The Sweet Snack Swindle

A heartwarming, school-time mystery about excitement, friendship, and learning that while mistakes happen, honesty and kindness can make things right.

On the first day of her long-awaited return to school, Sophia Snail discovers that her special Cloo Cookie-baked with love the day before-is missing from her lunch box! With curiosity and determination, Sophia gathers clues and considers suspects: her best friend Gracie Goose, the mischievous Tommy Turtle, and the curious Willie Worm. As she follows a trail of crumbs and sticky smudges, Sophia learns valuable lessons about trust, teamwork, and forgiveness.

Author Biography

Dina is a first-time children’s book author with a heart full of love for family, storytelling, and her hometown of Philadelphia. She grew up in a warm, nurturing household-first with her mom, then later with her dad, bonus mom, and six sisters. Dina feels incredibly fortunate to have had two wonderful moms to look up to. Her mom was always there, making time for meaningful moments, whether offering advice or sharing picnics on the living room floor with all of Dina’s favorite foods. Her bonus mom, a remarkable woman, also played a pivotal role, lovingly caring for all seven children-teaching them to cook, sharing life lessons, and dancing to Sweatin’ to the Oldies together. Throughout high school, Dina’s passion for writing blossomed as she created short stories and poetry. After graduating from Plymouth Whitemarsh High School in 1997, she worked there as a lifeguard before transitioning into a classroom role. In December 2023, Dina proudly graduated Summa Cum Laude from Eastern Gateway Community College with an Associate of Arts Degree in Teacher Education. As a mother, Dina cherishes the family traditions passed down through generations. One such tradition is baking Cloo Cookies, a recipe she and her sisters helped their bonus mom make with love and laughter. Today, Dina works as an Instructional Aide in the library at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School. She lives in Eagleville, PA, with her husband and two of her four children, continuing to draw inspiration from her family and life experiences as she writes.