Voted “Best Local Author” by Kansas City Magazine
The Hiccup Pickup’s Happy Halloween (2025)
The happy Hiccup Pickup loves the way he sounds—he doesn’t honk or beep like the other cars and trucks. Instead, when he gets excited, he makes a uniquely joyful sound: “Hiccup! Hiccup! Hiccup!” And when his friends hear him coming with his furry sidekick, Pup, they know they’re in for fun. Truck and Pup travel everywhere together – visiting exciting places and meeting new friends while spreading messages about sharing, accepting differences, and trying new experiences. In this first book in the series of “Hiccup Pickup Adventures,” the two best friends visit the town of Pumpkin Hollow for the annual Trunk-or-Treat Festival. Truck brings treats for all of his friends, and Pup learns that Halloween isn’t scary after all. “It’s silly, sweet, and full of fun!” The festive illustrations are created by Dan Regan, a Kansas City based designer and illustrator and father of three kids who grew up listening to Mr. Stinky Feet.
Bop Bop Dinosaur comes to life in this fun book based on the first song written for children by acclaimed kid-rocker Jim “Mr. Stinky Feet” Cosgrove. Read along and sing along with the whole family and enjoy the delightful illustrations by Dana Regan.
The rhythm and rhymes encourage a read-along and sing-along with adults. The repetitive “B” sound is good practice for early readers and helpful with linguistic development for those learning to talk. Listen to the Bop Bop Dinosaur song here.
Sullen Sally is a celebration of friendship. The mix of lyrical rhymes and colorful pictures remind children that nobody is expected to feel happy all the time. The story provides an opportunity for adults and children to talk about feelings and the meaning of true friendship. Everyone will love the whimsical illustrations by Christine Schneider. Sing along to the musical version of Sullen Sally.
Hark! It’s Harold the Angel encourages readers to discover their own talents and reminds them that a little practice can boost their confidence to do amazing things. Cosgrove’s original tale puts a clever twist on the traditional Christmas carol we all know and love. Rob Peter’s beautiful illustrations bring the story to life. Listen to the recording of the song here.
Essays for Grown-up Fans!
Lace up your sneakers for a delightful romp through inspiring essays for grown-up kids from beloved family entertainer and parenting columnist Jim Cosgrove. Tag along as he cuts the grass of a major league All-Star, bakes bread with nuns, shares a beer with a Muslim cab driver, and interacts with real-life angels. “Everybody Gets Stinky Feet” takes a peek into Cosgrove’s life as the father of daughters who are much more clever than he is and digs deep into his experience as the youngest of eight children in a loud and loving Irish-Catholic family.
Jim Cosgrove joyfully discussing “Everybody Gets Stinky Feet” at the Kansas City Public Library with Krosby Kemper, III, Former Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
