#1 Valley Cats, The Adventures of Boonie & River

Written by Michigan Children's Book Author, Gretchen Preston
Illustrated by Karin Neumann
Book 1 of the Valley Cats Series

Valley Cats is more than a story of adventure. It’s a celebration of seasonal beauty and regional history, a lesson in trying new things and a tribute to having fun. Most of all, it’s a story of friendship.  Valley Cats is an engaging elementary chapter book and an ideal bedtime storybook. Children of any age will enjoy Boonie and River’s antics set amidst the beautiful backdrop of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Settle in and enjoy the journey.

Take your first step here with our featured story, '"Pet Parade." This narrative is the first of 14 incredible tales from the children’s book Valley Cats, written by Gretchen Preston and Illustrated by Karin Neumann. Learn of the friendship that transpires between the ladies of the valley and their pets. Valley Cats is available through our online store.  Please feel free to contact us concerning special pricing on quantities exceeding 25 children's books.  Perfect for the classroom, group studies of literature, book clubs, and gifts, Valley Cats can bring a new chapter to the lives of children and adults. The following is an excerpt from Chapter One.

Pet Parade

The next afternoon arrived quickly. Big Tim, one of the Valley neighbors, directed the event. The dogs went first, parading down Valley Road on leashes held by their masters. Next, it was time for the cats. There were only two cats in the Pet Parade - Boonie and River.The microphone boomed with Big Tim’s loud voice. “Next we have the Valley Cats…Boonie and River!” Mrs. Mahoney pulled River onto the road in his decorated wagon. Grace was fast behind with Boonie in a pink Barbie car. He was wearing a leather driving cap, and he looked super cool!

The Valley Cats waved their paws, first at each other, and then to the small crowd lined up along the side of the dirt road. It was fun to be in a parade. Both cats felt like superstars. At the end of the ride, Boonie jumped out of the Barbie car and approached River’s wagon.

“Hey man…I like your wagon,” he said. “I’m Boonie. I live with Grace at the end of the road.” Boonie held out his paw.

River had never seen such a cool cat and could hardly believe Boonie wanted to be friends. River held out his paw and said, “Very pleased to meet you, Boonie. They call me River. I live with the Mahoney family just around the bend.”

Read the entire story of "Pet Parade" along with 13 other incredible tales!