Juvenile Fiction

Inspired by a true story of how a young narwhal finds himself a new family to love and accept him—a pod of beluga whales!

Little Narwhal is lost. After a big storm hits, he wanders the ocean alone, in search of a community to belong to. Eventually he finds other whales . . . but these whales don’t look like him at all! Will they welcome him into their family?

From the same team behind the bestselling book Dream Flights on Arctic Nights, this story is told in lyrical text accompanied by gorgeously colored linocut art. Also included at the back are facts about narwhals, including the real story about the narwhal who is adopted by beluga whales.

The Landreths harbor a family of fugitive slaves. The family fears the oncoming civil war and the possibility of sending fathers and sons, brothers and cousins off to fight. Rupert, Cyril, and Donald Keith, Wallace and Stuart Ormsby, and young Percy Landreth are eager to defend the Union they revere and love, but they are also anxious to return to family and friends at home.

A fresh look at Jewish folktales—wise, witty, hilarious. 

After finishing school in New York, Rabbi Harvey traveled west in search of adventure and, hopefully, work as a rabbi. His journey took him to Elk Spring, Colorado, a small town in the Rocky Mountains. When he managed to outwit the ruthless gang that had been ruling Elk Spring, the people invited Harvey to stay on as the town's rabbi. In Harvey's adventures in Elk Spring, he settles disputes, tricks criminals into confessing, and offers unsolicited bits of Talmudic insight and Hasidic wisdom. Each story presents Harvey with a unique challenge—from convincing a child that he is not actually a chicken, to retrieving stolen money from a sweet-faced bubbe gone bad. Like any good collection of Jewish folktales, these stories contain layers of humor and timeless wisdom that will entertain, teach and, especially, make you laugh.

Discover the whimsical tale of friendship between one man and his gold pan, and their journey in the wake of the Gold Rush.

"A plucky pan is a prospector’s devoted companion as they venture through the Alaskan interior. But when their search turns up empty, Pan begins to wonder if he’s broken in this lighthearted glimpse into gold rush history."
—New York Public Library, Best Books for Kids 2019 (Nonfiction History)

"Though the story is humorous and the protagonist playful, there is some meaty geology and history to be mined within, including information on iron pyrite (aka fool's gold: 'Drat!') and how to pan for gold. Souva's illustrations employ geometric shapes and a muted palette, investing Pan with appealing personality via eyebrows, eyes, and mouth. Backmatter expands upon the story for readers curious to know more. While the book is sure to appeal to educators, especially those teaching about the various gold rushes in western American history, the amusing adventures of Pan and Pedro hold broad appeal for read-alouds with many and varied audiences beyond the classroom. A sweet little nugget of a story."
—Kirkus Reviews

Pedro and his pan go on an exciting adventure together—to strike gold! They hike mountains, whack through bushes, and wade through streams as they sift through dirt and gravel in search of the hidden nuggets. But as time goes by without any success, Pan begins to worry that he is broken. Will he and Pedro ever find what they’re looking for? Inspired by the true story of Felix Pedro, a prospector who launched one of the richest gold rushes in Alaska’s history, Pedro’s Pan offers a glimpse into American history as well as educates how gold panning works in a fun and exciting way.

Insights, Ideas and Activities for exploring the lessons and wisdom of Jewish folktales.

A step-by-step guide to creative use of The Adventures of Rabbi Harvey in the classroom. Each lesson includes:

• A clear summary of the story—its origins and what it can teach us
• A series of thought-provoking questions
• An engaging activity relating to the story’s theme or the art of storytelling

This comprehensive teaching tool will help you guide students toward understanding the timeless lessons of traditional Jewish folktales and their relevance to our lives today.

From revered nature writer Brenda Peterson and told through striking and vibrant mixed-media collages by Caldecott Medalist Ed Young, Catastrophe by the Sea is a poignant story of redemption through empathy and compassion found in the most surprising places, and also provides a rich understanding of small creatures that live in a dangerous tidal zone.

A lost cat roams the tide pools, pawing relentlessly at the small creatures that live there. One day an anemone confronts him and asks why he is alone and befriends him. In partnership with the Seattle Aquarium, Catastrophe by the Sea delivers a powerful message of finding understanding and friendship, and at the same time educates on the varied wildlife brimming in tide pools.

