to any library." -Tyler Pritchard, writer, rapper and devoted dad

Learn more at www.LaurenPersons.com

From Loving Healing Press

Review Quotes

"On any given day, a miracle of life and nature can touch our hearts and teach us lessons that can change our lives and fill our souls. With her diary, Ruby shares her life-changing interactions with Maxi and Mini. A simple story with easy characters and winsome animals, it is also a story of great love and wonder." --Denna Patterson, retired English department chair and teacher, Stow-Munroe Falls High School

"How delightful to see a new collaboration between the generations! What began as a friendship between two mothers has produced a literary and artistic partnership. Deer Diary reflects the talents of seasoned author Lauren Persons and the budding creativity of artist Lydia Whitehouse. Deer Diary will gladden the hearts of children and those who read to them." --Nancy Greissing, literature, history and literacy teacher

"A true and heart-warming twist on a 'new pet' story! Ruby's authentic and humorous voice narrates the ups and downs of raising a baby deer. Illustrations and doodles by Noah Hrbek and his 11-year-old daughter, Lydia, add bounce and spontaneity." --Pegi Deitz Shea, award-winning children's book author

"This is a true and magical story, the best kind for children and adults to read and talk about together. Truly magical!" --Mary M. Salibrici, grandmother and poet

"Deer Diary is such a fun yet meaningful adventure. The characters were relatable, warm, with a consciousness to appreciate nature and all its gifts. I recommend this book to everyone but especially for teachers to use as a read-aloud and to have it accessible for students in their calming center or in a classroom library." --John Mascia, elementary school teacher

"Maxi is not the hero we deserve, she is the hero we need! Deer Diary had twists and turns, highs and lows, I laughed and I cried. Maxi's adventures will live on forever within the beautifully illustrated pages of this instant classic! A wonderful gift or addition to any library." -Tyler Pritchard, writer, rapper and devoted dad