Salmon Run

An exquisitely presented account of the life cycle of a Pacific salmon that is sure to entice young naturalists with its accessible design and inviting and informative text

She begins as a tiny orange egg . . . smaller than a pea! Salmon Run follows a Pacific coho salmon as she begins her journey in the freshwater rivers of Washington State, travels to the vast Pacific Ocean, and finally returns to the place of her birth to spawn and begin the cycle of life once again. During this arduous adventure that spans hundreds of miles, she will grow and change through five distinct stages of life: egg, alevin, fry, smolt, and adult. From river to estuary to ocean, she will hide from predators, search for food, and encounter a range of marine environments. With a careful balance of scientific accuracy and luminous illustrations, Salmon Run invites young readers to explore the remarkable life of this keystone species in the North Pacific ecosystem—and the magic of its journey home.

Author Biography

Annie Chen is a designer, illustrator, and scientist who recently graduated with a dual degree in biology from Brown University and industrial design from the Rhode Island School of Design. She grew up among the magical mountains, forests, and streams of northern Georgia and currently resides in Providence, Rhode Island. Salmon Run is her debut children’s book. She loves salmon and hopes you will too after reading this book! You can find more about her at anniechen.earth.