New Releases by Laura Gehl

Becca helps her grandmother fulfill a lifelong dream during a vacation packed with "bucket list" fun in this endearing and lively summertime picture book. After Becca learns the term “bucket list” from her grandmother, she decides to make her own summer bucket list, packed with everything from swimming in the ocean for the first time to baking turtle-shaped challah. But in between a water-balloon fight and a rooftop sleepover, she also has a plan to help Bubbe check an item off her bucket list. Peppered with Yiddish and Hebrew words and full of affection, this is a joyful and inspiring story that's perfect for family sharing.

Meet nature’s oddballs in author Laura Gehl and illustrator Gareth Lucas’s engaging board book about some of the most unique insects in the world. Get ready to buzz with excitement! Odd Bugs introduces babies and toddlers to highly unusual creepy-crawlies, including a beautiful glasswing butterfly and the treacherous robber fly! Lively rhyming verses provide the comforting repetition that little ones crave, even as their minds are opened to new and fascinating creatures from around the world. At the end of the book, readers will find photographs of each bug, along with more detailed factual information. From the goliath beetle to the Picasso moth, red-headed bush cricket, saddleback caterpillar, robber fly, glasswing butterfly, and leaf insect, this book celebrates the diversity and wonder of the insect world. The vibrant illustrations and playful text make learning about bugs fun and memorable, sparking curiosity in young readers and encouraging them to explore the natural world. With its sturdy board book format, Odd Bugs is built to withstand enthusiastic little hands and repeated readings. Discover the weirdest insects on Earth and inspire a lifelong love of nature!

From snuggling with their siblings, to hopping, to munching on lettuce, there is so much for young bunnies to learn! Perfect for animal-loving babies and curious toddlers.

From sleeping, to learning to walk, to fetching sticks, there is so much for puppies to learn! Perfect for animal-loving babies and curious toddlers.

From sleeping, to learning to walk, to fetching sticks, there is so much for puppies to learn! Perfect for animal-loving babies and curious toddlers.

From snuggling with their siblings, to hopping, to munching on lettuce, there is so much for young bunnies to learn! Perfect for animal-loving babies and curious toddlers.

My Body Can showcases all the different talents bodies have throughout the year. Inclusive of a variety of body types and abilities, the body-positive message affirms that everyone is beautiful, powerful, and can do amazing things. Jewish holiday celebrations including Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Hanukkah, Tu b'shvat, Purim, Passover, and Shavuot are featured.

"This book encourages kids to practice self-acceptance and embrace all kinds of play in a lighthearted and cheerful way." --School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW This rhyming picture book encourages children to celebrate their individuality and lets them know that it's okay to play with whatever toys they want to! Girls perform to fairy songs. Boys play football all day long. Boys yell, "Boo!" and run away. Girls like kittens and ballet. Except when they don't. Children are often told by many different people about what toys they're supposed to play with, what interests they should have, and who they should be simply because of their gender. This stereotype-breaking book invites children to examine what they're told "boy" and "girl" activities are and encourages them to play with whatever they want to and to be exactly who they are! This book is published in partnership with GLAAD to accelerate LGBTQ inclusivity and acceptance.

The hilarious story of Donut, a scruffy unicorn who can't fly (but who keeps on trying!), is now available in a bilingual board book edition. La divertida historia de Rosquilla, un unicornio lanudo que no puede volar (¡pero que sigue intentando!), ahora está disponible en una edición de libro álbum bilingüe. When Donut, a fluffy, scruffy unicorn with a colorful horn spots a bird in the air, she thinks, Why can't I be up there, too? And so, she jumps! Off of a log and even a trampoline. But thump! She falls down to the ground. After many attempts at flight (including wings fashioned out of sticks), Donut schemes with the other animals in the field, and finally comes up with an ingenious and imaginative solution. Finally, her perseverance pays off-- and Donut flies! This laugh-out-loud funny, ingenious story from a talented author-illustrator duo now includes Spanish and English text in a durable format that will appeal to the littlest unicorn fans. Cuando Rosquilla, un unicornio lanudo y esponjoso con un cuerno colorido, ve un pájaro volando, piensa: «¿Por qué no puedo estar allá arriba también? Y entonces: ¡brinca! Desde un tronco e incluso desde un trampolín. Pero ¡catapumba! Se cae al suelo. Después de varios intentos de volar (incluyendo construir alas hechas con palos), Rosquilla conspira con los otros animales en el campo, y finalmente se le ocurre una solución ingeniosa e imaginativa. Por fin, su perseverancia da sus frutos... ¡y Rosquilla vuela! Esta divertida e ingeniosa historia de un talentoso dúo de autora e ilustradora ahora incluye texto en español e inglés en un formato duradero que atraerá a los fanáticos de los unicornios más pequeños.

In this picture book love letter to public libraries, 6-year-old Orson learns to navigate his big feelings by sharing his love of reading with newfound friends at his local branch. When Orson visits his local library, he likes to sit and read quietly by himself. However, not everyone is on the same page. One day, when the library is buzzing with activities, Orson decides he’s had enough! But as he cools off after an emotional outburst, Orson begins to understand how much the library and its sometimes not-so-quiet community have to offer . . . and decides to turn things around. Here’s a picture book about sharing a passion for books with friends, learning to cope with big feelings, and the joys of libraries.

