Kids ask the best questions.
“Do boogers taste like apples?”
“Why do sloths move so slow?”
“Can a fly ever learn to fly better?”
Danny Leeper’s books don’t just answer these questions; they turn them into adventures. From a sloth named Dazz to a fly named Danni, his stories celebrate the messy, funny, and wonderfully odd things kids wonder about.

But why focus on topics like boogers or lazy sloths? Because kids love them… and that’s where the learning begins.

When “Gross” Becomes a Gateway

Let’s talk about Are Boogers Sweet? On the surface, it’s a silly book. A kid asks if boogers taste like grapes, apples, or green beans. The boogers themselves cheer, “Yum yum!” But look closer: the book isn’t encouraging nose-picking. Instead, it’s saying, “Your questions matter, even the weird ones.”

Kids giggle at the absurdity, but they also feel seen. Curiosity, even about “gross” things, is how they learn about their bodies, boundaries, and the world. Danny’s approach? Don’t shame the question. Lean into the laughter.

Slow Down, Stay Curious 

In Dazz the Sloth, kids play a guessing game:

“Do sloths eat candy?” (No.)

“Do they sleep upside down?” (Yes!)

“Are they faster than tigers?” (Spoiler: The tiger wins.)

Sloths aren’t typical heroes. They’re slow, sleepy, and covered in algae. But that’s the point. By making Dazz the star, Danny teaches kids to appreciate creatures that don’t fit the “cool” mold. The story whispers: “You don’t have to be the fastest or loudest to matter.”

The Fly Who Didn’t Give Up

In Honey Bee: “Don’t Be Afraid”, a fly named Danni feels insecure. Butterflies, bees, and birds soar effortlessly, but Danni struggles. Sound familiar? Every kid knows what it’s like to feel “behind.”

Danny doesn’t sugarcoat the struggle. Danni asks:

“Why is learning to fly so hard?”

The answer isn’t a pep talk… it’s an action. With help from friends, Danni tries, fails, and finally succeeds. The message? It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to fail. What matters is trying.

Why “Weird” Questions Help Kids Grow 

Parents often worry about awkward phases or odd obsessions (like a three-month-long “bug phase”). But Danny’s books show that these fixations are natural… and powerful. Here’s why:

• They build confidence: When adults take a child’s questions seriously (“Do sloths eat junk food?”), kids feel respected.
• They teach empathy: Stories like Dazz’s help kids root for underdogs.
• They make learning invisible: No one feels “taught” when they’re laughing about boogers.

How to Embrace Your Child’s Inner Danni (or Dazz) 

Danny’s books aren’t just for kids… they’re cheat sheets for adults. Here’s how to use them:

• Read Are Boogers Sweet? When they’re stuck on a “gross” phase. Talk about why we have boogers (they protect our noses!) instead of scolding.
• Use Dazz the Sloth to talk about differences. Ask: “What makes Dazz special? What makes you special?”
• Share Honey Bee when they’re frustrated. Remind them of Danni the fly: “Remember how hard he tried? You’re like that, too.”

The Bigger Picture: Curiosity = Connection 

Danny’s stories aren’t just about sloths or flies. They’re about connection to nature, to others, and to ourselves. When Grandpa Fly tells Dami that love feels like a “warm sensation,” it’s a starting point. Kids might ask: “What’s YOUR heart’s sensation, Mom?”

That’s the magic. These books don’t end with “The End.” They end with conversations.

Final Thought

Kids don’t need fancy lessons to learn big truths. Sometimes, a booger joke or a slow-moving sloth can teach them more than a textbook. Danny Leeper’s books remind us that curiosity, no matter how silly, is the first step to understanding the world.

Go and grab Danny’s playful world and let your kids ask ALL the questions.