Pip’s Epic Adventure
About
When Pip tries to turn into a majestic eagle, he becomes… a dancing chicken. For THREE WHOLE DAYS. (His mom loved the fresh eggs, though.)
So imagine his shock when he gets picked for the most epic treasure hunt in domovoi history. Plus, getting stuck with four show-off teammates who think they’re SO much better than him:
💪 Boris: “Earth magic is OBVIOUSLY the strongest.”
💨 Dash: “Air magic is the fastest—I’ll fly circles around you.”
🔥 Flint: “Fire magic burns all the competition.”
🌀 Cosmos: “Dimensional magic reaches beyond worlds.”
🌊 Pip: “Um… I turned into a dancing chicken…”
Together, they must find five LEGENDARY magical items before the troublemaker Sinti uses them to prank the entire universe. But can a team that can’t stop arguing long enough to actually work together? Will they fail or succeed?
Get ready for:
Swords that won’t budge ⚔️
Feathers hotter than lava 🔥
Musical chaos that makes EVERYONE dance uncontrollably 🎵
Food explosions 🍕✨
The most epic friendship ever 💫
Features five distinct magical quests with failure-to-success progression✨
Teaches lessons about teamwork and self-confidence✨
Includes domovoi folklore and magical creature guide✨
Page-turning cliffhangers keep young readers engaged✨
Will Pip’s “failures” turn out to be exactly what the team needs? Can five rivals become best friends? And will they EVER stop Sinti’s ridiculous schemes?
Buckle up for the most magical, hilarious, heartwarming adventure ever.
Perfect for bedtime reading, independent readers, and anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t quite fit in.
A spellbinding tale of friendship, courage, and discovering that true treasure isn’t what you find—it’s who you find it with.
Bella's Best Magical Friend (Look for Pip hiding in EVERY Bella Brown book)
Who is he? Bella's magical best friend and house helper.
What is he? A special house spirit who takes care of families (that's what a domovoi does).
What does he look like? He has brilliant blue hair, orange skin, and he's often seen about as tall as Bella's knee, but can also appear taller and smaller too.
What's he like? Friendly, loyal, and always watching out for Bella. He's the smallest in his domovoi family, but he has a big heart. He gets nervous and giggly sometimes. He LOVES making surprises for his friends, even when it causes trouble.
His special job: Keeping Bella's house and family safe and happy.
His magic power: Shape shifting. He can change into different things, but sometimes he struggles to keep a shape or gets stuck. Like the time he tried to turn into an eagle, and turned into a dancing chicken for three days instead. And his mom appreciated all the eggs.
What makes him special? Even though he's the littlest domovoi and his magic is still wobbly, he might become the BEST shape shifter ever.
What's in his treasure bag: Candies that sparkle like gems, trinkets that shine brighter than fireflies, buttons, coins, and the sparkliest stardust of all.
Where does he live? Pip lives behind the stove like most domovoi, but he also travels back and forth to Dom, the magical domovoi world.
Books he's in: ALL 12 of J.W. Zarek's picture books - he appears in every single book either as a main character or hidden in background illustrations.
Bella Brown Series appearances:
- Books 1-3: Hidden in background illustrations
- Books 4-8: Main character
- Books 9-10: Hidden in background illustrations
Standalone book appearances:
- Pip's Epic Treasure Hunt (main protagonist)
- The Stomp-Clomp-Clump Monster Above the Bed (hidden in background illustrations)
Fun stuff about Pip:
- He's the runt (smallest one) of his domovoi clan.
- His shape shifting gets mixed up sometimes, but he keeps trying.
- He makes tiny sneezes that echo from the fireplace.
- Papa Pip taught him to always keep the house neat and never leave a mess.
- His blue hair gets sad and turns periwinkle when he's worried.
- He sometimes "borrows" things from Papa Pip's magic shed without asking first.
- He knows Bella's favorite color is purple and her favorite treats are purple-frosted cupcakes.
- He can tip-toe so quietly you can barely hear him.
