New Releases by Kelly Johnson

In The Cat with a Magic Hat, a curious tabby named Milo discovers an enchanted hat hidden in the attic of his cozy village home, and with it, the power to perform real magic. From the moment he places the star-marked, silver-stitched hat on his head, Milo''s world transformsthe attic becomes a place of wonder, yarn floats, and wilted flowers bloom anew. As he tests his newfound abilities, Milo is thrilled by the magic yet mindful of its responsibility, vowing to keep it a secret until he learns to control it fully. Though the adventure has only just begun, Milo feels a spark awaken inside hima sense that his destiny now stretches far beyond sunlit rooftops and garden fences. With paws glowing and heart full of wonder, he steps boldly into a new chapter where anything is possible.

Zeke the Zebra, distinguished by his unique swirling stripes, wakes one morning filled with curiosity and a longing for adventure beyond his familiar savanna home. Captivated by stories of the zooa magical place where animals from all over the world live togetherZeke decides to embark on a journey to discover it for himself. Packing a thoughtful backpack with essentials and a special map, he sets off with the encouragement of his friends, eager to explore new lands, meet new creatures, and experience the wonders that await beyond the horizon. As he ventures into mysterious forests and follows winding paths, Zekes heart races with excitement, ready to embrace the adventure and the friendships that lie ahead.

Greta the Goose lives in the tranquil beauty of Willowbend Meadow, where she dreams not of flapping fast like the others, but of gliding gently, like butterflies on the breeze. Despite many awkward attempts and the teasing of others, Greta holds onto hope that her wings will one day find their rhythm. After a rough fall during a bold flight attempt, she discovers a mysterious silver feather drifting down from the skya quiet gift that fills her with warmth and quiet strength. With this symbol of hope nestled by her wing, Greta learns that her journey isnt about matching others but discovering her own unique way to fly. Her story becomes one of gentle perseverance, trust in the wind, and the quiet courage to keep rising, one soft glide at a time.

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 this heartwarming story, Chester the cheetah, known for his incredible speed, discovers a new passion beyond racing when he encounters Tobias, an elderly tortoise who introduces him to the game of chess. Struggling at first with the slow and strategic nature of the game, Chester learns patience, critical thinking, and the value of perseverance. Despite teasing from the hyenas and tough competition in a forest-wide chess tournament, Chesters dedication and growth earn him respect from all the animals. Though he doesnt win the final match, Chester proves that true strength comes not only from speed but also from wisdom and courage to embrace new challenges.

In Yolanda the Yak Yodels in the Yard by Kelly Johnson, a quiet mountain morning turns extraordinary when Yolanda the Yak discovers a surprising talent. Nestled in a peaceful village surrounded by misty forests and snowy peaks, Yolanda wakes to a typical day filled with cozy warmth and the scent of pancakes. But as she steps into the chilly yard, an unexpected sound bubbles up from deep inside hera thunderous, joyful yodel that echoes across the valley. Startled and amazed, Yolanda wonders if the powerful voice was really hers. As she stands in awe, a sense of magic and newfound bravery stirs within her, marking the beginning of an adventure rooted in self-discovery and the courage to share her unique voice with the world.

In a peaceful meadow, shy and soft-spoken Quincy the Quail dreams of finding courage in his own gentle way, unlike the loud and bold birds around him. One morning, a mysterious whispering wind calls him toward the forest, promising a hidden treasure that might help him discover his quiet strength. Packing only a few small, meaningful items, Quincy sets off on a gentle journey filled with wonder and new friendships, like Freddy the Frog, who helps him navigate the tricky marshlands. Through his calm courage and thoughtful steps, Quincy learns that bravery doesnt have to be loudit can be found in quiet moments and steady hearts.

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.

In Maggie the Mouses Moonlight Mischief, a curious and adventurous mouse named Maggie defies the timid ways of her fellow forest dwellers by embracing the wonder and mystery of the night. Living in a cozy nest beneath an ancient oak tree, Maggie finds joy and inspiration in moonlight, dreaming of far-off places, magical creatures, and moonlit adventures. One night, she overhears two owls speaking of a hidden treasure that only appears under the full moonguarded by riddles, shadows, and secrets meant for the brave and kind. Sparked by their tale, Maggie feels a deep stirring in her heart, sensing that the forest itself may be calling her to a grand adventure. With courage in her chest and dreams in her eyes, she begins to imagine a journey beyond the familiar, where moonlight marks the beginning of a path to discovery, mystery, and perhaps even destiny.

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.

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.

