I’ve been informed my story, Blitz's Epic Journey, will be included in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Best Dog Ever which goes on sale at retailers August 18, 2026.
This true story comes from back when I was just a kid and our prized, purebred Boxer was stolen. Missing for many months, and then finding his way home, it’s an incredible story every dog lover will love and appreciate.
This year, we had the opportunity to observe something too many of us take for granted. We first noticed it with the arrival of a pair of robins just outside out living room window.
It began with the intricate design of a beautifully engineered nest.
What a miracle of creation!
Amazon Author's Page Adventures & Mysteries for kids: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B002BLP3EE
Have you used AI to search for authors or books for your children? My favorite is Grok, but there are several available. Even Google has an AI option connected to their normal search bar. Simply type in - Tell me about author Max Elliot Anderson - and see what happens.
Here’s a little nature story for your Monday afternoon. We have a tree in our back yard that surprises me every spring when it comes back to life. That’s because rodents are all the time going inside the trunk, which is all rotted out, and scratching more of it out. We had a wind storm and rain earlier, so I went out to pick up sticks from our other trees. I noticed a clump of leave in the trunk of this one, put my gloved hand in there, and something gray jumped a little, kind of like you would do if you were poked unexpectedly. Turns out there’s a squirrel nest in there, that grey blob is the mother, and soon, if not already, there will be a litter of babies in there, too.
It’s not unusual for a #bird to crash into our sliding door in the den, even though we have things on the glass to help them see it isn’t open. A few days ago, this little guy slammed into the door, bounced off, and lay motionless on the patio. I went out and picked him up, not knowing if he was alive or not. He was still struggling to breath and both eyes were closed. I took him inside and held him for several minutes. First he opened one eye, and later the second. When it was clear he was coming back around, I took him out and let him go. Others have hit that door and not been so lucky.
April is NationalHumorMonth in the US. It’s an annual observance that runs the entire month of April, kicking off on April 1 (April Fools’ Day). It was founded in 1976 by humorist Larry Wilde to highlight the positive effects of laughter and #humor on health and well-being.
Start your celebration with “The Sense of Humor” - Let Humor Fast Track You to Healthier, Happier Living
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1942513976
Max Elliot Anderson has done it again with Shadow, a gripping middle-grade mystery and adventure that feels like a cinematic ride from start to finish. If you've ever loved classic tales like Old Yeller or Where the Red Fern Grows, but crave more action, suspense, and modern twists, this book is a perfect fit—especially for reluctant readers aged 8–13 (boys and girls alike).
The story centers on Bobby Taylor, a boy who's dreamed of having his own dog for as long as he can remember. When he spots a neglected, pitiful dog chained in the backyard of a rundown house on his way to school, he quietly "adopts" the animal in his heart, naming him Shadow. What starts as a simple act of kindness quickly spirals into something far more dangerous. Shadow isn't just any dog—he's tied to secrets, threats, and a web of mystery that pulls Bobby into high-stakes trouble involving danger, twists, and unexpected alliances.
Anderson's signature style shines here: fast-paced chapters, vivid "movie-like" scenes, and cliffhangers that make it nearly impossible to put down. The narrative moves briskly (around 200 pages), blending heartwarming moments of the boy-and-his-dog bond with genuine peril and clever plot turns. Young readers will root for Bobby's courage and resourcefulness while feeling the emotional pull of his connection to Shadow.
What I appreciated most:
If you're looking for a book that hooks reluctant readers with nonstop action while sneaking in themes of loyalty, compassion, and bravery, Shadow delivers. Five stars from me—highly recommended for tweens, dog lovers, and anyone who enjoys a thrilling, feel-good story with real heart.
Whether you're a parent hunting for engaging reads or a young reader tired of slow plots, grab this one. Max Elliot Anderson continues to prove why his action-adventures stand out in the middle-grade world.
Amazon:
