Arlo & Grace Series (Middle-Grade)
In this middle-grade book series, twins Arlo and Grace are Navigators for NKI (National Knowledge Institute). Arlo, the driven, squeamish brother, and Grace, the calm, creative sister, make a great team—most of the time. Joined by Turbo, their computer-integrated train, their holographic tutor Gyro, and their parents, this cast of characters crosses the continents solving challenges for NKI. If they complete a year of missions, they could be promoted to Rangers and travel the world! These stories blend the clue-filled escapades and magnificent settings found in Aaron Johnson’s National Park Mystery Series with the adventurous spirit, humor, and thrill that define David Adler’s Cam Jansen Series. Included in the appendix (and available online) is a delightful ‘fun facts’ sheet with discussion questions, perfect for sparking curiosity and encouraging exploration in the classroom. Perfect for trade audiences with classroom curricula.
In Arlo & Grace: The Dilemma of the Blue-Hooved Buffalo, they use their creativity, scientific skills, and local resources to solve a scientific problem in the Badlands of North Dakota. Joined by teammate Zonta, a rancher and member of the local indigenous tribe, they push themselves to solve this mystery.
On to their second mission of six, Arlo & Grace: The Jewel Thief of the Bay of Fundy, Arlo and Grace are again tasked with a challenge. However, this one is more of a detective mystery. Traveling to the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia, they partner with special agents Natascha and Jack to track down the thieves! Their parents play a hilarious role in the trap, and learning to kayak and speak French adds an interesting twist!
In this third installment, Arlo and Grace join a Youth Archaeological Program in Valeriana, in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico! In Arlo & Grace: The Mystery at the Mayan Dig, Arlo and Grace need to go undercover, learn about the Mayan culture, archeological digs, Howler Monkeys, and figure out what is behind the “warnings” to leave! Joined in this adventure by Carlos and Mateo, they must all work as a team to stop whoever or whatever is behind these warnings!
In Arlo & Grace: The Situation in Sitka, Arlo, Grace, Turbo, Gyro, Mom, and Dad are joined by quirky Ecuadorian Goat Farmer Gio and his goats to travel to Alaska to help the Gannon family, a family in need. They’re surprised by the rewarding feeling invoked in helping this family and the lasting friendships formed.
In Arlo & Grace: The Hidden Treasure of Iguazu Falls, Arlo, Grace, and their team must navigate the Brazilian jungles on a complex 400-year-old treasure hunt. Secrecy is essential, and if they fail to find the treasure, someone else might, which could be a setback for the indigenous people and hinder Arlo and Grace’s aspirations to become Rangers. They are joined on this journey by Anahi, a 16-year-old college student from the Guarani tribe, who guides them through the rainforest and shares her people’s history.
In Arlo & Grace: The Secret of Lost Springs, the team travels to Kansas to investigate an experimental underground city abandoned fifty years ago. Joined by a hilarious Australian hologram named Sam, they explore this ‘lost city’, the culture of 1975, and discover what types of environments contribute to people’s feelings of safety and happiness. As they navigate this mission, they also learn the importance of seeking help, listening, and collaboration.
Sleepover at the Aquarium (Early Chapter)
Ten-year-old Cody can’t believe he’s been chosen for the annual sleepover at his favorite place in the world, the aquarium. With quirky guide Mr. Maple leading the overnight adventure, it’s sure to be unforgettable. There’s just one problem: when Cody wakes up staring at Finn the shark, he knows it’s time to tell Mr. Maple about his sleepwalking. Before he gets the chance, Cody discovers something impossible—Mr. Maple is sleepwalking! As Mr. Maple’s nighttime adventures grow increasingly daring, from “freeing” the octopi, to playing footsie with piranhas, to ziplining across the aquarium ceiling, Cody must race through the darkened aquarium to save Mr. Maple from himself! Sleepover at the Aquarium (6,500 words) is a humorous illustrated early chapter book that blends the laugh-out-loud zaniness of the Wayside School series with the after-hours wonder of Night at the Museum. It stands alone while offering strong series potential through additional Sleepover at the… stories, each featuring a new child, a fascinating real-world location, and an unforgettable overnight adventure.
Moose Hollow Mysteries (Chapter Books)
In this chapter book series, cousins Dez, Tess, and Quint join eccentric but beloved Auntie A in Moose Hollow, Maine. These enchanting 15,000-word chapter books are tailored for adventurous young readers aged 6 to 9. The captivating narrative combines the playful magic of Mary Pope Osborne’s beloved Magic Tree House series with the heart-pounding intrigue of John Stokes’ thrilling Addison Cooke Series. It invites children to embark on a whimsical journey filled with mystery, wonder, and heart. Within its pages, there is a delightful ‘fun facts’ appendix, perfect for sparking curiosity and encouraging exploration in the classroom
In Moose Hollow Mystery: Trouble at Station 13, three cousins embark on an adventurous journey to their Auntie A’s enchanting yet eerie fire station in Moose Hollow, Maine, which is rumored to be haunted. Dez, a vibrant city girl from New York, is excited to take a break from her school uniform and the city’s bustle. Tess, a spirited farm girl, looks forward to escaping her big-sister responsibilities, while Quint, the cool beach boy, cherishes spending time with his cousins and aunt and longs for a thrilling adventure. Auntie A, with her wild mane of long, gray hair, a unique fashion sense, and an outspoken personality, captivates everyone with her eccentricity and charm. She is a beloved figure to all who know her. When her Dalmatians, Domino and Dot, go missing along with other pets in the village, the cousins take it upon themselves to solve the mystery and restore Auntie A’s happiness. With limited clues and concerned pet owners, they face the challenge of solving the mystery to save the village’s charm.
In Moose Hollow Mystery: August Island, the cousins return to Moose Hollow to help Auntie A house-sit an old mansion on an island in Moose Lake. The mansion, filled with secret passages and rumored to be haunted, offers them plenty of fun to explore. However, their adventures take an unexpected turn when they encounter two guests—burglars planning to rob the mansion. Using the secret passages and their quick thinking, the cousins manage to scare away the bumbling thieves!
Operation Hastings (Young Adult)
Sam and Sadie, teen siblings from Chicago, must live on their own for a year or risk foster care—or worse, being sent to their distant, addicted aunt. Along with their rapidly declining mom, they form a plan—Operation Hastings—to live in a small town in Nebraska for a year until Sam turns seventeen and can apply for emancipation and become Sadie’s guardian. Trying to live normal lives as High School students while grieving and protecting their secret, they lean on each other and try to find joy as they count down the days to Sam’s seventeenth birthday. Unexpectedly, the pain of lying to those they learn to care about becomes a heavy burden. Bit by bit, their story unravels, and they face the risk of being discovered or the choice to tell the truth and face the consequences. Operation Hastings (50,000 words) is a heartfelt contemporary YA novel that explores the risks two grieving siblings face as they try to survive on their own while building a life they know they can’t keep.
Venita Garrison 