One last day. One final ripple. A goodbye Ava will never forget. It is the final morning of the Everglades trip, and Ava is not ready to leave. She has fallen in love with the swampy wild. She loves the frogs, the birds, the roots, the vines, and especially Alfi, the baby alligator she helped before. On the family's last canoe tour, Ava spots trouble in the cattails. Alfi is tangled again, and a watersnake is too close. With no time to lose, Ava must trust her eyes, raise her voice, and call for help. She learns that bravery is not only about jumping in. Sometimes it means noticing what no one else sees. The Ava and the Alligator trilogy follows Ava's friendship with Alfi across the Everglades. From tangled nests to echoing waters and one last goodbye, Ava discovers that even small voices can do big things. Inside this book: A heartfelt finale to Ava's Everglades journeyIllustrated chapters for developing readersThemes of courage, empathy, and protecting wildlifeRespect for nature and its habitatsA gentle story about farewells and lasting memories Perfect for: Ages 6 to 8 moving into chapter booksFamilies and teachers exploring themes of courage and changeKids who love animals, wetlands, and meaningful adventures The KDK Clubhouse takes readers around the world one trilogy at a time. Written by a first-grade teacher, these stories spark imagination and build confidence for new readers.