Author & Illustrator Profile
Steven Kellogg
24 Books
Steven Kellogg is a highly acclaimed American author and illustrator who has created over a hundred children's books. He is best known for his heartwarming Pinkerton series, starring his own mischievous Great Dane, as well as his vibrant illustrations for the classic Is Your Mama a Llama?. Kellogg is also celebrated for his energetic retellings and illustrations of American tall tales like Mike Fink and Paul Bunyan.
The Day the Goose Got Loose
Reeve Lindbergh, Steven Kellogg
Action
Adventure
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Kathy and Louise Jenkins do everything together, from lunchroom treats to imaginary rides on Golden Silverwind, the horse they share in their make-believe world.
Then Louise goes away for the summer and has a wonderful time without Kathy. Suddenly the best-friend feeling that once seemed solid becomes tangled with loneliness, jealousy, and hurt. Kathy must face emotions that many children know well but may not always have words for.
Steven Kellogg tells this friendship story with honesty and a light touch, giving young readers a thoughtful picture book about closeness, change, and feeling left behind. It is especially fitting for children learning how friendships can stretch, shift, and still matter.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Jenny and her city-mouse friends are finished with crowded streets, hungry cats, and noisy danger. Their plan is bold: sail away and find a peaceful island of their own.
At first, the new island looks perfect. Then the mice discover enormous footprints and hear rumors of the Skog, a creature who may be even scarier than the troubles they escaped. To make a home, the mice must decide how to face what they fear.
Funny, adventurous, and gently wise, Steven Kellogg’s picture book blends suspense with a warm message about cooperation and understanding. It is especially rewarding for readers who enjoy brave small heroes, mysterious creatures, and stories about making peace.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Arnold wants a pet. His mother has reasons why each one will not work.
A dog, a cat, and even far more unusual creatures pass through Arnold’s hopeful imagination, but every idea meets a firm no. The fun comes from how large and wild Arnold’s pet wishes become, and from the quieter feeling underneath them: he is really looking for someone to share his days with.
Steven Kellogg’s humorous picture book turns a child’s longing for a pet into a warm story about companionship. With playful exaggeration and a gentle emotional center, it is a good fit for readers who like animal stories, funny family conversations, and imaginative problem solving.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Aunt Georgiana has a surprising plan for Ralph: he may have the makings of a sea-serpent charmer.
That is how Ralph finds himself facing a dangerous creature with a bassoon and a very unusual challenge. The adventure is odd, comic, and just risky enough to make readers wonder whether Ralph’s secret weapon can really help him through.
Steven Kellogg’s picture book mixes high imagination with playful suspense, giving young readers a story that feels part tall tale, part musical adventure, and part monster-sized joke. It is a lively choice for children who enjoy strange quests, brave problem solving, and funny stories that take a wild idea seriously.
6-8 Years
24 Pages
A quiet walk in the woods does not stay quiet once Pinkerton and Rose come along.
Pinkerton’s young owner needs to observe birds and mammals for homework, so the family heads outdoors with the Great Dane and the determined little cat. Then a hunting class mistakes Rose for a fox, and Pinkerton drifts into an entirely different problem high above the action.
Steven Kellogg fills this Pinkerton adventure with woodland confusion, pet comedy, and busy illustrations that reward careful looking. Readers who enjoy dogs, cats, outdoor mishaps, and fast-moving picture books will find this a funny return to Pinkerton’s wonderfully unpredictable world.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
The neighborhood children have been growing a pumpkin for Halloween, and they know exactly what they hope it will become.
Then a new owner takes over the garden, and their plan is suddenly in trouble. The children must figure out what is happening to their special pumpkin and whether their Halloween hopes can still survive. The title hints at mystery, but the heart of the story is the children’s determination to protect something they have worked hard to grow.
Steven Kellogg’s picture book brings together seasonal fun, neighborhood suspense, and a touch of playful Halloween magic. It is a good fit for readers who enjoy pumpkins, mysteries, and stories about kids trying to save the day.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Mike Fink is not the sort of river man who blends into the crowd.
In this boisterous tall tale, Steven Kellogg brings to life the legendary keelboatman of the Mississippi, a larger-than-life figure known for strength, swagger, and wild river adventures. Grizzlies, gators, and rough-and-tumble challenges are all part of the fun as Mike’s reputation grows as wide as the river itself.
This picture-book retelling uses exaggeration, humor, and frontier energy to introduce children to an American folk hero. It is best for readers who enjoy rowdy legends, impossible feats, and stories where every boast seems bigger than the last.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
48 Pages
Louis thinks his birthday tadpole will turn into a frog. Alphonse has other ideas.
The gift from Uncle McAllister arrives from Scotland, and Louis proudly waits for his new pet to grow. But Alphonse keeps getting bigger and bigger, outgrowing the jar, the sink, and even the bathtub. Soon Louis needs help figuring out how to care for a pet that is clearly not an ordinary amphibian.
