Heloise the penguin embarks on a humorous adventure to find others who share her dislike for huddling, which makes her feel uneasy. As she explores, she realizes that the comfort of home and the support of her friends are irreplaceable. Ultimately, this charming picture book highlights themes of friendship and belonging, emphasizing the value of companionship even in moments of discomfort.
Deborah Kerbel Book order
Deborah Kerbel is a prolific author whose work resonates with young readers across all age groups. Her writing is characterized by its engaging style and exploration of themes relevant to contemporary youth. Kerbel crafts narratives that are both thought-provoking and entertaining, solidifying her reputation as a significant voice in literature for young people. Her dedication to her craft is evident in the depth and thoughtfulness of each story.






- 2025
- 2024
What about an Octopus?
A Fact-Filled Underwater Adventure
A curious little girl embarks on an adventure during her visit to the ocean, where she discovers the wonders of marine life. As she explores the shoreline, she encounters various sea creatures and learns about their habitats and behaviors. Through her journey, themes of curiosity, exploration, and the beauty of nature are highlighted, encouraging a sense of wonder and appreciation for the ocean's ecosystem. This enchanting tale invites readers to join the girl in her delightful discoveries by the sea.
- 2023
Opposite Identicals is an upper middle grade novel set in the very near future -- a time when climate change has irreversibly altered our planet and lifestyles. Nova and Joule are fourteen-year old twins whose scientist parents have recently uprooted the family from their urban home and moved to the country on a year-long research assignment, studying the effects of GMO 'SuperCrop' farming on the environment in the final regulatory phase before global expansion. Surrounded by nature and quiet, open spaces, shy, bookish Nova is in heaven. But Joule - whose life's ambition is to be famous and reach a million Hollagram followers - is desperate to escape. One day, Joule gets her wish, although not in a way anyone ever expected. In an instant, she's gone - swallowed up by a mysterious sinkhole under her bedroom floor. Suddenly twinless, Nova is forced to step in and lead the search for her missing sister. But can she face her fears and figure out what caused the sinkhole in time to save Joule? Told from alternating points of view, it's a fantastical adventure about overcoming obstacles, self-discovery, and environmental awareness.
- 2023
A sweet wordless story about a boy’s unexpected encounters in his neighborhood. In this wordless picture book, a Deaf boy and his mother enjoy a walk through their community, greeting neighbors, spying a bird’s nest in a tree, buying cookies at the grocery store. Later, they visit their new neighbors, a woman and her daughter, who are recent immigrants to the country. Although the girl is shy, and the two kids speak different languages — American Sign Language (ASL) and Arabic — they find a way to communicate and become fast friends. A celebration of the art of appreciating the world and the people around us, and finding common ground, no matter our differences.
- 2022
Whirl
- 32 pages
- 2 hours of reading
The story captures the enchanting journey of a maple seed, also known as a maple key or whirligig, as it gracefully glides from its parent tree through a city during autumn. Without words, it illustrates the seed's adventure as it dances on the wind, showcasing the beauty of nature and the transition of seasons. The visual narrative invites readers to experience the wonder of this simple yet profound journey.
- 2022
Focusing on the theme of extinction, this illustrated nonfiction picture book highlights notable animal and insect endlings, the final survivors of their species. It addresses the pressing mass extinction crisis and empowers young readers by offering practical ways they can contribute to conservation efforts. Engaging visuals complement the informative content, making it a compelling read for children interested in wildlife and environmental issues.
- 2022
The creators of the critically-acclaimed Windy Days, Sunny Days and Snow Days celebrate rainy weather in their signature collage art and whimsical rhyme, now available in board book format!
- 2021
Fred & Marjorie: A Doctor, a Dog, and the Discovery of Insulin
- 56 pages
- 2 hours of reading
The narrative centers on the groundbreaking discovery of insulin, a pivotal advancement in treating juvenile diabetes, primarily through the experiences of Frederick Banting. Haunted by the plight of diabetic children, Banting, with student assistant Charles Best, experiments on street dogs to isolate insulin. Their efforts lead to a miraculous treatment for a human patient, though it comes at the cost of several dogs, including Marjorie, whom Banting cherished. The book also explores the ethical implications of animal testing in medical research, providing a deeper context to this historical milestone.
- 2021
With more enticing collage art and sparkling rhyme from the creators of Snow Days, a preschooler's celebration of sunny weather and all the activities it makes possible.
- 2021
An award-winning celebration of windy weather, now in board book! The creators of Snow Days and Sunny Days return with a new Toddler Tough padded hardcover featuring signature collage art and whimsical rhyme.