In the heart of the Antarctic, Penny the Penguin longs for something more than the daily games and chilly swims of her colonyshe dreams of filling the frozen, white world around her with color. One quiet morning, stirred by a longing she cant quite explain, Penny discovers a forgotten box of paints left behind by a human researcher. With excitement bubbling inside her, she decides to try something no penguin has ever done: paint. Through determination, creativity, and a few flipper-fumbles, Penny begins to transform a patch of ice into a vibrant canvas, painting the dreams and colors that live in her heart. Her journey is not just about creating art, but about believing in herself, embracing imperfection, and sharing her imagination with the world.

In the heart of the Australian outback, an endlessly curious little quokka named Quincy sets out on an adventure armed with his handmade notebook and a head full of questions. With the sunrise painting the sky and excitement bubbling in his belly, Quincy decides today is the perfect day to ask as many questions as he can. His first stop is Kylie the Kangaroo, who joyfully teaches him all about the art and science of hoppingfrom springy legs to balancing tails. Along the way, Quincy doesnt just collect facts; he also collects laughter, friendship, and the joy of discovery. With each question asked and answered, Quincy learns that the world is full of wondersand the best way to explore them is with curiosity, courage, and good friends by your side.

In the lush and magical Dino Valley, a young dinosaur named Dino wakes up to a beautiful morning filled with sunlight, fresh air, and the promise of adventure. As the forest stirs to life around him, Dino stretches, breathes in the crisp scents of the wild, and feels a flutter of excitementtoday will be special. After a cheerful start, he returns to his cozy home on the forests edge, where Mama Dino prepares a warm, berry-filled pancake breakfast with love and care. As Dino eats, Mama shares gentle stories of the forest and offers heartfelt encouragement for his day ahead. With a full tummy, a joyful heart, and his mothers love to guide him, Dino sets off eagerly into the great outdoors, ready to explore, make new friends, and discover the wonders waiting just beyond the trees.

In Freddie the Flamingo Finds Balance, Freddie struggles to fit in with his graceful flamingo flock because he cant stand on one leg like the others. Despite repeated tumbles and teasing from ducklings, Freddie doesnt give up. With encouragement from his upbeat best friend Finn the frog, Freddie learns that balance isnt just about standing stillits about finding your own rhythm and way of being. Through trial, error, and a bit of dancing, Freddie discovers that his unique style is something to celebrate. By embracing his individuality, Freddie finds not only his balance but a joyful sense of belonging.

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.

Caden the caterpillar lives a peaceful life in the tallest tree of the meadow, but he feels a longing for something more. After witnessing a graceful dragonfly, he dreams of becoming as free and beautiful as it. He meets a wise old moth named Aria, who explains that true transformation comes from within. When Caden finally wraps himself in a cocoon, he patiently waits for change, unsure of what lies ahead. Eventually, he emerges as a dragonfly, realizing his dream and soaring into the sky. As he joins other dragonflies in the air, Caden celebrates his transformation and embraces the exciting new journey that awaits him.

"The Little Frog Who Could Sing" tells the story of Oliver, a shy little frog with a special gifthe can sing, but not in the typical croaky way that his fellow frogs do. Instead, his voice is soft and sweet, like a melody that blends with nature. Oliver loves his quiet home at the pond, where he enjoys peaceful moments of solitude, singing only when no one is around. Despite his love for singing, he fears that his gentle songs are too different and might not be appreciated by the other frogs. One evening, while listening to the wind and feeling a deep connection to the harmony of nature, Oliver is inspired to hum along with the breeze. This moment of joy and self-expression stirs something in him, and he wonders whether one day he might have the courage to share his beautiful song with the rest of the pond.

In Chapter 1 of The Hidden World of Harvey the Hedgehog by Kelly Johnson, Harvey, an adventurous and curious hedgehog with a love for stories and feather collecting, discovers a mysterious glowing hole near his burrow under the old oak tree. Drawn by a strange hum and shimmering mist unlike anything hes ever seen, Harveys curiosity overcomes his caution. As he reaches out to explore, the magical portal pulls him in, whisking him away into the unknown and setting the stage for what he senses will be the beginning of his greatest adventure yet.

The Wild Hare''s Curse follows the eerie birth of Elric in the secluded village of Bramblehollow, a place steeped in ancient superstitions and shadowed by a curse. On the night of his birth, a rare blood-red moon casts an ominous glow over the village, signaling the return of an ancient, forgotten power. The villagers, already haunted by whispers of a vanished goddess, believe Elrics arrival is no mere coincidence. His mother dies in childbirth, and the infant bears a mysterious marka leaping hareon his chest, which changes color based on his emotions. As Elric grows, the village is torn between fearing the child as a harbinger of doom or seeing him as the reincarnation of the lost goddess. The curse that shadows his existence threatens to unravel the very fabric of Bramblehollow, leaving the villagers to grapple with the unsettling truth that Elric may be the key to an ancient force both sacred and terrifying.

