Danny the Duck makes friends

CELINA - A 17-year-old Celina High School junior is hoping to inspire kids of all abilities and teach them tolerance through a children's book he illustrated and authored himself.

"Danny and Kevin Conquer Camping" by Kale Sudhoff was released on April 30 to mark Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month.

It's his second book, preceded by "Danny the Duck Heads South" which was published in 2020. The books feature the titular character Danny, an injured duck who can no longer fly after an accident.

Sudhoff's newest book introduces Kevin the pig, Danny's best friend who isn't quite the same after losing a limb in a farm accident.

Determined to make him feel better, the pair go on a springtime camping trip in a story Sudhoff said is intended to teach inclusivity, kindness and determination to kids.

Sudhoff said he does not have a limb difference but was inspired to write and illustrate books after participating in one of his first track meets.

"While I was watching other races, there was a young man with a disability running as fast as he could go, and when he passed by me, everyone around me began to laugh and say mean comments," Sudhoff wrote in an email. "There was no way that he didn't hear what those people were saying, but he didn't stop … and when he came back in the next lap he looked into the laughing crowd and smiled," he continued. "No matter how hard those people tried, there was not one person who could take the joy out of his eyes."

Sudhoff said the young man had more courage than he had ever seen. Ever since, Sudhoff said he's wanted to give other kids courage, show them anything is possible and lift others up.

"It teaches kids to be inclusive of others and how to be good friends," he said. "My mission is to remind kids that no matter what adversity they face, they can overcome it if they set their mind to it."

Sudhoff said it took roughly a year to write and illustrate the book between track and golf practices, schoolwork and the publishing process.

Sudhoff said he's somewhat surprised at what he's accomplished.

"I really didn't think I'd be able to get a book published at my age," he said. "I want to tell other people my age they don't have to wait to get older to pursue what (they) love."

After getting an iPad for Christmas one year, Sudhoff said he taught himself how to use a program to design illustrations for the Danny the Duck-themed story he had thought of. Animals are his favorite subject to draw, he added, so choosing a duck as the main character came naturally.

Once he finished "Danny the Duck Heads South" in 2020, Sudhoff said he met with ImagineWe Publishers, New York, and decided to self-publish through them. ImagineWe Publishers also published "Danny and Kevin Conquer Camping."

The book is intended for kids in grades pre-K through second grade and is told through rhymes, which Sudhoff said is because he wanted to teach the concept of rhyming to youngsters while making it memorable.

Sudhoff said he has other stories he is working on, in addition to continuing the Danny the Duck series.

"I really enjoy being an author and illustrator and would love to pursue it as a profession," Sudhoff said. "I would love for my books to make a difference in the lives of those who read it. My dream would be to work for a publishing company where I can continue to do what I love."

Sudhoff has one more year of high school to finish off before he plans to head to college to further his education in writing and illustration design.

"Danny and Kevin Conquer Camping" can be purchased by contacting Sudhoff on his Facebook page at https://facebook.com/Kale-Sudhoff-AuthorIllustrator-100328089349116/ or on ImagineWe Publishers at https://bit.ly/Conquer-Camping.