Showing results by author "Steven Doornbos" in All Categories

History is full of brilliant ideas. Unfortunately, some of them were terrible. Across centuries, confident leaders, engineers, generals, and executives have looked at bold plans and said the same four words: “This will probably work.” Sometimes they were right. But sometimes… • A giant wooden horse got dragged into a city. • An “unsinkable” ship met an iceberg. • A $327 million spacecraft missed Mars because of a math error. • A soda company changed the recipe of America’s favorite drink. • Investors paid the price of a house for a flower bulb. • A luxury music ...

Across the vast plains of the American Midwest lies a region where the atmosphere behaves like a loaded weapon. Meteorologists call it Tornado Alley—a place where powerful air masses collide and the sky itself can begin to spin. Every year this region produces some of the most violent storms on Earth, leaving scientists, storm chasers, and curious observers asking the same question: How do tornadoes really form? In The Secrets Of Tornado Alley Revealed, you will uncover the hidden forces behind these terrifying storms and explore the fascinating science that meteorologists use to ...

You never expect it. No matter how long you’ve loved someone—no matter how many mornings you’ve shared, how many inside jokes you’ve collected, how many plans you’ve made—you’re never ready to wake up and find them gone. The Empty Side of the Bed is not just a book. It’s a companion in the silence. It’s for anyone who has ever lost the love of their life without warning—and found themselves staring at the ceiling, asking, “What do I do now?” This book doesn’t offer clichés or quick fixes. It offers honesty, comfort, reflection, and hope. Each chapter walks through...

A tail like no other... and a story you’ll never forget! Meet Caroline Creapmore, a lovable little snail born with a whimsically long, curly tail—a tail that wiggles, twirls, and knocks over teacups. Follow her hilarious and heartfelt journey through Clover Hollow, where her uniqueness both puzzles and amazes the other critters. With 25 delightful, humor-filled chapters, Caroline’s tale teaches self-acceptance, friendship, and celebrating what makes you different. Featuring photorealistic illustrations, and activities. This beautifully crafted chapter book is perfect for readers ages ...

Are you tired of working for someone else, dreaming of a business you can build with your own hands—and your own creativity? Ignite Your Passion isn’t just a guidebook—it’s a spark, a matchstick, and a roaring fire for entrepreneurs ready to take control of their future. Whether you’re a total beginner or a hobbyist with a dusty laser engraver sitting in your garage, this book walks you step-by-step through transforming a passion into profit. You’ll learn the tools, techniques, and trade secrets that successful laser engraving businesses use every day—from selecting the right ...

Some adventures begin with excitement. Others begin with a message you wish you could ignore. This story begins with a text. A quiet boy named Calvin His loyal, snack-loving beagle, Pudge A trusted friend, Sky, and a helicopter flight that feels wrong Three men who don’t want questions—and don’t want to be remembered What starts as a favor quickly turns into something much bigger. This is a story about: noticing when something doesn’t feel right finding courage without being loud learning when to speak—and when silence carries weight and understanding that truth doesn’t always ...

Valentine’s Day is supposed to be full of hearts, kindness, and smiles. But in Maplewood, something has gone wrong. When cards start disappearing and kindness seems to fade, one boy notices what others overlook—and his loyal beagle senses trouble even sooner. As classrooms grow quieter and hearts grow heavier, Calvin and Pudge discover that saving Valentine’s Day isn’t about candy or decorations. It’s about words. The ones we share. The ones we hold back. And the ones that can change everything when they finally find their way home. Calvin and Pudge and the Great Valentine Rescue ...

What happens when Calvin and Pudge meet a sock monkey who refuses to sit still? In Calvin and Pudge Meet The Sock Monkey Who Wouldn’t Sit Still, a simple craft fair encounter turns into a powerful lesson about creativity, courage, and leaning forward even when it would be easier to blend in. Inspired by the handmade world of crafting and set against the quiet beauty of Northern Michigan, this heartwarming children’s book explores what it means to create without comparison. As Calvin learns about visible effort, imperfect seams, and the courage to leave the “construction lines” ...

What happens when a clever, rule-bending, meatloaf-loving pup decides to keep a daily journal of his misadventures? You get Confessions of a Naughty Dog—a hilarious, heart-tugging, and occasionally slobber-covered memoir told entirely from the paws of Nugget, a stubborn pit bull with a nose for trouble and a heart of gold. From epic escapes under the fence to surprise garden stakeouts, Nugget’s “letters to Dogery” capture a year’s worth of laugh-out-loud antics, wild backyard operations, and a noble quest for snacks, justice, and maybe—just maybe—graduating obedience school. ...

Are you a man trying to rebuild your life after divorce? Feeling lost, silenced, or unsure of who you are now? This book was written for you. Inside these pages, you’ll discover how to: Reclaim your confidence without guilt or shame Show up fully for your children—even if you're not there every day Break free from toxic cycles and set strong personal boundaries Communicate with strength, truth, and compassion Find peace in solitude and power in vulnerability Rebuild a life that’s not a shadow of your past—but a beacon for your future Use real tools (and real stories) to move forward...

