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🐾 Vader and Friends
🐾 Vader and Friends
Follow Vader and his lovable friends at the dog park as they navigate life's most important lessons — from kindness and friendship to courage and gratitude. Each book tackles a real topic children face, told through the eyes of an unforgettable dog.
Vader Deals With a Bully
When a bully shows up at the dog park, Vader must figure out the best way to handle it. A reassuring story that helps children understand bullying and how to respond with confidence.
💡 Lesson: Standing up to bullying
Vader Has a Fear
Even the bravest dogs get scared sometimes! Vader faces his fear head on in this encouraging story that helps children understand it's okay to be afraid — and that fears can be overcome.
Vader Finds a Friend
Making new friends can feel scary — but Vader shows us how a little courage and a wagging tail can lead to the most wonderful friendships. Perfect for children starting school or navigating new social situations.
💡 Lesson: Making new friends
Vader Learns to be Grateful
Vader takes a moment to look around and appreciate all the wonderful things in his life. A beautiful story about gratitude that encourages children to find joy in everyday blessings.
💡 Lesson: Gratitude & appreciation
Vader Has a Job
Vader discovers the pride and joy that comes from having a responsibility and doing it well. A wonderful story for teaching children about hard work, purpose, and contributing to their family or community.
💡 Lesson: Responsibility & hard work
Vader Shows Kindness
Vader discovers that a small act of kindness can make a big difference in someone's day. A heartwarming reminder that being kind costs nothing but means everything.
💡 Lesson: The power of kindness
Vader Learns Not Everyone is Going to Like Him
Not every dog at the park wants to be Vader's friend — and that's okay! This important story helps children understand that they don't need everyone's approval to feel good about themselves.
💡 Lesson: Self-confidence & acceptance
Vader Goes to the Vet
Going to the doctor can feel scary — but Vader shows us there's nothing to worry about! A reassuring story for children who feel anxious about doctor or dentist visits.
💡 Lesson: Overcoming anxiety about doctors
Vader Deals With Grief
When Vader experiences loss, he learns that it's okay to feel sad and that grief is a natural part of life. A gentle and compassionate story to help children process difficult emotions.
💡 Lesson: Understanding grief & loss
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Adventures with Daniel
Adventures with Daniel
Join Daniel on his fun, rhyming adventures! From the zoo to the beach to building a snowman, these playful books will have little ones giggling and asking to hear them again and again. Perfect for bedtime or storytime read-alouds.
Daniel's Winter Fun
Daniel heads outside for a magical winter adventure — building snowmen and playing in the snow in this cozy, rhyming story.
Daniel's Christmas Tree Hunt
The search is on for the perfect Christmas tree! Daniel's holiday adventure is full of festive fun and family warmth
Daniel's Day at the Pumpkin Patch
Daniel goes on a fall adventure to find the perfect pumpkin in this charming seasonal rhyming story.
Daniel's Beach Day
Sand, sun, and splashing waves! Join Daniel for a perfect day at the beach in this fun rhyming adventure.
Daniel's Hike
Lace up your boots and join Daniel on a rhyming outdoor adventure through nature's most beautiful trails.
Daniel's Day at the Zoo Adventures with Daniel
Join Daniel for a wild and wonderful day at the zoo! From roaring lions to playful monkeys, this fun rhyming adventure will have little ones giggling on every page. A perfect read for young animal lovers!
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Simple Science
Simple Science
The Simple Science series makes learning fun and approachable for young curious minds. Each book introduces science concepts in a way children can understand, sparking a love of discovery that lasts a lifetime.
Meet Blizzard — a friendly polar bear with a BIG story to tell!
In "Adaptations: A Polar Bear's Story," young readers join Blizzard on a tour of his own amazing body. From his hollow, snow-white fur to his thick blubber, giant snowshoe paws, and built-in "sunglasses" eyes, kids discover exactly how polar bears are built to survive one of the coldest places on Earth — with a fun fact waiting on every single page. 🧊❄️
This isn't just a story — it's real science made simple! The book also includes a Science Concepts glossary and a hands-on "Try It Yourself" activity so kids can feel what blubber does for themselves.
Part of the Simple Science series by veteran educator and children's author Karen Barber Blevins, this book is perfect for: 📚 Curious kids ages 4–8 👩🏫 Classrooms exploring animal adaptations 👪 Parents who want read-aloud time to double as learning time. Grab your copy today and start exploring with Blizzard! 🐾
Carl Caterpillar Simple Science Series
Follow Carl the caterpillar on an amazing journey of transformation! This charming book introduces children to the wonder of metamorphosis in a way that is fun, engaging, and easy to understand. 🦋
Bees Do More Than Buzz Simple Science Series
Bees are some of nature's hardest workers — and there's so much more to them than their buzz! This engaging book introduces children to the fascinating world of bees and why they are so important to our planet. 🐝
Seeds: Nature's Powerhouse Simple Science Series
Did you know a tiny seed holds the power to grow into something amazing? This fascinating book introduces young learners to the incredible science of seeds and how they grow. Perfect for budding little scientists! 🌱
Clouds Are More Than Fluffy Simple Science Series
Look up — there's science in the sky! This delightful book teaches young readers about the different types of clouds and what they tell us about our weather. A perfect introduction to meteorology for curious minds!
