"Engaging and beautifully written and illustrated . . . an outstanding addition to any collection."
—School Library Journal, starred review ★

Chasing Eruptions

How Volcanologists Maurice and Katia Krafft Helped Save 60,000 Lives–But Lost Their Own

The gripping story of volcanologists Maurice and Katia Krafft, perfect for armchair adventurers who loved The Mona Lisa Vanishes and Becoming Muhammad Ali.

This beautiful biography in verse is about two French scientists who changed what we know about volcanoes. Katia, a curious girl who collected pebbles and dreamed of escaping her small town, grew up just a few miles away from Maurice, a boy who knew more about rocks and minerals than his own teachers. . . . When Katia and Maurice met as college students, they formed The Vulcan Team—named after the Roman god of fire—to observe, investigate, and document one of the most dangerous, natural phenomena on the planet: volcanoes!

With dynamic art from award-winning artist Katherine Roy, Chasing Eruptions traces the legacy of Katia and Maurice Kraffts’ volcanic photographs and films—and how their footage continues to inspire and educate today.

by Curtis Manley, illustrated by Katherine Roy
Harper Collins Children’s Books, April 21, 2026. Ages 8–12 years

PREORDER NOW!
For a signed copy please place your order with Grass Roots Books and indicate that you’d like it signed and personalized in the notes. Thank you!

Grass Roots

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Indie Bound

As seen on TV!

Join Hannah Olsen and Katherine Roy for this KATU Portland Afternoon Live interview to celebrate the launch of her second book with author Barb Rosenstock, Sea Without a Shore: Life in the Sargasso. From research to sketching to seaweed, it’s just in time for National Beach Day!

Join Hannah Olsen and science author/illustrator Katherine Roy to celebrate World Ocean Day with this Paper Plate Sargasso Sea craft inspired by the art in Katherine's new book, Sea Without a Shore. The book will hit shelves everywhere on 9/10/2024!

SCHOOL VISITS

Katherine Roy raises her hand to mimic an elephant's trunk during one of her author visits.

“Our students and parents are STILL raving about your visit to North Star last year . . . AND your books are being checked out like crazy by the kids. They are still so excited to check out your books since you were here and they met you!”

—Alisa Betz, Media Manager, Bend, OR

Praise for Katherine Roy’s School Visits

“Did Christy tell you that two kindergartners spent the very next free period they had after your talk starting their own books about animals? And that the demand for your books during library post-visit could be heard from space???? Your presentation is truly special and inspirational (and not just for the kids)!”

—Dana Zachary, School District Librarian, Corvallis, OR
"That was one of the best assemblies I have seen. She really knew how to interact with the kids. Not just talking to them the whole time, but adding things that were funny, like the elephant poop, how elephants use their trunks, and then the quiz! Great restart to any kid who might have lost focus!”

—4th grade teacher of 15 years, Yorkville, IL
“Can we always get an assembly like that where it is an author AND an illustrator? I like reading, but I also like art!”

—4th grader, Yorkville, IL
Thank you, thank you, thank you for visiting with us this morning! I so appreciate you taking that much time with us and you packed so much into such a short period of time. The kids are super excited and I think they might try out some of your art techniques tonight. You are inspiring and it is so great to see the kids light up with making connections with you through your art and your stories. Many, many thanks.

—LeAnn Miller, Teacher-Librarian/Literacy Specialist, Seattle, WA on World Read Aloud Day
Our time with you was packed with so much inspiration (your art!), admiration (your process and persistence), and anticipation (your upcoming books)! Thank you SO much for reading with #TurnagainTigers today.

—Julie Doepken, Elementary Librarian, Anchorage, Alaska on World Read Aloud Day
Thank you so much for heading East to visit us — everyone, and I mean everyone, was so impressed with your work and your presentations — thank you!”

—Debora Colliso, Library Teacher, Beverly, MA

Painting by Katherine Roy of a man, pregnant woman, child, and dog on a leash crossing a wooden bridge over a stream through a forest.

Painting by Katherine Roy of two coyote pups playing together on the ground.

Painting by Katherine Roy of two frogs spawning in a pond at night.

Chasing Eruptions

How Volcanologists Maurice and Katia Krafft Helped Save 60,000 Lives–But Lost Their Own

As seen on TV!

SCHOOL VISITS

“Our students and parents are STILL raving about your visit to North Star last year . . . AND your books are being checked out like crazy by the kids. They are still so excited to check out your books since you were here and they met you!”

“Can we always get an assembly like that where it is an author AND an illustrator? I like reading, but I also like art!”

Our time with you was packed with so much inspiration (your art!), admiration (your process and persistence), and anticipation (your upcoming books)! Thank you SO much for reading with #TurnagainTigers today.

Thank you so much for heading East to visit us — everyone, and I mean everyone, was so impressed with your work and your presentations — thank you!”