Last year, inspired both by her own two children and the dozens of children she's taught over the years as a pre-K program assistant at Cicero District 99's Early Childhood Center, Cicero resident Toya Rodriguez's lifelong dream of becoming a published author finally came true.

"Rhino and Wolf," Rodriguez's first foray into the world of children's literature, featured the story of a rhinoceros and wolf brother duo who dream together about future career goals and life aspirations. 

“The whole book is about them using their imagination, and the idea of them dreaming that as adults, they can be anything they put their minds to," she explained last year about the release of the book.

And, this fall, Rodriguez helped make her dream explode even further, as she officially released her second book entitled, "Grizzly and Brownie: Meet Forest Friends."

The story features two bear brothers, Grizzly and Brownie, who go on a hike through the woods, embarking on an exciting adventure through the great outdoors, meeting new friends along the way and learning the value of teamwork.

"Grizzly and Brownie are two bear brothers who live in the forest and love adventures in the great outdoors," Rodriguez said. "With Papa Bear and their little friend, Snail, by their side, they say 'goodbye' to Mama Bear and set off on the trail. On their adventure, they meet new forest friends, lend a helping paw and discover that kindness, teamwork and play make every adventure fun."

Just like the lessons that Rodriguez helps instill daily in her students at the Early Childhood Center, she says that like her first book, "Grizzly and Brownie" is a rhyming story which encourages young children to build friendships, show kindness, work together as a team, solve problems and discover  joy in play. 

A perfect story for supporting social-emotional growth in early learners, "Grizzly and Brownie" is available now for purchase on Amazon!

For more information about Rodriguez and her books, visit her website, toyarodriguez.com.