Meet Flippy the Frog and Pilly the Penguin, discover the inspiring people behind the books, and get a glimpse of the wonderful adventures still to come!
Every child has moments when they wonder where they belong, feel nervous about trying something new, or struggle to find the courage to take that next step. These experiences are a natural part of growing up, and sometimes the right story can help a child understand that they’re not alone.
That’s the heart behind The Overcomers Series, a delightful collection of children’s books written by Stacey Solomon Pratt and brought to life through the colorful, whimsical illustrations of Jeff Wissman.
Written for children ages 3–7, these beautifully told, rhyming stories introduce lovable animal characters who each face challenges familiar to young readers. Through their adventures, children discover lessons about courage, confidence, kindness, friendship, belonging, and believing in themselves.
The message behind the series is simple but powerful: everyone has something to overcome, everyone has something special to offer, and being different can be one of our greatest strengths. With two books already available, three more anticipated in 2027, and additional characters in development, The Overcomers Series is just getting started!
Two Books, Two Special Adventures
The first two books in The Overcomers Series are now available, each introducing a memorable animal friend and a meaningful message for young readers.
Flippy the Frog: More Like Me
Book One of The Overcomers Series
Meet Flippy, a little frog who is searching for others who are more like him.
Along the way, he discovers something special about himself and the family who loves him.
Flippy’s story explores identity, belonging, and the importance of embracing who you are. It reminds children that love isn’t about everyone being the same.
It’s about being accepted and celebrated for exactly who you are.
The story may hold special meaning for adoptive, foster, and kinship families, but its message reaches every child: you are loved, you belong, and you never have to change who you are to be worthy of love.
Pilly the Penguin: A Big Adventure
Book Two of The Overcomers Series
What happens when a little penguin dreams of an adventure somewhere warmer?
Pilly’s journey takes him from the South Pole to a city filled with tall buildings, new experiences, and unexpected discoveries. But as he soon learns, adventures don’t always turn out quite the way we imagine. Along the way, Pilly discovers the importance of courage, staying true to himself, and listening to his heart.
One of the most meaningful lessons in Pilly’s story is that changing direction doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Sometimes an adventure helps you understand what matters most and where you truly want to be.
It’s a wonderful reminder for children that it’s okay to change course, explore new possibilities, and discover that the path we didn’t expect may teach us the most.
More Than a Story: Companion Coloring Books!
The fun doesn’t have to end when the story does! Each book in The Overcomers Series will also have its own companion coloring book, featuring the full story along with opportunities for children to bring their favorite characters to life through coloring and creativity. These companion editions offer another way for children and families to enjoy the adventures, revisit the characters, and spend time with the messages that make each story special.
Whether enjoyed during quiet time, shared as a family activity, or used to encourage creativity, the coloring books are another wonderful way to experience the world of The Overcomers. And as new characters join the series, readers can look forward to more coloring adventures along the way!
Meet the Author: Stacey Solomon Pratt
Behind every memorable story is someone with a passion for sharing it. For Stacey Solomon Pratt, that passion comes from a lifelong interest in storytelling, personal growth, health, and helping others discover their potential.
Stacey is a storyteller, health coach, and creative strategist with a background in English Literature and health and wellness. Her work reflects a deep belief in the power of heart-led transformation and the importance of helping people feel supported, understood, and empowered.
Her journey has taken her from growing up in New York and Baltimore to traveling the world as an Air Force spouse. After living in Korea and Alaska, Stacey and her family eventually settled in St. Louis, where she has built a career as a wardrobe stylist, health coach, and now children’s author.
But perhaps one of the most interesting parts of her journey is the story behind Flippy the Frog.
A Dream 19 Years in the Making
The original idea for Flippy the Frog: More Like Me began in 2006, when Stacey’s son was just two years old. While her husband was away on military duty, Stacey enrolled in an online children’s literature course. During one of the course assignments, the first version of Flippy’s story began to take shape.
Life, however, had other plans. Family responsibilities, career opportunities, and new adventures meant that Flippy patiently waited for his turn. For nearly two decades, the story remained close to Stacey’s heart until the timing finally felt right. Flippy made his debut just before Christmas, turning a long-held dream into a published book.
And now, with Pilly joining the adventure and more characters on the way, that original idea has grown into an entire children’s book series. It’s a wonderful reminder that dreams don’t necessarily have an expiration date. Sometimes they simply need time to find their moment.
As Stacey has shared, when a dream encounters roadblocks, it’s okay to set it aside for a season. If it continues to stir your heart, there may still be a place for it in your future. We think that’s a pretty wonderful message for children and adults alike!
