judyberk.com

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Come Sit,
Let’s Read,
a Story

Magical moments, curious characters, and heart-filled children’s stories—crafted to spark imagination, inspire kindness, and linger long after the final page.

about the author

judy berk

Judy Berk is a former kindergarten and early-elementary teacher with 35 years teaching experience, bringing a deep understanding of childhood, curiosity, and storytelling into every book she writes.
Having read thousands of children’s stories aloud throughout her career, Judy now creates her own stories rooted in family, cooperation, gentle adventure, and imagination. Her writing reflects a lifelong passion for encouraging young readers to love books, language, and learning.
Judy lives in Pensacola, Florida, and continues to write stories designed to be read together—at bedtime, in classrooms, and during those quiet moments that children remember forever.

about the Book

Goldifox and
the three hares

A charming twist on a classic fairy tale filled with cozy routines, playful language, and a surprising adventure.
Goldifox and the Three Hares follows Hoppington, Hopkins, and Little Hopster as they navigate quiet days, a carrot-themed contest, and an unexpected encounter that teaches courage, teamwork, and care for one another.
With lyrical storytelling, warm humor, and richly illustrated scenes, this book is perfect for children ages 4–8, parents, teachers, and caregivers seeking meaningful read-aloud experiences.

Our Characters

Meet the unforgettable characters who bring Carrot Top to life:

OUR blogs

Stories behind the stories, insights from the classroom, and reflections on reading with children.

Judy Berk

January 13, 2026 No Comments

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Judy Berk

January 13, 2026 No Comments

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Judy Berk

January 13, 2026 No Comments

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The latest press release

Stay updated with the latest news, releases, and features about Judy Berk and her books.

Judy Berk

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January 13, 2026 No Comments

Judy Berk

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January 13, 2026 No Comments

Judy Berk

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January 13, 2026 No Comments

Judy Berk

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January 13, 2026 No Comments

What they say about us

Readers, parents, and educators alike have fallen in love with Judy Berk’s gentle storytelling and unforgettable characters. Her stories are praised for their warmth, imagination, and meaningful lessons that resonate with children and adults alike.

~ Cindy Timpano

(Rhode Island)

A cute new take on a classic. I read this aloud to my granddaughter (6) and she giggled at the silly names of the characters! Looking forward to more hare adventures in the future! I had the pleasure of working with Judy in her kindergarten. I always knew her special relationship with children would continue!!

~ Jean Langmore, Ph.D

Clinical Psychologist (California)

This is a charming story that blends teamwork, adventure, and just the right amount of excitement for young children. The baking, the mischievous fox and the brave dog make it fun for young readers. It has a reassuring cozy feel that parents will appreciate. The colorful illustrations bring the bunnies’ world to life.

~ Frances Socha

(Florida)

“Goldifox and the Three Hares” is a vivid twist on the classic tale of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” Judy Berk cleverly merges playful language of rhyming, carrot themed humor, sensory details with suspense which will easily engage young children. This heartwarming story is perfect for bedtime reading! Judy Berk was a colleague and parent of a special sweet student of mine, Carla. Judy’s love as a teacher and mother is evident in this tale of family love and pleasures.

~ Jane Conter, MS, Retired Kindergarten Teacher and Former Colleague of the Author

(Connecticut)

Goldifox and the Three Hares by Judy Berk is a tale of three hares who find themselves questioning their quiet daily routine and decide to embark on a new challenge. In doing so, they inadvertently put themselves in a scary position. Thanks to the efforts of an unlikely hero, disaster is averted and the challenge is met! Parents and teachers will find this story an engaging read aloud, with a storyline that invites thoughtful questioning, discussion and comparison to other familiar and favorite children's stories. The charming illustrations support the reader's reflection upon and understanding of story events. I heartily recommend exploring this lovely book, developed and written by a wonderful and highly experienced early childhood educator.

~ Colleen Carroll, Longtime friend and working companion

(Connecticut)

Judy Berk's 'Goldifox and the Three Hares' takes every reader into the beautifully illustrated and sweetly narrated family life of Hoppington, Hopkins, Little Hopster and their cheese loving dog Droolius Cheester, living in the town of Carrot Top. I enjoyed the positive examples for children to read of the togetherness at the Hares' home and in their community in details provided by Judy of love, coziness, bravery and adorably humorous play on words. Children will also be engaged by the heroic adventure of the chase for Goldifox to leave town! I highly recommend this book!

~ Trish Berk, Retired Classroom Teacher (grades K, 1, 2)

(Connecticut)

Daily life becomes a bore for the hare family. Looking to add something new to their routine, they decide to enter a carrot cooking contest. However, they get more excitement than they bargained for when Goldifox pays them a visit. Read about these adorable little hares (and their dog Droolius Cheester) who show that family always sticks together.

~Ginette Lafleche, Ph.D. Neuropsychologist

(Massachusetts)

Judy Berk, a former kindergarten teacher, brings her understanding of childhood to life in her book. Parents will appreciate sharing with their children the story of a family of three charming hares—Hoppington, Hopkins, and Little Hopster—and their dog, Droolius Cheester, as they spend time together, enjoy classical music, and face challenges that help them overcome their fears. This book introduces children to both linguistic and cultural concepts, sparking their imagination and intellect. A “must-have” for parents who enjoy challenging their child’s brain development.

~ Holly Birch, friend who’s happily become part of her family

(Florida)

I loved reading Goldifox and the Three Hares! The Three Hares make such a sweet family, and the cooking contest adds a fun, creative touch. Kids will enjoy Goldifox sniffing around their goodies and the moment the dog wakes up, chases him off, and saves the day. Parents will appreciate the focus on family and how the hares spend their time together. It’s a story that will leave you smiling from beginning to end.

~ Carolyn Williams, Transitional First Grade Teacher

(Maine)

Goldifox and the Three Hares is a charming, reimagined fairy tale with a theme of cooperation, sharing and kindness. It is a great read aloud story with appealing illustrations to match the text.

~ Connie Kapral, Retired Teacher, Health & Physical Education

(Connecticut)

The language used is kid-friendly and the artwork appealing too!

~ Judith Suski , Former Kindergarten teacher; Spent several wonderful school years teaching alongside this author, Judy Berk.

(Connecticut)

An Interesting Twist to a Classic Fairy Tale. . . . Goldifox and the Three Hares is a beautifully illustrated book that provides mystery and feeds the imagination. This book would be much fun to read with children in the 4-to-8-year range.

~ Claire Skoglund, Your substitute teacher and your friend

(Connecticut)

GOLDIFOX AND THE THREE HARES is a fun story which will appeal to young readers. I think they will enjoy following the action and then seeing what happens to the "bad guy!" And the illustrations are beautiful! Great job, Judy....may this be the start of a new career for you!

~ Sue Williams, TESOL Teacher and former Elementary School Teacher and colleague of Judy Berk

(Connecticut)

Judy Berk’s delightful book, Goldifox and the Three Hares, is sure to captivate the hearts and minds of young children with its charming twist on a classic tale and its beautiful illustrations. The sweet, endearing characters learn important values that young readers can easily connect with. As a parent and teacher, I especially love the included extension activities, which are perfect for sparking discussion and deepening the lessons of loyalty and teamwork. This book will be a wonderful addition to any children’s library!