Tarragon Greenwhen the squirrels ate carrots…
A rhyming picture book adventure · Ages 4–8

✦ a rhyming tale of two squirrels — wally & hazel ✦When the Squirrels Ate Carrotson Tarragon Green

“So begins a strange tale full of trying ordeals — for two squirrels determined to snack between meals.”

Wally & Hazel Makes a great gift!

Book cover of “When the Squirrels Ate Carrots on Tarragon Green”
ages 4–8

chapter one — how it begins

Every good story starts with a snack…

So begins a strange tale full of trying ordeals —

for two squirrels determined to snack between meals.

What would happen that summer remained to be seen

when the squirrels ate carrots on Tarragon Green.

+ one more verse, waiting on the last page of the book

Illustrated scene from the story, with squirrels on Tarragon Green

a scene from the tale

gathered by teachers & parents

Why parents and educators love this book

So begins a strange tale full of trying ordeals — for two squirrels determined to snack between meals.

More about the bookMakes a great gift!
  • Encourages imagination
  • Supports early reading
  • Builds vocabulary
  • Enhances color knowledge
  • Keeps kids engaged

the two heroes of the tale

Meet Wally & Hazel

Two squirrels. One summer. A very strange snack. Curious, clever and full of mischief — they are the heart of Tarragon Green.

Wally the boy squirrel, from Tarragon Green

Wally

Boy squirrel

  • Smart and brave
  • Outwardly confident even when he is unsure of himself
  • Likes to take charge, but is easily distracted
  • Protective of Hazel
  • Always hungry
Hazel the girl squirrel, from Tarragon Green

Hazel

Girl squirrel

  • Polite and organized
  • Free spirited and full of life
  • Easily frightened
  • Never backs down from a challenge, especially if it comes from Wally
Matthew R. Gomez, author of When the Squirrels Ate Carrots on Tarragon Green
hi, I’m Matt!

about the author

Written by Matthew R. Gomez

My entire professional career in communications has been in Florida, and that’s where the concept of Tarragon Green took shape. But imagination is everywhere…

Matthew R. Gomez is the name I use around grown-ups. My friends call me Matt. I was born in Brooklyn, raised in New Jersey, and college educated at Temple University in Philadelphia.

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Meet the authorhis squirrels say hello ↓

beyond the book

Stay curious — games & puzzles

The story doesn't end at the last page. Head to the play corner for games and word puzzles for young readers.

Fun for Kids

A playful corner of games for little ones — pop in and play.

Wordscapes

A squirrel-y word-search puzzle — created for young readers.

the last page — for now

What would happen that summer
remained to be seen…

“When the squirrels ate carrots on Tarragon Green.”