- He appears in ALL of J. W. Zarek's picture books.
- He's always nearby, even when Bella doesn't see him.
- He's magic, but he's also Bella's friend.
- Kids who spot him have super-amazing eyes.
- In domovoi folklore, house spirits are heard more than seen - that's why Pip loves to play hide and seek.
- His hugs feel warm as sunbeams.
Pip says: "The best gifts come from knowing what lights up someone's heart."
Your challenge: Look for Pip hiding in every Bella Brown book.
Earth Clan Powerhouse
Who is he? The strong, reliable member of Pip's treasure hunting team from the Earth Clan.
What does he look like? Sturdy build with earth-toned coloring, built for strength and endurance.
What is he like? Confident in his strength, sometimes boastful, but learns the value of cooperation. He's protective of his teammates and has a good heart underneath his tough exterior.
His magical abilities: Earth magic - can lift heavy objects, create barriers, and control stone and soil.
What he learns: "I'm strong, but together we're strongest."
Books he's in: Pip's Epic Treasure Hunt.
Fun stuff about Boris:
- He boasts "Earth Clan strength will crush our competition."
- He can lift massive stones but learns to use his strength to help rather than dominate.
- He keeps things steady when others provide the finesse.
- He laughs with relief when everyone's hair stays safe from frizzing.
- He takes big bites of odd-shaped bread and enjoys simple pleasures.
- He watches his barriers turn to glass when magic gets too hot.
- He plants his feet firmly when the team needs stability.
Boris says: "Our clans will be so proud" and "Everyone's hair is safe."
Air Clan Speedster
Who is he? The fast, energetic member of the team from the Air Clan.
What is he like? Quick-moving, sometimes scattered, but learns to focus his energy for the team's benefit. He's enthusiastic and loves the thrill of adventure.
His magical abilities: Air magic - can fly, create wind currents, and move at incredible speeds.
What he learns: His friends "keep me from getting distracted so much."
Books he's in: Pip's Epic Treasure Hunt.
Fun stuff about Dash:
- He boasts "I'll fly circles around you all."
- He lightens objects to make them easier to move.
- He provides cooling breezes and food delivery services.
- He shudders at the thought of embarrassing dances.
- He grins when knowing no embarrassing dances will happen.
- He makes whirlwinds when he's happy and relaxed.
- His "hurricane breeze" can sometimes be too powerful.
Dash says: "Air Clan speed beats everything" and "Think we'll still be teammates? Forever."
Fire Clan Flame Master
Who is he? The passionate, fiery member of the team from the Fire Clan.
What is he like? Intense and passionate, sometimes burns things accidentally, but learns to control his power for the team's good. He's dramatic but has a warm heart.
His magical abilities: Fire magic - can control flames, provide heat and light, and melt objects.
What he learns: "I don't burn things as much when we work together."
Books he's in: Pip's Epic Treasure Hunt.
Fun stuff about Flint:
- He proclaims "Fire Clan power burns brightest."
- He can warm metal and provide just the right amount of light.
- His fire can get "way hotter than expected" when he's not careful.
- He volunteers to make things "just right" temperature-wise.
- He motions like an airplane diving when talking about crashes.
- He smirks when talking about his improved fire control.
- He provides heating for cooking and comfort.
Flint says: "We light the way to victory" and "As long as we don't crash and burn... again, we'll smoke the other teams."
Dimensional Clan Portal Master
Who is he? The mysterious, thoughtful member of the team from the Dimensional Clan.
What is he like? Deep thinker, sometimes gets lost in complex magic, but learns to use his abilities practically for the team. He's philosophical and wise.
His magical abilities: Dimensional magic - can open portals, teleport, and see across time and space.
What he learns: "I open fewer weird portals thanks to you guys."
Books he's in: Pip's Epic Treasure Hunt.
Fun stuff about Cosmos:
- He states "Dimensional Clan magic reaches beyond worlds."
- He can find when objects were placed and sync the team up.
- He opens precise portals and can find ice when needed.
- He sometimes accidentally opens portals to clowns.
