Cover of book Where do Animals go for Vacation?

Even critters need a little time off!

What if animals took vacations too?

And if they did, where would they go? Can you guess where a turtle would travel? Or what a kangaroo might do? Each animal would surely choose someplace perfect for them. Readers will find out … and also learn a surprising fact about each animal.

REVIEWS

  • Exciting or relaxing travel locations for animals are the focus of this silly rhyming picture book by author and illustrator Erickson. No matter where the children choose to go, the narrator promises, they can get there with imagination. A clever travel book to kick the imagination into gear.

    Kirkus Reviews

  • Get ready to have some fun discussions with young readers who will likely want to read the story again and again. The story is written in rhyme, and the story flows perfectly! The playful illustrations, created by the author, really bring the story to life. This book is a delightful, original, and incredibly fun book to read.

    The Feathered Quill

  • The cutest, wittiest, rhyming children’s book that cleverly highlights the ideal holiday for a range of animals. This is a wonderful book that would be at home in schools, libraries, playgroups and of course, home. A must read. 🏆

    Reedsy Discovery

  • Erickson returns to charm youngsters with this delightful, deeply imaginative early reader. Whimsical illustrations provide a perfect companion to the creative text. This captivatingly wacky book is sure to be a smash hit amongst early readers. A true charmer.

    BookView Review

  • A delightful and imaginative book that promises to engage young readers with its whimsical premise … that strikes a perfect balance between learning and entertainment. It's a book that can easily become a favorite for bedtime stories or classroom reading, sparking imagination and curiosity in children.

    Literary Titan

  • Erickson, who is both the author and the illustrator, has created some adorable and friendly visuals to enjoy. There is such great attention to detail here; the backgrounds of each animal’s vacation is often just as entertaining to see as the animal itself.  This is definitely a book I’d read to my kids.

    -Independent Book Review

  • A charming and entertaining book that sparks curiosity and imagination in young readers. The creative storytelling and engaging illustrations bring to life a world where animals embark on adventurous and unexpected vacations. The clever use of rhyme adds to the whimsical nature of the book, making it enjoyable to read aloud.

    Kids Picture Books Reviews

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

A Very Chilling Mystery

When you close the refrigerator door, does light inside really go out? And if it doesn’t, what might be happening inside?

COMING SOON

It stands there in your kitchen

So polished, tall and cold.

Your refrigerator, filled with food,

And chilling secrets, yet untold!

Tell me, have you ever wondered

When you got that snack at night,

When you closed the door and walked away

Was the light inside still bright?

REVIEWS

  • "A Very Chilling Mystery, written and illustrated by Steve Erickson, was a true delight to read. I'm not sure what my daughter loved more - the adorable antics of the refrigerator occupants or the drawings of the food, beverages, and condiments having a blast in the cold box. "

    – Kameron Brook, Reedsy Discovery

  • “Even the most reluctant of young eaters will find plenty to like in a tale that celebrates hidden lives, mystery, and food facts, all couched in whimsically imaginative description…”

    Midwest Book Review

  • “One of the coolest aspects of this book is that not only did Erickson write it, he also illustrated it. And the illustrations are what truly bring the book to life. “

    – Jaylynn Korrel, Independent Book Review

  • "You cannot read A Very Chilling Mystery by Steve A. Erickson without laughing your head off while being intrigued by all the action happening within the pages."

    – Emma Megan for Readers’ Favorite

About the Author

Growing up in Minnesota, my passions were playing baseball and drawing. When I realized that not being able to hit a decent curveball would probably keep me out of the major leagues, I followed my creative inclination and enrolled at Drake University. After graduating with a BFA degree, I worked for more than forty years in the advertising industry.

Having retired in 2018, I now live near my three sons and six wonderful grandchildren in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with my dog, Alex. Retirement has given me the time for traveling and exploring this great country, hangin’ with the grandkids, cruisin’ in one of my two classic 1960’s Mustangs and saying “yes” to important non-profit projects in the area.

As a boy, I was always intrigued by what might really be happening behind a closed refrigerator door. Does the light really go off when the door shuts? How do we know for sure? I hope “A Very Chilling Mystery” solves this compelling mystery for the entire world!I believe strongly in the value of reading, learning and travel ... things that allow us to see beyond the boundaries of our own worlds.

Hopefully reading “Where Do Animals Go for Vacation?” will not only be fun and entertaining (plus a bit educational) but will inspire readers to make constant journeys in their lives ... and their imaginations.

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