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Kani's BIG Surprise
  • Kani's BIG Surprise
  • Kani's BIG Surprise
Kani's BIG Surprise

Kani's BIG Surprise

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The first book in the newly expanded Side-by-Side Stories series is scheduled for release in Fall 2026.

Originally developed for students in Transitional Kindergarten through 2nd Grade during your time at the WOW Science Museum. It is now being reimagined and expanded into a 26-page journey that introduces young readers to the wonders of marine biology.

Kani’s BIG Surprise

A Side-by-Side Story of Adventure, Growth, and the Mysteries of the Deep.

The Story

On a warm and sandy shore, lives a hermit crab named Kani who loves to explore. But one bright day, Kani gets a "BIG surprise"—his cozy purple shell has grown too small! With a heavy heart, he sets off to roam the ocean in search of a brand-new home.

Kani’s search takes him far beyond his familiar beach:

  • The Coral Reef: He swims through vibrant reefs where shells look pretty but aren't always a perfect fit.

  • The Seaweed Forest: He weaves through "green and tall" seaweed, looking in every shadow for a place to rest.

  • The Unknown Depths: As Kani travels deeper, the ocean changes, leading him through different "Depth Zones" where the water gets darker and the creatures get stranger.

The "Side-by-Side" Experience

This book is the cornerstone of the Side-by-Side Stories series. It uses a unique dual-narrative format designed to grow with your child:

  • The Storyteller’s Path: A rhythmic, engaging tale perfect for read-alouds with TK–2nd graders.

  • The Science Explorer’s Path: An expanded format that maps Kani’s journey across real Ocean Depth Zones—from the sunlit Sandy Shore to the mysterious depths and back again.

Why Educators and Parents Love It

  • Museum-Tested: Developed and refined at the WOW Science Museum to ensure the science is accurate and the storytelling is captivating for early learners.

  • STEM-Focused: Seamlessly blends a touching story about finding "home" with foundational concepts of marine science and habitats.

  • Expanded Edition: This 2026 release features eight brand-new verses and illustrations that show the ocean getting deeper and darker, providing a more immersive educational experience than ever before.

"My shell is too tight—it's pulling me down!" Join Kani as he discovers that finding the perfect fit is just the beginning of a much larger adventure.

Coming Fall 2026 to Shopify and Amazon!

The Side-by-Side Stories Series: Helping young explorers dive deeper into reading and science.

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