I stopped into Kitschecoo Art & Craft Shed the other day after a marvelous walk outside and around historic Greendale (Wisconsin), when I spied an entire display of books, calendars, and cards by Don Nedobeck.

Now in Florida, Nedobeck has been one of Milwaukee’s treasured artists for decades. Cats, frogs, ducks, fish, and other critters we know well populate a world we want to visit.

Birds have red shoes. Cats have lugubrious or thoughtful expressions. Alligators. . .well, you’ll just have to see for yourself about the alligators.

I remember my parents taking me to one of his book-signings. Here’s the title page for Nedobeck’s “Twelve Days of Christmas” (in hardcover, no less). I also remember my dad saying that we liked frogs, so he drew in a frog!

This generous author will sign and personalize any of his books with an original line-drawing for you or your child for only a small fee. Check it out (and watch out for those alligators)!