Press Kit
Everything you need to feature Ziggy & Zeke: Even When You're Mad in your publication, podcast, blog, or library.
Book at a Glance
| Title | Ziggy & Zeke: Even When You're Mad |
| Author | Jeffrey Hook |
| Genre | Children's Picture Book / Social Emotional Learning (SEL) |
| Age Range | 5–10 years |
| Format | 40 illustrated watercolor chapters |
| Price | Paperback $14.99 / Kindle eBook $2.99 |
| Publisher | Independently Published |
| Available | Amazon (Kindle & Paperback) |
| Series | Book 1 of the Ziggy & Zeke Trilogy |
Ziggy and Zeke are best friends who do everything together—until one day, a big fight tears them apart. Ziggy says something he can't take back, and Zeke hops away hurt. But when danger strikes and Zeke faces a terrifying snake, Ziggy must find the courage to leap into action—not just to save his friend, but to say the hardest word of all: sorry.
Inspired by a real video of a frog rescuing another frog from a snake's mouth, this heartfelt story teaches children that real friends don't run away—even when they're mad. The book includes the "Ziggy & Zeke Promise," a 5-step forgiveness ritual that families and classrooms are using together.
About the Author
Jeffrey Hook
Author, Military Veteran, 2nd Degree Black Belt
Jeffrey Hook is a 60-year-old first-time author, military veteran, 2nd Degree Black Belt, and Broadcast Operations Manager with 35 years of experience in television. He has been married for 28 years.
Jeff grew up as an angry child with a mother who neglected him. Labeled "the problem child," he was the kid the adults in his life didn't know what to do with. Everything changed when a volunteer from the Big Brothers program in Hartford, Connecticut walked into his life—and never walked out. That man didn't just mentor Jeff. He adopted him. He became his father.
As a boy, Jeff told his new father he had four dreams: graduate high school, join the military, go to college, and write a book. He accomplished every single one. At 60, he kept his last promise to that little boy and wrote Ziggy & Zeke: Even When You're Mad—the book he wished someone had read to him when he was five.
SHORT BIO (for publications)
Jeffrey Hook is a 60-year-old first-time author, military veteran, and 2nd Degree Black Belt who overcame a childhood of neglect before being adopted by a Big Brothers volunteer. After 35 years in broadcast television, he kept a childhood promise and wrote Ziggy & Zeke: Even When You're Mad—the book he wished someone had read to him as a child. It is the first book in the Ziggy & Zeke trilogy.
What People Are Saying
"My kids ask for this story every night!"
— Parent Review
"Finally, a book that teaches forgiveness in a fun way!"
— Parent Review
"The 'Hop, hop, SORRY!' catchphrase is now our family's way of making up!"
— Parent Review
Suggested Story Angles
Ready-to-use angles for articles, interviews, podcasts, and features.
The Promise Kept at 60
A neglected child told the man who changed his life he'd write a book someday. Military service, a black belt, and a 35-year broadcasting career later, he finally did.
Inspired by a Real Frog
The entire story was sparked by a real video of a frog rescuing another frog from a snake's mouth—proof that even in nature, true friendship means showing up when it matters most.
From Neglected Child to Published Author
Jeffrey Hook was the angry kid everyone gave up on. Now he's written the book he wished someone had read to him, and classrooms across the country are using it to teach forgiveness.
The SEL Book Teachers Are Sharing
Aligned with CASEL's Social Emotional Learning framework, Ziggy & Zeke comes with free lesson plans, discussion cards, and classroom activities—making it a turnkey resource for educators.
Hop, Hop, SORRY! Goes Viral
The book's 5-step forgiveness ritual and "Hop, hop, SORRY!" catchphrase are becoming a family tradition, with parents and teachers sharing it on social media with #ZiggyZekePromise.
Key Facts & Talking Points
About the Book
- ✓ 40 beautifully illustrated watercolor chapters
- ✓ Inspired by a real video of a frog saving its friend from a snake's mouth
- ✓ Includes the "Ziggy & Zeke Promise" forgiveness ritual
- ✓ Aligned with CASEL Social Emotional Learning framework
- ✓ Free educator resources: lesson plans, discussion cards, activities
- ✓ Free parent resources: conversation guides, forgiveness journal
- ✓ Book 1 of a planned trilogy
About the Author
- ✓ First-time author at age 60
- ✓ United States military veteran
- ✓ 2nd Degree Black Belt in martial arts
- ✓ 35 years in broadcast television operations
- ✓ Overcame childhood neglect, adopted by Big Brothers volunteer
- ✓ Married 28 years
- ✓ Wrote the book he wished he had as a child
Get in Touch
For interviews, review copies, school visit inquiries, or media questions, please reach out directly.
Contact
Email: [email protected]Website: ziggyandzeke.com
Social Media
TikTok: @ziggyandzekeInstagram: @ziggyandzekebookYouTube: @ZiggyandZekebook