Best Selling Books by Kelly Johnson

Sammy the Snake begins his first day of school feeling nervous about fitting in, wondering if others will accept someone so different. As he ventures into the schoolyard, he meets a variety of friendly forest animals who help him feel welcome, including Tilly the Turtle, Oliver the Owl, and a cheerful teacher named Ms. Owl. Through small challengeslike finding a seat, joining games at recess, and sharing in story timeSammy discovers that being different is something to be celebrated. With the support of new friends and gentle guidance, Sammy learns that courage, kindness, and being himself are the keys to belonging. By the end of the day, Sammy feels not just accepted, but truly at home in his new community.

The Emerald Turtles Quest by Kelly Johnson, narrated by Rachel, begins with Chapter 1: The Tide of Change, painting a vivid picture of NamiKai, a tranquil coral village where ocean creatures live in harmony with the sea. The peaceful rhythm of daily life is steeped in ancient wisdom and mystery, passed down through generations who honor the balance of the reef. But when a hatchling named Kai is born under a shimmering full moonhis shell gleaming a brilliant, unnatural emeraldthe village is stirred by a collective realization: the old prophecy may be real. Marked by the Coral Sigil, Kais arrival signals the awakening of a long-awaited destiny, one that may reshape the fate of the ocean itself.

The Skunk Who Wanted to Dance tells the heartfelt story of Skippy, a shy skunk who dreams of joining the joyful dances in the meadow but feels different because of his stripes and scent. Despite stumbling and self-doubt, Skippys determination and encouragement from friends like Mila the Turtle help him discover that dancing is about expressing joy and being true to oneself. Through practice and perseverance, Skippy finds his unique rhythm and gains the confidence to perform at the Great Dance Festival. His courage inspires other animals to embrace their own special ways of moving, turning the meadow into a vibrant celebration of friendship, acceptance, and the magic of dancing with pride.

Daisy the Deer discovers a magical sketchpad hidden beneath an ancient maple tree in her favorite meadow, a place filled with peace and wonder. The sketchpad, shimmering with stardust and glowing pages, brings to life whatever she imagines and draws. When she dreams of a cozy treehouse, the sketchpad creates a glowing drawing that soon manifests as a real, beautiful treehouse nestled in the branches. Filled with joy and awe, Daisy realizes that her dreams can come alive through her drawings, opening a world of endless possibilities and magic right in her forest home.

In Sasha the Skunk Smells the Roses by Kelly Johnson, Sasha is the most industrious creature in the forest, always racing to complete tasks and help others, never slowing down long enough to enjoy the beauty around her. Though deeply loved for her kindness and dedication, Sasha begins to feel an unexplainable emptiness despite her full days. One morning, a sweet, unfamiliar scent causes her to pause, drawing her into a quiet moment of stillness. As she follows the fragrance, she discovers a hidden grove of wild roses and, for the first time, allows herself to simply be. In this peaceful space, Sasha realizes that life is not just about doing, but also about feeling, noticing, and resting. Through this fragrant, gentle awakening, she begins to understand the quiet power of slowing downand the joy in simply smelling the roses.

When Mia and Max discover a baby shark named Bubbles lounging on their pool float, their ordinary summer takes an unexpected turn. Bubbles, a quirky, well-traveled shark with a flair for metaphors and sunscreen, claims hes seeking peace after fleeing underwater chaos. Charmed by the siblings'' good pool energy and rainbow float, he decides their pool is the perfect pit stop. As the kids warm up to their unexpected guest, they realize theyve just invited the life of the party into their backyardone whos mischievous, charming, and has a talent for catching sunscreen mid-air. What started as a typical day quickly transforms into the beginning of an unforgettable summer adventure.

Max, a young and powerful moose with a heart full of dreams, feels destined for more than just roaming the forest with his impressive strength and stature. Though admired for his size and endurance, Max longs to discover a unique purpose that sets him apartone that shows the forest hes more than just brawn. Inspired by the special talents of other animals, Max yearns to be a hero, someone remembered for courage, kindness, and heart. When he overhears a rumor about the mysterious and dangerous Dark Foresta place whispered to be haunted and avoided by allMax sees his chance. With a brave heart and a spirit ready for adventure, he sets off to face the unknown, determined to prove that true might comes from within.

Violet the vulture wakes on a peaceful morning feeling a little lonely and unsure of her place in the lively forest, where colorful birds and playful animals celebrate together while she often feels left out. As she soars above the meadow, she discovers a mysterious shimmering blue ribbon tied to a thorny bush, accompanied by a trail of delicate decorations leading deeper into the forest. Filled with hope and curiosity, Violet follows this magical clue, sensing that today might finally be the day she finds her special place and the friendship shes longed for.

