FRANK AND BEAN sneak peek!!!!!

Superstar librarian and blogger Margie Myers-Culver recently revealed the cover of the funny new early reader FRANK AND BEAN (Candlewick Press, October 2019)! It's written by our very own Cottager Jamie Michalak and illustrated by Bob Kolar.

Find out if you're a Frank or a Bean on Margie's popular blog Librarian's Quest!

The Little Crooked Bookshelf on #ReviewsDay

ELF IN THE HOUSE
by Ammi-Joan Paquette
illustrated by Adam Record

(This week's #ReviewsDay pick is from cottager Anika Denise.)

What it's all about...
On a snowy Christmas Eve, a little girl tip-toes from her bed to find some surprise friends in her house, including a mouse, an elf, and even the big jolly guy himself.

Why I love it...
Paquette's first book in the series, Ghost in the House, is a perennial Halloween favorite my youngest daughter loves. I purchased the new one at a signing I did with Joan back in October. I plan to wrap it up and give it to my daughter on Christmas Eve. She'll no doubt recognize and appreciate the bouncy rhymes and adorable illustrations that echo the first book.

My favorite lines...
And the ELF goes third
on this snowy Christmas Eve,
In a line dance of jingle-bell hop!
Festive friends in a row,
Down the hall they go,
Until suddenly they hear. . .
CLIP-CLOP!
 
My favorite illustrations...

What's the kid-appeal?
The best part of Christmas Eve for those that celebrate is often the anticipation! Elf in the House will ramp up holiday cheer in the countdown to Christmas.

What's the grownup appeal?
Just like the first, this book is simple, sweet, and fun to read aloud. It's the perfect book to tuck  between leaving cookies out for Santa, and that goodnight, see-you-on-Christmas-morning kiss.

Where to find/ buy Elf in The House
Indie Booksellers
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Or at a school or library near you!

Ammi-Joan Paquette is the author of many books for young readers, including the spooky picture book Ghost in the House. In addition to her writing, she is a literary agent representing authors of children's books. She lives outside Boston with her family. Visit her on the web at www.ajpaquette.com.

Adam Record started doodling on a bench in church and now gets inspired by old children's books and vintage posters. He lives in Utah with his wife and three children. See more of Adam's work at www.adamrecord.com.

COVER REVEAL! The Infamous Ratsos Are Not Afraid

Lucky reader, behold! You're the first to feast your eyes on the cover of THE INFAMOUS RATSOS ARE NOT AFRAID! 

In this follow-up to the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book The Infamous Ratsos, written by our very own Kara LaReau and illustrated by Matt Myers, Louie and Ralphie Ratso set out to transform a cluttered lot into an arcade, they end up conquering a few surprising fears along the way.

Creeping your way September 2017!

Louie and Ralphie Ratso have a genius idea: if they clear out the lot down the street, they can use all the junk lying around to build makeshift games for a Big City FunTime Arcade! With their friends to help, they’ll be able to recycle all the old abandoned stuff into whack-a-mouse, a high-striker, a fortune-telling booth, and more. Everyone says the house next to the lot is haunted, but if Louie just pretends it’s not there, maybe he can ignore the goose bumps he gets every time he looks at it. Ralphie’s head’s not exactly in the game, either, because of some rumors that have been swirling around school. But they’re Ratsos, and like their dad, Big Lou, Ratsos aren’t afraid of anything — right? 

Kara LaReau and Matt Myers team up for a second surprisingly touching chapter book proving that sometimes the things you fear the most aren’t at all what you thought — and might be exactly what you need to feel better.

Mr. Pig Live . . . with Toby! + a TOBY Literary Lunch!

Happy Friday, folks! I don't know about you, but I'm ready for a heartwarming, feel good episode.

And that's just what we have for you today.

Please welcome today's friendly, four-legged and furry guest…

TOBY!

<<applause>>

Toby is the real life pooch who inspired Hazel Mitchell's picture book of the same name.  

First, let's watch this very charming clip. . .

Ahh, what a sweet story. Okay, Toby, hop up on the couch so we can have a chat. Good boy, Toby.

(Note, the transcript for this interview has been translated from woofs to human, by our trusty canine translators.)

What is your full name?
Toby.

What one word best describes you?
Loveable.

What is the best thing about being you?
Living with my excellent people.

TOBY. Copyright © 2016 by Hazel Mitchell.
Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Candlewick Press, Somerville, MA.

What is the worst thing about being you?

I get scared of a lot of things. That makes it hard for me to enjoy things, sometimes.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what would you bring?
Pepperoni.

Glad you didn't say bacon. What is your idea of the perfect day?
Wake up. Run around the garden. Get a cuddle. Nap. Wake up. Run around the garden. Get a snack (pepperoni). Nap. Have supper. Run around the garden. Get a cuddle. Bedtime.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Find homes for all the animals without people of their own.

What are you reading right now?
Because of Winn Dixie.

What is your favorite word?
Cuddletime!

