Clara’s Strange Adventures:
The Wrong Way Home
Based on wildly creative bedtime stories that a father told his sons,
which blend fantasy with logic and science concepts
to create a hilarious, fast-moving adventure.
A fast-paced, laugh-out-loud adventure where every wrong turn leads somewhere wonderful. Bursting with hilarious fantasy, science, and heart, this chapter book is a celebration of creative problem-solving and resilience. Any child who enjoys magical adventures with clever twists, thoughtful humor, and meaningful lessons will love reading about Clara’s journey home.
When Clara accepts a simple balloon at a birthday party, she never expects it to pull her underground.
Suddenly, she’s tumbling through twisting tunnels, surrounded by talking moles, consulting a tea-sipping aardvark who loves her encyclopedias, and trying to escape a mysterious cabin with no doorknob on the inside.
There’s also a “not-so-clever” parrot filling in for the Wise Old Owl (who’s on vacation), magic words that don't work (they’re past their expiration date), and a visit to Rhythm & Dance Land, where everyone learns to step on the beat.
Along the way, Clara meets Cosmo, a quick-thinking new friend who helps her discover that for solving problems, logic and imagination make a powerful team.
Parents and educators will love:
A brave, relatable heroine who models emotional resilience
Creative problem-solving grounded in science concepts
Discussion questions and a “Fun Facts” section that extends learning
Clean, wholesome storytelling—no villains, just wonderfully weird challenges
Free online enrichment resources
Perfect for both independent readers and family read-alouds.
Full of magic, laughter, and life lessons, this story whisks readers into a world of wonder and intrigue, where adapting and learning are part of the journey. It gently teaches children that falling isn’t failing—it’s part of the adventure.
Sherrita Wilkins, Chief Creativity Officer, Journey Bound Collaborative, Inc.
Join Barbara and Allen Bernstein on a joyous adventure to worlds where anything is possible! Along the way, you'll meet an aardvark proud of her problem-solving abilities and an owl with a business card and a book of magic words with expiration dates. This is a vibrant story about discovery, trust, and the power of thinking through a good puzzle. This book is terrific! So much fun!
Janet Chernela, Professor Emerita of Anthropology and Author
A fun and imaginative adventure filled with lessons about perseverance and ingenuity. Clara’s experiences change her perspective and help her overcome challenges along the way. I also just love the ending that concludes with Clara's unwavering resolve.
Leensa Fufa, Teacher and Learning Specialist
What a delight to read a story that Allen used to tell his boys. The boys would tell me about these stories years ago when I visited the Bernsteins. I love the illustrations and the descriptions of the animals in the "Fun Facts," following the story.
Jeanne Owings, Math Teacher, Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother