Palmetto Friends

By Michelle Caddell

One little gator. One big journey. Friends she never expected.

Allie Gator loves her cozy swamp home in the South Carolina Lowcountry. But when Mommy says it is time to move to the big river, Allie has to make the journey all by herself. She has never been away from home before, and the strange sounds of the wild are enough to make any young gator want to hide beneath the water.

But the Palmetto State is full of surprises. A snapping turtle stuck on his back needs a helping hand. A misunderstood brown water snake just wants a friend who sees her for who she really is. And a playful river otter is always ready for the next adventure. One by one, Allie discovers that kindness and courage can turn strangers into the best kind of friends, even when they look nothing alike.

Together, the unlikely crew sets off down the path, singing their song and proving that true friendship is not about being the same. It is about showing up for one another. But the big river is still ahead, and Allie's greatest reward is waiting just around the bend.

Palmetto Friends is a heartwarming picture book that celebrates empathy, resilience, and the joy of helping others. Perfect for readers ages 4 to 8, this vibrant Lowcountry adventure introduces children to real South Carolina wildlife while teaching them that we should never judge anyone by the way they look on the outside.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0H78QPV3W
• ISBN13: 9798318848001
• Release Date: August 2026
• Publisher: Palmetto Publishing
• Length: 22 Pages
• Weight: 0.16 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.5" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3