My Books
King’s Day Out
Travel along with King, a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy, and his friends as they experience, observe, and grow through new experiences together.
The Adventures of Keeno & Ernest
Will Keeno’s monkey business get him in trouble? It usually does!
RESOURCES
Free Downloadable
Activities & Learning Tools
Check out our activities, coloring pages, and teacher resources – available now as a free download!
Book Reviews
GIVING BACK
Now Supporting:
Canines for Disabled Kids
Nothing fills my heart more than giving back to organizations that support children and/or animals! I found one that does both!
Canines for Disabled Kids increases independence for children with disabilities and their families by promoting service dog partnerships, understanding, and awareness throughout the community.
From November 1, 2024 - May 1, 2025, join me in supporting Canines for Disabled Kids! 15% of all book proceeds purchased through my website will be donated directly to this amazing cause!
King’s Day Out Collection
Empowering children as they navigate life's sensory adventures
Travel along with King, a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy, and his friends as they experience, observe, and grow through new experiences together.
Each story introduces a new adventure, the sensory challenges that can be associated with it, and some tools to help overcome any fears and anxieties. Whether a child benefits from OT-specific strategies or from learning by successfully regulating unfamiliar experiences, these books can support all children as they navigate new adventures.
The Car Wash
Will King take a bath at the car wash?
King and Ben head to the car wash, where their senses are tested to the limits as they fully experience the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings associated with this new activity.
A look inside…
King Takes A Bath
Ben helps King navigate his first tubby!
After a day of working hard, playing, and getting dirty in the garden, King, a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy, is nervous about taking a bath. King’s best friend, Ben, a boy with sensory sensitivities, shares the tools he’s learned in occupational therapy (OT) to help King overcome his fear and anxiety. In the end, King is sparkling clean and so happy that Ben helped him stay calm during his first bath time! Now they are both ready to chill out with a relaxing cuddle and their favorite story!
A look inside…
Free Resource!
Meet the King's Day Out Authors & Illustrator
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Maggie van Galen is an author and wordmsmith. Her previous works, The Adventures of Keeno and Ernest children’s book series have all received the nationally acclaimed Mom’s Choice Awards.
Maggie is the winner of the 2014 and 2015 “50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading” awards from The Authors Show.
Maggie lives on the North Shore of Massachusetts with her husband, two sons, a cat, and their Bernese Mountain Dog, Koning (Dutch for King!)
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Amy Wheadon is a pediatric occupational therapist, the owner of kidSHINE LLC in Rowley, Boxford, and Amesbury, Massachusetts, and the owner of the EXERSHINEkids Power Bootcamp Program®—a structured, evidence-based program that uses intense physical exercise as a change agent to improve self-regulation skills in children with sensory differences.
Amy lives on the North Shore of Massachusetts with her three children and their puppy, Luna.
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Leslie is an artist who loves to create vibrant and whimsical narrative art for children’s books. Her hope is that her work is engaging and makes people smile.
Leslie Beauregard lives north of Boston, Massachusetts with her husband and their rescue dog, Skipper. She is a member of the Seacoast Artist Association, the Newburyport Art Association, the Greater Haverhill Arts Association, and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
Book Maggie At Your School
Check out all of the fun “thank you” cards Maggie received after visiting a preschool. This is what it’s all about!
Adventures of Keeno & Ernest
Children’s Book Collection
These heartwarming stories tell the tales of two best friends navigating the adventures of life in the jungle. Keeno, a mischievous monkey, seems to always go against the advice of his best friend, a wise elephant named Ernest, only to find himself in trouble. Follow the adventures as Keeno ends up in great danger and relies on Ernest to rescue him. In the end, Keeno learns some very valuable life lessons.
The Banana Tree
In The Banana Tree, Keeno spots a big, shiny banana tree, but it is far away—all the way on the other side of the river of their jungle home—and his parents have told him never to cross the river without an adult. Ernest reminds him of this, but Keeno decides to cross anyway. When he finds himself in great danger, he must rely on his friend Ernest to rescue him! In the end, Keeno learns two very valuable lessons about friendship and following family rules.
A look inside…
The Diamond Mine
In The Diamond Mine, Keeno wants to give his mom a beautiful diamond from the diamond mine and plans to swap it out for the river rock he has found. Ernest explains that this would be stealing, but Keeno decides it’s just a trade. Follow the adventure as Keeno finds himself in great danger and relies on Ernest to rescue him…again! In the end, Keeno learns two very valuable lessons about friendship and asking before taking.
A look inside…
A New Friend
In A New Friend, Keeno attempts to answer the question: Can monkey’s fly? He is determined to try when he meets a new friend. One day, Keeno meets a fancy new friend who has him making all kinds of changes. Will this new acquaintance win him over? Will his tried and true friendship with Ernest be tested? Follow the adventures as Keeno finds himself lost, scared and soaking wet! In the end, Keeno learns two very valuable lessons about friendship and being himself.
A look inside…
Awards & Certifications
Kindness Certified
by Ella’s Way
The Car Wash & King Takes A Bath are both Kindness Certified by Ella’s Way. They’re featured in Ella’s Way collection of heartwarming stories sensitively introducing diversity, disability, and differences in childhood friendships.
Mom’s Choice Awards Silver Recipient
All books in The Adventures of Keeno and Ernest series have been named a Mom’s Choice Awards® Recipient in family-friendly media, products, and services!
Story Monsters Approved
The Story Monsters Approved book designation program recognizes and honors authors in the field of children’s literature whose books inspire, inform, teach, or entertain.
Best Picture Book from StoryTime by Design
The Banana Tree has been awarded the “This Book Rocks! StoryTime Jam” award for best picture book from StoryTime by Design.