“For several years, the Seattle Aquarium has studied the role of empathy in promoting conservation. Empathy is the ability to perceive, understand and care about the experiences or perspectives of another person or animal. We most often feel empathy for other people, but we can also feel empathy for animals. This led us to the idea of a children’s book. Animals are regular protagonists in children’s books, but these characters are primarily vertebrates and often charismatic mammals. Could we create a book that would allow kids and their caregivers to empathize with strange and exotic marine animals, like sea anemones or barnacles? We hope this book strikes a chord with audiences and fosters empathy for animals less like us.” --Jim Wharton, director of conservation engagement and learning at the Seattle Aquarium

Introducing SNOTS—a new graphic novel series about incredible superpowers, space robots, bad dudes, and just a regular kid who one day gets the call to save the world . . . with video games!

Meet Rusty Crumb, a boy who loves pizza, picking his nose, and playing video games. And he’s really good at gaming. In fact, he’s so good that every game now is just too easy for him. All he wants is a challenge, something that will make things fun and interesting again.

Meanwhile, in space, Commander Newton Bean of the Superpixel Ninja Officer Tweens of Space is looking for a new recruit to help him defeat the evil Baron Buttz and his nefarious pranks. Newton needs someone who’s not just courageous and smart, but also an amazing gamer to be able to wield the immense powers of the Super Game Dude device. Could Rusty be just who the SNOTS are looking for?

A ridiculously hilarious romp through space filled with action, adventure, and out-of-this-world fun!

A rhyming picture book about how sometimes it’s not the biggest, strongest, or the fastest, but the littlest who can get the job done!

"Charming, entertaining, and original, The Littlest Airplane is an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children ages 4-7."
—Midwest Book Review

"This is a really cute story about a plane that is smaller than all the others. He feels inferior because he can’t do what the big planes can. But when people get stuck in a storm and call for help, the big planes are too big to land to rescue the people, the little plane can reach them and he saves them. The illustrations were cute; I love the expressiveness of the planes. . . 4 stars."
—Youth Services Book Review

"The text clearly stands out against Joseph's wonderful illustrations, which work in tandem with the text to convey exactly what's happening in the story. These scenes are big and colorful, making it easy to see all aspects of the picture, even from a distance—perfect for story hours. . . Altogether, Hartman has created another wonderful ride of a story. A great rhyming read aloud for little learners to introduce different types of planes and spot light the oft-forgotten bush plane."
—School Library Journal

"The story told in lilting rhyming text is brought to life in colorful illustrations featuring personified airplanes with expressive faces and beautiful Alaskan scenery. Facts about bush planes and a labeled diagram of a plane appear in the back pages. Young children identify with being small and wanting to be important. They will recognize this story as a good companion to The Little Engine That Could."
—Children's Literature Comprehensive Database

“Alaska Northwest Books wings into spring with... The Littlest Airplane by Brooke Hartman, illus. by John Joseph, in which a storm necessitates calling a mighty little bush plane to rescue people stuck on a mountain in the snow.”
—Publishers Weekly, Spring 2022 Children’s Sneak Previews

At a landing strip in the far north, a little bush plane watches quietly as bigger, stronger, faster planes take off for adventure. But when a storm hits and hikers are stranded on the mountain, who will come to the rescue?

Told in rhyming verse with bright illustrations, The Littlest Airplane soars high with heart and excitement.

Silver Medalist, 2020 Wishing Shelf Book Awards: Books for 6–8 Year Olds
Winner, 2020 American Fiction Awards for Best Cover Design: Children's Books
Finalist, 2020 American Fiction Awards for Children's Fiction

The first day of school is coming… and I'm going to be in the noisy class. Any class but the noisy class will do!

A young girl is about to enter the third grade, but this year she's put into Ms. Johnson's noisy class. Everything about the noisy class is odd. While all the other classes are quiet, Ms. Johnson sings and the kids chatter all day. The door is always closed, yet sounds from it can be heard in the hallway. With summer coming to an end and school starting, the girl realizes that soon she'll be going to the noisy class. What will school be like now?

