We are thrilled to announce an exciting milestone for The Snail and the Butterfly about an ambitious snail who wanted to fly and an wise butterfly who questioned why. The Snail and the Butterfly has been honored as a Mom’s Choice Award Winner! This recognition is a testament to the story’s power to inspire and motivate readers of all ages, encouraging everyone to pursue their dreams, no matter their starting point or the challenges they face.
A Story That Inspires
The Snail and the Butterfly guides readers through the thrill of big dreams, the fear of failure, and the satisfaction of perseverance. Written by the award-winning author Doug Cooper, known to his readers as Dougie Coop, and brought to life through the vibrant illustrations of the acclaimed Australian artist CJ the Kid, this book combines rhythmic verse with a playful style. Together, they craft a world where anything is possible, reminding us all that with belief, trust, and perseverance, we can achieve the impossible.
Recognition by the Mom’s Choice Awards®
The Mom’s Choice Awards® (MCA) is a globally recognized program that sets the benchmark for excellence in family-friendly media, products, and services. With thousands of items reviewed from over 60 countries, the MCA seal of approval is a trusted symbol that guides parents, educators, and the media in choosing the best products for children and families.
Our book was evaluated by an esteemed panel of experts from various fields—including education, media, and healthcare—who are committed to identifying products that contribute positively to family growth and promote moral and inspirational values. The award highlights our commitment to creating content that is not only entertaining but also enriching.
A Commitment to Community and Excellence
This recognition is especially meaningful because the Mom’s Choice Awards® are not a pay-for-award program. Every product is rigorously tested and judged on its merits, focusing on elements like educational value, entertainment quality, originality, and appeal. It is an honor to have The Snail and the Butterfly recognized for its contribution to children’s literature.
In the spirit of giving back, the Mom’s Choice Awards® donates most of the evaluated items to various charitable organizations, spreading the joy and educational value of these products further into the community.
What is identity? Is it just how we look, where we live, or the roles we play? Over two years, I recorded my transformation—from clean-shaven to a long beard, from short hair to flowing locks—exploring the complex, ever-changing concept of identity. This video isn’t just a visual journey; it’s a reflection on how identity is shaped by appearance, actions, relationships, and the courage to let go of who we think we are. Through my changing appearance, I ask:
Is identity more than how we identify—our masculinity or femininity?
Is it more than our jobs, our families, or the stories we tell ourselves?
Is it something we can define, or is it constantly evolving?
Identity is elusive, complex, and deeply personal. It’s all of these things and none of them. So, I leave you with one question: Who are you?
💡 Join the Conversation
Explore the themes of identity and transformation through this visual experiment. Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to like and subscribe for more thought-provoking content.
Identity. It’s something we think we understand—our name, our past, the face staring back at us in the mirror. But what if that isn’t the whole story? What if who we are is more fluid than we realize?
Over two years ago, I began a personal experiment to explore this very question. How much of our identity—both how we see ourselves and how others perceive us—is shaped by our appearance?
A Two-Year Journey of Transformation
During this period, I documented my physical changes while reciting a monologue I’d written, titled What is Identity?. I kept the background and shirt the same to ensure that the only variable in this project was my outward appearance.
You’ll see every step of this journey: from the beginning to the end, with all the changes and “in-between” moments that reveal how much—or how little—changed beneath the surface.
This visual record captures more than just physical shifts; it raises deeper questions about how much of our identity is internal versus external.
The Question at the Heart of It All
As I reflected on this process, one question stayed with me: How much did I really change? How much of my true self shifted beneath these outward changes?
This video series is an invitation to question the nature of identity. How much of our sense of self is defined by how others perceive us versus what we know inside?
This exploration has always been at the heart of my writing. Identity isn’t just a personal question—it’s a recurring theme in the stories I tell:
In Outside In, a man becomes his opposite to understand who he truly is.
In The Investment Club, broken strangers discover that our greatest investment is often in one another.
In Focus Lost, characters confront the fine line between passion and obsession.
And in my children’s book, The Snail and The Butterfly, a young snail’s dream of flying meets an old butterfly’s reflections on purpose.
Through each of these stories, I’ve delved into the layers of identity, exploring how it shapes and connects us.