TOBY. Copyright © 2016 by Hazel Mitchell.
Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Candlewick Press, Somerville, MA.

What is you least favorite word?
Goodbye.

What is your favorite sound?
Daddy’s car drawing up.

What is your least favorite sound?
Fireworks.

Share one thing that most of our readers don’t know about you.
I was lost for eight days in wildest Maine.

If you could dine with three characters from other books, who would they be?
Snoopy, Lassie, Winn Dixie.

If you have a pocket, what is in it right now?
Pepperoni.

What is your most embarrassing moment?
The time when I was running fast, fast, fast and ran into a lawn chair and the cat was watching.

What is your pet peeve?
When my sister, Lucy, steals my hidden snacks. It’s so rude.

Quite. What was it like working with Hazel Mitchell?
She is pretty good. She draws me just right. I gave her a bit of help on the layout of my book, but otherwise it was ok. She always has pepperoni to share. Making books makes you hungry!

Speaking of hungry, we have a very special TREAT for you, Toby. Nina, from Mamabelly, has made you your very own Literary Lunch! While we roll the credits, follow me to the kitchen.  

TOBY by Hazel Mitchell
Publisher - Candlewick Press
(September 2016)
ISBN: 978-0763680930

"Inspired by her own dog’s adoption story, illustrator Mitchell’s ... first book as author centers on a boy who has moved into a new neighborhood with his (presumably single) father...The highlight of this getting-to-know-you tale is Mitchell’s visual channeling of her characters’ emotions, both human and canine."
— Publishers Weekly

"Toby is a pleasing pup."
— Kirkus

"The book’s warmth and appeal come from the artwork. Pencil drawings are tinted with a soft palate of watercolor washes and digitally added colors. And while the soft browns, blues, greens, and grays create a subdued, rather melancholy tone throughout the book, both the boy and his lovable dog are smiling by the final scene."
— Booklist

Hazel Mitchell has illustrated numerous books for children. Toby is her author-illustrator debut. Originally from Yorkshire, England, she now lives in Maine with her husband and a brave rescue poodle named Toby, whose eight-day disappearance drew national attention when the story was shared across social media


[TOBY. Copyright © 2016 by Hazel Mitchell. Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Candlewick Press, Somerville, MA.]

***************************

A TOBY LITERARY LUNCH!

Meet TOBY, the star of Hazel Mitchell's new heartwarming book about a boy, a rescue dog and the challenges to grow into a family. The book is based on the author's own experience of rescuing her dog Toby.

Nina from Mamabelly.com made a lovable lunch to match:

• grapes with Toby's name (although never feed your dog grapes!)
• ham with a (dog) friend
• cucumber and carrot hearts representing the love between Toby and the boy
• animal crackers for the other shelter dogs waiting to be adopted
• and a Toby cream cheese sandwich

-
Want more fun literary lunch ideas? Follow Mamabelly here:
* web: www.mamabelly.com
* facebook: www.facebook.com/MamabellysLunchesWithLove
* twitter: @LunchesWithLove

COVER REVEAL . . . Joe and Sparky, Party Animals!!!

It's Friday . . . who's ready to party? We're doing the conga here in the Cottage because we just received the cover of JOE AND SPARKY, PARTY ANIMALS! by Jamie Michalak and Frank Remkiewicz. YOU, dear readers, are the first to get a sneak peek!

When Joe and Sparky happen across a surprise party, they have a fabulous time. It's so fun that Joe decides to throw a surprise party in honor of his pet worm, Wiggy -- except that nobody has ever seen Wiggy. According to Joe, Wiggy leads a busy life. Sometimes he is sailing his ship. Sometimes he is climbing mountains. Sometimes he is playing with his band, the Worms. (They are even bigger than the Beetles!)

Soon it's party time. All the animals in the cageless zoo arrive with cake, presents, and even a band. But there's still no guest of honor. Where is Wiggy?

Young readers will revel alongside the hilarious duo in this story about being willing to take a leap of faith for a friend -- especially if there's a party involved.

Ooh, this sounds funny! I hope we'll finally get to see Wiggy.

Here's what Jamie said about creating this book, the fourth Joe and Sparky early reader:

"Kids have asked me if Joe's pet worm, Wiggy, is real or imaginary. I wasn't entirely sure myself, so I wrote this book to find out."

JOE AND SPARKY, PARTY ANIMALS! will be congaing into bookstores and libraries in summer 2017!

Mr. Pig Live...with (THE INFAMOUS) Louie and Ralphie Ratso...and a GIVEAWAY!

Sound check… are we ready? Cue the lights! 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. . .

Hello friends, and welcome back to MR. PIG LIVE! 

Today, I'm thrilled to welcome...

LOUIE & RALPHIE RATSO!

<<Whistles>> <<Applause>>

These two brothers are tough on the outside, kind on the inside, and the stars of a funny, heart-warming new chapter book series, THE INFAMOUS RATSOS!

MP: So, first things first. What are your full names, boys?