Featuring the honest and delightful humor of debut author Angela Shanté and the bold, graphic imagery of debut illustrator Alison Hawkins, The Noisy Classroom encourages those with first-day jitters to reevaluate a scary situation by looking at it from a different angle and to embrace how fun school can be, even in nontraditional ways.

Rusty Crumb and the SNOTS return in this super sequel to Call of Doody—just in time to confront a trio of cloaked Evil Dudes, a rogue AI, and a missing blankie!

Rusty Crumb and his friends have defeated the evil Baron Buttz and his nefarious pranks. The galaxy is safe again! Or is it? A new danger has been waiting in the wings and is now ready to strike—once they settle on their villain name, that is.

TED, The Evil Dudes, are looking for their leader and won't stop until they find them. Only the SNOTS stand in their way. But what if their evil leader has been among the SNOTS this whole time? Will the gang's gaming powers be enough to save the day? Or is this game over for the SNOTS?

A fun, lively story of Black family and cousin culture that celebrates individuality and embraces differences.

One of the New York Public Library's Best Books for Kids in 2021!

Nominated, Bank Street College of Education's 2022 Irma S. Black Award

"This endearing picture book from Shanté (The Noisy Classroom, 2020) is a beautiful ode to Black families and the bond cousins have. . . Shanté's love letter to Black families and the typical relationship Black children have with their cousins is smartly complemented by Morris' bold, vivid illustrations of the cousins' summer antics, often from the main character's perspective. This story about wanting to feel included will be a storytime must!"
—Booklist

"An adorable book about being true to yourself and the joys of family, especially cousins."
—Kirkus Reviews

"Layered, collage-style art by Morris features rounded panels and centers warm relationships. Shanté aptly portrays the experiences of a young city denizen, peppering the family-centered tale with resonant cultural details."
—Publishers Weekly

Fitting in can be hard, but standing out isn’t easy either!

Every summer a young girl eagerly waits for her cousins to come visit and celebrate her birthday. All her cousins are unique in their own ways and have earned cool nicknames for themselves… except for the girl. But this year things are going to be different. This year before summer ends, she’s determined to earn her own nickname!

Filled with warmth, love, and laughter, When My Cousins Come to Town brings all the energy and love of a big family to prove that you don’t need to be anyone else to be special—just the way you are is exactly right!

A happy-go-plucky rhyme adventure of chickens frolicking in an urban environment as they run rampant all around town!

"Urban backyard chickens go on a madcap tour of the city in this rhyming romp. . . the narrative bounces off the tongue. The marker-bright illustrations are frenetic and filled with humorous details."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Hysterical rhyming book about chickens escaping from their yard. Funny shenanigans ensue with each towns-person and animal they encounter. This will appeal to lots of kids around here whose families own chickens!"
--Buttonwood Books & Toys, bookseller recommendation

"Reading this out loud was so much fun! The rhyming and rhythm added a musical element to reading the book. And within the rhymes there are great vocabulary moments, too! . . . The backmatter of the book gives information about keeping urban chickens and some fun chicken facts. It is a great way to connect the story to science."
--Unleashing Readers

Chickens on the loose.
Chickens on the lam.
Zipping from the yard,
As quickly as they can.

Chickens don't just live on farms--they're in the city too! In the store, on the street, they bring mayhem and excitement to all the surprised people. See where these mischievous chickens go in this brightly illustrated picture book told in verse. Also included at the back are fun facts and tips for the urban chicken farmer.

A Visit to Moscow is inspired by the true experience of an American rabbi who travels to the Soviet Union in the 1960s, a dangerous time of uncertainty and fear for Jews in the nation.

2023 Eisner Award Nominee, Best Adaptation from Another Medium

2022 Brightness Illustration Award Longlist

In 1965, an American rabbi travels to the Soviet Union to investigate reports of persecution of the Jewish community. Moscow welcomes him as a guest—but provides a strict schedule he and the rest of his group must follow. One afternoon, the rabbi slips away. With an address in hand and almost no knowledge of the Russian language, he embarks on a secret journey that will change his life forever. Inspired by the true experience of Rabbi Rafael Grossman, A Visit to Moscow captures the formidable perseverance and strength of the Jewish people during the "Let My People Go" movement, a modern exodus that is often overlooked.

