Showing results by author "Steven Doornbos" in All Categories

Calvin never meant to become a careful observer of the natural world. All he wanted was to sail. With his loyal beagle Pudge by his side, Calvin begins renting a small sailboat from the local marina, setting out toward nearby islands just a few hours away. At first, the trips are simple—quiet sails, peaceful landings, time to explore and relax. But with every island they visit, Calvin starts to notice things he hadn’t before: unfamiliar plants, changing shorelines, quiet animals watching from a distance, and subtle signs of how land, water, wind, and life are deeply connected. As ...

Step into the shell of a very curious turtle… and get ready to journey through time! In this vividly illustrated and laugh-out-loud adventure, young readers will meet Trevor, a thoughtful green sea turtle who doesn’t just ride the tide—he rides the timeline. Perfect for ages 8–12, this story blends fun, imagination, and educational discovery into a chapter book that kids won’t want to put down. Inside this book, you will: 🌍 Travel to the past to witness dinosaurs, ancient civilizations, and historic inventors. 🚀 Zoom into the future to explore climate solutions, moon ...

Welcome to the weirdest school year of Hector P. Blart’s life. One minute he’s just a regular 11-year-old trying to survive spelling tests and mystery meat lunches. The next? He’s dodging cursed homework assignments, haunted lockers, and a ghost substitute teacher who hasn’t checked out since the ‘90s. Oh, and let’s not forget Slime—the bookworm who’s literally a worm and may or may not eat overdue library cards. This is a suspense-packed, laugh-out-loud adventure perfect for boys (and brave girls) ages 9–12—or anyone with a 5th-grade reading comprehension level who ...

Welcome to The Adventures of Jeremiah Jackal, a laugh-out-loud, dust-kicking, tail-twitching romp across the most absurd corners of the desert you’ve never visited but will never want to leave. Meet Jeremiah Jackal—a bushy-tailed, peanut-butter-loving, sandal-snatching, chaos-stirring creature who lives on the edge of a scorching desert and doesn’t just survive… he thrives, schemes, and snickers his way into one unpredictable adventure after another. Written for readers of all ages with at least a 5th grade reading level (and a 10th grade sense of humor), this story blends heartfelt...

Elena Foster has dedicated her career to studying the world’s most feared reptiles—but nothing could prepare her for the Black Mamba, Queen of the Outback. When reports surface of a colossal serpent that defies every rule in the field guide, Elena stakes her reputation on capturing definitive proof. Armed with cutting-edge sensors, silent cameras, and a fierce determination, she ventures deep into the red-rock canyons of Australia’s interior. What begins as a hunt for knowledge rapidly becomes a test of survival, as the queen’s cunning intelligence and territorial wrath push Elena ...

Curious Kali invites young readers into a magical journey driven by the fearless wonder of a 9-year-old girl. When Kali discovers a mysterious map tucked inside her grandmother’s attic, it launches her into a series of whimsical adventures that unfold across enchanted forests, glowing lantern festivals, echoing mountains, and starlit observatories. Along the way, she’s guided by magical creatures, ancient riddles, and the quiet power of curiosity itself. This heartwarming middle-grade fantasy is perfect for children ages 8–12 who love stories about brave girls, magical puzzles, and ...

We’ve all met them—the self-declared gurus, the self-taught “experts,” the confidently oblivious office heroes, and the life coaches whose biggest accomplishment is remembering their Instagram password. In I Have No Idea What I’m Doing, we shine a painfully bright spotlight on twenty gloriously unqualified characters who charge boldly into the world, armed with buzzwords, blind faith, and absolutely no clue. From clueless consultants to motivational speakers who can’t find the stage, this book celebrates the gloriously chaotic people who remind us all that sometimes the only ...

Meet Charles Emerson Crashoweski the Third—better known as Crash—a green-eyed, red-furred, fur-matted feline with more attitude than manners. Aloof, opinionated, and morally allergic to effort (unless tuna is involved), Crash is a cat with one mission: stay out of trouble… unless trouble deserves it. In a world overrun by smart appliances, nosy humans, and wannabe kittens named Buttons, Crash delivers an epic, hilarious, tail-whipping account of what it means to be a cat who simply cannot be bothered—until the fate of the living room (and the litter box) depends on him. Prepare to ...

After the final battle in Sometimes, peace returns to the city—briefly. But it doesn’t last. When a young kitten named Always appears with no known origin and a connection to long-forgotten Purrfect Agency secrets, old shadows rise. Sometimes has gone off-grid. A new enemy is weaving danger into the future using something called The Threadline, a global network of memories, instincts, and decisions designed to overwrite free will permanently. Worse still, someone from the Original Nine Agents—long believed lost—is back, and they aren’t who they used to be. Now it's up to Always, ...

Twelve-year-old Ethan Tiller thought janitor duty was the worst punishment imaginable—until the mop sneezed. Now, armed with nothing but a talking broom, a suspicious badge, and an overworked mentor named Mr. Dregg, Ethan finds himself swept into the underground world of the Secret Society of Middle School Janitors. These aren’t your average custodians—they battle glue monsters, decode encrypted floor wax, and fend off robo-roaches with citrus-based foam grenades. But something darker is bubbling beneath Lincoln Middle School’s shiny floors. Vaults are being breached. Legendary ...