Steven Kellogg’s funny fantasy picture book combines birthday excitement, pet responsibility, and a wink toward the mystery of Loch Ness. Readers who like unusual animals, gentle suspense, and clever solutions will enjoy watching Louis try to keep up with his astonishing tadpole.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Annie has lost another mitten, and this time she is determined to solve the case.
After a busy day of snowy play with her dog Oscar, Annie retraces her steps through sledding hills, snow castles, and wintery places where a bright red mitten might hide. Her imagination supplies all kinds of possibilities: perhaps an animal borrowed it, or maybe it has become something useful in the cold.
Steven Kellogg’s gentle mystery picture book captures the wonder of winter play and the small seriousness of a lost treasure. With a curious child, a loyal dog, and plenty of snowy details, it is a cozy choice for readers who enjoy simple mysteries and seasonal stories.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Pecos Bill is the kind of cowboy who turns the West into one enormous tall tale.
Raised among wild creatures and ready for impossible adventures, Bill becomes a legendary figure of the Lone Star State. He can face almost any challenge, from outlandish frontier feats to the fierce horse Lightning. But even a hero as bold as Pecos Bill finds that some adventures are harder than they look.
Steven Kellogg’s retelling brings American folklore to young readers with humor, motion, and larger-than-life exaggeration. It is a strong choice for children who enjoy cowboy legends, wild landscapes, and stories where every detail gets bigger, funnier, and more unbelievable.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
40 Pages
Aster Aardvark leads a noisy, nimble parade through every letter of the alphabet.
In this playful picture book, each page turns one letter into a burst of action, animals, and alliterative wordplay. You might meet bold creatures, busy scenes, and tongue-twisting phrases that make the alphabet feel less like a list and more like an adventure.
Steven Kellogg’s lively illustrations give young readers plenty to notice while the text invites them to listen closely to sounds, letters, and rhythm. It is a bright choice for children who are ready to move beyond simple ABC practice and enjoy the fun of language itself.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Pinkerton is teething, and that is terrible news for anything made of wood, bone, or just about anything chewable.
When his young owner’s class visits a dinosaur museum, leaving a giant Great Dane puppy at home seems impossible. So Pinkerton is cleverly disguised for the trip. The trouble is, a museum full of dinosaur bones may be the most tempting place in the world for a puppy with brand-new teeth.
Steven Kellogg turns a simple school outing into a fast, funny picture book packed with visual jokes and growing chaos. Readers who like dogs, dinosaurs, and wildly over-the-top mishaps will find plenty to laugh about.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Being Martin’s little brother is fine sometimes. Other times, Henry would rather be bigger than Martin right away.
Henry tries to solve the problem with the logic only a determined little brother could love. He stretches himself, waters himself, eats plenty of apples, and dreams up every possible way to grow past his bossy older brother. But size is not the only thing that matters when you are trying to be heard.
Steven Kellogg captures the funny frustration of sibling rivalry with warmth and imagination. This picture book speaks to younger children who know what it feels like to be smaller, slower, or stuck in someone else’s shadow.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Paul Bunyan does not do anything small.
In Steven Kellogg’s lively retelling, the legendary lumberjack grows into an outsized American hero whose strength, speed, and cheerfully impossible adventures reshape the landscape around him. With Babe the blue ox beside him, Paul takes on wild creatures, enormous jobs, and feats so big they belong in a tall tale.
This picture-book version is full of broad humor, energetic action, and exaggeration meant to make readers grin. It is a strong introduction to American folklore for children who enjoy giants, legendary heroes, and stories where the truth stretches as far as the frontier.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
48 Pages
One goose slips loose, and suddenly the whole farm is in motion.
Reeve Lindbergh’s rollicking rhyme follows the chain reaction that begins when a mischievous goose escapes. Bulls, cows, horses, and people are pulled into the commotion, and the day grows wilder with every turn of the page. Steven Kellogg’s lively illustrations stretch the farmyard chaos into a comic stampede.
This energetic picture book is made for reading aloud, with rhythm, repetition, and plenty of animal action to keep children following the fun. It is a cheerful choice for readers who like farm stories, silly disasters, and fast-moving rhyming adventures.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Pinkerton tries obedience school, but every command comes out wrong.
When he is told to come, he goes the wrong way. When he is asked to fetch, disaster follows. His family hopes training will help, but Pinkerton’s mixed-up habits seem impossible to fix. Then a nighttime break-in gives this lovable Great Dane a chance to prove that even the strangest behavior can matter.
Steven Kellogg’s classic picture book is full of slapstick action, expressive illustrations, and affectionate humor. It is a strong pick for readers who love silly dogs, comic misunderstandings, and stories where a character’s biggest flaw may turn out to be useful.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Lloyd the llama has one big question, and every animal he meets gives him a clue.
