Most Popular Books by Kelly Johnson

Ruby the rabbit, filled with curiosity and a gentle longing for adventure, wakes to a golden morning in Meadowbrook and feels a special spark urging her beyond her familiar routines. Though she has always loved exploring the riverbank, she has never dared to follow the river to the grand sparkling waterfall her friends speak of with awe. But today something shifts inside hercourage begins to bloom. As she wanders along the rivers edge, soaking in the scents of moss and wildflowers and the soft melody of birdsong, she discovers a cluster of floating logs and suddenly imagines building her very own raft. Inspired by the shimmering water and the promise of meeting new river friends like turtles, otters, and beavers, Ruby begins crafting her raft with sticks, vines, and determination. Through trial, error, and growing confidence, she ties each knot with care, fueled by dreams of gliding down the river toward the waterfall and discovering what she is truly capable of. By the time she balances on a steady log and feels the gentle sway beneath her paws, Ruby knows without doubt that today she will step beyond the meadow and let her bravery carry her into a brand-new adventure.

Tango the tiger, once bored with his usual roars and jungle routines, hears a warm, golden tuba note drifting through the forest and becomes instantly captivated, feeling a spark of wonder hes never known before. Drawn toward the music, he discovers a sunlit clearing where animals gather around the dazzling brass instrument, and the magical sound awakens in him a deep longing to create music of his own. Though nervous and uncertain whether a tiger can play a tuba, Tangos determination grows as he imagines spreading shimmering melodies across the jungle. When he finally musters the courage to try, his first attempt erupts in a chaotic, squeaky blast that startles every creature in the trees, shaking his confidence. But remembering the beauty of the golden notes that inspired him, Tango refuses to give up, promising himself that no matter how clumsy or loud his early attempts may be, he will keep tryingbecause hes discovered a dream too magical to ignore.

Hugo, a young hawk with amber eyes and autumn-colored feathers, discovers a mysterious, living melody hidden deep within the foresta song so beautiful and ancient that it seems to weave itself through sunlight, streams, flowers, insects, and the very breath of the woods. Captivated and reverent, he follows the shimmering tune to a secret glade where every leaf, ripple, and petal dances in harmony with the music, and he realizes the melody is alive, intelligent, and connected to the heartbeat of the forest itself. Chosen as its guardian, Hugo struggles between the urge to protect the fragile magic and the longing to share its wonder, finally deciding to keep it secretat least for nowuntil he finds someone worthy of its power. Carrying the song in his heart, he returns home to a forest that suddenly feels aware and watchful, its creatures sensing something different about him as he settles into his nest, the faint echo of the enchanted melody whispering through the leaves, promising that his journey as its steward is only beginning.

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.

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 Chapter 1, A Flash of Feathers, Pepe the Peacock awakens to a sparkling forest morning, captivated by the sunlight, dew, and gentle symphony of nature around him. Enthralled by his own shimmering plumage, he practices small, careful steps, twirls, and feather lifts by a glistening pond, finding joy in private, deliberate movements. Observing and interacting with the forest creaturessquirrels, rabbits, chipmunks, and butterfliesPepe discovers that courage, pride, and brilliance are not only shown through grand displays, but also in quiet, patient practice and mindful appreciation of his own growth. Through this morning ritual, he learns that each small step toward confidence is a celebration, and that his true brilliance comes from the heart as much as from his feathers.

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 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.

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.

Adaptive social protection (ASP) helps to build the resilience of poor and vulnerable households to the impacts of large, covariate shocks, such as natural disasters, economic crises, pandemics, conflict, and forced displacement. Through the provision of transfers and services directly to these households, ASP supports their capacity to prepare for, cope with, and adapt to the shocks they face—before, during, and after these shocks occur. Over the long term, by supporting these three capacities, ASP can provide a pathway to a more resilient state for households that may otherwise lack the resources to move out of chronically vulnerable situations. Adaptive Social Protection: Building Resilience to Shocks outlines an organizing framework for the design and implementation of ASP, providing insights into the ways in which social protection systems can be made more capable of building household resilience. By way of its four building blocks—programs, information, finance, and institutional arrangements and partnerships—the framework highlights both the elements of existing social protection systems that are the cornerstones for building household resilience, as well as the additional investments that are central to enhancing their ability to generate these outcomes. In this report, the ASP framework and its building blocks have been elaborated primarily in relation to natural disasters and associated climate change. Nevertheless, many of the priorities identified within each building block are also pertinent to the design and implementation of ASP across other types of shocks, providing a foundation for a structured approach to the advancement of this rapidly evolving and complex agenda.

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 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.

Kevin the Koala discovers the joy of journaling as he begins to capture the wonders of his forest home, from the sunlight dancing through eucalyptus leaves to the playful movements of insects and birds. With each sketch and written reflection, he learns to notice the small details of life around him, finding magic in the rhythm of the forest. Whether basking in morning sunlight or observing the gentle patter of rain, Kevin immerses himself in the sights, sounds, and feelings of the natural world, discovering that every moment holds a story worth remembering. Through his journal, he embarks on a journey of curiosity, mindfulness, and personal growth, learning to appreciate the beauty and rhythm of the forest while nurturing his own imagination and sense of wonder.

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 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.

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.

The story follows Gus, a young giraffe recently promoted to guardian of the galaxy gate, a colossal, shimmering portal connecting countless worlds. Tasked with protecting it from unauthorized travelers and cosmic dangers, Gus navigates both the thrill and the weight of his immense responsibility, using his towering height and keen eyes to monitor passing ships, comets, and energy fluctuations. As he gains confidence in his role, a sudden arrival disrupts his watch: a tiny, glowing alien named Zizi, fleeing a deadly space storm. Confronted with the strict rules of the gate and the desperate plea of the vulnerable visitor, Gus faces a moral dilemma, learning that true guardianship requires not only vigilance and courage but also compassion and wise judgment. The story sets up a journey of growth, bravery, and unexpected friendship among the stars.

Milo the marmot is a curious and determined young observer who spends his nights studying the moonlight over his meadow, noticing its shifting patterns, moods, and effects on the world around him. While his friends rest, Milo watches the silver glow play across flowers, grass, puddles, and insects, imagining the moon as a mysterious artist communicating through light and shadow. Fascinated by every flicker and reflection, he begins to record his observations in a treasured notebook, inventing ways to measure and understand something so intangible. Over hours of careful study, Milo not only discovers the subtle rhythms of moonlight but also strengthens his connection to the meadow, its creatures, and the magic of the night, embarking on what promises to be a lifelong adventure of curiosity, discovery, and wonder.