The Rough Patch

Brian Lies’s 2019 Caldecott Honor-winning picture book about hope growing out of grief.

Evan and his dog did everything together. When the unthinkable happens, Evan falls into despair and destroys the magnificent garden he and his dog created. But an unexpected pumpkin vine creates a pathway back to hope for Evan.

“It’ll break your heart and mend it in a single picture book.”—blogger Jillian Heise

Greenwillow / HarperCollins

Got to Get to Bear’s!

When chipmunk Izzy receives a note from her friend Bear, saying simply “Come at once!,” Izzy is concerned. Bear never asks for anything—but there’s a blizzard brewing outside.

Venturing out into the storm, Izzy is joined by three friends who help get her to Bear’s, through the deepening snow and darkening skies. Will they make it in time to help Bear? And just exactly what did she want in the first place?

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Gator Dad

Based on Brian’s own experiences as a stay-at-home Dad, Gator Dad follows a dad and his three kids as they make their way through a typical day—and try to squeeze every last bit of goodness from their time together.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Bats at the Beach

“Quick, call out—tell all you can reach! The moon is just perfect for bats at the beach!”

Join this fuzzy flock of bats on a wonderful night at the beach—surfing, toasting bug mallows, and flying each other like kites. And don’t forget the moon tan lotion!

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Bats at the Library

Another inky evening’s here / the air is cool and calm and clear. Can it be true? Oh, can it be? Yes! Bat Night at the Library!

Join the free-for-all fun at the public library with these book-loving bats! Shape shadows on walls, frolic in the water fountain, and roam the bookfilled halls until it’s time for everyone, young and old, to settle down into the enchantment of storytime.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Bats at the Ballgame

Play ball! The night is perfect for America’s favorite pastime—as played by bats! Some of it is upside down, some right-side-up—but all of it will be familiar to baseball fans. Anyone want some Cricket Jack?

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Bats in the Band

After a long winter in hibernation, bats are eager to eat—and to express themselves! Come along and enjoy their musical celebration—though blues, country music, string quartet. There’s something for everyone!

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Malcolm at Midnight

#1 of the Malcolm stories. Chapter book—265 pp. Black and white illustrations.

Malcolm, a small rat, is brought to the McKenna School to become a classroom pet. On his first night, Malcolm discovers that the school is kept running by the Midnight Academy—the secret organization of the school’s classroom pets. But they don’t like rats. So when one of them mistakenly says that he’s a mouse, Malcolm doesn’t correct him. Malcolm doesn’t feel good about his lie—he wants to be a rat “of valor and merit!” When it becomes clear that there’s a mystery in the school, Malcolm is determined to solve it, with the assistance of the Midnight Academy. What exactly is going on up on McKenna school’s fourth floor, anyway?

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Malcolm Under the Stars

#2 of the Malcolm stories. Chapter book—258 pp. Black and white illustrations.

Malcolm and the crew of the Midnight Academy are back—this time, the aging McKenna school is in danger of being closed and torn down. Can Malcolm, with the help of the mysterious Striped Shadow, save the school?

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Deep in the Swamp

Built on the traditional rhyming song “Over in the Meadow,” Donna M. Bateman’s bouncy text introduces readers to an increasing number of the critters who live in the Okeefenokee Swamp.

Charlesbridge Publishing