Welcome to another exciting backyard adventure for kids with Calvin and his loyal beagle, Pudge. After a powerful rainstorm turns their quiet backyard ditch into a rushing river, Calvin discovers something incredible: the perfect place for a race. What begins as a simple experiment with cardboard, foil, and sticks quickly turns into a thrilling kids boat race story filled with splashes, surprises, and plenty of muddy excitement. Together, Calvin and Pudge launch a wild beagle dog adventure book moment when their homemade boats race through rapids, whirlpools, and waterfalls formed by the ...

In a quiet neighborhood where pizza deliveries are as normal as forgotten homework, twelve-year-old Max Murdock discovers something no kid ever expects—a mysterious, glowing pizza box that follows him home. But this is no ordinary takeout. Inside the box lies a swirling portal to a vast and wildly unpredictable universe made entirely of living toppings, sauce-powered machines, and crust-based civilizations. Joined by his hilarious best friend Logan, a fearless classmate named GraceMarie, and the cryptic clues left by a banished flavor genius, Max is recruited into Za & Beyond—an ancient...

What if the greatest obstacle to learning isn’t ignorance… but certainty? Throughout history, intelligent people have confidently defended ideas that later proved spectacularly wrong. Doctors once rejected handwashing. Scientists once declared flight impossible. Entire industries have collapsed because leaders were certain the world would never change. In The Certainty Trap, author Steven Doornbos explores the fascinating psychology behind why humans cling to beliefs—even when the evidence suggests they shouldn’t. Through compelling stories from science, history, business, and ...

Halloween is supposed to be about costumes, candy, and fun—not midnight stakeouts, raccoon gangs, and mysterious glowing eyes in the woods. But when candy begins vanishing all across town, Calvin and his faithful beagle Pudge launch the Neighborhood Candy Watch with their best friends Maya, Jamal, and Nora. What starts as a simple mystery quickly unravels into something much bigger: tunnels beneath the graveyard, wrapper-covered hideouts, and the chilling legend of the Candy Goblin—a greedy, laughing shadow that’s haunted the town for over a hundred years. Armed with flashlights, air ...

For generations, humanity has looked to the sky searching for signs. We wondered if anyone was watching. Then one morning, the sky answered. A massive clock appeared above the city—silent, glowing, impossible to explain. Scientists cannot detect it. Satellites cannot photograph it. Governments cannot control it. But everyone can see it. And when the clock begins counting down, the entire world realizes something terrifying: It isn’t measuring time. It’s measuring us. As the numbers fall, scientists, historians, and world leaders scramble to understand the meaning behind the mysterious...

Something changed on Facebook. You didn’t suddenly become worse at writing posts. Your audience didn’t disappear. And your business didn’t become less useful overnight. But your reach dropped. You posted helpful content… And almost nobody saw it. You shared a link… And engagement stopped instantly. You boosted posts… And it worked — but only while paying. This book exists for one simple reason: Most businesses are still marketing for the old Facebook. Today’s Facebook rewards conversations, not clicks. If your posts send people away, they get shown less. If your posts keep ...

Calvin isn’t your ordinary kid—he’s a certified adventurer with a heart full of curiosity and a beagle named Pudge who never leaves his side. When a mysterious journal washes ashore after a fierce Atlantic storm, Calvin is pulled into the story of a legendary shipwreck and a golden anchor said to hold the key to a forgotten treasure. Strapping on his deep-sea diving gear and with Pudge dog-paddling beside him, Calvin dives headfirst into the ocean’s dark and wondrous depths. But finding treasure isn’t just about gold—it’s about solving puzzles, facing fears, and discovering ...

In this outrageously funny retelling of the classic tale, Goldilocks isn’t just wandering through the woods—she’s possibly, maybe, allegedly on the run from a “minimum-security napping facility.” Chased by curious squirrels, nosey rangers, and her own questionable decisions, she stumbles upon the Three Bears’ cabin… and a porridge situation that’s about to get sticky. Packed with laugh-out-loud moments, cinnamon-scented mayhem, and more honey than any health inspector would approve of, Goldilocks and the Great Porridge Caper delivers a bellyful of fun for readers of all ages...

What happens when intelligence isn’t loud—but quietly overwhelming? This book explores the inner world of Reginald J. Worthington, a socially awkward, deeply introverted boy whose brilliance has always lived just beneath the surface—carefully hidden to avoid attention, pressure, and expectation. Inside this story, you’ll discover: A thoughtful, character-driven journey about quiet intelligence and emotional resilience A powerful exploration of introversion, giftedness, and invisible burnout A gentle but piercing critique of systems that extract talent instead of respecting capacity ...

Things Nobody Tells You About Life (Until It’s Too Late) There are lessons people only learn after enough time has passed that the cost becomes visible. No one sits you down at the beginning of adulthood and explains why days start moving faster, why effort doesn’t always equal progress, why relationships change without arguments, or why success sometimes feels strangely empty after you reach it. Instead, you discover these truths gradually — usually after frustration, confusion, or regret forces reflection. This book is not motivational. It is observational. Inside these chapters are...