Every Tree Has a Story — Come Discover It.

The Mystery of Hidden Oak Valley

Welcome, curious young explorer. Hidden Oak Valley is a place where trees whisper secrets and every leaf has a story.

Buy The Book
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

About the author

Meet Franco Tompeterini

Franco Tompeterini started his life in Genoa, Italy. Then a family in Erie, Pennsylvania, said “yes” to him. That changed everything.

A new country. A new language. A backyard with real woods.
Franco spent hours out there. Climbing. Looking. Asking why trees didn’t all look the same. He didn’t know it then, but he was already becoming a writer…

Nature

Bravery

Wonder

Childhood

About The Book

The Mystery of Hidden Oak Valley

A nine-year-old boy looks out his window and notices something. Not all trees are the same.
That is how the mystery begins. Hickory lives in a treehouse in a tall oak tree. One summer morning, he asks a neighbor. Then another. Soon, he is riding on the back of an owl, flying across Hidden Oak Valley to meet six different trees.

THE blogs

Stories, Inspiration
& Writing Insights

explore all blogs

Why Diverse Representation in Children’s Books Matters More Than Ever

When I founded Curious Readers LLC, I had one mission at the center of everything: to create books that every child could open and see themselves in.
READ MORE

Meet the Characters of Hidden Oak Valley — Friends Worth Knowing

Every great children's book is built on characters that feel real — characters who make you laugh, make you think,
READ MORE

Six Trees, Six Stories — The Science Behind the Adventure

The Mystery of Hidden Oak Valley is many things: an adventure story, a friendship story, a story about the courage
READ MORE

From the Author’s Desk — Why I Wrote the Mystery of Hidden Oak Valley

I was born in Genoa, Italy, and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania. I served eleven years in the United States
READ MORE

Why Every Child Should Know Their Trees — A Lesson from Hidden Oak Valley

There's a moment in The Mystery of Hidden Oak Valley when young Hickory looks out from the top of the tallest oak tree
READ MORE

Trailer

Watch the Trailer: The Mystery of Hidden Oak Valley

Meet Hickory and take flight across Hidden Oak Valley in this captivating book trailer. Follow a curious boy’s journey through six magical trees, brought to life for young readers who love adventure, nature, and wonder.

Say Hello

Drop a note from your forest.

Questions about the book, school or library orders, or booking a read-along in Northwest Arkansas — Franco reads every message. Email Franco@curiousreaders.com and he’ll get back to you.

Email

Franco@curiousreaders.com

Based In

Rogers, Arkansas, available for read alongs

Phone

+1 (555) 123-4567