Dead Sea Squirrels

Mike Nawrocki, cocreator of VeggieTales, is back! In the first installment of this hilarious new chapter-book series, 10-year-old Michael and his friend Justin sneak into the Dead Sea caves near the archaeological dig where Michael’s dad is working. Michael finds two 2,000-year-old squirrels petrified in sea salt. Hijinks ensue as Michael tries to bring them back to the US, hidden in his backpack. What Michael thinks are just cool souvenirs may turn out to be something much more!

The Dead Sea Squirrels are alive! In book 2 of Mike Nawrocki’s hilarious new series, the two petrified squirrels Michael brought home from Israel are awake and ready to dive into the 21st century. Turns out, the squirrels lived during the time of Jesus and love sharing the lessons they learned from his teaching in their own quirky way. Missteps and misadventures abound as Merle and Pearl help Michael and his friends confront a bully, using lessons from the Sermon on the Mount.

The Dead Sea Squirrels are...actually pretty good at math! When Michael finds himself struggling through his math class, Pearl Squirrel offers to help him study, but will Michael accept Pearl’s assistance or head to the roller rink with his human friends? Michael learns the value of hard work.

Michael is enjoying his first Saturday of the school year, teaching Merle and Pearl to play soccer - in the house! A stray ball smashes his mom’s prized elephant lamp, and Michel sees the chance to lay blame on his little sister. He and the squirrels head to the park to play. When the man in the suit and sunglasses shows up and snatches Pearl, Michel’s friends and family band together to try to get her back! Michael learns the value of honesty.

Fancy costumes, an upgraded hamster house, and a dinner invitation? Sounds like Merle and Pearl are really coming up in the world now that they’re settling into the 21st century. But maybe this invitation to share acorns with new friends isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. It’s another hilarious adventure with Merle and Pearl as they learn that kindness counts, even when you’re facing your biggest (and fluffiest) nemesis.

What do homework, Michael’s new favorite video game, and a pair of drones have in common? They’re all competing for the gang’s attention. Join Michael, Merle, and Pearl for some high-flying adventures as they learn that self-control might save your grades...and your friends.

Merle and Pearl have been squirrel-napped and taken to Israel. Even though Michael, Justin, and Sadie have just started fifth grade, they convince their parents that a trip to Israel will be an educational experience, especially since Michael's mom is a teacher and can help them keep up with their schoolwork. Nazareth is the first stop for Merle and Pearl’s squirrel-napper.

Merle and Pearl meet...a talking donkey? Merle and Pearl are still in the clutches of their squirrel-napper. The Gomez family, along with Justin and Sadie, is in hot pursuit. After a wrong turn, they receive a hint from the most unlikely of sources. Meanwhile, Merle and Pearl are having their own adventure, riding a donkey from Bethlehem to Nazareth under the watchful eye of their abductor. As usual, their hijinks bring laughter and a few surprises - this time in the form of new friends who are also animals. And they can talk!

Merle, Pearl, Michael, Justin, and Sadie thought their epic adventures in Israel were over. But after returning to Tennessee, they’re faced with an even bigger challenge—make-up homework! Desperate to escape the mountain of assignments, Michael and Justin strike a deal with their teacher and agree to create an educational presentation for the class about their time abroad. Sounds easy, right? But how can they keep Merle and Pearl a secret when they’re in every photo? With artificial intelligence!