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Hot new releases and under-the-radar gems for adults and kids.
Staff Pick
Leeva at Last is a warm-hearted, uplifting, and very funny tale of community and perseverance staring responsible Fern; anxious, hazmat-suit-wearing Osmund; a badger; and Leeva Thornblossom, the most charming, precocious do-gooder you could ask for. This book is a delight. Recommended By Gigi L., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Award-winning, bestselling author Sara Pennypacker and illustrator Matthew Cordell come together in this hilarious absurdist tale about a precocious girl who transforms her community in surprising ways.
What are people for?
That's the burning question on the mind of Leeva Spayce Thornblossom.
Fame! says Leeva's mom, the mayor of Nutsmore.
Money! says her dad, the town treasurer.
With the help of an orphaned badger, a risk-averse boy in a hazmat suit, and the town's librarians, Leeva sets off to discover her own answer — setting off a chain of events that will change Nutsmore forever.
Review
"Strongly recalling elements of Roald Dahl's Matilda, this archly narrated satire from Pennypacker slyly integrates potent themes such as fairness, responsibility, and trust." Publishers Weekly
Review
"Pennypacker tells the story with warmth and whimsy, recalling the tone and charm of Matilda….A terrifically funny, tender tribute to the power of perseverance, community, and kindness." Booklist
Review
"Pennypacker delivers a hugely entertaining mix of outsized comedic villainy, dreadful parents, delicious cookies, and kindness rewarded….Splendid fun." Kirkus Reviews
About the Author
Matthew Cordell is the acclaimed author and illustrator of the 2018 Caldecott winner Wolf in the Snow. He is also the author and illustrator of Trouble Gum and the illustrator of If the S in Moose Comes Loose, Toot Toot Zoom!, Mighty Casey, Righty and Lefty, and Toby and the Snowflakes, which was written by his wife. Matthew lives in the suburbs of Chicago with his wife, writer Julie Halpern, and their daughter, Romy.