The story of Hobbly and Wobbly began in 2015 during a bittersweet journey to the UK. Angela Haine, the author, had travelled with her son, Marc, to attend her sister’s funeral.

As they toured the English countryside with Angela’s sister, Susan, Marc couldn’t help but notice the two spirited sisters navigating the cobblestone streets with a mix of caution and determination. Watching their careful steps, he playfully started calling them “Hobbly” and “Wobbly,” and the lighthearted nickname became a cherished memory of their time together.

Once back in Surrey, they gathered around the kitchen table, reminiscing about Angela’s tradition of creating cleverly rhymed riddles for Easter egg hunts. Each clue, written in verse, would lead Marc and his siblings on an exciting treasure hunt around the house, turning each holiday into a joyful puzzle. Angela’s riddles were intricate and witty, capturing her children’s imaginations. As they recalled those memories, Angela questioned if she could still create something like that. Marc encouraged her, suggesting she try writing stories in rhyme for children, perhaps even one inspired by “Hobbly and Wobbly.” Angela laughed, uncertain where to begin, but soon, ideas of two toads embarking on historical adventures started to spark.


And so, Hobbly and Wobbly came to life. Angela chose toads for her heroes, reasoning that “toads rhyme with odes,” and began crafting a series of charming stories set in different historical times. Illustrated by a talented local artist in Alberta, these tales now bring Angela’s creativity to young readers everywhere, showing how a playful nickname can become a world of adventure and discovery.