In the heat of a summer day, plodding back and forth behind a lawnmower, the mind can wander.
In Steven Smetzer’s case, it stumbled upon the idea for his first children’s book – with a little help
from a tiny amphibian.
"I was out mowing the grass one day and this frog kept jumping in front of me," said Smetzer,
who is 44 and lives in Bowling Green. "I thought this could make a great story."
This was back in 1998, which is a testament to how long it can take to publish a book. "The Frog and
the Chopper, a Backyard Mystery," was self-published last summer and hit online stores, Amazon and
Barnes and Noble, in January. Ben Franklin Crafts in downtown Bowling Green has been carrying it since
September.
At first Smetzer typed out his story on his computer, and created some of his own crude drawings to
accompany the story. Next he tried it out on his children, Lauren and Ryan, who are now ages 14 and 13,
respectively.
The children enjoyed the story of a frog who meets a variety of critters, including a rabbit, cricket and
earthworm, all fleeing the mysterious chopper. Smetzer also sent copies to his sister and her family in
San Francisco.
But publishing the book fell by the wayside as Smetzer worked at his "day" job in information
technologies and software development, and finished a teen-tween novel. That book, set in Whitehouse
where Smetzer grew up, has a special place in his heart.
"Something crashes in Oak Openings park. He (the main character) finds this thing and his life turns
upside down."
But his wife, Sandie, encouraged him to focus more attention on the children’s book, which is geared
toward preschoolers through first-graders. She said she had a hunch that there was more of a market for
books like "The Frog and the Chopper."
"Kids love animals. You can’t go wrong with animals," her husband agreed.
The family has sunk about $1,200 into getting the book published.
"The Frog and the Chopper" is illustrated by John Bussdieker, who won a sort of contest at
Bowling Green High School in fall 2009 to create the whimsical pictures.

Once Smetzer committed to self-publishing the book, he approached the school’s art staff about finding a
student to do the drawings. Bussdieker was among 10 students who "applied" by submitted frog
renderings.
"John was the best fit. He was the most enthusiastic about the project," said Smetzer, who
added that he was looking for someone who could tell a story from panel to panel.
Bussdieker, who is 19, said he researched frog images and videos to master their movements. It took 50
hours to design 12 pages of illustrations, plus a back cover picture of the entire "cast" of
characters. He toted his drawing board from school to work, to draw any chance that he got.
Samples of Bussdieker’s work, as he progressed on the book, can be seen on the Backyard Mystery Web site.

Smetzer said the two had several meetings as the author tried to convey to the illustrator how to bring
his words to life in pictures.
"We went day by day. We talked about expression. We talked about content," Smetzer said.
In lieu of payment, Bussdieker took copies of the book, which he could sell.
"I was just proud of the opportunity," said Bussdieker, who is now an Owens Community College
student, studying fine arts.
"I have a definite passion for art. I love illustrating. I do all different kinds of media," he
said. "Probably my dream would be cartooning. I love cartoons … animation."
Another Backyard Mystery, "The Frog and the Rain," is in the works. Smetzer and Bussdieker
started working on the illustrations earlier this month. It may be out by this summer.
The books sell for $9.89 on both booksellers’ Websites and in a Kindle version on Amazon for $3.99. It’s
available at Ben Franklin for $10.
On the Net:
www.backyardmystery.com