Written by Kirk Lombard
Illustrated by Parker Thornton

Reminiscent of The Outsiders and Watership Down, this riveting first novel is sure to establish Kirk Lombard, author of The Sea Forager’s Guide to the Northern California Coast, as a fresh and exciting new talent.

Gabriel (“G” for short) has been living in some tough circumstances in the Abiddon County Juvenile Center when, against all odds, he’s introduced to the Shongunk River by his dying uncle. The river valley—trash-heaped but chock-full of mysteries and fish—wins G over, while also returning the only good memories he has to him. But, as G has learned, good things usually don’t last. The Shongunk River is scheduled to be dammed by a local developer. In a matter of days, it will cease flowing, and all of the talkative creatures who live there in the river valley will be as homeless as G. 

Just as G decides it’s no time to accept his fate, so too do the animals. To inspire an uprising, a young trout is nominated to make a fateful journey up the river; a raccoon swears a violent oath against humans; and a newly sober buck leads his skittish flock out of harm’s way. Together with G, they show that good can triumph and that there is power in all of us, even the smallest minnow. 

This is a novel for all ages, a book that will appeal to all who love stories; the animal world; the human world (flaws, heartbreak, and all); and a well-told tale that is both immensely readable and memorable.

ISBN: 978-1-59270-494-1

6 in (W) x 9 in (H) • 464 pages • Hardcover with Jacket

Ages: 4-8

Publication Date: October 20, 2026

OUT OCT 20, 2026! Please note that due to shipping costs, all the books included in the same order as The Shadow Stream will ship together in October.