Outside ABCs – Janice D. Green, author

The Backstory of Outside ABCs

When persistence paid off

I am a rare author who grew up as a reluctant reader. To this day, my reading preference is for children’s literature, which is what I write. I remember enjoying theme-writing in my senior English class. There was something about writing on what I cared about that appealed to me.

I also wrote a few poems in high school. A classmate challenged me to write a few stanzas on a poem she had started. That was fun, so I wrote a few more poems. Since my father taught science and English in high school, I showed him my poems. He pointed out so many things that were wrong with them that I decided writing poetry was too hard, and I would never write them.

Outside ABCs by Janice D. Green, ill by Jonathan Huff

I am beside myself with excitement! Outside ABCs released in April 2026. My gifted grandson, Jonathan Huff, is the illustrator.

These are the fantastic endorsements that were written about the book, even before Jonathan Huff’s amazing images and Ambassador International’s whimsical layouts were applied:

“As kids follow the alphabet, they will not only learn interesting facts about nature, they will also be inspired to explore the great outdoors. Did you know fiddleheads are a sign of spring and that velvet ants are wasps? Written in whimsical rhythm and rhyme, Outside ABCs is interesting, educational, and fun to read. The illustrations are creative, bright, and colorful and will capture the attention of every child who opens the book.” —Crystal Bowman (who also has had a chance to preview the completed PDF file with completed layout)

“The alphabet has never been so much fun! Janice Green’s Outside ABCs is a wonderful alphabet book, teaching children so many fun facts all written in effortless rhyme. The author’s descriptive language and rhythmic writing make this book a great addition to any library.” —Michelle Medlock Adams

Celebrations! Outside ABCs is about to release!

The word is out. Outside ABCs will release on April 21, 2026. I am so excited! Jonathan Huff’s illustrations and the layout are outstanding. Jonathan is my grandson, and I am so proud! I am eager to receive my pre-ordered copies.
You can pre-order your copies at this link on Ambassador International’s bookstore website.

A dream come true

Today I signed a contract with Ambassador International for an alphabet book that germinated in my mind 45 years ago. It took that long to get all the wrinkles out of that pitiful first draft. LOL! The working title is Outside ABCs. Many thanks to people like Jon and Cathryn Sill who took the time to help me trim down my over-the-top first draft about 25 years ago, and to Crystal Bowman who encouraged and mentored me as we reworked many of the poems. I’ve also have many cheerleaders and critique groups who have encouraged me with this book.

Some of my prayer warrior friends came out on short notice to witness me signing the contract this morning.