In Chip the Cheetah Chases a Cloud by Kelly Johnson, a dreamy afternoon on the sun-drenched savanna turns into a whimsical adventure when Chip, a playful and imaginative young cheetah, spots a cloud shaped like a cupcake drifting mysteriously across the sky. Convinced its calling to him, Chip launches into a joyful, high-speed chase across the plains, his heart bursting with curiosity, wonder, and the thrill of the unknown. As he sprints through golden grasses and past surprised animals, Chips imagination paints stories of magical places the cloud might leadperhaps to a mountaintop bakery in the sky or a secret grove filled with dreams. With each powerful stride, Chip learns that chasing something beautiful, even something just out of reach, can uncover not only adventure but the joy and magic already within him.

Greta the Goat Climbs a Mountain follows the journey of Greta, a determined young goat living on a peaceful farm at the foot of a towering mountain. While her fellow goats are content with their simple lives, Greta is captivated by the mountains beauty and mystery, dreaming of one day climbing it. Despite the doubts and laughter from her friends, who think such an endeavor is beyond a goats reach, Greta is resolute. She believes that the climb represents more than just a physical challenge; it is a chance for self-discovery and adventure. With each passing day, Gretas desire to conquer the mountain grows, and she becomes more determined to prove to herself that no dream is too big to achieve.

Sammy the Seahorse Swims to the Surface tells the story of Sammy, a curious young seahorse living in a vibrant coral reef teeming with colorful sea life and close-knit family warmth. Despite his loving home and the reefs beauty, Sammy is fascinated by the mysterious shimmering light above the oceans surfacea place his family and friends warn him to avoid because of its dangers. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and dreams of discovering what lies beyond, Sammy begins to question the safety of staying below and yearns to explore the unknown world above the waves. His adventure starts quietly, sparked by wonder and whispered questions, as he prepares to brave the surface against the cautious advice of those around him, embarking on a journey of courage, discovery, and the search for freedom beyond familiar horizons.

In Bubbles the Bunny Blows Balloons, young Bubbles the Bunny discovers a magical pouch of ancestral balloon powder tucked away in her cozy woodland home in Clover Hollow. Though the smallest in her family, Bubbles has the biggest dreamsshe learns to shape whimsical, floating balloons from enchanted powders using only her breath and imagination. Through patience and practice, Bubbles masters a rainbow of shapes, colors, and techniques, transforming the meadow into a sky of gentle wonder. When a group of curious fox cubs wanders into the clearing, Bubbles warmly shares her craft, guiding them through fumbles and laughter to create magical shapes of their own. Together, they discover that with kindness, creativity, and a little magic, even the smallest dreams can lift othersand themselvessky high.

In Finn the Fox Finds Friendship, a shy and gentle fox named Finn wanders the forest, longing for connection despite the quiet beauty and wonder that surrounds him. Though clever, kind, and deeply attuned to the magic of the woods, Finn feels like a quiet observer in a world bursting with laughter and camaraderie. Each day, he watches other forest creatures play, aching to be part of their joy but held back by self-doubt and fear of rejection. His heart carries a quiet wishto belong, to be seen, and to find a true friend. One morning, everything changes when he discovers a colorful invitation tucked in a tree brancha chance to attend a forest festival. Though uncertainty threatens to keep him in the shadows, the forest itself seems to encourage him forward, whispering that he is welcome, wanted, and enough. With trembling paws and quiet hope, Finn steps into the story hes always watched from afar, ready at last to turn the page and find the friendship hes dreamed of.

In the heart of a vibrant jungle, excitement buzzes as animals gather for the annual Jungle Time Triala race celebrating not just speed but spirit, cleverness, and heart. Among the crowd is Tommy the Turtle, small and slow, but brimming with quiet determination. Though doubts cloud his mind and quicker animals dash ahead, Tommy begins to train, facing challenges with perseverance. As he watches others soar, leap, and race with ease, Tommy grapples with feelings of inadequacyuntil a wise old baboon helps him see that his true strength lies in patience, strategy, and an unshakable will. With the jungle teeming with life and the race on the horizon, Tommy sets out to prove that even the slowest can shine when they move with heart and purpose.

