Book one · available now

Upstream

Inspired by Al’s own Alaskan adventure and its breathtaking landscapes and wonders. Two brave salmon navigate rivers and streams in their relentless quest to start a family.

10.5″ direct edition Amazon standard edition ISBN 978-1-966382-57-7
Order the larger edition Standard edition on Amazon

Classroom sets and visits

Cover of Upstream: two salmon in a river under a smiling sun, with more salmon climbing a waterfall
Cover illustration by Dave O’Connell

Two ways to get the book

The story is the same. The book in your hands is not.

Larger edition, from Al

10.5″ × 10.5″, with heavier, higher-quality construction than the Amazon copy. It is $25 a copy. You type the mailing label, pay with Venmo, and Al mails it.

Order this edition

Standard edition

The Amazon hardcover is $25. That edition is also on IngramSpark, and on shelves at:

  • Independent bookstores in Carbondale, Colorado
  • Independent bookstores in Glenwood Springs, Colorado
  • Barnes & Noble, Glenwood Springs, Colorado
  • Barnes & Noble, Encinitas, California

Buy on Amazon

The story

Upstream is a beautifully illustrated wildlife journey that invites young readers to join two determined salmon on an epic migration. From the wide-open ocean to winding rivers, these brave fish travel hundreds of miles upstream to return to the exact place they were born.

Along the way, they face rushing rapids, tricky human-made obstacles, and hungry wildlife. This unforgettable adventure brims with perseverance, courage, and determination. Can they overcome raging rapids, hungry predators, and countless obstacles to reach their home and begin a family?

Ideal for anyone who loves marine-life stories and animal journeys. Upstream blends action and heart. Its captivating illustrations make it an ideal read-aloud for classrooms, bedtime, or any child who loves ecology-themed stories. Beneath the adventure lies a touching allegory of family — the love, sacrifice, and protection parents give to help their children grow strong and independent.

A picture book for children who enjoy animal friendship and family values, Upstream inspires wonder, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Direct from Al

Order the larger edition

  1. Type the name and address the way they should read on the package.
  2. Pay with Venmo. The note repeats that address. Set the payment to Private.
  3. Email the label so Al can print it and mail the book.
Mailing label

United States addresses. Al uses the email only if he needs to ask about the order. For a classroom set, use the contact page.

1 copy · $25

The pay button opens Venmo with the amount and your address filled in. Set the payment to Private before you send it, then email the label so Al can print it.

Awards

★
Mom’s Choice Awards® Gold Recipient

UPSTREAM

✦
Purple Dragonfly Award Winner

UPSTREAM