- He forms a steeple with his fingers when thinking.
- He presses his fingertips together when concentrating.
- He can find "when" things happened in time.
Cosmos says: "I see possibilities you cannot imagine" and "It'll be interesting."
The Wise Domovoi Leader
Who is he? The wise leader of Pip's domovoi clan and Pip's father.
What does he look like? Blue hair, a beard, and orange skin (just like Pip, but older and wiser.).
What is he like? Very wise, teaches important lessons about keeping houses neat and tidy. He's stern when Pip misbehaves but also very loving and proud when Pip learns from his mistakes.
What makes him special? He has a magical key that protects the whole domovoi world, plus lots of other magical tools in his special shed.
His magical items: A magic paint roller brush that glows with violet light and can paint OR unpaint things, plus many other enchanted tools.
Why he's important: His key keeps the doors between worlds safe from danger, and he teaches Pip important lessons about responsibility.
What he teaches: Always ask before taking things, fix your mistakes, and learn from them.
Books he's in: Bella Brown Meets Pip the Domovoi, Bella Brown—Pip's Perfect Purple Present, and Pip's Epic Treasure Hunt.
Fun facts about Papa Pip:
- Grandma Yetta met him when she was 8 years old.
- He taught Pip to always keep the house neat and never leave a mess.
- His magical key is tiny but incredibly powerful.
- He trusted Pip with his most important treasure.
- He has a magical tool shed filled with enchanted items.
- He can appear and disappear in silver starlight.
- He knows that the best gifts come from knowing what makes someone happy.
- He's proud of Pip when he fixes his mistakes and learns from them.
Mother of All Birds (Pronounced: STRAH-tim)
Who is she? The ultimate authority who opens and closes the great treasure hunts.
What does she look like? Massive oceanic wings with ancient wisdom in her eyes and lightning flickering through her feathers like cosmic jewelry.
What is she like? Commanding and official, she represents the highest magical authority in the domovoi world.
Her powers: Controls weather and storms, sees across all time.
Books she's in: Pip's Epic Treasure Hunt.
Fun facts about Stratim-bird:
- Her wings contain actual ocean storms.
- One movement of her wing can create huge waves in the sea.
- She announces both the beginning and the ultimate final quest.
- In Slavic folklore, she's the assistant to Stribog, the wind god.
The Bird of Joy (Pronounced: AL-ko-nost)
Who is she? A paradise bird with golden feathers and a woman's head who brings gentle wisdom.
What is she like? Musical and encouraging, she represents joy and healing.
Her powers: Her voice creates healing and happiness, can make flowers bloom instantly.
Books she's in: Pip's Epic Treasure Hunt.
Fun facts about Alkonost:
- She announces the quest for the Sword Kladenets.
- Her song brings such happiness that listeners forget all troubles.
- In Slavic folklore, she represents JOY in the famous "Birds of Joy and Sorrow."
The Flame Announcer (Pronounced: ZHAR-ptit-sah in original Slavic)
Who is she? A magnificent bird with wings of living flame and brilliant golden-red plumage.
What is she like? Dramatic and inspiring, she announces challenges requiring courage.
Her powers: Fire magic and illumination of truth.
Books she's in: Pip's Epic Treasure Hunt.
Fun facts about Firebird:
- She announces the quest to secure her own magical feather.
- Her feathers are so hot they can melt stone.
- In Slavic folklore, the Firebird brings both blessing and trials.
The Prophetic Messenger (Pronounced: GAH-mah-yoon)
Who is she? A prophetic bird with a star-crowned woman's head.
What is she like? Mysterious and wise, she provides future sight and magical knowledge.
Her powers: Prophecy, magical knowledge, creates aurora waves in the sky.
Books she's in: Pip's Epic Treasure Hunt.
Fun facts about Gamayun:
- She announces the quest to harmonize the Self-Playing Gusli.
- Her crown is made of living constellations.
- In Slavic folklore, she knows all secrets from creation to heroes' fates.
