Will Keeno’s monkey business get him in trouble?
It usually does!
The Adventures
of Keeno & Ernest
“I have purchased many of the ''Keeno and Ernest'' series. One set sits on my coffee table, ready to entertain youngsters who come in to visit with their parents—they work like a charm every time. I have used many sets as Baby Gifts for newborns because I believe all children should have a library from the very beginning of their lives—and the parents are thrilled! They start using them right away to entertain the babies with the colors and pictures. I always use Keeno and Ernest for the kiddos I know for birthdays and Christmas gifts. They are excited to get to know the characters, and their parents are pleased with the lessons to be learned [from] each story. (The hand puppets are an added treat!) "King's Day Out" is an exceptional book for any child with a learning disability, with many helpful ideas for their parents. I have a friend who is a Speech Therapist, and another who is a Physical Therapist, both of whom are highly impressed!! And the book is not just for children with a learning disability—it will help any youngster (and his/her parents) get through a traumatizing event.”
—Hope Figgis
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 advise of his best friend, a wise young elephant, 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
The Diamond Mine
A New Friend
“Maggie's books are not only fun, adventurous, and entertaining but they are also educational and always have a great message to relay! I highly recommend her book series in your kid’s home library!”
—Leat Regwan
“My son loves Maggie's books, and we love gifting them as well! Her characters and their adventures are charming. Her latest work touches on sensory issues and it's wonderful to see representation of neurodiversity in children's literature.”
—Sarah Alexandra Wolf
“Amazing writer and storyteller! I have given Maggie's books as gifts to family and friends and they love her characters and their adventures.”
—Patricia Gabriel
“The Adventures of Keeno and Ernst and King's Day Out are my kid’s favorite books. They ask me to read them every night! Wonderful stories and wonderful lessons for us all!!”
—Nicole De Pena
Take A Look Inside Each Book
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 Adventures of Keeno and Ernst and King's Day Out are my kid’s favorite books. They ask me to read them every night! Wonderful stories and wonderful lessons for us all!!”
—Nicole De Pena
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…
“Loved the books ! My cousin’s children were so excited about reading these. Thank you!”
—Kyla Remus
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.
Published by Pear Tree Publishing and printed by Ingram Spark.
Make stories come to life with character puppets! Handcrafted by Barbara Harrold, these puppets will expand your child’s imagination and create even more adventure.
A look inside…
Custom Character Puppets!
All 3 books in The Adventures of Keeno and Ernest series have been named a Mom’s Choice Awards® Silver Recipient in family-friendly media, products, and services!
Story Monsters Approved!
Maggie is the winner of the 2014 and 2015 “50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading”
The Banana Tree has been award the “This Book Rocks! StoryTime Jam” award for best picture book from StoryTime by Design.
Reviews
This book is a must in every children’s library!
“The Adventures of Keeno & Ernest, The Banana Tree, is a delightful story of two friends who have an adventure in the jungle to find perfect bananas. Keeno and Ernest are relatable characters to children of all ages as they demonstrate kindness and true friendship. The story is entertaining with vivid illustrations that pull the reader right into the pages of the book. Author Maggie van Galen chooses wonderful vocabulary to depict the characters' experiences and give readers exposure to authentic words. My children love to read this book over and over and talk about what kind of adventures may come next for the lovable elephant and monkey.”
— Kate Donlin, Literacy Coach
Perley Elementary School, Georgetown, MA
A book that will be read over and over and passed down to next generations.
“What a great book for children and adults. A traditional morality tale brought into the 21st century with delightful illustrations and non-preachy story telling."
— Amazon review by Mary B. Smith
This is a wonderful addition to any family library!
“A lovely story of adventure and friendship and the illustrations make this book come alive! Each of the characters has their own personality and the bright colors jump off the page. It is so refreshing to see hand created art instead of computer-generated designs.”
— Amazon review by Emaliza
I highly recommend her book series in your kid's home library!
“Maggie's books are not only fun, adventurous, and entertaining but they are also educational and always have a great message to relay! I highly recommend her book series in your kid's home library!"
