Best Selling Books by Kelly Johnson

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.

In Bingo the Bulldogs Backyard Band, cheerful and music-loving Bingo the bulldog dreams of starting a band in his very own backyard. Inspired by the joyful sounds of his neighborhood, he sets off on a heartwarming adventure to gather his friends Tilly the tap-dancing tabby, Max the harmonica-playing mouse, and Daisy the melodious duck each bringing their own unique talents to the group. Together, they brainstorm, collect instruments, and transform everyday items into musical treasures. Through creativity, teamwork, and a whole lot of tail-wagging enthusiasm, Bingo and his friends discover the magic of making music together turning their backyard into a stage filled with rhythm, laughter, and unforgettable friendship.

The Dragonfly Who Dreamed of Dragons follows Dazzle, an imaginative and vibrant dragonfly who lives beside a quiet, peaceful pond nestled beneath the Misty Mountains. While the other insects are content with their simple lives, Dazzle dreams of moreof dragons, fire, and flight beyond the clouds. Despite skepticism from her pond-mates, she listens to her heart and dares to believe in the impossible. One night, a mysterious breeze carries a whisper through the reeds: Find the Flame of Wonder and your dream will take flight. Fueled by curiosity and courage, Dazzle sets out on a magical journey to discover if the dragons in her dreams are more than just storiesand whether a small dragonfly can truly change the sky.

Nora the Nightingale awakens to a mysterious, enchanting melody drifting through her forest homean unfamiliar song that captivates her heart and spirit. Driven by curiosity and a deep connection to the natural world, Nora embarks on a gentle quest to discover the source of this elusive tune, believing it to be a message from the forest itself. Along the way, she listens closely to the whispers of the trees, the flowing river, and the chorus of woodland creatures, gathering clues with patience and hope. With the support of her friend Benny the Beaver and a steadfast determination, Nora embraces her role as a true listener, ready to follow the melodys call and uncover the stories woven in the music of the forest.

In this heartwarming and beautifully descriptive story, Sally the Sloth begins her first day of school with a mix of nervousness and excitement. Set in the vibrant rainforest, Sally moves at her own gentle pace, savoring the beauty and wonder of her surroundings. Along her journey, she meets cheerful classmates like Squeaky the squirrel and Bella the bunny, who teach her that it''s okay to be different and that everyone has something special to offer. As Sally arrives at the jungle schoolhouse, she is warmly welcomed by the kind and patient Miss Maple, who reassures her that school is a place for discovery, friendship, and being yourself. Through each careful step, Sally learns that moving slowly allows her to notice the magic in every moment and that she belongs just the way she is.

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.

ChatGPT said:Stella the Swan, living quietly by Moonlit Pond, carries a secret song deep in her hearta gentle, delicate melody she longs to share but fears isnt strong enough to be heard. Shy and hesitant, she hums her tune softly each morning, watching the confident voices of other animals and wishing she could join their chorus. Encouraged by a wise turtle named Theo, Stella finds the courage to sing her song aloud for the first time, discovering the beauty and strength in her unique voice. As her melody floats gently through the forest, it touches the hearts of Feather Falls creatures, weaving hope, friendship, and the promise of new beginnings into the very soul of the woods.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abby the Ant is no ordinary antwhile her colony stays busy building tunnels and foraging, Abby dreams of touching the sky. Inspired by the birds she watches from the meadow, she dares to imagine something no ant has ever done before: fly. Fueled by determination and wonder, Abby sketches blueprints and gathers materialsbanana peels, paperclips, walnut shellsto build a tiny airplane of her own design. Despite the doubts and challenges she faces, Abbys creativity and courage lead her to assemble a flying machine that reflects not only her ingenuity but also the beauty of dreaming big. With heart and hope, Abby proves that even the smallest creatures can reach great heights.

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 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.

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.

Snickers the Squirrel wakes up with a tickly nose that leads to a series of silly, powerful sneezes causing playful chaos throughout the forest. Curious about his unusual sneezing abilities, he seeks wisdom from Owl and embarks on a fun-filled adventure with friends to recover a runaway acorn launched by one of his sneezes. Along the way, Snickers learns to manage his sneezes, discovers a festival of sneezing animals, and embraces his unique gift. In the end, Snickers realizes that his sneezes are a magical part of who he is, turning what once seemed troublesome into a joyful strength that prepares him for future adventures.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Duke is a cheerful duck with a special passion for baking delicious and creative donuts in his cozy cottage by Feather Falls. Unlike his friends who enjoy typical duck activities, Dukes heart is set on sharing joy through his magical donut creations, each bursting with unique flavors inspired by the forest. One day, inspired by his love for baking and the happiness it brings, Duke dreams up a plan to deliver fresh donuts daily to all his forest neighbors, spreading sweetness and smiles throughout Feather Falls. With excitement and determination, he carefully prepares his baking plans, maps out delivery routes, and creates colorful flyers, ready to launch Dukes Daily Donuts and bring a taste of delight to every doorstep.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Oliver, a curious and adventurous orange cat with bright green eyes, lives in a peaceful neighborhood where every day promises a new discovery. One morning, his attention is captured by a cluster of colorful party balloons tied to a mailbox, sparking his excitement and imagination. As the balloons dance and sparkle in the sunlight, Olivers curiosity grows, and he meets Emily, a cheerful girl preparing for a neighborhood party. Invited to join the celebration, Oliver experiences a day filled with friendship, festive decorations, joyful games, and magical moments that transform an ordinary street corner into a vibrant world of wonder. The story follows Olivers playful spirit as he chases balloons, explores new friendships, and embraces the magic found in everyday adventures.