In Gary the Goose Gathers the Stars, Kelly Johnson tells the heartwarming tale of a dreamer named Gary, a gentle goose who lives by a magical forest pond but feels a deep and quiet longing for the stars above. While his days are filled with the vibrant life of the pondsunlit water, playful siblings, and chattering forest friendsGarys true love is the night sky. Unlike others, he sees stars not just as distant lights, but as magical companions filled with stories, warmth, and wonder. Despite teasing from his family and knowing the stars are impossibly far, Gary dreams of one day holding a starnot for himself, but to share its light and stories with everyone he loves. One enchanted evening, as the forest seems to hold its breath, a star begins to fall from the sky, setting the stage for Garys quiet but powerful journey of hope, courage, and connectiona journey that begins not with flight, but with a dream brave enough to reach for the impossible.

Milo, a playful and curious young monkey living in a vibrant jungle, wakes up one bright morning full of energy and ideas for fun mischief. With a heart full of joy and a sparkle in his eye, he decides to stir up harmless pranks among his animal friends to bring laughter and surprises. His playful antics lead to a great banana mix-up at the animals daily snack gathering, causing amusing confusion but lots of laughter. When Milo realizes that his prank has made his friend Thistle feel left out, he quickly makes things right, learning that kindness is the true spirit of friendship. Through lighthearted adventures and thoughtful reflections, Milos day is filled with fun, friendship, and valuable lessons about caring for others.

In Olive the Ocelot Organizes a Parade by Kelly Johnson, a spirited young ocelot named Olive dreams of bringing the jungle together in a dazzling celebrationthe first-ever jungle parade. Fueled by her bright imagination and generous heart, Olive sets off to gather decorations, music, games, and most importantly, her friends. With Zara the zebra crafting stunning flower garlands, Tito the toucan leading joyful jungle songs, and Momo the monkey planning playful dances and contests, the vision of a magical, musical, and colorful parade comes to life. As word spreads through the canopy and forest floor, animals big and small prepare to join in the fun. Olives idea blossoms into a joyful event that unites the entire jungle in laughter, song, and the simple beauty of friendship.

Greta the Goose eagerly welcomes the arrival of winter as the first snowflakes gently fall over her cozy home, filling her with wonder and excitement. She explores the sparkling snowy landscape with joy, delighting in the magic of the season and the soft hush that blankets the forest. When Greta tries gliding across the frozen pond, she discovers the slippery ice leads to unexpected spins and tumbles, turning her adventure into a playful, laughter-filled slide. Joined by her friends, Greta embraces the fun and camaraderie of winter, ready to create new memories and share the joyful spirit of the snowy season together.

In The Curious Crows Clever Clues by Kelly Johnson, a clever and kind-hearted crow named Curious Crow notices that something is wrong in her peaceful forestacorns, the essential winter food for many animals, have mysteriously vanished. Using her sharp eyes and brilliant mind, she teams up with her friends Squeaky the squirrel and Tilly the wise turtle to solve the mystery. As they follow subtle cluesstrange footprints, cracked acorn shells, and even whispered riddles carried by the windthey uncover deeper secrets of the forest and learn the importance of listening, sharing, and working together. With each discovery, they draw closer as friends and uncover a bigger picture about nature, community, and the magic hidden in the world around them.

The story The Red Robin Builds a Nest follows a young red robin named Annie as she embraces the arrival of spring with hope and determination. Awakening to the vibrant forest filled with new life, Annie feels a deep calling to build a safe and cozy nest for her future eggs. Through careful exploration, she searches the forest for the perfect locationone sheltered, strong, and comfortablebefore gathering a thoughtful collection of twigs, grass, moss, and feathers to create a warm sanctuary. Along the way, she learns from friendly forest neighbors about the importance of patience, care, and respect for nature. With her heart full of hope and her wings ready, Annie embarks on this tender journey to build a loving home that will nurture new beginnings and the promise of family.

The Great Ostrich Race is a heartwarming and thrilling adventure that follows three ostrichesOllie, Mina, and Zaraas they compete in the legendary race of the savannah. Each ostrich has their own dreams and strengths, but they must push themselves beyond their limits to overcome obstacles and prove their worth. Ollie, the underdog, trains tirelessly to catch up with Mina, the naturally gifted favorite, and Zara, the fast and confident newcomer. Through perseverance, teamwork, and respect for one another, the ostriches discover that the true victory lies not in winning the race, but in the growth, friendships, and lessons learned along the way.

Marlo the Moose loves exploring his forest home but notices many friends getting lost, which worries him deeply. Inspired to help, he decides to create a detailed map of the forest, using leaves, berry ink, and sticks to guide animals safely through the trees, rivers, and hills. With help from his friendsSally the Squirrel, Benny the Beaver, and Lily the Loonhe gathers information about secret paths, tricky spots, and landmarks. As Marlo draws the map, he realizes he must also include a mysterious hidden cave that has caused others to get lost. Determined and brave, Marlo sets off to find the cave and make his map complete, beginning an exciting journey of discovery, friendship, and kindness to protect his forest community.

