Books published by publisher Short Stuff Press

Spirit may look like a Shetland Sheepdog, but everyone knows he's really a scaredy cat. After being rescued from a city shelter by his forever family, Spirit finally discovers security. At least he knows his people are there for him. Yet, he’s still scared of just about everything, right down to the neighbor’s seven-pound lapdog. This autumn, he’s in for something new: a family vacation in the form of a road trip exploring British Columbia’s scenic wilderness. A holiday turns into a nightmare for the Sheltie when a fresh panic sends him running for his life, only to find he has also run from the only people he can trust. Now, with snow falling and a terrifying world looming about him, Spirit must return to them . . . even if that means facing the impossible. Stories in the Angel Paws and Angel Paws Holiday series celebrate the unique bond between canines and humans with heartfelt, moving, and insightful tales for anyone who has ever loved a dog.

A dog searching for a home. Two people searching for adventure. A twist of fate to bring them all together. Michael was looking for the perfect companion—smart, athletic, beautiful, a real go-getter to keep up with his active lifestyle, yet date after date ended in disaster. It took a visit to the animal shelter to find just who he needed. Now Michael and Silver are out for another weekend adventure, hiking in the Cascade Mountains when a thoughtless risk turns into a life or death battle. As Michael surrenders to his fate, he realizes there are no accidents. Stories in the Angel Paws series celebrate the unique bond between canines and humans with heartfelt, moving, and insightful tales for anyone who has ever loved a dog.

Can Emily ever get over her fear of this huge dog? When a young girl feels terrified of her best friend’s dog, Centauri, she won’t admit it to anyone. As the enormous Akita follows her home one day, she doesn’t know what to do. Is he really vicious, or only curious? Then, when she finds herself in danger from another source, could he be the only one who might save her? Centauri and the Secret is a children’s short story for all ages that brings to life an uplifting adventure about courage and love between two unlikely friends. Since 2013 stories in the Angel Paws series have celebrated the unique bond between canines and humans with heartfelt, moving, and insightful tales for anyone who has ever loved a dog. Now, Angel Paws Kids honors that same special bond with stories about kids and the dogs who love them.

A restless dog. A lonely girl. A chance to make a difference. Olivia longs for a dog of her own. One day, she sees a beautiful sun-colored Border Collie alone inside a fence across the street. Up and down, back and forth, the anxious dog paces all day. If only Olivia could do something. If only she could help her Sundog. Yet, maybe there is a way…. Since 2013 stories in the Angel Paws series have celebrated the unique bond between canines and humans with heartfelt, moving, and insightful tales for anyone who has ever loved a dog. Now, Angel Paws Kids honors that same special bond with stories about kids and the dogs who love them.

Short Story Press presents "Ben's Missing Pin", by Kim Chase. Ben enters a spelling bee at school. He was thrilled when he was named the winner for the second grade class! As a special award, Ben was given a pin as first prize! This pin meant a great deal to him, especially since he had to study so hard just to be in the contest. Ben loved to look at his pin every day. Everything was going well; at least until the day Ben’s pin disappeared. In the blink of an eye, it seemed to have vanished right into thin air! Will you be able to unravel the mystery and put the pieces of the puzzle together to find out exactly who took Ben’s special pin? Even if you think you have it all figured out, you might want to guess again, as the ending of the story will surprise you! The tale of “Ben’s Missing Pin” is a challenging mystery that can have you laughing in places; but mostly it will keep you wondering...what, exactly, did happen to that pin? In fact, you may find yourself asking that question right up to the very end.

The plot of “Jacklighters” unfolds in the fictitious small Illinois town of Silverton, where life is normally quaint and peaceful. When Riley Jensen hears that Len Wilkins, a family friend who also employs her father as a farm hand, has been found dead with his eyes burned out of his head, her latent but innate heroism emerges. When news of several deaths of the same nature as that of Len Wilkins’ travels throughout Silverton, Riley becomes gripped with concern and fear for her grandfather Murray, who is a stubborn, leather-tough old man living alone in the countryside, miles outside of Silverton. After Riley’s parents have rushed to the hospital in a neighboring town because her mother Cece is in labor, Riley tries to reach Murray to convince him to come into town and stay until the mysterious deaths are solved, but Murray can’t be reached.Only 15 and with no driver’s license, Riley takes her dad’s Harley out to Murray’s house to check on him. She arrives to find him under assault by a gray alien with a blinding laser focused directly into his eyes. With ninja-like deft, Riley hops upon a mare, and uses the horse’s hooves to destroy the alien mechanism—and the alien. With Murray safe, the pair drive back to Silverton just in time for Riley to get the news that she has a new baby brother, Arden. When she goes to see the baby the next day, she is sure he possesses otherworldly intelligence and is convinced that Arden is a star child, come to brighten the Jensen family’s world. About the WriterBill Knorr is a former English teacher and environmental professional who loves composing and recording music, drawing, painting, and writing young adult short stories. He has written over twenty short stories and one novella, all in the Young Adult/Science Fiction/Fantasy genre. From the Midwest, Bill draws much of his inspiration from small town or rural customs and characters. Many of his story ideas have come while hiking in some of the vast and beautiful forested areas of Illinois. Bill’s day gig is now primarily as a freelance technical copywriter, but he has also been delving into the realm of voice acting. Although much of his work experience has been in the industrial, environmental or educational fields, his true love is all things creative.Short Story Press publishes unique and original short stories written by everyday writers throughout the world.

Benji's Books is the tale of a young man who hates school and reading. He seeks refuge in a library to get out of a terrible storm. There he encounters a woman who would change his way of thinking and his life forever. Elsa, the librarian, asks Benji to lend her a hand in putting books away. They immediately establish a strong connection and forge a lasting friendship. She encourages him to read from the subjects and topics he enjoys. She prompts him to follow his desires. Benji soon learns there is a vast world in front of him to make of, what he wishes. He gains confidence to make decisions for himself concerning his education and future. Benji and Elsa discuss the adventures they find in books; they spend long hours debating current events. Elsa helps Benji improve his grades as he progresses through high school. He takes an apprenticeship position at the library in his last two years of high school. Together they study for college aptitude testing. When the time finally comes, Elsa helps Benji work through the college and scholarship application processes. Their friendship helps to keep Benji focused on academics and looking to the future. He continues his education, graduating from college, but working every summer in the library with his friend Elsa.