"With starkly dramatic text and haunting images, author and illustrator convey the devastating oppression of Soviet Jewish life, and the commitment of one Jew to bring their horrifying reality into the light [...] Whether readers are familiar with the harrowing subject matter or learning about it for the first time, Rabbi Grossman's story will immerse them in a harsh world and in the persistent truth-telling needed to bring about change. A Visit to Moscow is highly recommended." —Jewish Book Council

“This briefly told story is compelling and will provoke curiosity about a topic that isn’t often told or taught. While readers may be familiar with the Holocaust, where 6 million Jews were murdered, not many are aware that in the era of Communism, a different type of Holocaust, a spiritual Holocaust, was also happening in the USSR. This is a worthy read and hopefully will jump-start the discussion of Soviet Jews who lived behind what was known as the “iron curtain.””—School Library Journal "Good Comics for Kids"

"The concise text is brilliantly illustrated by Yevgenia Nayberg, who is herself a former Soviet Jew. Her angular drawings, often with subdued colors, neatly fit the narrative and greatly enhance the story. The combination of a moving narrative and outstanding artwork makes for a most compelling read. I highly recommend A Visit to Moscow. Like any fine book, it will leave a deep impression. It is a story you will not forget reading or seeing."—The Detroit Jewish News

"Yevgenia Nayberg’s art is evocative and claustrophobic and lives  in that liminal space between simple children’s book illustration and profound abstract comics work. Her choices in coloring are particularly well-matched to the emotional tone of the narrative. This is ultimately a story of hope—how the actions of one person can reverberate through generations to come—and as story, this is appropriate and uplifting." —SOLRAD

Sail across sand dunes and streams on a handmade boat in Book 3 of the Challenge Island series!

Finding themselves transported to a magical island once again, Daniel, Joy, and Kimani emerge from a mysterious cave to see blue waters—they’re by the beach! And in the near distance, across large sand dunes and up a hill, stands a familiar tall tower. There, the pirate Captain Wei awaits with all the answers to their questions… if they ever reach the tower in time.

Using items stashed around the cave, the friends must build themselves a blowcart and use wind power to sail across the bumpy beach. But how do they make a cart fast and sturdy enough to carry the three of them? See what surprises are in store for the three friends in this new Challenge Island adventure!

Included at the back of the book are cool facts about real sea pirates and ships, plus fun STEAM activities you can do at home, like how to build your own blowcart and make pirate treasure slime.

From the world’s #1 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) program and education enrichment program, Challenge Island® presents an exciting new adventure for smart, curious kids. This is Book 3 in the Challenge Island series.

England, 1713—The height of the Golden Age of Piracy.

Charlie Drake boards the heavily-armed British fighting ship, the Churchill, on the morning after his sixteenth birthday in possession of a mysterious three-lock box left to him by his father. The contents of the box could change Charlie’s life forever, but there’s a catch—the box is booby-trapped, and he doesn’t have the keys.

Aboard the Churchill, young Charlie must earn the respect of a skeptical captain and a disreputable crew who will do anything for a single gold coin while searching for clues to unlock his destiny. In this coming-of-age tale, Charlie will fight enemies of the Crown, visit exotic locales, and make allies of fearsome pirates while proving that he is worthy of his father’s legacy. His first order of business: Don’t get killed trying.

England, 1713—The height of the Golden Age of Piracy.

Charlie Drake boards the heavily-armed British fighting ship, the Churchill, on the morning after his sixteenth birthday in possession of a mysterious three-lock box left to him by his father. The contents of the box could change Charlie’s life forever, but there’s a catch—the box is booby-trapped, and he doesn’t have the keys.

Aboard the Churchill, young Charlie must earn the respect of a skeptical captain and a disreputable crew who will do anything for a single gold coin while searching for clues to unlock his destiny. In this coming-of-age tale, Charlie will fight enemies of the Crown, visit exotic locales, and make allies of fearsome pirates while proving that he is worthy of his father’s legacy. His first order of business: Don’t get killed trying.

Sail across sand dunes and streams on a handmade boat in Book 3 of the Challenge Island series!

