Susan Wolff wins Book Excellence Award for Gertrude and the Bullfrog

Susan Wolff, a longtime educator and children’s author from Deerfield, Illinois, won a Book Excellence Award for Gertrude and the Bullfrog, a picture book centered on kindness, inclusion and belonging. The recognition spotlights her Friends at the Pond series and the book’s message that differences can become strengths.

Why it matters: - Gertrude and the Bullfrog was recognized for writing quality and market appeal out of thousands of submissions in the Book Excellence Awards. - The award adds visibility to a children’s book built around empathy, inclusion, courage and acceptance. - The win also reinforces Susan Wolff’s larger literacy mission as an author and longtime educator.

What happened: - Susan Wolff was named a Book Excellence Award winner for Gertrude and the Bullfrog. - The recognition was announced July 8, 2026, from Deerfield, Illinois. - Wolff is described as a multi-award-winning children’s author and lifelong literacy advocate. - Wolff said the award was an honor and a validation of her work.

The details: - Gertrude and the Bullfrog follows Gertrude the Goose after a storm brings Bogart the bullfrog to the pond. - Bogart has been rejected because he looks different, dresses differently and sings loudly. - Gertrude welcomes Bogart and encourages the other animals to do the same. - When danger hits the pond, Bogart’s unique talents help the group. - The book is part of Wolff’s Friends at the Pond series. - Wolff dedicated the book to her seven grandchildren. - Wolff spent more than 25 years as an elementary school educator. - Wolff also volunteered for more than three decades with a group that brought joy and entertainment to children with special needs. - Those experiences shaped the book’s themes of inclusion, empathy and celebrating differences. - Wolff said her classroom experience taught her how children learn, imagine and connect with stories. - The award follows the first three books in the Friends at the Pond series. - Book Excellence described the book as an engaging pond adventure with a meaningful message about inclusion. - The book has also received recognition from Mom’s Choice Awards and Royal Dragonfly Book Awards. - The book is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple iBooks and other online bookstores. - Readers are directed to more information at friendsatthepond.com.

Between the lines: - The book’s premise uses an animal story to frame a familiar message about difference and belonging. - Wolff’s background in education gives the book a classroom-friendly angle that may resonate with parents, teachers and librarians. - The repeated focus on acceptance suggests the series is designed to pair entertainment with social-emotional learning.

What's next: - Wolff says the award gives her added motivation to keep writing books that encourage children to embrace differences and develop empathy. - The Friends at the Pond series appears positioned to continue building on the momentum from this recognition. - Wolff invites readers to connect with her on her website and on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram. - The book remains available for purchase through major online retailers.