Two opposites lost at sea discover the power of bravery, creativity, and friendship in this action-packed middle-grade adventure for fans of Stuart Little and Poppy

Mr. Popli, the mouse Mayor of Garbage Island, is always at odds with Archibald Shrew, a brilliant but reckless inventor. When Garbage Island splits apart, they’re trapped together in Mr. Popli’s houseboat, desperate to find their way home. At first, they only argue, but when they face a perilous thunderstorm and a series of predators, they begin to work together and recognize—in themselves and in each other—strengths they didn't know they had.
Fred Koehler wrote and illustrated his first book, titled Archie the Shoestring, at age seven, and has been doodling and writing stories ever since. His debut picture book, How to Cheer Up Dad, was inspired by a coffee-shop standoff with his two-year-old son. He lives with his two spirited kids in Lakeland, Florida. ilikefred.com View titles by Fred Koehler
★ “This adventurous tale is packed with action, examples of creative thinking, and ingenuity. Use this as an introduction to STEM thinking, a science fair project, a lesson on ecology, or simply read it for the enjoyment the story provides. This book will appeal to the adventure seeker, animal lover, explorer, and just about everyone else. A must-read for readers ready to strap in for a great ride!”
School Library Connection, starred review

“In this series opener, a mouse and a shrew find themselves unlikely allies as they unite to save Garbage Island. The clever pairing of opposites adds humor, making the gradual emergence of friendship . . . all the sweeter. Dramatic black-and-white illustrations highlight key action. Exciting, fast-paced adventure and unexpected friendship in a ‘trashy’ venue.”
Kirkus Reviews

“(With) fast-paced action and danger . . . this entertaining animal adventure stands out . . . because of its strong characters and an underlying message of environmental awareness.”
School Library Journal

“Pint-sized characters face out-sized challenges with heart and wit in this heroic adventure. The winner: readers!”
—Sara Pennypacker, New York Times–bestselling author of the Clementine series

Garbage Island is a delight! Fred Koehler has created an intricately imagined world of inventive and courageous small animals, then set his two main characters spinning across it in a nonstop adventure that will have readers madly flipping pages to find out what happens next!”
—Bruce Coville, award-winning author of Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher

“What an incredible world Fred Koehler weaves out of bits and pieces of floating trash and very human animals. You’ll have an action-packed time on Garbage Island!”
—Chris Grabenstein, #1 New York Times–bestselling author

About

Two opposites lost at sea discover the power of bravery, creativity, and friendship in this action-packed middle-grade adventure for fans of Stuart Little and Poppy

Mr. Popli, the mouse Mayor of Garbage Island, is always at odds with Archibald Shrew, a brilliant but reckless inventor. When Garbage Island splits apart, they’re trapped together in Mr. Popli’s houseboat, desperate to find their way home. At first, they only argue, but when they face a perilous thunderstorm and a series of predators, they begin to work together and recognize—in themselves and in each other—strengths they didn't know they had.

Author

Fred Koehler wrote and illustrated his first book, titled Archie the Shoestring, at age seven, and has been doodling and writing stories ever since. His debut picture book, How to Cheer Up Dad, was inspired by a coffee-shop standoff with his two-year-old son. He lives with his two spirited kids in Lakeland, Florida. ilikefred.com View titles by Fred Koehler

Praise

★ “This adventurous tale is packed with action, examples of creative thinking, and ingenuity. Use this as an introduction to STEM thinking, a science fair project, a lesson on ecology, or simply read it for the enjoyment the story provides. This book will appeal to the adventure seeker, animal lover, explorer, and just about everyone else. A must-read for readers ready to strap in for a great ride!”
School Library Connection, starred review

“In this series opener, a mouse and a shrew find themselves unlikely allies as they unite to save Garbage Island. The clever pairing of opposites adds humor, making the gradual emergence of friendship . . . all the sweeter. Dramatic black-and-white illustrations highlight key action. Exciting, fast-paced adventure and unexpected friendship in a ‘trashy’ venue.”
Kirkus Reviews

“(With) fast-paced action and danger . . . this entertaining animal adventure stands out . . . because of its strong characters and an underlying message of environmental awareness.”
School Library Journal

“Pint-sized characters face out-sized challenges with heart and wit in this heroic adventure. The winner: readers!”
—Sara Pennypacker, New York Times–bestselling author of the Clementine series

Garbage Island is a delight! Fred Koehler has created an intricately imagined world of inventive and courageous small animals, then set his two main characters spinning across it in a nonstop adventure that will have readers madly flipping pages to find out what happens next!”
—Bruce Coville, award-winning author of Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher

“What an incredible world Fred Koehler weaves out of bits and pieces of floating trash and very human animals. You’ll have an action-packed time on Garbage Island!”
—Chris Grabenstein, #1 New York Times–bestselling author

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