Penelope the Pig Picks Pancakes follows the delightful adventure of Penelope, a cheerful little pig living in a cozy cottage at the edge of Maplewood Meadow. One morning, Penelope wakes with a craving for her favorite treatperfect pancakesbut discovers shes out of ingredients. Undeterred, she sets off on a joyful quest through the vibrant meadow, guided by sweet scents and friendly animals, to find the fluffiest, tastiest pancakes in all the land. Her journey leads her to the charming Breakfast Barn Café, where new friends and delicious discoveries await, promising a morning filled with warmth, friendship, and the magic of pancake dreams come true.

Daisy the Duck wakes up to a magical morning filled with shimmering white and yellow flowers she has never seen before. Curious about these glowing blossoms, which remind her of tiny suns and stars, she sets off with her friend Benny the Bunny to discover what they are and why they suddenly appeared. Their journey leads them to Mr. Finch, the wise Meadow Keeper, who tells them that daisies are gentle flowers filled with sunshine and kindness. As Daisy learns about these enchanting flowers, she feels a deep connection to the meadow and begins an adventure of friendship, discovery, and the magic hidden in natures smallest wonders.

Find out how to teach young learners to be close readers and how to make close reading a habit of practice in the elementary classroom.

In The Cute Kitty and the Giant Banana, Whiskers the kitty discovers a giant banana in her garden, and her curiosity leads her on an exciting adventure. After confirming the banana is real, she notices it sparkles with magic and decides to ride it. She zooms through the garden, tumbling and laughing along the way. After a few bumps and tumbles, Whiskers creates a plan to control the banana, using a string and harness. With her friends, Thumper the rabbit and Nutty the squirrel, she turns the banana into a fun game of "Banana Bowling." As the banana becomes a neighborhood sensation, it disappears the next day, but Whiskerss friends surprise her with the banana, decorated for a celebration. The story ends with Whiskers ready for more fun adventures with her magical banana.

In Leo the Lucky Lizard, a shimmering green lizard named Leo feels out of place in his vibrant jungle home despite his dazzling golden scales. Surrounded by animals with bold personalities and clear talents, Leo struggles with self-doubt, believing he lacks a meaningful gift. Longing for purpose beyond his glittering appearance, he sets off on a courageous journey into the unknown jungle, guided by a mysterious Whispering Wind and the hope of discovering his true worth. Along the way, Leo shows kindness, forms new friendships, and begins to uncover the quiet strength and value within himself. As the jungle responds to his gentle heart and growing confidence, Leo learns that luck isn''t just about being specialit''s about being brave enough to follow your own path and kind enough to help others along the way. His journey is just beginning, but already, Leo is no longer just a lizard who sparkleshe is a lizard with purpose, courage, and a story worth following.

Sunny the Swan Swims in Circles follows Sunny, a young swan who loves her pond home but struggles to swim in straight lines like the other swans. Instead, she moves in graceful, wide circles, feeling different and sometimes lonely despite her cheerful spirit and kindness. Though she tries many ways to join the synchronized swims and fit in, her unique swimming pattern persists. Over time, Sunny learns to embrace her difference, sensing that her circles hold a special meaning and that they might lead her to a wonderful discovery showing that being yourself can be a beautiful journey all its own.

Motivating lessons designed to improve the content learning and literacy skills of English language learners (ELLs) in K-8. Offering research-supported strategies that teachers can implement immediately, the book explains how to use content-area texts to support ELLs'' growth in eg comprehension, pronunciation, fluency, vocabulary, and grammar.

Felix the Fast Ferret is a heartwarming tale about a young ferret born with incredible speed and an eager spirit to explore the forest around him. From the moment he hatches, Felixs natural quickness sets him apart, but through guidance from his wise family and his own experienceslike competing in the Great Forest Race and wandering into a mysterious meadowhe learns that true speed comes not just from running fast, but from moving with patience, awareness, and a joyful heart. Along the way, Felix discovers the importance of balance between excitement and caution, the beauty of the world around him, and the value of friendship, courage, and careful observation. His journey shows that being fast is wonderful, but being wise and connected to the world is the greatest strength of all.

In Poppy the Panda Paints the Sky, Poppy dreams of coloring the sky with dazzling swirls and sets out to make her dream come true. Though reaching the sky proves difficult, her forest friends help her build a towering ladder, and together they turn the clouds into a canvas. Through sunsets, storms, and setbacks, Poppy paints with heart and hope, transforming the sky into a joyful masterpiece that enchants animals near and far. In the end, Poppy learns that with creativity, courage, and friends by your side, even the wildest dreams can light up the world.

