Synopses & Reviews
From the co-creator of the New York Times bestselling Ladybug Girl series comes a high seas adventure inspired by the classic picture books Little Bear and Where the Wild Things Are.
Three bear siblings break their mothers favorite blue seashell, and rather than tell her, they decide to set out in their sailboat to find her a new one. On their quest they encounter salty sailors, strange new islands, huge whales, and vast seas but no blue seashells. When a treacherous storm suddenly blows in, the three bears find themselves tossed about in their little boat, far from Mama. What will become of their search, and what will it take to bring them safely home?
This read aloud shares its best qualities with classic picture books: breath-taking illustrations, epic adventure, and a subtle message about taking responsibility for your actions.
Review
Praise for
Three Bears in a Boat:
A School Library Journal Best Book of the 2014
A Kirkus Best Book of 2014
* "The gorgeous, bright and detailed illustrations are a perfect fit for the text. A first purchase for all.” - School Library Journal, starred review
* "Humorous and intelligent—and with watercolor seascapes so luminous that readers will want to jump in—this is a book to be treasured for years to come.” - Kirkus Reviews, starred review
* “Soman manages to suggest the gentle colors and textures of old color lithography, giving the pages the feeling of a dog-eared vintage find.” - Publishers Weekly, starred review
“[T]his is just a beautiful journey youll want to return to repeatedly. . . . David Soman isnt afraid to get pretty. His ocean scenes are some of the best Ive ever seen in a picture book, and his story holds up in the end. If youre looking for a gift book, a bedtime book, or just something uniquely attractive to the eye, seek ye just three little bears. Charm incarnate.”— Elizabeth Bird, A Fuse 8 Production, School Library Journal
Review
Praise for Three Bears in a Boat: * "Gorgeous . . . A first purchase for all."—School Library Journal (starred review)
* "Humorous and intelligent—and with watercolor seascapes so luminous that readers will want to jump in—this is a book to be treasured for years to come."—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
* "Breathtaking . . . Beautiful . . . Gentle"—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“A beautiful journey youll want to return to repeatedly. . . . If youre looking for a gift book, a bedtime book, or just something uniquely attractive to the eye, seek ye just three little bears. Charm incarnate.”—Elizabeth Bird, A Fuse 8 Production, School Library Journal
A School Library Journal Best Book of 2014
A Kirkus Best Book of 2014
Synopsis
Toot and Puddle are the best of friends. But when Toot leaves Woodcock Pocket to travel and see the world, Puddle chooses to stay at home. Just when Puddle begins to miss his old friend, he embarks on some of his own adventures-right at home. Finally, after Toot returns from his year-long trip, the two discover that true friendship knows no boundaries.
With a delightful mix of humor, warmth, and a classic style all her own, Holly Hobbie captures the all excitement and joy that surround adventures-near and far-and reminds readers that true friendship knows no boundaries.
Synopsis
Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Toot and Puddle with this redesigned hardcover edition of the story that started a series. This anniversary edition of the book includes a limited edition Holly Hobbie print suitable for framing.
One day Toot takes off to see the world, while Puddle decides to stay home. This is the story of their wonderful adventures both far away and right at home. It's a story about being yourself and being a good friend.
About the Author
David Soman illustrates the Ladybug Girl books, which he also writes with his wife. Mr. Soman comes from a family of artists. He is an instructor at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, as well as at The Mill Street Loft, a non-profit arts education center in the Hudson Valley. He lives with his wife and two kids in upstate New York. This is the first picture book he has written and illustrated himself.
Kids Q&A
Read the Kids' Q&A with Holly Hobbie