The Bird of Transformation (Pronounced: sih-REEN)
Who is she? A mysterious bird with dark feathers and a woman's head.
What is she like? Haunting and profound, she brings messages of change and growth.
Her powers: Enchanting voice, reality perception.
Books she's in: Pip's Epic Treasure Hunt.
Fun facts about Sirin:
- She announces the quest to master the Magic Tablecloth.
- Her realm exists between dimensions where reality constantly shifts.
- In Slavic folklore, she represents SORROW in the "Birds of Joy and Sorrow."
The Dark Magic Seeker
Who is he? An evil immortal enemy of the domovoi.
What does he want? To steal and harness all the magical powers of the domovoi for himself.
What makes him dangerous? If he can't steal their magic, he'd rather destroy the entire domovoi world so no one else can have it either. He's also trying to merge both worlds into darkness.
Why he's scary: He's immortal, which means he's been trying to get domovoi magic for a very, very long time. His dark magic spreads into our world too.
What he does: He tries to break into the domovoi world when it's not protected by Papa Pip's key, and he cracks the magical crystal that protects both worlds.
Why this matters: This is why Papa Pip's key is so important - it keeps Sinti out and protects all the domovoi. Now Bella has to fix the damage he's caused.
Books he appears in:
Bella Brown Series:
- Bella Brown Meets Pip the Domovoi (Book 4) - mentioned as threat but not shown
- Bella Brown—Dragonfly-Dragonfly-Dragonfly (Book 5) - mentioned as threat but not shown
Standalone Books:
- Pip's Epic Treasure Hunt - appears as main antagonist (actually shown in the story)
Trailer
Purchase
Links
Recent Publications (2022-2025)
1. “Treasure Hunt” by Stephanie Wildman & Estefania Razo (2022)
- Similarities: Treasure hunt adventure, teamwork solving clues, creative problem-solving, children working together toward common goal, Screen-Free Week selection
- Age Range: 4-8 years
- Why It Compares: Both feature treasure hunts requiring cooperation and creative thinking, though Wildman’s is realistic while Pip’s is fantasy-based
2. “Dragon Girls: Azmina the Gold Glitter Dragon” by Maddy Mara (ongoing series, 2022-2025)
- Similarities: Three magical children learning teamwork, transformation abilities, protecting magical realms, quest-based adventures, magical creature cooperation
- Age Range: 6-9 years
- Why It Compares: Both feature children with magical abilities learning to work together on quests, though Dragon Girls focuses on dragons while Pip’s emphasizes domovoi folklore
Publications (2019-2021)
3. “Flooded” by Mariajo Ilustrajo (2023, Klaus Flugge Prize winner)
- Similarities: Animals initially attempting individual solutions, finally listening to voice of reason and working together, cooperative problem-solving narrative
- Age Range: 4-8 years
- Why It Compares: Both show characters failing individually before succeeding through teamwork, though Flooded focuses on environmental issues while Pip’s on magical quests
4. “The Shapeshifter Series” by Ali Sparkes (2003-2011, continued popularity through 2021)
- Similarities: Children with shapeshifting abilities, secret government/magical schools, learning to control powers, adventure and conspiracy elements, teamwork themes
- Age Range: 12+ years (middle grade)
- Why It Compares: Both feature shapeshifting protagonists learning to control abilities through cooperation, though Shapeshifter is longer format and darker tone
Publications (2015-2018)
5. “What Does the Moon Taste Like?” (A Que Sabe La Luna) by Michael Grejniec (1993, continued international popularity)
- Similarities: Group of different animals working together, creative problem-solving, piling abilities to reach goal, sweet cooperative success story
- Age Range: 3-7 years
- Why It Compares: Both feature diverse characters combining individual strengths to achieve impossible-seeming goal through creative cooperation
6. “Monty and the Poodles” by Katie Harnett (2018)
- Similarities: Underdog character wanting to fit in with seemingly superior group, friendship development, overcoming differences, teamwork themes
- Age Range: 4-8 years
- Why It Compares: Both feature “misfit” protagonists who find their place through cooperation and friendship, though Monty is realistic while Pip’s is fantasy
