Cottage Creek Garden
Moss Finds His Spot — A Children's Book About Belonging
$14.99
Every garden has a spot for someone. Moss just hasn't found his yet.
Moss Finds His Spot is a children's book about belonging — the gentle story of a shy tortoise who feels lost in the big, busy garden and wonders where he fits. With help from his friends Pip the roly-poly, Sunny the sunflower, Clover, and the other residents of Cottage Creek Garden, Moss searches everywhere: the sunflower beds, the vegetable rows, even the sky. What he finds, beneath the old weeping willow, is a comforting truth kids carry with them long after the last page — you only need to be yourself.
It's a story for every child who has ever stood at the edge of a playground, a classroom, or a new neighborhood and wondered where they belong. And it ends the way those moments should: warmly, and with friends.
Built for early readers
This isn't just a read-aloud book — it's a learn-to-read book. Common sight words are gently bolded throughout the story, so early readers can practice recognizing them while staying inside the story. No flashcards, no drills — just a tale they want to hear again, doing quiet double duty.
And when the story's done, the book keeps going: 11 bonus coloring pages featuring Moss, Pip, Clover, Sunny, and favorite garden scenes, so kids can color their own adventures after the read.
A note for grown-ups
Belonging is one of the first big feelings children wrestle with, and one of the hardest for them to name. Moss gives it a shape — a slow, kind tortoise trying spot after spot that isn't his. The story makes a natural opener for conversations about fitting in, feeling left out, and what it means to be yourself. It reads aloud in one cozy sitting, and the rhythm of Moss's search ("not this spot… not that spot…") quickly becomes one kids chant along with.
Meet the characters
Moss is just the beginning. The garden is full of friends — Pip, the roly-poly with a heart bigger than he is; Sunny, the sunflower who never stops smiling; Clover, who always knows where to look; and Grandma Bea, the gentle heart of it all. Meet the whole cast here, and find Theo's story in Theo Waters the Weeds, book two in the series.
Get the book
Paperback on Amazon · $14.99 Kindle Edition · $4.99
Want a signed paperback straight from the garden one day? Join the newsletter at the bottom of this page and you'll be the first to know when copies land in our shop.
Questions parents ask
What age is this book for?
Early readers practicing their sight words get the most from it independently, and it works beautifully as a read-aloud for younger listeners. If your child is anywhere in the learning-to-read years, it fits.
Does it come with anything extra?
Yes — 11 coloring pages at the back featuring the characters and garden scenes, plus the bolded sight words throughout the story itself.
Where can I buy it?
Paperback and Kindle editions are available on Amazon. Shop copies are coming — the newsletter is the fastest way to hear about it.
Is there more from this world?
Yes. Theo Waters the Weeds is book two, the Meet the Garden character hub introduces the whole cast, the Color With Moss & Friends coloring book continues the coloring fun, and the CCG Kids collection lets little fans wear the garden.