Finding themselves transported to a magical island once again, Daniel, Joy, and Kimani emerge from a mysterious cave to see blue waters—they’re by the beach! And in the near distance, across large sand dunes and up a hill, stands a familiar tall tower. There, the pirate Captain Wei awaits with all the answers to their questions… if they ever reach the tower in time.

Using items stashed around the cave, the friends must build themselves a blowcart and use wind power to sail across the bumpy beach. But how do they make a cart fast and sturdy enough to carry the three of them? See what surprises are in store for the three friends in this new Challenge Island adventure!

Included at the back of the book are cool facts about real sea pirates and ships, plus fun STEAM activities you can do at home, like how to build your own blowcart and make pirate treasure slime.

From the world’s #1 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) program and education enrichment program, Challenge Island® presents an exciting new adventure for smart, curious kids. This is Book 3 in the Challenge Island series.

“Ahoy thar, matey! Where does a pirate go potty around here?”

This little pirate’s got to go potty! He wanders around sandy beaches and dark caves, discovering where the sea lion, the pelican, and even the octopus go potty. But where in the seven seas can a pirate go?! A hilarious adventure filled with playful anticipation and fun, Where Does a Pirate Go Potty? guarantees a good time and laughter.

This book is a companion to Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty?

Dash across the rainforest swamp with Daniel, Joy, and Kimani in the newest Challenge Island adventure!

One of Children Book Council's Hot off the Press picks for May 2022!

"For early grade readers who revel in science-based fiction, this is a winning read. Animals, physics, and habitats are among the topics covered, with lots of instances where the reader can predict and hypothesize along with the characters. Kimani, who is Black, has an impressive head for science and builds in many of the facts that help the group solve problems together. Sleek black and white cartoon art complements the text, adding visual clues. Science experiments and craft projects from each character are at the end."
—Youth Services Book Review

"In this follow-up to The Bridge to Sharktooth Island, optimistic Joy, cautious Daniel, and studious Kimani find themselves transported once again to a magical island where they have to solve a series of puzzles to escape the middle of the rainforest before darkness falls. . . Supplementary materials at the back include STEAM projects and fun facts introduced by the main characters that a science-loving child will enjoy. The story is engaging, educational, and peppered with cute illustrations… a fun purchase for the easygoing young reader in love with animals and books."
—School Library Journal

"The Race Across Anaconda Swamp, the second Challenge Island title, in which three kids use teamwork and STEAM skills to navigate a perilous island adventure, [is forthcoming from West Margin Press.]"
—Publishers Weekly, Spring 2022 Children’s Sneak Previews

Daniel, Joy, and Kimani are transported once again to a magical island—this time into a tropical rainforest! As they zip through the canopy, a dangerous snake lurks in the black waters below. They are searching for a way out and a path to a mysterious tower. Does it hold the answers to their questions?

Using ropes and other found items, the three friends must figure out how to safely traverse across the island using their knowledge of friction and weights. But the sun is going down and night is approaching fast. Will they reach the tower in time?

Also included are cool facts about the rainforest and its animals, plus fun STEAM activities showing you how to build your own pulley system and monkey playground.

From the world's #1 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) education enrichment program, Challenge Island® presents an exciting new adventure book series for smart, curious kids.

Dash across the rainforest swamp with Daniel, Joy, and Kimani in the newest Challenge Island adventure!

One of Children Book Council's Hot off the Press picks for May 2022!

"For early grade readers who revel in science-based fiction, this is a winning read. Animals, physics, and habitats are among the topics covered, with lots of instances where the reader can predict and hypothesize along with the characters. Kimani, who is Black, has an impressive head for science and builds in many of the facts that help the group solve problems together. Sleek black and white cartoon art complements the text, adding visual clues. Science experiments and craft projects from each character are at the end."
—Youth Services Book Review

"In this follow-up to The Bridge to Sharktooth Island, optimistic Joy, cautious Daniel, and studious Kimani find themselves transported once again to a magical island where they have to solve a series of puzzles to escape the middle of the rainforest before darkness falls. . . Supplementary materials at the back include STEAM projects and fun facts introduced by the main characters that a science-loving child will enjoy. The story is engaging, educational, and peppered with cute illustrations… a fun purchase for the easygoing young reader in love with animals and books."
—School Library Journal

"The Race Across Anaconda Swamp, the second Challenge Island title, in which three kids use teamwork and STEAM skills to navigate a perilous island adventure, [is forthcoming from West Margin Press.]"
—Publishers Weekly, Spring 2022 Children’s Sneak Previews

Daniel, Joy, and Kimani are transported once again to a magical island—this time into a tropical rainforest! As they zip through the canopy, a dangerous snake lurks in the black waters below. They are searching for a way out and a path to a mysterious tower. Does it hold the answers to their questions?

