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Lawrence Blundred, author

Lawrence (Larry) Blundred is a retired financial advisor. Prior to that, he served as marketing/sales director for Skyline Chili and JTM Food Group. He resides in Cincinnati, Ohio. Larry is the author of several children's books featuring Pickleball. He and his former wife Donna, who died of a brain tumor, previously co-authored two inspirational books, Rise Above: Survivor or Thriver? and Staying Resilient When Life Throws You More Than A Curveball. Larry and his new wife, Margo, traveled to Bainbridge Island to personally gain background for this book. He and his illustrator played football (one year!) at York High School (Elmhurst, IL) and reconnected in 2022 at their high school reunion.

How Pickleball Saved Ollie Otter by Lawrence Blundred

How Pickleball Saved Ollie Otter

ISBN: 9781950075881 (pbk)
ISBN: 9781950075898 (epub)
ASIN: B0CTVMWLGP

Ollie Otter is an orphan from Michigan who is guided to a new Otter family. Robbie Racoon is raised by his grandmother in California’s Redwood Forest. Wally Wallaby is from Australia, adopted by a mama wallaby looking for a child of her own. Pauly Penguin is from Chile, alone inside his egg in freeing temperatures, until Papa Penguin discovers the abandoned egg and brings warmth and life. This is a story about rescue, critters being given a second chance. In each case, they are guided to pickleball, and new families that save them, enabling them to find love, acceptance, and encouragement. And, then by good fortune or a divine twist, they all meet, following the sounds of “Dink, Doink, Pop.”

The ABC's Children's Sermons by Melanie Barton Bragg

Ollie and His Pickleball Friends Return Home

ISBN: 9781950075904 (pbk)
ISBN: 9781950075911 (epub)
ASIN: B0792WBGTQ

Ollie Otter and his critter friends return to their respective homes to share their love of pickleball—the fastest growing sport worldwide! This book will, hopefully, increase awareness of this need and trigger an increased level of support at the local and national levels for those challenged with a disability showing that everyone can play this popular new sport.

Quicksand by Melanie Barton Bragg

Ollie Visits Where It All Started

ISBN: 9781957832067 (Commemorative Edition hc)
ISBN: 9781950075058 (pbk)
ISBN: 9781957832081 (ePub)
ASIN: B0C9XFDDBC

Ollie Visits Where It All Started takes Ollie and his friends on an adventure on Bainbridge Island where Pickleball was first played. Along the way he meets a long-lost relative and makes several new friends.

 

 

Clergy Sexual Misconduct by Melanie Barton Bragg

New Friends

ISBN: 9781957832562 (pbk)
ISBN: 9781957832579 (epub)
ASIN: B0DTV5XM2S

Ollie Otter, Polly Penguin, Robby Raccoon, and Wally Wallaby each form unique friendships with some new friends. Their bonds are strengthened when they decide to try pickleball, a game that brings excitement and challenges.

When Sammy Sloth, who uses a wheelchair, wants to join in. The group quickly realizes the game is designed for everyone! Together they discover that even the physically challenged Sammy Sloth can join in the fun.

Through teamwork and creativity they realize it isn’t just about mastering pickleball—it’s about proving that friendship and determination can make anything possible.

The story highlights themes of overcoming adversity and the power of friendship. It shows how small changes can make a big difference, and how true friends always find a way to include everyone.

Simple, heartfelt, and inspiring, New Friends: Sharing the Love reminds us that the best games—and the best memories—are the ones we share.

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