R.J. Scales
Every Scale Has a Story
About R.J. Scales
R.J. Scales writes imaginative stories filled with adventure, curiosity, courage, and a little bit of mischief.Best known for the Family Snake Series, R.J. creates warm, engaging tales that invite young readers to explore the world through the eyes of unforgettable animal characters. Whether the story leads through a jungle, a farm, a forest, or an unexpected new adventure, each book is built around friendship, discovery, and the idea that even the smallest character can have a very big story.When he is not writing, R.J. enjoys spending time with animals, exploring new story ideas, and finding inspiration in the strange, funny, and fascinating things hidden in everyday life.Every Scale Has a Story.
Slyther and The Jungle Jewel
Join Slyther, a curious young snake, on a thrilling jungle adventure! When the magical Jewel of the Jungle goes missing, the harmony and joy of Slyther’s home begin to fade. Determined to save the day, Slyther journeys through forests and rivers, making new friends and overcoming exciting challenges. But can he convince Max, the mischievous monkey, to return the jewel in time?
Ghost's First Halloween
Ghost, a curious silver corn snake, has never seen Halloween before.
Why are there glowing pumpkins, spooky cobwebs, and laughing children in costumes everywhere?With her best friend, Midnight the black cat, Ghost hides in the bushes and watches the fun—until an unexpected meeting with a little girl changes everything. Soon, Ghost is trick-or-treating, wearing a tiny witch hat, and discovering that Halloween is about more than just candy… it’s about friendship, courage, and being yourself.
Marshmallow's Day Of Discovery
Marshmallow is a young ball python who loves the safety and comfort of his cozy little cave. Every day he watches the world beyond the tall bushes, wondering what wonders might be waiting — but always deciding that today is not the day.Until one golden morning, it is.With a brave little wiggle and a flick of his tongue, Marshmallow sets off on his very first adventure. Along the way he reunites with his friend Izzy, rescues a new friend in need, discovers sparkling rivers and lily pad ponds, and meets a pair of twin hedgehogs with adventures of their own.By the time the fireflies appear and the stars come out, Marshmallow has learned something wonderful — the world is so much bigger than he imagined, and every day can become an adventure when you face it with friends.
Meet The Reptiles
Meet some of the real reptiles who helped inspire the stories of R.J. Scales.
Slyther
Rough Green SnakeSlyther is the star of Book 1 in the Family Snake Series, Slyther and the Jungle Jewel.A Rough Green Snake is a small, slender, nonvenomous snake native to North America. While beautiful and fascinating, they are not commonly kept as pets because they require more specialized care than many other snake species.Slyther was inspired by a Rough Green Snake I saw as a child while traveling in Texas. Years later, when I began thinking about writing stories centered around snakes, that memory was one of the first that came back to me — and Slyther was born.
Ghost
Ghost Morph Corn SnakeGhost is the star of Book 2 in the Family Snake Series, Ghost’s First Halloween.Ghost is a Corn Snake with what is known as a Ghost morph, which gives her the soft gray and silver coloring that inspired her name.We have had Ghost for several years, and she is gentle, inquisitive, and very observant. When someone enters the room, she will often come to the front of her enclosure and watch what is going on.That curious personality helped shape the Ghost readers meet in Ghost’s First Halloween — a snake who may be cautious at first, but whose curiosity usually encourages her to see what is happening just a little closer.
Marshmallow
Pied Morph Ball PythonMarshmallow is the star of Book 3 in the Family Snake Series, Marshmallow’s Day of Discovery.Marshmallow is a Pied morph Ball Python, with a body that is primarily white and broken up by patches of darker color. His unusual markings are part of what makes him so distinctive.In real life, Marshmallow is a very social and easygoing snake who does not mind being handled. Like most Ball Pythons, he tends to spend much of the day tucked away and becomes more active around dusk.That calm, curious nature helped shape the Marshmallow readers meet in Marshmallow’s Day of Discovery — a friendly explorer who is always ready to see what might be waiting just beyond his usual hiding place.