Using ropes and other found items, the three friends must figure out how to safely traverse across the island using their knowledge of friction and weights. But the sun is going down and night is approaching fast. Will they reach the tower in time?

Also included are cool facts about the rainforest and its animals, plus fun STEAM activities showing you how to build your own pulley system and monkey playground.

From the world's #1 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) education enrichment program, Challenge Island® presents an exciting new adventure book series for smart, curious kids.

For fans of The Magic School Bus and Magic Tree House, new friendships, mysterious forces, and an island adventure awaits in The Bridge to Sharktooth Island as you delve into the mechanics of bridge-building fun!

"This story introduces three fifth graders forced to use their individual strengths and talents to work together and problem-solve their way out of trouble. Estroff's clever prose helps readers think, plan, and create with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math). These are perfect for a technology-focused classroom and lessons, as well as adventure-loving students. Expressive illustrations throughout the chapters help readers to see the models as they are envisioned by the characters. Fun additions at the end of the story include shark facts, Leonardo da Vinci–inspired experiments, and instructions for readers to create their own truss bridge. This is a great STEAM-infused addition to the fiction section of any elementary or middle school library."
—School Library Journal

"[The Bridge to Sharktooth Island] could provide a useful support for teachers and parents to involve children in STEAM and an engaging context for further STEAM and technological 'design and build' problem-solving."
—Primary Science

One minute Daniel and his cousin Joy are playing in the snow—and the next they are stranded on a mysterious island surrounded by sharks!

Where are they now and how did they get here? And how will they get back home?

With new friend Kimani, the kids find clues to these and other mysteries. To escape the island, they have to work together and build a bridge to safety!

This thrilling adventure is packed with fun STEAM activities you can do at home: build your own bridge, mix up a blue slime ocean, and design ferocious paper sharks.

From the world's #1 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) education enrichment program, Challenge Island® presents an exciting new adventure book series for smart, curious kids.

For fans of The Magic School Bus and Magic Tree House, new friendships, mysterious forces, and an island adventure awaits in The Bridge to Sharktooth Island as you delve into the mechanics of bridge-building fun!

"This story introduces three fifth graders forced to use their individual strengths and talents to work together and problem-solve their way out of trouble. Estroff's clever prose helps readers think, plan, and create with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math). These are perfect for a technology-focused classroom and lessons, as well as adventure-loving students. Expressive illustrations throughout the chapters help readers to see the models as they are envisioned by the characters. Fun additions at the end of the story include shark facts, Leonardo da Vinci–inspired experiments, and instructions for readers to create their own truss bridge. This is a great STEAM-infused addition to the fiction section of any elementary or middle school library."
—School Library Journal

"[The Bridge to Sharktooth Island] could provide a useful support for teachers and parents to involve children in STEAM and an engaging context for further STEAM and technological 'design and build' problem-solving."
—Primary Science

One minute Daniel and his cousin Joy are playing in the snow—and the next they are stranded on a mysterious island surrounded by sharks!

Where are they now and how did they get here? And how will they get back home?

With new friend Kimani, the kids find clues to these and other mysteries. To escape the island, they have to work together and build a bridge to safety!

This thrilling adventure is packed with fun STEAM activities you can do at home: build your own bridge, mix up a blue slime ocean, and design ferocious paper sharks.

From the world's #1 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) education enrichment program, Challenge Island® presents an exciting new adventure book series for smart, curious kids.

Pursued by the authorities as runaways, and with Lars's health failing, the three experience one adventure after another as they inch their way North, through terrifying winter storms and frightening encounters with strangers. In the process, Annie and David also make new, lasting friendships and kindle personal reserves of strength that they didn't know existed.