In Zane the Zebras Birthday Bash by Kelly Johnson, young Zane wakes up bursting with excitementits his birthday! As he gallops across the sunny savanna, he spreads the joyful news to all his animal friends, inviting them to the biggest celebration the savanna has ever seen. With the help of his wise friend Ollie the Owl and cheerful companions like Finley the Frog, Mia the Monkey, Lulu the Lion, and Ellie the Elephant, Zane begins planning a party full of adventure and fun. From treasure hunts and jungle gyms to a giant banana-shaped cake, every detail is filled with love and creativity. With friendship and teamwork at the heart of it all, Zane sets out to make unforgettable memories on his special day.

Abby, a curious and imaginative armadillo living in a cozy desert burrow, dreams of exploring the unknown beyond the dunes. One night, she discovers a magical compass that glows and points toward a mysterious, uncharted land. Encouraged by her desert friends and guided by the glowing compass, Abby sets off on an exciting journey that leads her into a vibrant, enchanted forest filled with wonders and secrets. With courage and her trusty compass, Abby embarks on an amazing adventure where imagination becomes reality and new friendships and discoveries await.

In a serene coastal world filled with wonder, Sammy the Seals radiant smile captivates every creature along the shore, from curious crows to shy hedgehogs. But this isnt just any smileit glows with a mysterious, joyful magic that uplifts all who see it. When his friends become intrigued by the source of such happiness, Sammy invites them on a heartfelt journey to a secret covea peaceful sanctuary where the waves whisper stories and the sea sparkles with hope. Through breathtaking landscapes, gentle friendships, and the quiet strength found in nature, the animals discover that true joy doesnt come from perfect days, but from holding onto warmth, memories, and connectioneven when times are hard. Sammys secret, it turns out, isnt magic at allits the quiet resilience of a heart full of love.

The Crimson Raven''s Flight is a dark, atmospheric tale set in a war-ravaged world where death has become the lands only certainty. At its heart is the enigmatic figure known as the Crimson Ravena cloaked, masked wanderer who walks the ruins of fallen kingdoms, guiding the souls of the dead across the veil between life and death. Neither hero nor villain, she is a living relic of an ancient betrayal, cursed to roam endlessly through the aftermath of mankinds hubris and destruction. As she traverses blood-soaked battlefields and scorched cities, she encounters the memories and echoes of those lost to war: kings, queens, thieves, soldiers, and childreneach carrying stories of sorrow, regret, and broken dreams. With only her silence, her obsidian staff, and her spectral presence, she brings a quiet reckoning to a world that has forgotten mercy. Through haunting landscapes and mournful reflections, The Crimson Ravens Flight explores themes of death, memory, redemption, and the fragile thread of hope that clings even to the darkest shadows.

In Charlie the Chimp Climbs a Castle, a curious and adventurous young chimpanzee named Charlie sets out on an imaginative journey to conquer a towering castle hidden deep within an enchanted forest. Along the way, he encounters whimsical obstacles, quirky animal friends, and magical surprises that challenge his courage and creativity. Each step upward tests Charlies determination and showcases the power of perseverance and wonder. As Charlie ascends the castles many levelseach more fantastical than the lasthe discovers that the greatest treasures are not gold or jewels, but the friendships he forms and the confidence he gains. Filled with heart, humor, and a sense of discovery, this story invites readers into a world where bravery blooms and dreams take flight.

Sammy the Salamander lives in a cozy, moss-lined log by a sparkling forest stream but dreams of discovering a secret place all his owna special spot where he can think, dream, and listen to the magic of the forest. One morning, filled with hope and curiosity, Sammy sets out on an adventure beyond his familiar home, carrying a pouch of treasured keepsakes. Along the way, he climbs Pebble Hill, meets his friend Bella the Beetle who gifts him a lucky leaf, and continues deeper into the ancient woods where new wonders and surprises await. Sammys journey is one of courage, friendship, and discovery, as he searches for a peaceful refuge to call his very own.

Felix the Falcon, a curious and thoughtful young peregrine living in the deserts of Arizona, dreams of flying far beyond his familiar cliffs to discover the world beyond. When a mysterious postcard from Paris, France, with a shimmering image of the Eiffel Tower, lands in his nest, Felix feels a stirring call to adventure unlike anything before. Despite the doubts of his friends, Felix is determined to follow his dream, soaring across mountains, oceans, and unfamiliar lands to experience the wonders of a distant place filled with new sights, sounds, and stories. His journey is one of courage, discovery, and the deep belief that dreams are meant to take flight.