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Exploring a Magical Park & Kids FAQ with the Author
Join author Kathy Cherry as she shares fun facts, answers kids' questions, and reveals secrets about her magical national park book series.
Welcome back to Kids Ask, Authors Answer, a joyful video series where children’s curiosity meets author creativity! Each episode brings together real kids and children’s book authors for a read-aloud followed by spontaneous, unscripted Q&A sessions.
The twist? The authors never see the questions ahead of time, so every answer is genuine, often funny, and always full of heart.
In this episode, hosts Amy Doslich and Samantha (Sam) Howard-Els read Polar Post: An Eretuf National Park Novel by Kathy Arnold Cherry, an action-packed Arctic adventure set in the magical Erutuf National Park. As siblings Reese and Dean explore the frozen landscape, they uncover secret maps, face clever pirates, and team up with an unforgettable polar bear guide on a mission that tests their bravery and teamwork.
Perfect for kids who love adventure stories, this episode is packed with moments that spark curiosity and big questions that get answered by the author!
Amy Doslich is the author and illustrator behind the beloved Hannah Banana and Mary Berry series, a collection inspired by her two daughters. Her stories are known for their warmth, humor, and family-centered adventures.
Samantha Howard-Els brings her own sparkle as the creator of the Mungo series and Tiny Boo, books that mix kindness, curiosity, and Halloween fun.
This time they’re joined by Kathy Arnold Cherry, who shares what inspired the Erutuf National Park series, how she builds adventurous worlds kids want to explore, and what it’s like hearing questions straight from young readers. Her answers give a fun behind-the-scenes look at writing action-packed stories that keep kids thinking and asking for “just one more chapter.”
The heart of the conversation lies in responding to questions from children who are captivated by Kathy’s story. Their curiosity brings out rich anecdotes, background details, and playful dialogue about parks, pirates, animals, and magic.
When asked if she has ever been in a sled race, Kathy admits she hasn’t—but would love to try. Her tales of meeting sled dogs in Alaska’s Denali National Park reveal the charm and character these animals bring to her stories.
Kathy enumerates her favorite parks—Grand Teton, where she married, and Yellowstone, famed for its diversity of wildlife and terrain. Her tally of nearly 30 parks visited reflects a deep engagement with America’s natural treasures.
Why use pirates as “bad guys”? Kathy explains her love for pirate stories, but she undermines tradition by dressing her pirates in tuxedos and changing their style and character to suit each tale. This flexibility fosters creativity and ensures each book offers something fresh.
Sofia’s keen observation that “Eretuf” is “future” spelled backwards opens a discussion on fictional world-building. Kathy confirms the name’s hidden meaning—saving national parks for the future—a subtle layer for attentive readers to discover.
Lorna wants to know why Kathy’s stories feature a polar bear as the animal guide. Kathy discusses the challenge of choosing a lead character, blending terrain, favorite animals, and personality types (like the “goofy dad” for Ty the polar bear). Through her choices, she creates relatable, lovable animal leads that make learning about nature a joy.
Children are naturally drawn to stories with magic and adventure. Kathy’s series delivers both, and the questions reflect readers’ fascination.
Chelsea’s question about the invisible monorail uncovers the magical “elixir”—a plot device that unlocks the park’s mysteries: talking animals, hidden transportation, and much more. Pirates in the stories covet this elixir, infusing classic adventure motifs with a unique twist.
Edison asks why pirates want the map, leading Kathy to explain that these are not standard pirates obsessed with treasure alone—they want the magical elixir for profit and perhaps greed, a reflection of both fantasy tropes and modern concerns.
Kathy Cherry’s commitment to breaking stereotypes is evident when discussing her math-loving girl protagonist. Traditionally, math is associated with male characters, but Kathy deliberately reverses this, celebrating girls’ interest and strength in math—a choice inspired by co-author Sam Howard’s own love for numbers ;) (watch the episode to get this joke).
Whether it’s naming the character “Tutu”—derived from a child’s mispronunciation of “Turtle”—or creating a polar bear with dad-like magic tricks, Kathy’s characters are rooted in playful real experiences and loving family ties.
Making the fictional feel real is an art, and Kathy excels at turning her parks into places of wonder.
The stories are peppered with activities and puzzles that encourage exploration and critical thinking. There is a sandcastle you can walk through, sled dog adventures, and a library maze. These details transform reading from passive enjoyment into active participation.
Behind every setting is extensive research into terrain and wildlife. Kathy’s love for learning permeates the stories, ensuring accuracy while feeding her creativity.
Kathy Cherry’s process isn’t confined to her imagination—she brings readers into the fold. Naming contests for dogs and characters involve local classrooms and toy stores, making her books a community effort.
Characters Dean and Reese are named after Kathy’s own children’s middle names, offering a touching Easter egg for readers and family alike. She welcomes the idea of naming future butterfly or bunny characters after her readers, further intertwining family, readers, and storycraft.
Sofia’s question about Kathy’s favorite part of writing brings out the key joys of the craft: creating characters, researching environments, and giving voices to animals. The process is both a challenge and a celebration of creativity, exploration, and learning.
Character names are chosen with care, sometimes through popular baby name lists to match personalities, sometimes through reader contests. Even Kathy’s golden retriever, Evie, provides inspiration for the treat-loving dog character, Tutu.
Enthusiastic readers prompt Kathy about future settings. While her series remains anchored in the fictional Eretuf park, future books will explore new terrains—like the savanna and more exotic places, hinting at African-inspired adventures.
Book four is scheduled for release in 2026, continuing the “Eretuf National Park Book Series.” Previous books explore beach coasts (“Turtle Tube”) and grasslands (“Bison Blog”), each introducing new animal characters and landscapes.
At its core, Kathy Cherry’s series isn’t just entertainment—it’s an invitation to love nature, value conservation, celebrate curiosity, and imagine a better future for the planet’s wild places. The name “Eretuf,” symbolizing future preservation, sits at the heart of the series’ mission.
Through magical animals, daring adventures, and interactive elements, young readers are guided towards appreciation of nature and the value of protecting national parks. The stories nurture a lifelong love for exploration, puzzles, and teamwork.
Children’s books don’t just spark imagination. They help kids explore new worlds, think boldly, and see the magic in everyday adventures. Whether you’re a parent looking for exciting storytime, a teacher seeking engaging read-alouds, or a young explorer dreaming of icy Arctic adventures, this episode reminds us all of the power of curiosity, courage, and teamwork.
Let’s keep asking questions and reading together—whether it’s about polar bears, hidden maps, or the uncharted corners of a magical national park.
Want to Grab a Copy of Polar Post?
You can find it here*: https://amzn.to/4bmmUNj
Watch them here: Kids Ask Authors Answer Interviews!
You can also find Amy and Sam’s books here:
Amy Doslich – Hannah Banana and Mary Berry series*: https://amzn.to/4eLoZ3G
Samantha Howard-Els – Mungo series & Tiny Boo*: https://amzn.to/3CBx9OF
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