Rusty and the Early Winter (Rusty's Prairie Adventures)

An early winter. A worried little fox. And an adventure that will take more than courage to survive!

Looking for an engaging first chapter book for a young reader?

Rusty and the Early Winter is an illustrated animal adventure for children ages 7–9, filled with humour, friendship, and heart. Perfect for children transitioning from picture books to chapter books, it’s a story to enjoy independently or share with a parent, grandparent, or teacher.

Winter has come early to the prairies, and Rusty the fox senses something is wrong!

While his friends celebrate the first snowfall, Rusty is worried. Food stores are running low, winter is settling in fast, and large coyote tracks have appeared near the river.

As Rusty and his woodland friends face unexpected challenges, they’ll discover the importance of courage, friendship, teamwork, and believing in themselves.

Can Rusty and his friends find a way to protect their home before it’s too late?

A heartwarming adventure filled with laughter, memorable characters, and a little courage when it matters most.

Feeling frustrated and left out, Rusty leaves home and soon finds himself caught in a fierce blizzard. Far from everyone he cares about, he encounters some unlikely new friends who know a thing or two about weathering a winter storm.

When Rusty finally turns toward home, he discovers his friends are in trouble. Food is disappearing, the coyote is getting closer, and winter may be just the beginning of their troubles.

Can Rusty and his friends protect their home before it’s too late?

Perfect for young readers who love woodland animals and exciting adventures, this heartwarming Canadian story explores courage, belonging, friendship, and the difference we can make when everyone works together.

Sharon-Rose McNeil is a Canadian Metis author and creator of the Rusty series, a series of early chapter books for children ages 7-9. Inspired by the Canadian Prairies, her stories explore courage, confidence, resilience, friendship, and community. She lives in Sidney, British Columbia, Canada.