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More Books by Karen
More Books by Karen
From whimsical picture books to heartwarming true stories, these standalone titles are sure to delight readers of all ages.
Have you ever wanted a present for your birthday?
Coco is on her way to daycare. What kind of experiences will she have?
Libby loves visiting her grandmother. One of her favorite activities is baking cookies.
Let's go with Duke as he finds a new home and new friends.
Leia gets to have a perfect day with her human.
It can be hard when a new baby is on the way. This story helps assure children that there is always enough love to go around.
Luna has many favorite things, but what is her favorite?
Meet Orion Lyons as he begins kindergarten. Will things go well for Orion?
Otis, the elevator sprite, takes his job of making sure everyone has an enjoyable ride in his elevator very seriously.
Have you ever looked out your window and wondered what others might see when they look at their windows? From farms to big cities, there is always something to see out your window.
Picasso loves painting the clouds in different colors. One day, his color palette gets broken. How will he get his colors back so he can paint the sky?
Tasha has planned the perfect day with her friend, Nora. They haven't seen each other since Nora moved away. Sometimes things don't go as planned, but that doesn't mean it has to ruin your day.
Springtime is a great time on the farm. Follow along with the farm animals as they enjoy their day.
Sunny lives on Lake Heron. She enjoys her life on the lake and the many visitors that come.
Each fall, the family gathers together at the creek to enjoy the fall. There are lots of things to do and discover at the creek.
Follow along as a tiny puppy finds his forever home.
Three strays from the city go on an adventure to find a better place, where the fields are green.
Woody is found in a woodpile one day. What will become of Woody?
Some dogs are good. Some dogs are very good. And then there's Coco. Meet Coco, a spirited, lovable dog with a big personality, a bigger heart, and an even bigger love of snacks! Based on a real dog who attends doggie daycare, the Coco Chronicles follow one unforgettable pup through the adventures, friendships, and choices that make every day at daycare an experience to remember.
Coco's Picture Day is the third book in The Coco Chronicles series by Kentucky author Karen Barber Blevins. When Coco's grooming appointment before the big daycare picture day doesn't go quite as planned, this spirited little doodle finds herself facing the camera with a haircut nobody expected. With her mom's love, a little creativity, and the perfect gold accessories, Coco discovers that being unique is even better than being perfect. Warm, funny, and full of heart, Coco's Picture Day is a story young readers will return to again and again — a reminder that what makes you different is exactly what makes you wonderful. Coco is a real dog. And yes, she really does keep everyone laughing. The Coco Chronicles is written for children ages 3–7 and is perfect for bedtime, storytime, and classroom read-alouds. Look for all three books in the series: Coco Goes to Daycare, Coco and the Snack Jar, and Coco's Picture Day — available now on Amazon.
Ray's Journey
Ray's Journey
by Karen Barber Blevins Every morning, the sun rises and sends its warmth all the way to Earth. But heat doesn't stop there — it travels, it changes, and it shows up in more places than you might expect.
In this story, young readers meet Ray, a friendly ray of sunshine, as he makes his way across a neighborhood on an ordinary day. Along the way, he visits old friends — Connie sizzling on the stove, Cora swirling above a fan, Millie waiting cold and solid in the freezer, and Frankie warming up from friction on a bike tire — each one showing Ray, and the reader, a different way that heat moves through our world.
Warm, funny, and gently educational, Ray's Journey turns the science of heat transfer into a story kids will want to hear again and again.
Pairs perfectly with: Heat Science Explorers, the companion workbook that dives deeper into everything Ray talks about along his journey — though Ray's Journey is a complete story that stands entirely on its own.
[Buy the Book]
Lily and the Wee Tooth Fairy
Lily is tired of being the only kid without a loose tooth. So she waits. And wiggles. And waits some more. Finally, a tooth comes out, and she's determined to stay awake long enough to meet the tooth fairy herself.
What she discovers is more magical.
Inspired by a real little girl who lives in Scotland, Lily and the Wee Tooth Fairy is a warm, funny story about patience and growing up, with a bonus page of fun tooth fairy traditions from cultures around the world tucked in at the end.