One Big Mission: Healthy Bodies, Brave Hearts, Brighter Tomorrows
Stacey’s passion for helping others extends well beyond children’s literature. Through One Big Mission, she brings together two areas that are important to her: metabolic health and children’s storytelling. Her guiding message is:
Healthy Bodies. Brave Hearts. Brighter Tomorrows.
With a focus on health and stories that transform lives, Stacey’s work reflects her belief that supporting people physically and emotionally can help create stronger, healthier futures. As a metabolic health coach, she works with adults who want to take a more proactive approach to their health, focusing on mindset, metabolic wellness, and sustainable lifestyle changes.
Through her children’s books, she takes that same commitment to helping others thrive and brings it to the next generation. The Overcomers Series explores themes such as belonging, self-belief, problem-solving, courage, and overcoming fear. Stacey hopes these stories will help children develop a positive inner voice and a stronger sense of self as they grow.
Her philosophy brings the two sides of her work together beautifully:
One Mission. Endless Impact.
Faith, family, growth, and adventure are all part of the journey.
Learn more about Stacey and her work:
- One Big Mission
- Stacey’s Health and Wellness Coaching
- VoyageSTL: Conversations with Stacey Pratt
- Connect with Stacey on Facebook
- Connect with Stacey on LinkedIn
Meet the Illustrator: Jeff Wissman
Of course, what’s a wonderful children’s story without illustrations that bring its characters to life? The Overcomers Series features the creative talents of illustrator Jeff Wissman, whose colorful, whimsical artwork gives each animal personality and makes every adventure even more engaging.
Jeff’s love for art began with Saturday morning cartoons and a box of colored pencils, and he’s been doodling ever since! With more than forty years of experience, Jeff has spent his career bringing imagination to life through bright, playful illustrations that make the impossible feel possible. His award-winning work has sparked joy, curiosity, and plenty of giggles along the way.
When he’s not drawing, Jeff enjoys thrifting, attending concerts, and sharing pizza with his favorite people (and pets) in his hometown of St. Louis. His illustrations are an essential part of The Overcomers experience, helping young readers connect with the characters, follow their adventures, and become immersed in each story.
We’re delighted to have Jeff’s artistic talents helping Flippy, Pilly, and all their future friends find their way onto the pages of these books!
You can connect with Jeff on Facebook.
The Adventures Continue: What’s Coming in 2027?
Flippy and Pilly are only the beginning! Stacey is already developing more stories for The Overcomers Series, with three new animal friends anticipated to join the collection in 2027. Here’s a little preview of who’s coming next!
Ophelia the Ostrich
Sometimes making friends and joining in can feel a little intimidating. Ophelia’s story reminds children that it’s okay to be shy, that friendships can grow gently, and that they can participate when they’re ready.
A reassuring message for little ones who may need a little extra encouragement to spread their wings!
Dooley the Dachshund
Dooley has a big dream: he wants to become a police dog!
His journey will introduce young readers to the importance of having dreams, believing in themselves, and working toward something they truly want.
Hugo the Hog
Hugo has some challenges of his own to work through as he learns about healthy eating habits.
His story will offer another opportunity for families to talk about everyday choices, wellness, and building positive habits.
And these three aren’t the end of the adventure! Many more characters and stories are already in development, giving The Overcomers Series plenty of room to grow. We look forward to following each new character’s journey and discovering the meaningful lessons they have to share.
Why Stories Like These Matter
Children’s books can do so much more than entertain. They can help little ones recognize feelings, understand experiences, develop empathy, and begin conversations about things that may be difficult to express.
A story about a frog searching for a place to belong can help a child talk about feeling different. A penguin discovering that it’s okay to change direction can remind a little one that making a new choice isn’t a failure. And a shy ostrich learning about friendship can reassure children that they don’t have to rush into anything before they’re ready.
That’s what makes The Overcomers Series so special. Each story creates an opportunity for parents, grandparents, teachers, and caregivers to connect with children and explore important life lessons together. Whether shared at bedtime, enjoyed during classroom story time, or revisited through the companion coloring books, these books encourage children to believe in themselves and recognize the wonderful qualities that make them unique.
Join Us on The Overcomers Journey!
We’re excited to introduce readers to The Overcomers Series and celebrate the release of its second book, Pilly the Penguin: A Big Adventure. With Flippy and Pilly already available, companion coloring books, three new adventures anticipated in 2027, and many more characters in development, this is a series we’re excited to watch grow.
We invite you to meet these wonderful animal friends, share their stories with the little ones in your life, and follow along as their adventures continue.
A special congratulations to Stacey Solomon Pratt and illustrator Jeff Wissman for bringing these characters and their meaningful messages to life. We’re delighted to be part of their journey and look forward to introducing readers to all the friends still to come!
Explore The Overcomers Series:
Because every child has a story to tell, a challenge to overcome, and a special reason to shine.
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