Children-Young Readers

Children and Young Readers

Inspired by the classic song "Turn the Page," that's exactly what we aim to encourage—young readers who eagerly move from one page to the next, discovering stories that entertain, educate, and inspire. This series supports early and developing readers with engaging narratives that build vocabulary and introduce foundational science and social studies concepts—all while keeping reading fun.

As someone who struggled with reading as a child, I know how important it is to make the journey enjoyable. What pulled me in were the adventures, the imagination, and the escape that stories offered. Reading can become a lifelong companion, and when children begin that journey early, they’re more likely to stay on it. This series is designed to be a meaningful starting point—books that children may one day look back on with a smile and fond memories.

The stories in this collection are interesting, age-appropriate, and thoughtfully written to grow with the reader. They’re available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook formats—all affordably priced to make access easy: roughly the cost of a greeting card, a candy bar, or an ice cream cone. These stories are meant to be enjoyed, revisited, shared, and cherished.
Each format offers a unique experience, including immersive reading—where children can listen to the audiobook while reading along in a physical or digital book. Perfect for classrooms, small groups, travel, or quiet moments at home, this multi-sensory approach encourages deeper engagement and enjoyment.
Below you’ll find the first selection of series groups, with more to follow soon.

A powerful Winter blizzard with high winds, high tides, blinding snow, frigid temperatures, and severe coastal flooding grips the ocean town of Marshalhead. Eleven-year-old Janine and her dad, Joe, running a little late, were on their way to the Public Works facility to an awaiting snowplow that Joe volunteered to drive, assisting the town’s short-staffed crew and bringing along his daughter. Deciding to take a questionable shortcut along Beach Road, the weather quickly deteriorated, and they became engaged in a potentially life-threatening encounter with raging surf and blizzard conditions. Decisions must be made, or all could be lost. Whose body was removed from the ocean? What happens to that clicking loose tooth? 

The Blizzard’s Ocean Roar is an adventurous story that will bring smiles and reinforce the pleasures of reading—an ideal educational and fun supplemental learning tool at home or in the classroom. 

A glossary of twenty-four applicable terms with simple and practical explanations and, at times, additional information given for further learning or understanding is located at the end of the book.

Topics for discussion are also at the end of the book, enhancing the readers’ understanding and the opportunity to express their opinions.

On a hot summer’s day, the third of July, Janine, Millie, and

Ben embark on a trip to Brown’s Pharmacy for a magical ice

cream spectacle, and then head to the library, returning and

picking up books, and assisting the librarian with testing new

computers. The return home gets complicated as no parents

could be contacted to pick them up. The heat was intense,

and they took the long way home through the charming,

shaded Belcher Pirate Trail leading to the venerable Mr.

Tewksbury's home, where they were delayed by his kindness,

generosity, and stories. Once headed out, they encounter

some older individuals lighting off fireworks in the middle of

the day despite brush fire warnings, and they carelessly start

a fire, which quickly gets out of control. The adventure picks

up here as Janine tries to save Uncle Sam, Mr. Tewksbury's

Labrador Retriever, and herself in a harrowing escape across

the golf course, as flames race after them. Then, they escape

to Snake Island, the site of the Fourth of July fireworks, where

they “jump out of the frying pan and into the fire.” Catch the

action and what becomes of Janine and Uncle Sam.

The Brushfire’s Embers Waves of Flames is an adventurous

story that will bring smiles and reinforce the pleasures of

reading. It is an ideal educational and fun supplemental learning

tool at home or in the classroom.

The book concludes with a glossary of thirty-three relevant

terms, each accompanied by simple and practical explanations,

as well as additional information for further learning or

understanding.

Discussion topics are also provided at the end of the book,

enhancing the readers’ understanding and allowing them to

express their opinions. 

Tricks, treats, and a mysterious storyteller — this Halloween is one to remember

Halloween Friday in Marshalhead promised excitement — and a few surprises.

Mr. Checkoff’s seventh-grade class was spellbound when Mr. T’Ernolan, with the look of a mischievous leprechaun, shared the eerie tale of the Jack O’Lantern. His story left Amanda hearing and seeing strange things — or was it just Halloween magic at play?

Dressed as the haunting Grady sisters, Janine and Amanda, along with little Millie as Bluey, set off for a night of trick-or-treating. Their adventure twists through an egg fight, a misunderstood encounter with the police, and strange happenings in the cemetery — leaving them to wonder: who exactly is Mr. T’Ernolan?

T’Ernolan’s Tricky Treat is a lively Halloween romp through the spirited town of Marshalhead — a fun, slightly spooky read for home or classroom use.

The story concludes with a glossary of twenty-six helpful terms and discussion topics designed to spark imagination and deeper understanding.

Also included in the printed version is the short story The Test, Jerry’s moral dilemma on saving his scholarship.

Three fast-paced adventures. One unforgettable coastal town.
Welcome to Marshalhead — where danger, mystery, and friendship meet by the sea.

❄ The Blizzard’s Ocean Roar – A whiteout storm. A flooded road. A race against the raging surf.
🔥 The Brushfire’s Embers Waves of Flames – A July 3rd celebration ignites into a desperate fight for survival.
🎃 T’Ernolan’s Tricky Treat – A Halloween storyteller blurs the line between tale and truth.

Perfect for young readers and anyone who loves page-turning adventure, each story delivers suspense, warmth, and unforgettable characters — plus a glossary and discussion questions for extra learning and fun.

The Blizzard’s Ocean Roar
A massive winter storm slams Marshalhead with high winds, flooding tides, and blinding snow. Eleven-year-old Janine and her dad, Joe, head to Joe’s volunteer snowplow shift — but a shortcut turns dangerous when they’re trapped between the pounding surf and whiteout conditions. A wrong move could be fatal. And whose body will the ocean give back?

The Brushfire’s Embers Waves of Flames
On a sweltering July afternoon, Ben, Janine, and Millie set out for ice cream and books — but end up on the wrong trail at the wrong time. When fireworks spark a brushfire, the flames race toward Snake Island, where the town’s fireworks show is set to begin. To save Mr. Tewksbury’s beloved dog, Janine must run headlong into the fire. Can she make it out before the island becomes a blazing trap?

T’Ernolan’s Tricky Treat
Halloween Friday starts with an eerie classroom story told by the strange, leprechaun-like Mr. T’Ernolan. That night, dressed as the haunting Grady sisters, Janine and Amanda — with Millie as Bluey — set out for candy and fun. But egg fights, odd run-ins with police, and strange happenings in the cemetery leave them wondering: was his story just a legend… or something more?

Storms, wildfires, and spooky nights — this collection will keep you turning pages long past bedtime.

Free eBooks of the individual  books upon request. John@johnceccabooks.com