Massachusetts duo releases second Errol fantasy book Nov. 10

Ross and Tonya Grifkin are releasing Errol: The Cat Who Couldn't Be Found on Nov. 10 through Briley & Baxter Publications, expanding a cat-inspired series that started with a 2023 New England Book Awards nominee. The sequel is headed to major retailers and deepens the story of Errol, a rescue cat turned fantasy hero.

Why it matters: - The second Errol book turns a personal tribute into a broader fantasy series with commercial release plans across major retailers. - The sequel gives readers the next chapter after a 2023 New England Book Awards nominee and builds on an existing audience for the series. - The book continues a story centered on animal rescue and family inspiration, which may resonate with middle-grade readers and parents looking for character-driven fantasy.

What happened: - Briley & Baxter Publications announced Errol: The Cat Who Couldn't Be Found, written by Ross Grifkin and illustrated by Tonya Grifkin. - The book goes on sale Nov. 10, 2026. - Distribution includes local bookstores, Barnes & Noble, Amazon and other online retailers. - The book is the second installment in the Errol series. - The first book, Errol: The Cat Who Wasn't a Cat, was a 2023 New England Book Awards nominee for Best Middle Grade Book.

The details: - The sequel opens with Errol and his friend Syd on the run. - Detectives are closing in on the pair. - Syd knows more about Errol's past than she is sharing. - Errol learns to unlock powers inside himself. - The story reveals the truth about Errol's parents. - The plot introduces a century-long war between dragons and gryphons. - The narrative points toward the mythical land of Loden. - Errol's face is printed on milk cartons, forcing him to keep moving. - Ross Grifkin said the first book ended on a cliffhanger and readers wanted answers. - Ross Grifkin said the new book provides some answers while also raising new questions. - Ross Grifkin said Errol's search for identity is relatable for kids. - Ross and Tonya Grifkin created the series to honor Errol, their cat of 19 years.

Between the lines: - The series is shifting from a tribute project into a larger franchise-style fantasy world. - The use of dragons, gryphons and a hidden land signals a move toward bigger world-building in the second book. - The family backstory gives the series an emotional anchor that distinguishes it from standard animal-led fantasy. - The timing of the release suggests the Grifkins and Briley & Baxter Publications are building on the visibility from the first book's award nomination.

What's next: - Errol: The Cat Who Couldn't Be Found will be available Nov. 10, 2026. - Readers can expect the Errol storyline to continue beyond the first book's cliffhanger. - Briley & Baxter Publications will sell the book through its regular retail and online distribution channels. - The Grifkins are positioned to grow the series further if the sequel finds a wider audience.

The bottom line: - A rescue cat inspired a second fantasy book, and the Grifkins are now turning that personal story into a larger series with national retail reach.