Children books
by Chet Matterson
Annabelle's Dream
When young Annabelle drifts off to sleep, she steps into a world unlike any other—a glowing forest stitched with silver threads, memory trees, whispering animals, and a mysterious teacher named Miss Isabella who’s searching for her way home.
But this dream is no ordinary dream. It holds secrets. It remembers. And at its heart is a door that only Annabelle can open.
With the help of her dream-friends—Joey the brave, Kinley the curious, Axel the wise, and Elizabeth with the silver key—Annabelle journeys through floating bridges, shimmering groves, and rooms where memories come to life.
This is a story about courage, creativity, and the magic of remembering who you are. Perfect for readers aged 7–10, bedtime dreamers, and classrooms filled with wonder.
Includes:
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10 enchanting chapters
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Discussion questions for curious readers
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Activities and coloring pages for young dreamers
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A special “Write Your Own Story” section to spark creativity
Believe in your dreams.
They just might believe in you.
Grayson's goal
Grayson is just seven years old—but his dream is bigger than any rink. From the first moment he sees the Hershey Bears skate onto the ice, he knows what he wants: not just to watch, but to be out there—skating, playing, and chasing the puck like a pro.
Follow Grayson’s inspiring journey from his first wobbly steps on skates to practicing in the garage, scoring his first goals, joining an older team, and receiving the surprise of a lifetime: being chosen to skate with the Hershey Bears.
This heartwarming children’s book celebrates determination, teamwork, and the power of believing in yourself. With vivid illustrations, playful action, and a story rooted in real-life moments, Grayson’s Goal is perfect for young readers, hockey fans, and dreamers of all ages.
Skunky and the Five Stinklets
When a brave mama skunk and her five mischievous kits move in under the shed, the backyard becomes their playground—and their classroom! From ninja tail drills to pizza-box mishaps, Skunky and the Five Stinklets is a laugh-out-loud rhyming romp through moonlit mischief, unexpected friendship, and the art of a well-timed stink.
Inspired by a true story, this delightful tale follows a furry family on a midnight adventure to find a new home without waking the “Big Shoes” (that’s humans to you and me). But with Zoomie zipping, Twirl twirling, and Puff getting stuck in socks, stealth isn’t exactly their strong suit.
Perfect for readers ages 4–8, this book blends humor, heart, and a gentle message about respecting nature and finding where you belong.
Plunk & Gus: The Shed Share Pack
A classic, quietly funny picture book about courtesy and courage.
When a skunk named Plunk and a groundhog named Gus share the space beneath a shed, simple rules keep the night steady: Left path for Gus. Right path for Plunk. Announce yourself. If it falls, set it right. With a soft tok, tok tap code, helpful neighbors (a fox, raccoon, opossum, and deer), and a passing shadow on the hill, the yard learns how good words can keep a place—and the friends who live there.
Inspired by a true backyard pairing, Plunk & Gus: The Shed-Share Pact celebrates routines, responsibility, and neighborly grace. Perfect for bedtime and classroom circles, with gentle art, calm pacing, and rich backmatter: a make-your-own keeping board, a tap code, and a small field guide to respectful wildlife habits.
For readers who love: timeless animal tales, orderly worlds, and stories where kindness does quiet work.
Ages 4–8 • Read-aloud & early independent readers
Learning English Together
Join two friends as they explore the joy of learning Spanish together!
This beautifully illustrated bilingual book is perfect for children, families, and classrooms. Whether you're just starting to learn Spanish or helping someone else begin, this story celebrates teamwork, curiosity, and cultural connection.
What’s inside:
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Simple, friendly vocabulary in both English and Spanish
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Gentle watercolor-style illustrations
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A story that encourages kids to help each other learn
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Perfect for ages 4–9, ESL learners, and bilingual families
Únete a dos amigos mientras exploran la alegría de aprender español juntos!
Este libro bilingüe bellamente ilustrado es perfecto para niños, familias y aulas. Ya sea que estés comenzando a aprender español o ayudando a alguien más, esta historia celebra el trabajo en equipo, la curiosidad y la conexión cultural.
Qué encontrarás:
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Vocabulario simple y amigable en inglés y español
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Ilustraciones suaves y coloridas
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Una historia que anima a los niños a aprender juntos
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Ideal para edades de 4 a 9 años, estudiantes de inglés, y familias bilingües
Starting A Youth Center?: What to Do, What Not to Do, and What Makes It Last
They said it wouldn’t last a year.
It lasted nearly thirty.
Born from a backseat conversation on a family road trip, WASU — the Western Area Student Union — became one of the longest-running youth-led community centers in the country. This is not a theory. It’s a blueprint. A real, step-by-step guide to creating a youth space built on trust, not rules. On ownership, not oversight.
Starting a Youth Center? is a practical and inspiring guide for students, educators, community leaders, and anyone who believes young people deserve more than supervision — they deserve a place of their own.
Inside you'll learn:
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How to start with nothing but an idea and a survey
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How to organize youth and adult boards that work in harmony
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How to secure a building — even if it’s not for sale
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How to fundraise, renovate, and program without pre-set programs
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How to make it last
Whether you’re a teen with a vision, a teacher looking for change, or a mayor wondering what comes next for your town’s youth — this guide will show you what’s possible when you trust the kids.