Old Quarry Principal Publishes Children's Book

LEMONT, IL — Using his experience as an educator, Old Quarry Middle School Principal Joe Sweeney has written and published a children's book, "JJ's Toad-ally Great Adventure."

A father of four, Sweeney said the book is based on a true story. In "JJ's Toad-ally Great Adventure," a toad comes and goes in the family's lives, before JJ realizes Mr. Toad misses his own family and decides to return him to his pond.

"The moral of the story, you never know who you're going to meet," Sweeney said. The book also focuses on the concept of T.O.A.D., or "teaching others and demonstrating."

Characters in the book demonstrate several positive values like kindness, forgiveness and empathy, which can be used to teach young readers and even connect it to their school day.

"It's a life lesson that every kid could benefit from," Sweeney said.

The book was released earlier this month, and can be purchased on Amazon. "JJ's Toad-Ally Great Adventure" is illustrated by Rebecca Demos.