The Secret Life of Tools: The Magic Begins When No One is Watching

Psst... these tools have a secret.
What happens when a giant sneeze sends a drawing flying out the classroom window—and it lands beside a magic toolbox?
The tools come to life.
They hammer. They buzz. They bolt. They build.
Working together, the tools race against a ticking clock to build a child's dream before the school bell rings. But with a curious squirrel, a watchful teacher, and close calls around every corner, can they finish in time... and hide before anyone discovers they're alive?
The Secret Life of Tools is a funny, fast-paced children's picture book that celebrates imagination, creative thinking, art, teamwork, and the belief in the magic of making things. Filled with heart, humor, and page-turning suspense, this delightful read-aloud invites kids to peek into a world where ordinary objects come to life when no one is watching.
Perfect for:

• Bedtime stories for children ages 3-5 while engaging early readers through age 7
• Preschool through Grade 2
• A gentle introduction to reading a clock and telling time
• Daycare, preschool and elementary classrooms
• Children’s library book collections
• Read-aloud story time
• Gifts for young artist, builders, makers, inventors, and imaginative kids

Ever wondered what would happen if they things you draw sprung to life? Discover the answer in this funny, brightly illustrated new picture book from the #1 bestselling author of the Bear in a Bow Tie and Dirt Diggers Club series.
Welcome to The Secret Life of Tools—where dreams are built while no one is watching.

Barry Brandon Waldo is the creator of the bestselling Bear in a Bow Tie picture book series, including The Bear Who Dared and Blue Hears a Moo. His stories blend heart, humor, and gentle wisdom to inspire young readers to dream boldly, embrace curiosity, and celebrate what makes them unique.Before becoming a children's author, Barry built a global career as an executive leader at world-class entertainment companies, including Disney and Mattel. During his tenure at Mattel, he created the iconic Monster High franchise, bringing inclusive, character-driven storytelling to millions of fans around the world. He now channels that experience into crafting stories that spark imagination, build confidence, and promote meaningful reading moments between kids and their grown-ups.Barry's whimsical world of Blue, the brave little bear cub, and an enchanting cast of forest friends invites families into stories filled with wonder, emotional resonance, and opportunities for early literacy development. His work extends beyond books to fine art prints, collectibles, and creative experiences that encourage children to explore the world through curiosity and courage.Barry lives in the United States and Canada where he continues developing new worlds like The Dirt Diggers Club, his new garden-themed series that includes Messy McFarlen's Tomato Garden, and the Big Bloom Ka-BOOM!) and expanding the Bear in a Bow Tie universe. To learn more about new releases and exclusive artwork, visit his website or follow him on social media.