Diane Shapley-Box started her career as a concept designer but soon realized her passion was to write and illustrate stories for young children.  The Apple Bunch Books series has won numerous awards nationally and internationally.  Diane is inspired by her love of art, animals, and personal experiences.  She credits much of her success to helpful family members.

Fred the Frog and his Apple Bunch buddies had no idea about the Texas adventure that was in store for them when they started their trip to the dude ranch. They learned how to rope and ride, but when one mischievous longhorn left the herd, the pals from Appleton sprang into action. As Fred and his friends – Cabbit the Rabbit, Tator the Gator and Perdie the Birdie – searched for the missing steer, they discovered more than they ever imagined. They traveled from the cities to the canyons, from the hill country to the gulf coast, seeing so much more of the great State of Texas along the way. On their journey, Fred and the beloved characters from the award-winning Apple Bunch books follow clues to rescue the fun-loving, missing longhorn. Be there as Fred tells the unforgettable story of the trip around the Lone Star State.