Books That Make Children & Adults Smile, Learn & Grow
Award-winning children's stories and free thinking games created by Melanie and Kent to celebrate curiosity, nature, and the joy of learning.
Award-winning children's stories and free thinking games created by Melanie and Kent to celebrate curiosity, nature, and the joy of learning.
Behind Cricket Song Media are two passionate creators dedicated to bringing joy and learning to children everywhere.
A long-time writer and publisher of children's literature, Melanie created Splash! Magazine in Des Moines, Iowa—a publication for and by local children paired with community mentors.
She now dedicates herself to writing children's books that help students learn about the world through respectful, captivating stories. When not writing, she loves telling stories to her husband, children, and Helen the cat.
A professional web developer and tech enthusiast, Kent has taught web development and chess to both adults and kids. He's the tech wizard behind Cricket Song Media.
A few years ago he had a stroke, but the only lingering effect is that he hears crickets. All day, every day—just like if you were camping in the summer. That's where Cricket Song Media got its name!
🦗 Always hearing the song...
A wild-caught jumping spider who lives with Melanie and Kent. Spooder was discovered on their back deck and has become part of the Cricket Song Media family!
Spooder is very curious and not afraid to jump right onto giant human hands to explore. When Melanie opens his home, he comes running for playtime. ❤️
Jumping spiders are incredibly fast! Spooder's favorite food is fruit flies, but he'll take on regular house flies too. His safety silk helps him land perfectly every time.
Spooder inspires the nature appreciation at the heart of our children's books. Learn more on our dedicated Spooder page.
Beautifully illustrated stories designed to spark imagination, laughter, and meaningful moments for families.
An adventure that teaches kids to appreciate all creatures, big and small. A beautifully illustrated story that celebrates nature and compassion.
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Cricket Song Media is developing new stories that make children and adults smile, learn, and come together around the joy of reading.
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Free, browser-based games designed to spark those "light bulb" moments. We grew up loving logic and deduction games — and we never outgrew them! Children discover critical thinking and creative problem-solving through play.