Karla Oceanak is the author of the Aldo Zelnick Comic Novel Series, recognized with awards like the Colorado Book Award and the Mountains & Plains Independent Booksellers Regional Book Award. With over two decades of experience as a writer and editor, she has authored more than 100 books, some translated into Chinese, Korean, and Hebrew. Her works are known for their wit and ability to capture the essence of family life. Oceanak writes on themes that resonate with readers across different age groups.
Ideal for children, teens, and adults, this gift book offers encouragement and celebration through whimsical unicorn-themed content. It combines uplifting messages with delightful illustrations, making it a perfect choice for inspiring readers of all ages. The unique unicorn twist adds a playful charm, enhancing the experience of motivation and joy.
There are very few popular mermaid picture books outside the Little Mermaid franchise. This book fills the gap.
Set against the backdrop of a 5th grade medieval banquet, 11-year-old Aldo Zelnick and his friends, Jack and Bee, embrace their knightly aspirations. They don homemade armor and embark on various quests, ranging from cleaning up their neighborhood park to helping a struggling family, and even facing off against a new kid with dubious motives. Their adventures blend humor and friendship, showcasing the spirit of chivalry in everyday life.
The discovery of a massive bone while trying to free Aldo from the mud leads to an exciting adventure for him and his best friend, Jack. Jack, a passionate rock-hound, is convinced that the bone is a dinosaur fossil from the Jurassic period. This unexpected find sparks their imaginations and sets them on a journey of exploration and discovery, blending themes of friendship and curiosity with the thrill of uncovering ancient history.
A young protagonist grapples with the challenges of sharing a birthday with Valentine's Day, feeling overshadowed by the romantic holiday. The story explores themes of individuality and the desire for a unique celebration, as the character navigates friendships and the pressures of growing up. Through humorous and relatable experiences, the narrative highlights the importance of self-acceptance and finding joy in one's special day, despite external expectations.
Aldo Zelnick, a 10-year-old seeking excitement in his dull life, embarks on a quest to find the most boring day in January. Encouraged by friends Jack and Bee, he experiments with unusual hobbies and is drawn into a thrilling Hawaiian dream. Even his unathletic nature is challenged when he reluctantly joins his athletic brother, Timothy, for downhill skiing, leading to unexpected and risky adventures on the slopes. The story captures Aldo's humorous journey from monotony to unexpected thrills.
Aldo, a ten-year-old who feels out of place compared to his athletic brother and rock-hound friend, discovers his talent for cartooning when his grandmother gifts him a sketchbook. As he explores his creativity, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, humor, and imagination, leading him to believe he possesses the brilliance of Einstein. This installment highlights Aldo's growth and the importance of embracing one's unique abilities.
The story centers on Aldo Zelnick, a fifth-grade foodie, who is perplexed by his best friend Jack's aversion to trying new foods. Jack's strict diet of peanut-butter sandwiches has made him increasingly squeamish about Aldo's passionate discussions about food. As Thanksgiving approaches, Aldo's enthusiasm for culinary adventures clashes with Jack's picky eating habits, setting the stage for a humorous exploration of friendship and the challenges of expanding one's palate.
Aldo's Christmas plans are in jeopardy as he navigates the Zelnick family's festive traditions, which they cherish deeply. While the family embraces the holiday spirit, Aldo's struggle with his own feelings about Christmas adds tension to the celebrations. This story explores themes of family dynamics, holiday expectations, and the contrast between enthusiasm and reluctance during the festive season.
Aldo, a ten-year-old in Colorado, navigates the challenges of 5th grade while harboring a unique passion for bacon rather than sports or outdoor activities. Struggling with self-esteem regarding his artistic talent, he becomes tongue-tied around his attractive new art teacher. His determination to impress her drives him to work diligently in hopes of winning the school art contest. The story blends humor with engaging illustrations, appealing to both enthusiastic and reluctant readers who can relate to Aldo's relatable experiences.