Pain Point Marketing: How to Fix Your Business Marketing Pain Points One at a Time is not just another marketing book filled with jargon and recycled advice. It’s a practical, punchy, and occasionally hilarious guide for business owners who are tired of spinning their wheels and ready to solve the real problems holding their success hostage. If you've ever found yourself shouting into the void, wondering why your “best idea yet” didn’t convert, or spending nights staring at a blank screen instead of customers’ orders, you’re in the right place. This book shows you how to think ...

Some vampires sparkle. Some brood. Bartholomew Black just wants to nap. He’s the oldest vampire in the world—grumpy, ancient, and occasionally forgetful. For centuries, he’s avoided the spotlight (and garlic) by hiding out in a castle with his overly chatty bat companion, Kevin. But when a mysterious visitor shatters his eternal snooze, Bartholomew is thrust back into a world of deadly secrets, creepy mirrors, undead politics, and one very sarcastic were-hamster. And that’s before the mimic shows up. Bite Me is a dark, dramatic, and wickedly funny adventure into the shadows of ...

The deep connection between nature and emotional well-being has been acknowledged since ancient times, with countless cultures and traditions extolling the therapeutic benefits of surrounding oneself with nature's beauty. Modern scientific research has further validated these beliefs, highlighting the profound impact that nature has on our mental health and emotional stability. Nature provides a sanctuary for psychological restoration, offering a respite from the stresses and demands of daily life. Immersing oneself in natural surroundings has been shown to reduce levels of cortisol, the ...

Welcome to Quiet Life — a heartfelt collection of poems capturing the beauty, simplicity, and quiet strength of rural living in America. These verses were written not from a bustling city café or under artificial lights, but from the deep stillness of golden fields, rocking chairs on wooden porches, and the quiet joy of sunrise over a tilled garden. Whether you’ve lived the rural life or simply long for it, each poem invites you to pause, breathe, and rediscover the peace that comes from slow living, honest work, and the comfort of home. Let the pages take you back to a place where ...

Discover the critical insights into elder abuse with the comprehensive guide, Elder Abuse In America Today. This book delves into the various dimensions of elder abuse, a pressing issue that affects countless vulnerable seniors across the United States. From physical, emotional, and financial abuse to neglect and exploitation, this book covers the myriad ways in which the elderly are mistreated and the profound impact it has on their lives. In Elder Abuse In America Today, you'll find detailed analysis backed by current trends, statistics, and real-world case studies that illuminate the ...

What if the stars weren’t out of reach—but waiting? In a future not far from ours, the world has grown quiet. The sky, once full of wonder, has dimmed. But one boy, Milo, still dreams—and that dream comes with a destination: Mars. With only a worn notebook, a missing friend, and a question bigger than the galaxy, Milo sets off on an unforgettable journey through forgotten archives, mysterious spaceports, loyal friendships, and one long-lost journal written by the first dreamer to ever step foot on the red planet. Ticket to Mars is a breathtaking children’s adventure filled with ...

When Calvin and his faithful beagle Pudge stumble upon a forest that breathes, whispers, and remembers, they find themselves tangled in a covenant older than the town itself. A powerful corporation arrives with shiny shoes and sharper contracts, determined to strip the land of its secrets. But the bell in the steeple, the wells in the woods, and the very floor beneath their feet know a different story—one bound by three simple verbs: Ask. Keep. Return. In a world where progress wears the mask of profit, Calvin and Pudge must anchor their town against forces that would steal its very ...

Meet Professor Barkington—the smartest dog in school, wearer of round glasses, solver of mysteries, and lover of peanut butter biscuits. When all the homework at Maplewood Elementary suddenly vanishes, Barkington teams up with his best friend, Emma, to sniff out the truth. But this isn’t just a missing paper problem—soon there are glitter-covered raccoons, a peanut-butter-faced hamster, and a ribbon-wearing guinea pig running wild through the halls. With a cast of furry suspects and one suspicious sixth grader, Barkington will have to use every bit of his detective skill to crack the ...

What’s furry, feisty, and always one paw ahead of trouble? Meet Scruff McFluff — the scruffiest, cleverest squirrel this side of the fence. When birdseed starts vanishing from the backyard feeder, Scruff launches a full-blown investigation with his loyal (and slightly snack-obsessed) sidekick, Twitch. But this is no ordinary seed snatcher — cryptic notes, peanut butter spoons, mysterious tunnels, and shadowy figures point to a much bigger mystery beneath the mulch. Alongside a colorful cast of characters — including a pirate parrot, a toad with wisdom naps, and a glitter-wielding ...

Understanding the Downwind Society: Navigating a World of Easy Routes In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves drawn towards the path of least resistance, the route downwind. This metaphorical concept refers to the tendency of individuals and societies to opt for the easier, more convenient options rather than facing the challenges of sailing upwind. Understanding the dynamics of a downwind society is crucial for grasping the complexities of our modern world and navigating it successfully. One key aspect of the downwind society is the allure of instant gratification. People are ...