Synopses & Reviews
Bat and Rat are two best friends living in the big city. Together these nocturnal pals enjoy their favorite things, like riding the subway, dumpster diving in Chinatown, writing songs, and playing in a band. One hot summer night, while tasting their favorite flavors of ice cream, like mosquito ripple, they find the inspiration for the perfect new tuneandmdash;for they realize their
favorite favorite is each other.
Written in a gentle, sweet style reminiscent of Arnold Lobel and Patrick McDonnell and with charming illustrations, Bat and Rat captures the tenderness of classic picture books with a hip, modern twist.
Praise for Bat and Rat
andldquo;Cordellandrsquo;s starry cityscapes combine with Jenningsandrsquo; gentle text for an agreeable read-aloudandmdash;with a cherry on top.andrdquo;andmdash;Kirkus Reviews
andquot;The clever artwork perfectly complements Jennings's sharp, funny wordplay. Children will delight in this charming story.andquot;
andmdash;School Library Journal
andquot;Cordellandrsquo;s images of jazzy patrons at the Twelve Oandrsquo;Clock Room add interest, while his consistent use of spotlights, streetlights, circular images, and stage lights accentuate and complement Jenningsandrsquo; focused attention on a unique and caring relationship.andquot;
andmdash;Library Media Connection
Review
"In a collection that celebrates loving friendship, Brown artfully captures the comforting, sometimes odd moments of true affection."
and#8212;Kirkus
"[Brown] pairs a heaping spoonful of nonsense with unexpected yet genuine observations about the joy of companionship."
and#8212;Publishers Weekly, starred review
"The cheerful, rhythmic rhymes help make this book perfect for reading aloud, and it would be an ideal choice for two friends to share."
and#8212;School Library Journal
"This small book, not much bigger than a greeting card, celebrates friendship in short poems and imaginative drawings. . . . Use this as a jumping off place for creating Valentine's Day cards."
and#8212;Booklist
Review
Praise for
Here Comes the Easter Cat
A Kirkus Best Book of 2014
* "This is a book that will be enjoyed in storytimes as well as one-on-one. The combination of witty text, plentiful white space, and brilliant images make this a truly winning book."—School Library Journal, starred review
* "Cats signs and facial expressions are cheekily amusing, sometimes contradicting the narrator (he holds up a poster of hearts while sticking out his tongue in disgust as the narrator states, “Well, of course everyone loves the Easter Bunny”). Add it to an Easter or cat storytime lineup, or tuck it into a cat-lovers Easter basket."—BCCB starred review
* "Utterly endearing."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Synopsis
A cat with flair to spare, an Easter Bunny with a job to do, and a hilarious break from sticky-sweet Easter fare for fans of Patrick McDonnell and the
Pigeon books by Mo Willems.
Why should the Easter Bunny get all the love? That's what Cat would like to know. So he decides to take over: He dons his sparkly suit, jumps on his Harley, and roars off into the night. But it turns out delivering Easter eggs is hard work. And it doesn't leave much time for naps (of which Cat has taken five--no, seven). So when a pooped-out Easter Bunny shows up, and with a treat for Cat, what will Cat do? His surprise solution will be stylish, smart, and even--yes--kind.
An homage to classic comic strips from the author of The Quiet Book and The Loud Book, this Easter treat has a bit of bite, a sweet center, and a satisfying finishsure to inspire second helpings.
Synopsis
Since its publication in 2005, The Gift of Nothing has become an instant classic--the perfect gift for "the person who has everything." In this appealing picture book, Mooch the cat--star of the nationally-syndicated comic strip Mutts--searches for a present for his friend, Earl the dog. Earl already has everything he needs: a bowl, a bed, a chewy toy...What else could Mooch get him? Then it dawns on him: NOTHING! This timeless tale has a heart-warming message about the most valuable gift of all--friendship--that appeals to readers of all ages. Great for a last minute gift, this special edition includes an elegant paper slipcase designed to look like gift wrap with foil accents and an embossed bow and faux hang tag.
Synopsis
A collection of illustrated poems of love and friendship teeming with wit, whimsy, and wordplay from New York Times bestselling author-illustrator, Calef Brown.
Synopsis
In Calef Brownand#8217;s poem and#8220;We Go Together,and#8221; he jubilantly decrees: and#8220;We go together / like fingers and thumbs. / Basses and drums. / Pastries and crumbs.and#8221; In and#8220;You Are Two (Kiwis),and#8221; he muses, and#8220;I am quite frequently, / reminded by thee / of a kiwi. / Either kind.and#8221; Yes, silliness and sentimentality have free rein in this and#8220;curious selectionand#8221; of childlike poems about love and friendship, each accompanied by an equally absurd, stylized acrylic painting. Like Sandol Stoddardand#8217;s I Like You, We Go Together! this book makes an offbeat Valentineand#8217;s gift for anyone with a good sense of humor and a penchant for wordplay.
Synopsis
Fresh from her work on Frozen and Tangled, Claire Keane brings her legendary talent to her debut picture book about finding the right present for someone you love. Celeste wants to give her mother something specialbut what? Her search takes her up into the skies, where she meets the stars, the moon and the sun, but she still doesnt find the heartfelt present shes been looking for. At the end of her journey, Celeste sees itthe perfect gift! Chosen with care and wrapped with love, its just what Celeste was hoping to find.
In this story about finding unexpected inspiration and giving from the heart, Claire Keane invites readers on a magical journey through the clouds. The result is a visually stunning book that really and truly is the perfect gift.
Synopsis
One day Ollieand#8217;s mother tells him that he is and#8220;a beautiful gift.and#8221; Delighted with this new and#8220;identity,and#8221; Ollie invites his friend Benjamin to guess what it is. When poor Benjamin cannot guess, despite many hints, Ollie refuses to play with him. Seeing that heand#8217;s hurt his friendand#8217;s feelings, Ollie realizes that the best gift of all is friendship. Rohan Henry has wonderfully captured the interactions of young friends as they come to learn how to play together.
About the Author
Patrick McDonnell is the creator of
The Monsters' Monster, a
New York Times bestseller;
Me...Jane, a Caldecott Honor Book and a
New York Times bestselling picture book biography of Dr. Jane Goodall; and the award-winning picture book
Art. He is also the creator of the beloved, internationally syndicated comic strip
Mutts, which features the characters that star in five of his previous picture books including
Wag!,
The Gift of Nothing,
Just Like Heaven,
Hug Time, and
South.
Patrick sits on the board of directors of the Humane Society of the United States and has won numerous awards for both Mutts and his animal welfare work. He lives in New Jersey with his wife, Karen; their formerly feral cat, Not Ootie; and their adopted terrier, Amelie.