Now available on Amazon. [https://www.amazon.com/author/karenbarberblevins]
Volt Finds His Purpose.
Every kid knows the feeling of waiting for their turn or watching from the sidelines while everyone else gets to be part of the action. Volt knows that feeling too.
Tucked away in the bottom of a junk drawer, Volt watches his battery friends head out into the world one by one, powering toy cars, keeping remotes ready, while he just sits, full of energy with nowhere to put it.
Then a storm rolls in. The power goes out. And in the middle of it all, Volt discovers that his moment was worth the wait all along.
Volt Finds His Purpose is the newest addition to the Simple Science series, gentle, fact-filled stories that help kids see the science hiding in everyday things, from clouds to caterpillars to bees, and now, batteries. It's a quiet story about patience and purpose, written for the kids (and grown-ups) who sometimes wonder if their turn will ever come.
Looking for more? The activity book, Zap! Discover Electricity is packed with real experiments, puzzles, and hands-on activities for curious kids ready to explore electricity for themselves.
Ages 5–9 ·
Millie Biscuit
Millie Biscuit
A Shelter Dog's Story — Inspired by a True Story
by Karen Barber Blevins
Millie was a black dog in a shelter, waiting. She'd heard the older dogs say it: black dogs get picked last, if they get picked at all. Months went by, and she'd almost stopped hoping anyone would choose her.
Then one day, a young woman named Natalie walked slower than everyone else and stopped at her cage.
Told entirely from Millie's own point of view, this heartwarming story follows her from her very first "Gotcha Day" to a second career she never expected: riding along with Natalie to shelters, meeting new dogs in need, and helping them find homes of their own, just like she found hers.
Inspired by a real rescue dog and the woman who picked her (and who Millie picked right back), Millie Biscuit is a story about second chances and about looking a little longer at the dogs everyone else walks past.
Finding Scruffy
Finding Scruffy
by Karen Barber Blevins
Every farm has its stories, and this is one of the best ones.
It's summer, and Cole spends his days exploring the woods and creek near his family's farm until one afternoon, a rustling in the trees turns out to be a scruffy, scared, half-starved dog. He's gone before Cole can even reach out a hand.
But Cole doesn't give up that easily. Day after day, he leaves food at the edge of the woods, waiting patiently for the shy stray to trust him, one small step at a time.
Finding Scruffy is a gentle, heartwarming story about patience, friendship, and the kind of bond that's worth waiting for.
[Watch the Read-Along https://youtu.be/IZ5w6wcvlto
Oliver, the Brave Little Sailboat
by Karen Barber Blevins
Oliver loves nothing more than a day on the open water. Before he sets out, he does everything right: he checks his sails, tightens his bolts and nails, and inspects every plank. The sky is blue, the water sparkles, and it feels like a perfect day.
But Oliver is having so much fun that he doesn't notice how far he has sailed. A friendly dolphin warns him that a storm is coming, and before he can make it home, dark clouds roll in and the shore disappears from view. The wind pushes him farther out, the waves toss him up and down, and then, with a sharp snap, one of his ropes breaks loose.
Oliver is frightened and alone. But he remembers what he's been taught. He steadies his rudder, points into the waves, and holds on, telling himself over and over that storms don't last forever and blue skies always come again.
This warm, reassuring story helps children understand an important truth: being prepared can't stop every storm, but it can help us find our way through. Oliver shows young readers that it's okay to feel scared, that brave doesn't mean fearless, and that hard times do pass. It's a wonderful book for reading aloud and for starting conversations with children about worry, change, and getting through difficult moments.
Why does the moon glow? Why do shadows follow us around? And why does a rainbow have so many colors?
Kids ask questions like these all the time. Mia, the curious girl in my new picture book, asks them all day long.
One sunny afternoon, Mia explores her grandmother’s attic and finds an old mirror hiding under a sheet. When a ray of sunlight hits the glass, the mirror sparkles and says hello. A talking mirror named Luna has just become Mia’s very unexpected science teacher.
What Mia and Luna discover together
• How light bounces off a mirror (reflection)
• Why a pencil in a glass of water looks bent (refraction)
• How shadows are made, and what “opaque” and “transparent” mean
• Why a dark shirt feels warm in the sun (absorption)
• How sunlight hides every color of the rainbow
I spent over thirty years in the classroom, and the best learning moments always started with a question. So when you read this story with your child, pause and wonder together. Ask a question. That’s the whole point.
Keep the learning going
Once the story is done, the curiosity doesn’t have to be. Older kids (grades 3–5) can dig into the same ideas with my activity workbook, Light Science Explorers. It has 18 fact pages, 18 hands-on experiments using everyday household items, and 150 activities including puzzles, math, writing, and games, with answer keys. Read Mia’s story first, then let the experiments begin.
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