SlackJaw and the Grubbins: Book 1 of CrabApple Creek Adventures

Out on a West-Texas ranch, where dry-bed creeks wind through mesquite and cottonwood, the night comes alive with rustling brush, the hoot of owls, and the soft crunch of hooves on sandy soil.

SlackJaw, a cautious young deer, slips from the brush in search of an easy meal at the old corn feeder. He expects a quiet snack beneath the stars, but instead he's met by the Grubbins, three raccoon siblings with quick paws, louder opinions, and a knack for turning an ordinary night into a noisy commotion. A startled scramble around the feeder soon gives way to wary curiosity and the first spark of an unexpected friendship.

SlackJaw and the Grubbins opens the Crabapple Creek Adventures series for readers ages 7-10 who love animal tales and outdoor adventures. At 108 pages, this early chapter book combines a vivid West-Texas setting, gentle suspense, and black-and-white illustrations that bring its wildlife characters to life.

Perfect as a read-aloud at bedtime or for independent readers moving beyond picture books, this wholesome story celebrates courage, kindness, and the bonds that can grow even in the most rugged landscapes, making it an inviting pick for families, teachers, and librarians.