An Invitation to Reflect
This project, and the stories I’ve written, are an invitation to you. Who are we, really? How much of our identity is defined by what others see versus what we know to be true inside?
I hope you’ll join me in this exploration of self—not just through this video but also through the pages of my books. Because maybe, just maybe, the real journey of identity is one we’re all on together.
Feel free to share your reflections in the comments or connect with me on social media. Let’s explore this question of identity, together.
Dive into the whimsical world of The Snail and the Butterfly, a gem among inspirational children’s books by award-winning author Doug Cooper, also known as Dougie Coop. This captivating tale invites readers on a journey that blends profound life lessons with the whimsy and allure of adventure and the thrill of chasing dreams.
Meaningful Children’s Books Character Dynamics: Snail and Butterfly
Our adventurous snail and the skeptical butterfly depict a magical conversation about aspirations and the doubts that accompany them. This dialogue not only entertains but also teaches resilience and the value of questioning norms. The story resonates deeply with mushroom hunters and aspiring aviators of all ages, illustrating that great achievements can stem from the smallest beginnings and that persistence is key.
Give the Inspirational The Snail and the Butterfly Children’s Book as a Gift
A Date with Magic: Dive into “The Snail & The Butterfly” Virtual Event!
Ever sat down with a book and felt the world around you transform? Ever been transported into a universe filled with wonder, hope, and magic? Well, Dougie Coop and CJ the Kid are about to sweep you off your feet with their latest masterpiece, The Snail and The Butterfly.
Mark Your Calendars!
On October 25th at 7:00 PM EDT (or October 26 at 10a AEDT for our friends down under), set your alarms, brew a cozy cup of cocoa, and get ready to be teleported into a realm of inspiration. Rare Bird Books proudly presents a virtual evening dedicated to this heartwarming tale. Grab your spot here and make sure you don’t miss out!
Why This Book?
The Snail & The Butterfly isn’t just another children’s book. It’s a symphony of words and illustrations that resonates with the universal dream of soaring high, irrespective of the limitations we believe we have. Tailored for the imaginative minds aged 4–7 years, this tale is an ode to self-belief, persistence, and the magic of dreams.
Meet the Maestros: Dougie Coop and CJ the Kid
Dougie Coop isn’t a stranger to the literary world. With award-winning titles like Outside In, The Investment Club, and Focus Lost under his belt, he has ventured into the enchanting world of children’s literature. And boy, has he made an entrance! On the other hand, CJ the Kid, a name synonymous with the vibrant hues of life, has showcased his artistic brilliance throughout various platforms, from commercials and films to the mesmerizing stages of Cirque du Soleil in Vegas. His illustrations breathe life into Dougie’s words, making The Snail & The Butterfly a visual treat.
The Essence: Dream, Believe, Achieve
This isn’t just a book. It’s a beacon of hope, a testament to the fact that with a pinch of trust, a dollop of perseverance, and a heart full of dreams, even the impossible seems within reach. It’s a message every child and adult needs to hear, now more than ever.
Founded by the visionary Tyson Cornell, Rare Bird Books is a name that resonates with literary excellence. With an array of acclaimed authors and a rich legacy dating back to 2010, Rare Bird has been the wind beneath the wings of many an author’s dream.
Every book lover’s paradise, Books of Wonder, has been the heart of NYC’s literary scene since 1980. Nestled in Chelsea, it’s a haven for readers, offering a mesmerizing collection of contemporary and vintage treasures.
Ready to Dive In?
Before you join us on this magical evening, make sure to order your copy from Books of Wonder and embark on this journey with your little ones. See you on the 25th, and until then, keep believing in the magic of dreams!
In 
The Snail & The Butterfly isn’t just another children’s book. It’s a symphony of words and illustrations that resonates with the universal dream of soaring high, irrespective of the limitations we believe we have. Tailored for the imaginative minds aged 4–7 years, this tale is an ode to self-belief, persistence, and the magic of dreams.
With an array of acclaimed authors and a rich legacy dating back to 2010, Rare Bird has been the wind beneath the wings of many an author’s dream.
Before you join us on this magical evening, make sure to order your copy from 
