The enchanting story of a curious cat who gets lost on a camping trip and discovers local wildlife on his long journey home.

Huxley the cat lives on a houseboat with his human companion, Robin. One day, while they are camping, Huxley gets lost. To get home, he must cross an entire island—passing by and through lakes, rivers, rainforest, subalpine and alpine regions, old-growth forest, ocean, highways, and city. Along the way, he meets strange animals and encounters plants he has never seen before. All through this long, hard trip, Huxley never gives up on getting home to Robin. But will he make it home before the winter storm season?

Huxley’s Island Adventure celebrates the natural environment of Vancouver Island and the Pacific Northwest through the eyes of one very adventurous cat. Through vivid illustrations full of fascinating details, this story introduces children the region’s plants and animals in a fun, engaging way.

Haley Healey is a high school counsellor, registered clinical counsellor, and the bestselling author of On Their Own Terms: True Stories of Trailblazing Women of Vancouver Island, Flourishing and Free: More Stories of Trailblazing Women of Vancouver Island, and Her Courage Rises: 50 Trailblazing Women of British Columbia and the Yukon. A self-proclaimed trailblazing woman herself, she has taught in isolated fly-in communities, guided whitewater canoe expeditions, and plays the violin. She has an avid interest in wild places and unconventional people.

Haley Healey's profile page

Kimiko Fraser is an illustrator and historian-in-training. She grew up constantly making—drawing, painting, knitting, sculpting, bookbinding, etc.—and has never learned how to stop. She is the illustrator of Her Courage Rises: 50 Trailblazing Women of British Columbia and the Yukon. She holds a bachelor of arts (honours History, major Visual Arts) from the University of Victoria. She works with many mediums to create her illustrations, including watercolour, digital, ink, and tea. Most of her work is inspired by her interest in plants, history, and folktales.

Kimiko Fraser's profile page

“Huxley's Island Adventure is a calming story of lost and found. The author and illustrator create a wonderful sense of place, guiding us through a West Coast geography and ensuring Huxley's safe return.”
—Nicholas Oldland, award-winning author and illustrator of Big Bear Hug and the Life in the Wild series

“In Huxley’s Island Adventure, Haley Healey and Kimiko Fraser create a hopeful narrative while simultaneously introducing young readers to coastal flora and fauna. The watercolour-like textures and natural tones of the illustrations perfectly capture the Pacific Northwest's diverse but unforgiving landscapes, leading you to root for Huxley’s safe return to a dry and cozy home.”
—Madeline Kloepper, artist, author, and illustrator of Poppy's House (with Karla Courtney), Before We Stood Tall (with Jessica Kulekjian), the award-winning Tiny, Perfect Things (by M.H. Clark), and more

“This briskly paced story follows a pet cat who runs, jumps, and climbs amongst lush illustrations of the Canadian rainforest. Through his senses, we observe a beautiful environment, and from his search, we find that being curious can help cope with unpredictable circumstances and maybe even appreciate an otherwise fearful experience. The descriptions and details will make you want to read it more than once.”
—Dena Seiferling, award-winning author and illustrator of The Language of Flowers

“Huxley, a well-fed houseboat cat, is forced to embark on an incredible journey across a Pacific Northwest Island. Huxley’s Island Adventure, written by Haley Healey and handsomely illustrated with digital paint by Kimiko Fraser allows us to join Huxley as he traverses diverse island habitats through native trees and plants.”
—Ashley Wolff, author and illustrator of Baby Bear Sees Blue and many other books

“A lush and thoughtful homage to local Canadian wildlife and flora. An educational and immersive read.”
—Dorothy Leung, award-winning illustrator of The Keeper of Stars, The Never-Ending Sweater, and more