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Diane and Neeps were interviewed by Jeff Peterson and Katie Sampson of WGME TV to talk about an upcoming Eastertime book signing at Letterpress Books in Portland, Maine. (April 2025)

We are excited to share that The Story of Neeps and Tattie receive a starred review from Kirkus Reviews and they wrote a full review of our book, which was featured in the Indie section of their January 2024 online magazine, with the quote: “A charming tale sure to pique kids’ interest in Scotland—and tortoises.“…

The Story of Neeps and Tattie  is one of only eight children’s books named to Kirkus Reviews “Best 100 Indie Books of 2024.” Earlier this year, The Story of Needs and Tattie received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews, which since 1933, has been an industry-trusted source for honest and accessible reviews. For more information about Kirkus…

Amy and Neeps had a fun time visiting Main Point Books last month for storytime and a book signing. All of the children loved meeting Neeps, Amy 6 year old Hermann tortoise! Amy’s old friends John and Jack stopped by to visit too!

Diane and Amy are new rescue tortoise owners.  Each day brings a new discovery and a Google Search.  Tattie came to live with Amy after our late summer fundraiser, Beer for Turtles, at Lone Pine Brewery in Old Orchard, Maine.  Nate, a volunteer with the organization, brought several tortoises to the event and was an…

First time authors, Diane Madden and Amy Johnson are two women who dreamed about writing a children’s book but never did it until their late 50’s.  Until that point, they were raising children, building careers, trying to find time to eat right, exercise, support their families and friends and the myriad of things women do…

The Story of Neeps and Tattie was specifically designed to be a gift book and a book to hand down through the generations.  It is a large book measuring 10” x 12“.  Our book also has a dust jacket.  Both Diane and I are old school -we wanted our book to totally embrace the child…

I am not a reptile fan.  I live in the woods, I have had snakes, poisonous and non-poisonous in my basement.  They were all captured and released unharmed but I was not a part of the process!  Now I own Tattie the Tortoise and I am smitten but only with tortoises!  Tattie knows my voice,…