As Lloyd asks bat, swan, cow, seal, kangaroo, and others whether their mamas are llamas, each answer unfolds in a rhyming riddle. Young readers can listen for hints, guess the animal, and enjoy the gentle humor of Lloyd’s search.
Deborah Guarino’s rhythmic text makes this classic picture book a satisfying read-aloud, while Steven Kellogg’s warm illustrations fill the guessing game with personality. It is especially appealing for children who enjoy animals, rhyme, and stories that invite them to solve the answer before the page turns.
6-8 Years
28 Pages
Liverwurst is not just any ordinary animal. He is a very special, very lovable baby rhinosterwurst, and he has suddenly disappeared! A greedy burger tycoon has kidnapped the precious rhino with a terrible plan to turn him into rhino-burgers. The situation is incredibly dire, and Liverwurst needs your help immediately. Luckily, a completely wild and hilarious rescue team is already assembling. You will join the brave Wackatoo Indians, the rugged survivors of the 49th Cavalry, a fearless troupe of circus performers, and the clever children from the Koala Scouts. Together, this unlikely alliance must track down the tycoon and save the day before it is too late. Jump into this incredibly wacky, action-packed adventure filled with enormous laughs and a thrilling rescue mission. Discover the true power of teamwork as this unforgettable crew races against the clock.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
The class trip to the farm starts out ordinary. Then Jimmy’s boa constrictor comes along.
Before long, the farm is full of slapstick confusion: animals are upset, lunches are in danger, and one unexpected pet is at the center of the commotion. The story unfolds with the funny feeling of a child explaining a disaster after it has already happened, making every detail more surprising than the last.
Trinka Hakes Noble’s comic storytelling and Steven Kellogg’s expressive illustrations turn a school field trip into a wonderfully chaotic picture book. It is a great match for readers who like snakes, farm animals, school stories, and laugh-out-loud chain reactions.
6-8 Years
30 Pages
Every winter, the sky fills with delicate, tumbling snowflakes. Each beautiful flake is entirely unique as it drifts quietly to the ground. But the snow does not stay forever. As the seasons turn, the bright white snow melts and becomes nourishing raindrops that feed the earth, helping colorful spring flowers bloom into life.
This gorgeous journey explores the endless cycle of the changing seasons and the comforting rhythms of the natural world. As you turn these beautifully illustrated pages, you will discover a gentle message about resilience and the promise of renewal.
Even after the coldest and darkest days, warmth and beauty will always return to the earth. This tender and uplifting picture book is a perfect way to celebrate the wonders of nature and the enduring strength of hope.
6-8 Years
33 Pages
Granny is back, and this time, her baking skills are about to save the day. While she is busy picking fresh berries for her famous homemade pies, two dangerous outlaws are sneaking through the woods. These tough desperadoes think they can easily take advantage of a sweet, lonely old lady. They are about to learn a very hard lesson. Instead of screaming or running for help, Granny puts the two confused thieves right to work. Before they even know what is happening, the fearsome outlaws are chopping wood, hauling water, and helping her bake an irresistible apple pie. You will giggle as Granny outsmarts the clueless criminals, using nothing but her bossy attitude and a delicious dessert to bring them to justice. Dive into this funny, fast-paced story that proves brains and baking are much more powerful than the toughest outlaws in the wild woods.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Pinkerton the Great Dane may be lonely, but the kitten chosen to be his new friend has plans of her own.
Rose is tiny, bold, and very sure she would rather act like a Great Dane than a kitten. Soon Pinkerton starts copying her instead, and the household’s attempt to solve one problem creates a much funnier one. A trip to the pet show only adds to the confusion.
Steven Kellogg’s expressive illustrations and comic timing make this Pinkerton story a lively picture book about pets, personality, and unexpected friendship. Readers who enjoy dogs, cats, and big silly mix-ups will have plenty to follow on every page.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Walking home from school is usually quiet, but not when a herd of giant hippopotami decides to follow you all the way to your front door. Robert cannot seem to shake his new, heavy, and very hungry friends, no matter what he tries. In a desperate attempt to get things back to normal, he takes a special pill from a local witch that promises a guaranteed cure. The hippos finally leave, but Robert quickly discovers that magic always comes with a very surprising and totally hilarious disadvantage. Discover what happens when you trade one giant animal problem for another.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Fold-out Fun with Numbers, Colors, Animals
Start counting your way through a bright and colorful world filled with hidden animal friends. You will begin with a single roaring yellow lion and work your way up as you unfold massive pages to reveal more creatures. Every foldout section hides a different animal painted in a brand new color, waiting for you to discover them. The bouncy, rhyming words give you clever hints to help you guess exactly which animal and color will pop out next. You get to test your counting skills and your color knowledge as the animal parade grows bigger and bigger. Open up the wide pages and see if you can track down every last hiding creature before the final number.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
