Chuckle InnSusan Taylor-Reeves, children’s author

Stories where the animals have a lot to say

Rescued animals, big secrets and belly laughs, written for young readers by Susan Taylor-Reeves.

Meet the books

The books

All published by Ark House Press.

Cover of The Secret Life of Lily: a girl in sunglasses and roller skates with two guinea pigs in her jumper and a small dog beside her

The Secret Life of Lily

By Susan Taylor-Reeves. Illustrated by Lynne Hudson.

Welcome to The Chuckle Inn, a cozy, chaotic home where rescued animals, big secrets and belly laughs are all part of the daily routine!

Lily never imagined that one tiny nibble from a guinea pig could change her life, but now she can talk to animals! Suddenly every meow, bark and squeak has a story to tell, and some of them are calling for help.

With her foster brother and best friend Wiley by her side, Lily dives into late-night missions, uncovers wild mysteries and discovers that courage comes in all shapes and sizes, even furry ones.

Full of heart, humor and unforgettable animal friends, Lily’s Secret Life is a magical tale about finding your voice, your pack and the true meaning of home.

Ages 10 to 12Ark House Kids, 2026ISBN 9781764357708
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Cover of The Adventures of Charli Horse, Kindness Comes to Town: a small horse in a straw hat pulling a cart with Mrs Pigglington

The Adventures of Charli Horse: Kindness Comes to Town

By Susan Taylor-Reeves. Illustrated by Lynne Hudson.

Charli is the smallest horse that ever there was. After being rescued from a very sticky situation by Kindness Pigglington, life for them was never to be the same again.

As Charli and the Pigglington family grow into their new life together, they create a mysterious chaff and discover that Charli is no run-of-the-mill horse.

Who would have thought that one large sneeze could set them on an exciting path of adventure?

Book OneAges 6 to 8$19.99ISBN 9780645751420
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A new Charli Horse adventure is coming soon.

Cover of Ambrose the Brave: a brave little mouse in golden armour holding a glowing sword and a shield with a cross

Ambrose the Brave

By Susan Taylor-Reeves. Illustrated by Lynne Hudson.

Ambrose the Brave is made different.

Follow his amazing adventures, and as you do, you will see where he gets his strength from.

“If you look inside, you can find your strength!”

Ages 4 to 6$16.99ISBN 9780645774191
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A new Ambrose adventure is coming soon.

Cover of Return to the Garden: a guinea pig with a flower in her fur face to face with a green snake

Return to the Garden

By Susan Taylor-Reeves. Illustrated by Lynne Hudson.

We all know the Creation story in the first book of the Bible, Genesis, where Adam and Eve are tempted by the serpent, but have you ever stopped to think about the rest of creation? The animals who also shared this glorious place. How did the fall of man affect them? Where did they go when they could no longer stay in the garden?

Lowey, the first created creature, wakes to find himself in The Garden. He is all knowing, and alone, or so he thinks!

Come on an enchanting journey as Lowey and his friends experience the ‘fall of man’ and are forced to live outside of the Garden that had been created for them. These are the tales of Lowey and Savannah, who lead their fellow creatures, helping them adjust to life in a new community called The Clearing, while they search for a way to return to The Garden and back into the peace that they had once known.

Return to the Garden series, book 1 of 3$14.99ISBN 9780645015324
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Cover of The Way of the Covenant: two children seen from behind walking along a rainbow path toward a garden of flowers and butterflies

The Way of the Covenant

By Susan Taylor-Reeves. Illustrated by Lynne Hudson.

Time stood still in The Garden. Lowey and Savannah were once again reunited and would live in the peace that they had once known and loved. The Spirit in the Garden danced around them continually, placing His word into their hearts and minds, and The Great Gardener was no longer hidden behind the impenetrable wall.

When Lowey returned to The Way of The Covenant, The Great Gardener had named him his Chosen One. Lowey had been His first created being that creeps on the earth and was now privileged to greet and accompany all who came to The Garden by The Way of the Covenant, a position that Lowey had been created to hold and took very seriously.

Continue the journey with Lowey, Savannah, Avery, Constance and new arrivals as each one gives an account of their lives back in The Clearing and beyond.

Return to the Garden series, book 2 of 3$14.99ISBN 9780645103199
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Book three, The Calling, is on its way.

Cover of The Calling: two guinea pigs on a hillside looking toward a wooden ark

The Calling

By Susan Taylor-Reeves. Illustrated by Lynne Hudson.

Coming 2027Return to the Garden series, book 3 of 3

The Clearing was once a place filled with joy and hope, built by the folk from The Garden after the Exodus. Generations came and went, dreams were dreamed, and the land filled with descendants near and far.

Lowey’s family and friends are long gone, living their best lives in The New Garden, just beyond The Way of the Covenant, where The Great Gardener once again walks with His creations.

Today The Clearing is deserted and overgrown, and the teachings of Wise Old Lowey are all but forgotten. Trust has given way to mistrust, and many creatures hide in fear.

But hope is not lost. The Great Gardener has not forgotten His creatures, and a calling is about to be heard. Who will answer?

About Susan

Susan Taylor-Reeves smiling, surrounded by her guinea pigs, rabbits, a cat, a dog and a budgie in a flower garden

Susan Taylor-Reeves is an Australian children’s fiction author based on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Known for her compassionate storytelling, Susan writes wholesome fiction that reflects her deep respect for animals, the natural world, and the connections between all living beings.

She is the author of five books published by Ark House Kids (Ark House Press). Her works include Return to the Garden, the first book in a series exploring the creation story through the experiences of animals, followed by The Way of the Covenant. The third book in the series, The Calling, is scheduled for release in 2027. Susan has also written Ambrose the Brave, which has received an average five-star rating on Goodreads, and her latest standalone mystery, The Secret Life of Lily, available now on Amazon.

When she’s not writing, Susan enjoys walking on the beach, experimenting with new recipes, and caring for her herd of guinea pigs, constant companions and ongoing inspiration for her stories.

Cover of Victories: Claiming Freedom in Christ, presented by Women World Leaders

Susan is also a contributing author to Victories: Claiming Freedom in Christ, a book that pairs teaching with individual stories of battles won through the power of Jesus. Presented by Women World Leaders, with visionary authors Kimberly Ann Hobbs and Julie T. Jenkins.

Contact

Schools and book buyers are warmly invited to get in touch with Susan about school visits, book orders and other enquiries.

Email: susantaylorreeves@gmail.com