Where Every Page
Hides a Mystery

Interactive animal poetry books that turn kids into detectives.

Written by Wayne McDonald, illustrated by BJ McDonald.

Explore Books Book a School Visit

The Books

Each book is a guessing adventure — read the clue poem, then turn the page for the reveal.

Can You Guess Who I Am? Book 1

Ages 5–12

Kids read clue poems about land animals, shout out their guesses, and flip to the reveal. Then come the facts. Then they ask to read it again.

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Can You Guess Who I Am? Book 2

Ages 5–12

Same format, new setting: the ocean. Clue poems about sea creatures, each one followed by a reveal and a page of real facts.

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Cat Tales

Ages 5–12

Poems about famous cats from around the world — Dusty the klepto kitty, Mayor Stubbs of Alaska, and more real cats with stranger lives than most fiction.

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About Wayne

Wayne spent 30 years in the U.S. Air Force and retired as a Colonel. Now he writes children's books and reads them to kids whenever he gets the chance.

He studied Elementary Education at UNC-Chapel Hill and volunteers as a school reader in Centennial and Littleton, Colorado, bringing the same interactive format from his books into real classrooms.

What Readers Are Saying

Here's what people have said about Wayne's books and school visits.

Wayne's animal poems have been a hit with my elementary students. The interactive guessing format keeps them engaged while teaching them about different animals. It's wonderful to see children so excited about reading and learning!

Tammy Walter Elementary School Teacher (Retired)

The collaboration between Wayne and BJ McDonald has created something truly special. The illustrations perfectly complement the mystery poems, and children are naturally drawn to the interactive format.

Dan Peavler Living Springs Publishers

Cat Tales

This book is a delightful and humorous reminder of how quirky cats are by nature, and how fun it can be to imagine life through their eyes. Cattitude to the max! There are so many excellent choices for my favorite tale that I'm happy to imagine myself with nine lives to read them all over again.

Andy S. Centennial, CO

Can You Guess Who I Am? by Wayne McDonald is an absolute delight! The poems are clever, thoughtful, and full of heart with each one a playful riddle that engages the imagination. Paired with beautiful hand-painted illustrations by his talented daughter, this book is a true family creation and a joy to read for all ages. I'm so proud of Wayne's dedication to sparking curiosity and learning in young minds. A wonderful addition to any child's bookshelf!

Beth Best

When I began reading this book I was stumped on the very first page! WHAT!! So, I read the book and I need to say that the book indeed captured my curiosity. I shared with others the mysterious species, which were very well explained. Read this book to your children/grandchildren and even your spouse. You will enjoy the enlightenment it shares and the caption clouds augment a complete understanding. You may find yourself planning trips to see these wonderful Who I Am characters!

Shelby Lay

Wayne McDonald reading to elementary students in a classroom

Bringing Stories to Colorado Classrooms

Wayne reads his animal poems at schools and libraries around the Denver metro area. Kids hear the clue poems, shout out their guesses, and learn fun facts about each animal. Teachers love it too.

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