The Sweet Snack Swindle
A Sophia Snail Adventure
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.
Dina Baine
Why did I write The Sweet Snack Swindle?
The Sweet Snack Swindle started as a class assignment, but after heartfelt encouragement from my professor—who praised its message about honesty, friendship, and doing the right thing even if it’s not always easy—I knew it was a story worth sharing.
At the heart of the book is the “Cloo Cookie,” inspired by a very real treat from my childhood—Clue Cookies. I gave the name a little twist, but the meaning behind it is unchanged. These cookies were more than a dessert; they were a tradition I shared with my bonus mom and sisters, full of laughter and sticky fingers. Now, I make them with my own children. They’re a thread that ties generations together—sweet, simple, and full of heart.
Weaving that personal memory into the story helped bring it to life. I wanted The Sweet Snack Swindle to be more than just a fun adventure—it’s a tribute to honesty, to friendship, and to the small traditions that shape who we become. My hope is that readers—young and old—see a bit of their own family stories reflected in its pages.
The illustrations are a story of their own. My son, JT Gutowski, created the original hand-drawn artwork. His creativity brought the characters to life in a way only he could. While he didn’t work digitally, we were lucky to collaborate with the talented Nicole Reasonada, who brought his drawings into full color and added her own beautiful touches. Their combined efforts gave the book its heart—and its vibrant personality.
This story is a celebration of the sweet, small moments that teach us big lessons. I hope it brings a smile—and maybe a memory—to every reader.
About Dina:
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.