Here’s to the Silly Ones Book Review and Giveaway

Here’s an amusing, poetic salute to all the little “silly ones, the doodle makers, the cookie bakers, the booty shakers.”

The Author

Seth Standley is an author, copywriter, and poet.

In an interview on Write to Empower, Standley was asked when he first realized telling stories was important. He said,

“When my daughter reached proper picture book age, something about picture books lit up our brains. We started to look forward to bedtime. It became a special time to indulge in “too many” stories (because I can’t say no – it’s just thirty pages!). We would hold hands and step into another world together, laughing the whole time. That experience was filled with so much joy and love that I couldn’t help myself. I had to put it on paper. My debut, Here’s to the Silly Ones comes from that place. From the realization that my daughter had given me permission to be silly again. From the overwhelming urge to protect her silliness and nurture it. Straight from my heart.”

Standley lives in Seattle with his wife and daughter.

The Illustrator

Valerie Hamill’s illustrations in Here’s to the Silly Ones are merry and amusing. She beautifully illustrates the story with whimsical little mice that will make readers of all ages smile.

You can discover more of Hamill’s work at vhamill.com.

About HERE’S TO THE SILLY ONES

The story is a lyrical tribute to children who bring joy to the world through their creativity and fun view of life. The ones who “don’t like the same ole, same ole” and aren’t “fond of plain ole, plain ole.”

It’s not your typical story. Instead, it’s a lovely poem that encourages little ones to keep marching to the beat of a different drummer, dancing through their days with their imaginations, and bringing joy to others.

The main characters are the children who read and hear this book!

THE SILLY ONES encourages us all, adults included, to consider ways we can make life fun.

Recommendation and Giveaway

I highly recommend this book for ages 3 – 6. It would be a wonderful gift, especially for preschoolers. I envision a classroom of giggling kids reenacting several scenes from the book—such as the mice dancing, doodling, and daring to make others laugh with their antics.  

Thank you, Lucky Rabbit Publishing, for kindly donating a hardcover copy of this delightful book to give away to one of our dear readers. We’ll select a winner on October 2, 2026, according to our Winner Selection Process.

I received a free copy of this product. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

Motivated by the power of story, history, and His Story, Sally Matheny’s passion is telling the next generation wondrous things.

Her nonfiction writing appears in national and worldwide publications, including Appleseeds, Clubhouse Jr., Homeschooling Today, and The Old Schoolhouse.

She and her husband live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and are blessed with three children, two sons-in-law, and armfuls of grandbabies. Connect with Sally on several social media sites, but her favorite hangouts are at SallyMatheny.com and Pinterest.