Herbie Goes Back to School

Summer break is ending, and Herbie is feeling a lot of feelings as he heads back to school. This tender back-to-school tale explores Herbie's biggest emotions while gently celebrating how wonderful returning to the classroom can be — a comforting story to help kids process their own first-day jitters and start the year on a positive note.

Explore the Books For Educators

The Collection

The Adventures of
Herbie the Penguin

Join Herbie and his magical cast of friends on 2–3 minute tales perfect for bedtime or independent reading. Each story blends playful storytelling with gentle lessons in kindness, curiosity, and resilience.

Book 1 · The Adventures of Herbie the Penguin

Herbie Plays Out Front

Bike rides, a game of tag with magical neighborhood friends, and a surprise visit from Windy the Fairy — Herbie's very first adventure.

Fun Safety Fairness Friendship

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Book 2 · The Adventures of Herbie the Penguin

Herbie Goes to the Snow

A scenic drive to the snowy mountains takes an unexpected turn when Herbie meets someone new. A heartwarming winter tale about open-mindedness.

Friendship Open-mindedness Winter

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Book 3 · The Adventures of Herbie the Penguin

Herbie Goes Back to School

Summer break is ending, and Herbie is feeling a lot of feelings as he heads back to school. A tender back-to-school tale about big emotions and the joy of returning to the classroom.

Emotions Back to School Comfort

Get it on Amazon →

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50+ More Adventures Coming

Herbie's world is only just beginning. More stories, new friends, and magical moments — all in development.

"The gold in life is… to be fully present with those we love, cherish, and spend time with most."

— "HERE," Weekend Posts with K.G. Carey

Meet the Author

K.G. Carey

K.G. Carey is a children's author, essayist, and short story writer whose work explores themes of faith, family, and mental health.

A husband, dad, and corporate SVP by day, K.G. spends his creative energy world-building for his original fiction — crafting characters and stories that gently guide young minds through fun, relatable moments.

His Herbie the Penguin series is designed for ages 0–7: each 2–3 minute tale is perfect for shared bedtime reading or young readers just gaining confidence.

Books Published

50+

Stories in Development

Amazon Beginner Readers

Read My Substack

For Schools & Educators

Free Classroom Activities

Teachers, librarians, and parents: these Herbie the Penguin activity sheets are free to download, print, and share. Classroom-tested and loved by students. Perfect to pair with a read-aloud or send home for some creative fun.

Herbie Plays Out Front color-by-numbers activity sheet

Activity Sheet · Ages 4+

Herbie Color-by-Numbers

A full-scene color-by-numbers from Herbie Plays Out Front, with a color key for sky, characters, and more. Great for fine motor skills and number recognition.

↓ Download PDF

Creative Writing · Ages 5+

Herbie Goes Somewhere New

A draw-and-write prompt that invites kids to imagine a brand-new adventure for Herbie — then draw it and finish the sentence. Sparks imagination and early writing.

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📚 New for back-to-school: Herbie Goes Back to School launched August 1, 2026 — a comforting story about first-day feelings. I'd love to visit your classroom in the first weeks of the year to read it together and celebrate the launch (fun Herbie stickers included!).

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