Author & Illustrator Profile
Michael Garland
10 Books
Michael Garland is an acclaimed American author and illustrator of numerous award-winning children's books. He is perhaps best known for his imaginative 'Miss Smith' series, including 'Miss Smith's Incredible Storybook', which celebrates the magic of reading. Garland's work spans both writing and vibrant illustrations, bringing engaging stories and distinct visual styles to young readers.
Get ready for a school trip like no other! When Miss Smith's class visits the local aquarium, they expect to see fish, sharks, and maybe a few turtles. But Miss Smith is not a regular teacher, and her storybook is definitely not a regular book. The moment she starts reading, the magic happens. Suddenly, the aquarium is swarming with famous ocean characters! You will find yourself swimming alongside the Little Mermaid, dodging Captain Nemo's submarine, and keeping a watchful eye out for Robinson Crusoe. But when a crew of scurvy pirates swoops in to steal the magical storybook, the class must team up for a daring rescue. Will they get their beloved book back before the pirates sail away forever? Join this wild, watery adventure that proves reading can literally make a splash.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
It is the night before Christmas, and one little mouse is far too excited to sleep. While everyone else is dreaming, he decides to stay wide awake to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus. But simply seeing Santa is not enough! Before he knows it, this brave little mouse accidentally stows away on Santa's sleigh, taking off into the chilly winter sky. Hold on tight as you join him for a magical, dizzying flight around the world, delivering presents and experiencing the ultimate holiday thrill ride. Will this tiny traveler make it back to his cozy home before Christmas morning? Discover a fresh, festive, and funny holiday tale that proves even the smallest creatures can have the biggest adventures.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
When Zack first steps into second grade, he expects just another normal year of school. But one look at his new teacher, Miss Smith, and he knows this class will be anything but boring! Miss Smith has an unbelievable secret. Whenever she reads aloud from her special book, the stories actually spring to life. One day, when Miss Smith is running late, the school principal steps in to read. Suddenly, the classroom is completely out of control! You will be dodging runaway princesses, fleeing from fierce pirates, and trying to catch the Three Little Pigs as they scatter across the room. Can anyone get these wild characters back onto the pages where they belong? Dive into this fast-paced, imaginative tale that shows exactly why a great teacher makes all the difference.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Step aboard and discover the mighty power of the harbor's hardest worker! From the moment the sun comes up until the stars appear, the little tugboat is always on the move, proving that you do not have to be the biggest to do the most important jobs. You will ride along as this sturdy boat maneuvers giant ocean liners into dock, carefully pulls heavy cargo barges, and even guides ships safely under bridges. With vibrant, exciting scenes of the harbor in every kind of weather, you can explore exactly how these incredible machines keep the busy waterways moving. Perfect for new readers who love action on the water, this informational journey shows just how much strength and teamwork it takes to conquer a day on the river.
6-8 Years
Imagine stepping into a world where it rains men in bowler hats and clocks melt like butter! For young Pierre, this is not a dream, it is just an ordinary afternoon visiting his very unusual neighbors. Spend a wonderfully weird day with Pierre as he hangs out with two of the most famous surrealist artists in history, René Magritte and Salvador Dalí. You will explore a landscape where the rules of reality are completely flipped upside down. From floating apples to impossible optical illusions, every moment is packed with visual surprises that will bend your imagination. Discover a playful, mind-expanding journey that introduces you to the magic of surrealism, showing how art can transform the everyday world into something entirely spectacular.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
32 Pages
Wake up, Tommy, the ultimate holiday treasure hunt is about to begin! When Tommy opens his eyes on the morning of the Fourth of July, he discovers a mysterious note left by his wonderfully quirky Aunt Jeanne. She promises him an absolutely spectacular surprise, but he has to earn it first. You will join Tommy as he races across town, cracking riddles and unraveling a trail of clever clues hidden in the most unexpected places. Can you help him solve the puzzles before the holiday fireworks light up the night sky? Jump into a festive, brain-teasing mystery that celebrates the thrill of a good puzzle and the excitement of a summer celebration. Get ready to put your detective skills to the test!
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
Grab your library card and prepare for a spooktacular reading adventure! When Miss Smith takes her class on a field trip to the local public library, they are excited to meet Virginia Creeper, the fascinating librarian. But things take a thrilling and chilling turn when Ms. Creeper borrows Miss Smith's incredible magic storybook to read aloud. Before the students can even blink, the library is filled with friendly ghosts, creeping creatures, and spooky monsters that have leaped straight out of the pages! You will have to stay on your toes as the class navigates a wonderfully haunted labyrinth of bookshelves. Can they gather up all these frightful friends before the library closes? Join the fun for a spine-tingling tale that proves reading is always a monstrously good time.
6-8 Years
Pete the dog is on a mission to visit Grandma's house, but he has taken a very wrong turn! Now he is stranded, lost, and far away from the warm, cozy home he knows. Luckily, the world is full of friendly faces willing to lend a paw or a flipper! You will journey alongside Pete as he meets an amazing cast of helpful animal guides, including a massive whale, a clever walrus, and a waddling crew of penguins. Together, they will navigate icy waters and tricky paths to get this brave little dog exactly where he needs to go. Bundle up for a heartwarming, globetrotting rescue mission that shows how the power of teamwork and the kindness of strangers can help you find your way back home.
6-8 Years
All aboard for a spectacular ride across the water! Step onto the deck of a busy ferry boat and get ready to explore one of the most famous harbors in the entire world. As you look out the giant windows, you will spot towering forts, incredibly long bridges, and the busy crowds of New York City zooming by. You will even glide right past iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty! Designed perfectly for kids just learning to read on their own, this adventure uses simple sentences and breathtaking artwork to build your reading confidence step by step. Feel the breeze, watch the skyline grow, and discover how exciting it is to read your way across the harbor. Let's set sail on your reading journey!
6-8 Years
33 Pages
Just when Zack thought his reading class could not get any more exciting, Miss Smith opens her incredible storybook once again! This time, the magic pages transport the entire class deep into a steaming, wild jungle inside the legendary Lost World. Zack and his friends are having the ultimate field trip until a massive Tyrannosaurus steps out from the trees! As the class scrambles to find a safe hiding spot, they realize something terrible. Miss Smith is missing! Even worse, the magic storybook that can bring them all back home is nowhere to be found. Can the students brave the prehistoric wilderness to rescue their beloved teacher? Pack your bags for a roaring, dinosaur-sized adventure filled with eye-popping surprises.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
