Betty Turnbull an award winning author and is an internatinally acclaimed early childhood development educator. Turnbull has worked with avant garde schools, those in the coal-mining towns of Appalachia, and those in the developing nation of Haiti. During her thirty years in Haiti, Betty developed the first rural preschool program, which has expanded into hundreds of schools across the nation.

Betty, who believes that learning and growth should be fun, is passionate about the need for each child to develop a strong personal identity, a sense of belonging, and an understanding of self-worth. She writes children's books with purpose and meaning.

The author and her husband live in Durham, NC. They have three children. When she is not writing children’s books, Betty enjoys traveling, serving her community, and being Gramma.

A Sergeant in the House, tells the story of Lenny who desperately wants a puppy. His father is in the military, the family must move frequently, and Lenny is still very young to care for an animal, so Lenny strikes a bargain: When his daddy becomes a sergeant, Lenny can have a puppy.

When his father is deployed to war, Lenny learns what it means to be responsible, to care for his family, and to help around the house. A dreaded phone call brings the news that Lenny's father has been injured and is being sent home. When Lenny's father explains that this means he'll never become a sergeant, Lenny realizes that what he truly wants is his daddy—puppy or no puppy.

This heartwarming story is a salute to military families across the country, and an encouraging cheer for our nation's heroes.

Awards, Reviews, and Coverage

Stars & Flags Gold Grand Prize Winner Children's Books 

Midwest Book Review - Reviewers Choice Book

"Definitely recommended. This was a charming book with a lovely message." –Alex, Military Wife & Mom, munchkinsandmilitary.com

"A heartfelt story that recognizes the sacrifices of our nation's service men and women--and the burdens carried by their families... The story truly hits home…. I highly recommend getting this book.” –Stacey, Military Wife & Mom, Glued to My Crafts Blog

This is the first in the Papa/Billy series. Papa (the grandfather) uses stories in historically correct settings to help his grandson, Billy, work through a modern day problem. In The Man Who Saved The King, Papa tells little Billy the wonderful story of William who struggled with his size and strength as a child. When he grows into a man, William's childhood burden becomes the key to change Scotland's history forever. This tale, based on the historical story of William Rule and King Robert the Bruce, takes children on a beautiful journey through ancient Scotland while teaching that all of us are born for a purpose.

In Abigail and the Royal Thread, Papa tells his grandson Billy, dejected over his inability to hit a baseball, the memorable story of a young 18th century Scottish farm lass named Abigail Rutherford who learns that the combination of hard work, determination, and belief in oneself can make dreams come true. The Rutherfords, while poor, are respected for the superior wool, thread, and cloth they make. One day they receive the opportunity of a lifetime: to own the land they now live on in return for weaving a tunic for King James I of England. The problem is they have a short amount of time in which to complete this gigantic task. The entire family works together, but it appears they will fail until Abigail takes her mother's advice, devotes herself to quickly mastering a nearly impossible skill, and believes with all her heart and soul that she and her family, working together, can meet the deadline.

This story, set in early 18th century rural Scotland, teaches children about the power of perseverance and takes them on a journey through the beautiful borderlands, introducing them to the region’s rich history of weavers and sheep farmers. Each page is accompanied by a full color illustration depicting Scotland the way it was. Hardcover edition with book jacket and paperback available.

Billy's family is going to move, and he wants none of it. He loves his home, and he loves his Papa's stories. When they move, he and his grandfather will live far apart from one another. But, as Papa tells Billy, "I'll always have a story for ye." The touching, historical story of Isobel's New World traces the MacDougald family's move from Scotland to North Carolina, and in doing so traces the journey of thousands of Scots. Leaving behind a beloved land, embarking on a risky journey, and settling in a far away place all for the hope of a fresh start and bright future. It's the story of Isobel, the story of Scottish immigrants, and the story of America. Isobel's New World teaches children that while moving can be a scary thing, home is with family. And when family sticks together, everything else seems to fall in place. Hardcover edition with book jacket and paperback available.

In Robbie the Royal Messenger, Papa tells Billy the exciting story of Robbie’s journey from gathering firewood for Stirling Castle to becoming the King’s most trusted messenger. As Billy learns, Robbie’s transformation is made possible through a simple act of kindness.

This story set in early Scotland shares the importance of being kind, especially to our neighbors who are isolated and lonely. Through Robbie, we see that kindness always leaves us better off, and sometimes it’s even repaid many times over.  

Available in hardcover and paperback.