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 The Baby Giraffe that Grew Older by Kelly Johnson, Chapter 1 introduces Tamu, a newborn giraffe experiencing his first moments in the vibrant African savanna. Surrounded by the sounds and scents of the grasslands and the comforting presence of his mother, Tamu struggles to find his footing on his long, wobbly legs. Despite falling repeatedly, he is filled with determination and a deep desire to stand and join the vast, living world around him. With the gentle encouragement of Mama Giraffe and the quiet support of the herd, Tamu finally succeeds in standing on his own, taking his first small, shaky steps toward a future full of growth, adventure, and discovery.

You Are Already Enough by Kelly Johnson is a powerful and soul-stirring reminder that worthiness is not something we earnits something we remember. With heartfelt honesty and compassionate insight, this book invites readers to shed the weight of societal expectations and come home to themselves. Through deeply personal reflections and universal truths, Johnson dismantles the lie that we must constantly strive to be "more" in order to matter. Instead, she gently reminds us that we were born enough, remain enough, and will always be enoughjust as we are. This is more than a book; it''s a reclamation of self-love, a breath of fresh air, and a permission slip to be unapologetically human.

This book investigates the causes and consequences of image-based sexual abuse in a digital era. Image-based sexual abuse refers to the taking or sharing of nude or sexual photographs or videos of another person without their consent. It includes a diversity of behaviours beyond that of "revenge porn", such as the secret trading of nude or sexual images online; "upskirting", "downblousing" and other "creepshots"; blackmail or "sextortion" scams; the use of artificial intelligence to construct "deepfake" pornographic videos; threats to distribute photographs and videos without consent; and the taking or sharing of sexual assault imagery. This book investigates the pervasiveness and experiences of these harms, as well as the raft of legal and non-legal measures that have been introduced to better respond to and prevent image-based sexual abuse. The book draws on groundbreaking empirical research, including surveys in three countries with over 6,000 respondents and over 100 victim-survivor and stakeholder interviews. Guided by theoretical frameworks from gender studies, sociology, criminology, law and psychology, the authors argue that image-based sexual abuse is more commonly perpetrated by men than women, and that perpetration is higher among some groups, including younger and sexuality minority men. Although the motivations of perpetrators vary, a dominant theme to emerge was that of power and control. The gendered nature of the abuse means that it is best understood as a "continuum of sexual violence" because victim-survivors often experience it as part of a broader pattern of gendered harassment, violence and abuse. Written in a clear and direct style, this book will appeal to students and scholars of criminology, sociology, law and psychology. Image-based Sexual Abuse is also an essential resource for activists, legal and policy practitioners, technology companies and victim-survivors seeking to understand the deeply complex nature of intimate-image sharing in a digital era.

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7 ESV) God has made us brave, not fearful beings. In a forty-day devotional format, author and blogger Kelly Johnson invites you to consider a new way of thinking about what it means to be brave and challenges you to seek a greater intimacy with God and the people God has placed in your life. Through Scripture, stories, prayers, and thought-provoking questions, you will recognize the seeds of divinely inspired bravery and learn the strength found in community. Using letters of the word brave as a guide, Being Brave highlights what God’s Word has to say about the characteristics of bravery: Bold, Resilient, Authentic, Vulnerable, and Engaged and Empowered by the Spirit. Banish the fear that holds you back. You are a brave soldier!

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.

Your power tools for making the complex comprehensible Now more than ever, our students are being asked to do highly advanced thinking, talking, and writing around their reading. If only there were ingenious new tools that could give our students the space to tease apart complex ideas in order to comprehend and weld their understandings into a new whole. Good news: these tools exist—Mining Complex Text. You’ll learn how graphic organizers can: Help students read, reread, and take notes on a text Promote students’ oral sharing of information and their ideas Elevate organized note-making from complex text(s) Scaffold students’ narrative and informational writing

Why, asks Kelly Johnson, does Christian ethics so rarely tackle the real-life question of whether to give to beggars? Examining both classical economics and Christian stewardship ethics as reactions to medieval debates about the role of mendicants in the church and in wider society, Johnson reveals modern anxiety about dependence and humility as well as the importance of Christian attempts to rethink property relations in ways that integrate those qualities. She studies the rhetoric and thought of Christian thinkers, beggar saints, and economists from throughout history, placing greatest emphasis on the life and work of Peter Maurin, a cofounder of the Catholic Worker movement. Challenging and thought-provoking, The Fear of Beggars will move Christian economic ethics into a richer, more involved discussion.

Pictures and a simple rhyme celebrate babies, from their tiny toes to their round cheeks.