L. Louie Ratso.

R. Ralphie Ratso.

Illustration copyright 2016 by Matt Myers.

MP: What three words best describe you?

L. Tough, tough, tough!

R. But underneath, really kind, helpful, and generous.

MP: What is the worst thing about being you?

L. Unfortunately for us (but fortunately for everyone else), we’re really bad at being bad.

R. Every time we try to show the world how tough we are, it just shows how good we

are. It turns out being tough all the time is really, really…tough.

Illustration copyright 2016 by Matt Myers.

MP: What is the best thing about being you?

L. It turns out we’ve become infamous…

R. …for really good reasons!

MP: When do you feel the happiest?

L. When we’re doing something nice for someone else.

R. And when we’re together. Especially when we’re with our dad, Big Lou.

Illustration copyright 2016 by Matt Myers.

MP: What is your favorite word?

L. “Nyah-nyah!” (Wait…is that a word? If not, I’ll go with the word “plan,” because I have 

lots of them.)

R. “Righto!”

MP: What is your favorite food?

L. Cheese sandwiches.

R. Our dad’s meatballs. With extra sprinkly cheese.

MP: What is your special talent?

L. Coming up with clever plans.

R. Throwing water balloons. LOOK OUT!

MP: If you could dine with three characters from other books, who would they be?

L. Templeton from Charlotte’s Web, Roscuro from The Tale of Despereaux —

R. — ooh, and any of those Rats of NIMH!

MP: If a genie gave you one wish, what would you wish for?

L & R: To have our mom with us again.

MP: What is your most embarrassing moment?

L. In our next adventure (publishing in September 2017), THE INFAMOUS RATSOS Are

Not Afraid, I’m afraid everyone will find out that I’m afraid of ghosts — particularly one

that might actually be living in our neighborhood!

R. And a rumor goes around school that I like a girl. What could be scarier than THAT?

MP: What is your pet peeve?

L. When my clever plans don’t turn out the way I expect.

R. Leaky water balloons.

MP: What was it like working with Kara LaReau?

L. I like what she did with our story. She’s almost as clever as I am (and that’s saying a

lot).

R. And boy, is she tough — but usually just on herself, when she’s writing.

L. I hope she keeps telling stories about us.

R. Me, too. And I hope Matt Myers keeps illustrating them. His artwork is super-cool!

Illustration copyright 2016 by Matt Myers.

MP: If you have a pocket, what is in it right now?

L. Some notes I made for a new plan. It’s sure to be the best one yet!

R. A few balloons (for making water balloons), a bar of soap (which we recently used to

soap — and then wash — a neighbor’s windows), and half of a cheese sandwich from

yesterday’s lunch.

L. You really should empty your pockets more often, little brother.

R. Right-o!

I'd better end this interview before Ralphie takes aim with another water balloon — many thanks to the Ratso Brothers for coming all the way from the Big City to chat with us! 

I hope you're all hungry, because our caterer Nina from Mamabelly has whipped up a particularly infamous Literary Lunch just for you. Click here for a peek at Nina's bento of goodies!

About the Author:

Kara LaReau is the author of picture books
such as UGLY FISH and OTTO: The Boy
Who Loved Cars, illustrated by Scott Magoon,
and NO SLURPING, NO BURPING! A
Tale of Table Manners, illustrated by Lorelay
Bové; a chapter book series called THE
INFAMOUS RATSOS, illustrated by Matt
Myers; and an upcoming middle-grade trilogy
called The Unintentional Adventures of the
Bland Sisters, illustrated by Jen Hill. Kara
lives in Providence, RI with her husband and
son and their cat.

Praise for THE INFAMOUS RATSOS:

Louie and Ralphie Ratso are determined to be as tough as their truck-driver father, but the rats’ efforts go hilariously awry in this funny, thoughtful, and smart chapter book...LaReau packs substantial comedy and poignant emotion into each chapter (the boys’ mother has "been gone for a little while now"), adeptly amplified by Myers’s spot art.

—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

LaReau keeps the action high and completely appropriate for readers embarking on chapter books...The humor springs from their foiled efforts and their reactions to their failures. Myers' sprightly grayscale drawings capture action and characters and add humorous details, such as the Ratsos' "unwelcome" mat. A nicely inventive little morality "tail" for newly independent readers.—Kirkus Reviews

The father-son dynamic is realistic and honest. Young readers will feel for the family as they learn to deal with the absence of a loved one. This slender novel packs a strong message of overcoming loss through love and kindness. A solid purchase; a chapter book that entertains and uplifts.—School Library Journal

Generous black-and-white illustrations evoke setting (a rundown city neighborhood) as well as reinforce the storyline and the light tone of the text, with its natural vocabulary. Here’s a beginning chapter book with heart.—The Horn Book

* And now for the GIVEAWAY!!! Kara is kindly sending a signed copy of THE INFAMOUS RATSOS to one lucky reader! To enter to win, simply leave a comment below!