Classic Publications (1990s-2010s)
7. “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien (1937, picture book adaptations)
- Similarities: Small underdog hero on epic treasure quest, initially reluctant participant becomes essential team member, magical adventure, personal growth through trials
- Age Range: Various adaptations for 6-12 years
- Why It Compares: Both feature small protagonists proving essential to treasure quests, though Hobbit is human/fantasy while Pip’s is domovoi-focused
8. “James and the Giant Peach” by Roald Dahl (1961, picture book adaptations)
- Similarities: Child protagonist joining magical creature team, fantastical journey, each character contributing unique abilities, friendship development
- Age Range: 6-10 years (various formats)
- Why It Compares: Both feature children working with magical creatures using combined abilities for adventure, though Peach is single journey while Pip’s involves multiple quests
Treasure Hunt Adventure Books
9. “Treasure Hunters” series by James Patterson (2013-ongoing)
- Similarities: Family team treasure hunting, multiple quest structure, adventure with educational elements, teamwork solving puzzles and challenges
- Age Range: 8-12 years (middle grade)
- Why It Compares: Both feature teams working together on treasure-hunting adventures, though Patterson’s is realistic action while Pip’s is magical fantasy
10. “Mr. Lemoncello’s Library” series by Chris Grabenstein (2013-ongoing)
- Similarities: Teams of children solving elaborate puzzles, game-like quest structure, cooperative problem-solving, multiple challenge progression
- Age Range: 9-12 years
- Why It Compares: Both feature children working in teams to solve increasingly difficult challenges, though Lemoncello’s is technology-based while Pip’s is magic-based
Shapeshifting/Magical Abilities Books
11. “Switchers Trilogy” by Kate Thompson (1994-1998)
- Similarities: Teenagers with shapeshifting abilities, learning to control powers, working together to prevent catastrophes, Irish/Celtic folklore integration
- Age Range: 12-16 years (YA)
- Why It Compares: Both feature shapeshifting protagonists developing abilities through cooperation, though Switchers is darker and older while Pip’s is lighter and younger
12. “The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez” by Adrianna Cuevas (2020)
- Similarities: Child with magical abilities feeling different, learning to use powers effectively, magical creatures, cultural folklore integration, personal growth
- Age Range: 8-12 years
- Why It Compares: Both feature children with magical abilities learning self-acceptance through cooperation, though Eclipse focuses on Latino folklore while Pip’s uses Slavic
Underdog Hero Books
13. “Watership Down” by Richard Adams (1972, picture book adaptations)
- Similarities: Small protagonists on epic journey, cooperation for survival, each character contributing unique strengths, facing seemingly impossible odds
- Age Range: Various adaptations for 6-12 years
- Why It Compares: Both feature small heroes whose individual strengths become crucial for group success, though Watership is realistic animal adventure while Pip’s is magical
14. “The Ant and the Grasshopper” (various modern adaptations with teamwork themes)
- Similarities: Learning value of cooperation, individual contributions to group success, work-together-to-succeed moral
- Age Range: 3-8 years
- Why It Compares: Both teach teamwork lessons, though traditional fables are simpler while Pip’s provides complex character development
Folklore/Cultural Education Books
15. “The Girl Who Drank the Moon” by Kelly Barnhill (2016)
- Similarities: Magical quest with folklore elements, underdog protagonist, magical creatures working together, good vs. evil themes
- Age Range: 8-12 years
- Why It Compares: Both integrate traditional folklore into magical adventure with cooperation themes, though Moon is longer and more complex
16. “Anansi Boys” by Neil Gaiman (picture book adaptations)
- Similarities: Cultural mythology integration, magical abilities passed through generations, learning to use inherited powers, trickster elements
- Age Range: Various adaptations for 6-12 years
- Why It Compares: Both incorporate authentic cultural mythology into adventure narratives, though Anansi focuses on African folklore while Pip’s uses Slavic
