Derek the Daredevil

ABOUT Dennis Spalding

Dennis Spalding
Late-blooming author who has written and self-published an illustrated children's book, Derek the Daredevil, and a mystery-thriller novel, Lazarus Man: Resurrection. Spalding began writing stories about his neighborhood friends when he was twelve. His poetry and nonfiction were published  More...

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Description

Derek the Daredevil likes to perform dangerous stunts in front of an audience. He gets lots of attention when he shows off. Can his dad find a way to make Derek feel good about himself before he gets hurt? 

In this delightful rhyming children’s story, Derek learns a valuable lesson about self-worth and the importance of playing safely. This illustrated book combines an enchanting tale with a positive message for kids.

My son, Derek Neil Spalding, provided the inspiration for this story more than twenty years ago, when he was two years old. I took him to a local carnival, and we rode the double ferris wheel. We stopped at the very top while people on the ground got off the ride and others got on. I was looking around, admiring the view, when I felt the seat beneath us start to shake. I turned my head and saw that Derek was not only standing up on the seat, he was jumping up and down! I grabbed him and said, “Sit down, Derek, you little daredevil!” I immediately thought to myself, Derek the Daredevil. That sounds like a great title for a children's book...