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At Friends of the Verde River, we believe every story can spark curiosity, wonder, and care for our river and the natural world around us. Our children’s books, On the Verde River and Otter Spotter, invite you and your family to explore the beauty, wildlife, and adventure that make the Verde River so special.
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Otter Spotter
Explore the playful world of river otters in Otter Spotter! With fun rhymes and beautiful watercolor art, your family will laugh, learn, and discover how these amazing animals live, play, and thrive in the Verde Valley. More than just a story, this book invites you to watch, wonder, and connect with the wildlife that makes our river so special.
Proceeds support Friends of the Verde River’s “boots-on-the-ground” projects like the Otter Spotter program.
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On the Verde River
Take your family on a journey with On the Verde River. This charming story introduces young readers to the plants, animals, and adventures that make the Verde River come alive. With gentle rhymes, engaging storytelling, and beautiful watercolor art, your children will discover the wonders of our local watershed — and see their own backyard in a whole new way.
Proceeds support Friends of the Verde River’s conservation efforts. We work collaboratively for a healthy, flowing Verde River system.
About the Author — Phoebe Fox
Phoebe Fox of Mamafox Books is a children’s author, former teacher, and librarian based here in Arizona. Known as “Mamafox” on her YouTube channel and website, Phoebe shares her love of reading with families across our community through story times and her award-winning books.
Since founding Mamafox Books in 2015, Phoebe has been creating classic-feeling, traditional-style stories with beautiful, timeless illustrations that your family will treasure. Her titles — including Julian Blooms, Up Up Up, On the Verde River, and Otter Spotter — inspire curiosity, kindness, and a lifelong love of reading.
We’re proud to partner with Phoebe, making her stories available to families like yours, helping children everywhere connect with nature, our river, and the joy of discovery.
About the Illustrator — Jim Fox
You may know Jim Fox as a former professional basketball player for the Phoenix Suns, but what makes him truly special for our books is his skill as an accomplished watercolor artist.
Jim has illustrated both of his daughter-in-law Phoebe Fox’s Verde River books — On the Verde River and Otter Spotter — bringing her stories to life for your family to enjoy. Through Jim’s art, you can experience the movement, beauty, and magic of the Verde River like never before.
Why Our Books Are So Special
Above all, these books are more than stories — they’re a way for you and your family to connect with our river and understand why protecting it matters. On the Verde River was honored by the United States Library of Congress’ “Great Reads from Great Places” collection in 2024, putting the Verde River in the spotlight on a national stage.
When you read these books with your children, you’re not only enjoying a wonderful story — you’re also supporting Friends of the Verde River in keeping our river and its wildlife healthy for generations to come.
Buy the Books Locally
We love supporting local businesses! You can pick up copies of On the Verde River at the following locations. We are still working with local stores to get our new book Otter Spotter in stock. Availability may vary — call ahead to make sure your family can get a copy.
- Bananas in Old Town, 1046 N Main St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326, (928) 202-4084
- Highlands Center for Natural History, 1375 S Walker Rd, Prescott, AZ 86303, (928) 776-9550
- Montezuma Castle National Monument, 2800 Montezuma Castle Road, Camp Verde, AZ 86322, (928) 567-3322
- Sedona Heritage Museum, 735 Jordan Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, (928) 282-7038
- Stardust Books, 907 Main St, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, (928) 301-6864
- Tuzigoot National Monument, 25 Tuzigoot Rd, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, (928) 634-5564
If you would like to sell our books in your store, you can get in touch at contactus@verderiver.org.
Phoebe Reads On the Verde River
Enjoy this special storytime with Phoebe Fox as she reads On the Verde River aloud. Watch with your children and share the magic of our river right from home!
In the News
Phoebe Fox, author, and Jim Fox, illustrator of On The Verde River joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss their children’s book. On The Verde River was funded by a grant from the Gerald Rosenbluth Foundation.
A Special Thank You
These books are made possible thanks to the generosity of families and supporters in our community:
On the Verde River was funded by The Rosenbluth Family Charitable Foundation, whose support helped bring this story of our river to life for children and families.
Otter Spotter was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Rosenbluth Family Charitable Foundation, honoring Arizona’s children, and the Austin F. Marx Foundation, dedicated to advancing conservation, education, and community enrichment. This funding allows children and families to discover the joy of river otters and learn why protecting the Verde River matters. Through these children’s books, young readers connect with our river, its wildlife, and the natural world. With the help of these foundations, the magic of the Verde River remains alive for future generations.
Your support helps us continue to create stories that connect children and families to our river, its wildlife, and the natural world we all share. Thank you for sharing in this journey of learning!
