Meet the Pond Pals

Ferdi is the heart of Ferdi & Friends—a small frog with bright yellow eyes, playful blue spots, and orange feet a size too big. He was the last tadpole to leave the stream, and growing slow taught him patience, resilience, and how to spot wonder in every ripple. With wobbly legs he made his own brave leap onto land—and now he invites you to explore with him.

Fiona is a light-green (almost yellow) frog with bright pink spots, dainty pink feet, and big yellow eyes framed by wispy lashes. She’s spirited and quick-witted—always asking questions and making plans—but she listens and isn’t afraid to pivot when wisdom lands. She brings spark and heart to every adventure.

Bramble is the forest’s gentle poet—a big bear with an even bigger heart. He carries a wooden quilled pen everywhere, ready to catch a rhyme when inspiration strikes. Speaking in rhyme, he reminds Ferdi (and all of us) that differences are meant to be celebrated—they’re what make us unique and truly special.

Bartholomew is the forest’s wise, gentle owl—a steady guide and teacher to young Ferdi. With eyes that glow like old wisdom and wings that move in silence, he teaches patience, trust, and the quiet strength of nature. He reminds Ferdi to “trust the flow,” like a stream carried by its current. Ever watchful from above, he’s both mentor and guardian, keeping each adventure full of wonder and safety.

Silas is a calm, wise freshwater turtle Ferdi met after following the stream to a nearby lake—where Silas helped him out of a tight spot with just-right words at just-the-right time. He knows his pond by heart, keeps tabs on his sea-turtle cousins, and understands the mammals who share the waters of the world. Long-lived and thoughtful, Silas loves sharing what he’s learned with Pond Pals and Insect Explorers alike.

Thistle is a young, playful rabbit with bounce to spare and a knack for lifting others up. She was the first friend Ferdi met on the grassy shore—the one who knew his quick wit, not muscle, would take him far. With a few well-timed words, she nudged him to explore beyond the stream, leading to Bartholomew and bigger adventures. Loyal and lively, Thistle reminds everyone that the right encouragement can change everything.

Freddy the Fritillary is a bright little butterfly born on a Passion Vine near the stream—his familiar garden is home. Curious but cautious, he watches Ferdi and friends leaping, rhyming, and exploring, dreaming of joining in. In Freddy the Fritillary’s Fantastic Journey, he discovers the magic of the butterfly life cycle and learns that courage often starts with a single flutter.

Stuart was a real frog. He jumped into my life and heart in the summer of 2021. Stuart was cautious, but fearless showing from the very beginning that he longed for a bond with this human, me, Misti. Stuart became my summertime companion, always waiting for me on the porch where we sat together, morning and evenings, enjoying the beauty of nature.