"A lyrical picture book about the wonder of winter's first snowfall"--

This lovey board book is perfect to share with your little pumpkin! You’re my jack-o-lantern’s smile You’re the apple of my eye You’re my trick-or-treating candy You’re the pumpkin in my pie From changing leaves to sweet treats and from Halloween to Thanksgiving, the sweet sayings in this board book show little ones how very loved they are!

Laura Gehl and Fred Blunt’s charming animal friends come together in this side-splitting boxed set with Velcro closure containing six Ready-to-Go! Ready-to-Read books. Cat and friends are ready for some fun in these six hilarious books! Which plan is better, Cat’s or Dog’s? Cat wants to nap, and Goat wants to eat. Cat does not like the art Pig makes. Can Cat find Frog and Dog in a game of hide-and-seek? Cat, Dog, and Pig play in the snow. Frog can hop, but Pig likes to flop. Join Cat, Dog, Frog, Pig, and Goat in their silly antics! Perfect for kids at the beginning of their reading journeys, these books were written for children who have learned the alphabet and are ready to start reading! And what better way to get kids excited than with hilarious stories with words they can read on their own? Each Ready-to-Go! Ready-to-Read includes a note to parents explaining what their child can expect, a guide at the beginning for readers to become familiar with the words they will encounter in the story and reading comprehension questions at the end. Each Ready-to-Go! story contains about 100 words and features sight words, rhyming words, and repetition to help children reinforce their new reading skills. This paperback boxed set includes: Cat Has a Plan Goat Wants to Eat Pig Makes Art Dog Can Hide Cat Sees Snow Frog Can Hop

When the last delicia tree is in danger of extinction, a young girl creates a seed bank as a surprise for Old Otis, whose stories have inspired her. Kari’s favorite parts of summer are eating juicy fruit from the delicia tree and listening to stories from Old Otis. But now the last remaining delicia is in danger. What if this beloved tree dies out? Is there anything one girl can do? With inspiration, information, and a pocketful of seeds, Kari sets out to craft a surprise for Otis—and for the future. This tender story celebrates the connections between generations, emphasizing that small steps can have a big impact when one looks beyond the present. An author’s note about seed banks around the world is included.

From Laura Gehl, author One Big Pair of Underwear and Goat Wants to Eat, comes another side-splitting Ready-to-Go! Ready-to-Read about three animal friends on their first snow day! Cat sees snow. Dog cannot blow the snow. Pig is slow in the snow. Can they still have fun in the snow? Perfect for kids at the beginning of their reading journeys, Cat Sees Snow was written for children who have learned the alphabet and are ready to start reading! And what better way to get kids excited than with a hilarious story with words they can read on their own? Each Ready-to-Go! Ready-to-Read includes a note to parents explaining what their child can expect, a guide at the beginning for readers to become familiar with the words they will encounter in the story, and reading comprehension questions at the end. Each Ready-to-Go! story contains about 100 words and features sight words, rhyming words, and repetition to help children reinforce their new reading skills. In this book, readers will learn six sight words and six words from one word family.

Who do you think of when you imagine a climate scientist? Maybe a biologist? Or a chemist? But economists study the climate too! Meet fourteen different scientists who are working to solve the climate crisis and the surprising ways they are doing it. Along with explanations of different areas of science and the many ways scientists are working to save the climate, readers will find tips for how they too can work for change. Climate Warriors informs young readers and gives them the tools they need to make a difference. Author and neuroscientist Laura Gehl introduces readers to these incredible scientists, the projects they are working on, and what inspired them to choose their fields of study. From ecology to civil engineering, computer modeling to food science, we have lots of ways to combat climate change. Along with explanations of different areas of science and climate solutions, find out what you can do to make a difference.

Every window at the hospital faces dull, gray buildings—except the one in Grandpa’s room. Grandpa can see the ocean every day! When Daria visits, she and Grandpa look out at the beach, hoping they will build sandcastles and fly kites together again. This touching exploration of a child’s experience of loss offers an unexpected ending, encouraging creativity and self-expression in the midst of grief. Grandpa’s Window addresses the grieving process, both as a family member approaches the end of life as well as after death. The book includes a note for adults by Dr. Sharie Coombes (www.drsharie.com), child and family psychotherapist, about how to support children who are grieving the loss of a loved one. A discussion and activity guide for children written by Laura Gehl will be available February 2023 at flyawaybooks.com/resources.

This is one Passover Ruby and her family won't forget! Ruby and her family are hosting the first Passover seder in their family this year. Ruby wants everything to be perfect. But when nothing goes as planned, can Ruby find a way to still enjoy the holiday?

Can Ruby find her special ring in time for the Purim celebration? Ruby loves making hamantaschen with her family and dressing up in her Queen Esther costume on Purim. But as she gets ready for this year's celebration, she realizes she's lost the special ring Bubbe gave her for Hanukkah. Will her relatives be able to help her find it?

Celebrate Halloween with the Owl family in this joyful, rhyming picture book Follow along with the Owl family on Halloween as they plan their costumes, go trick-or-treating, and more! Laura Gehl’s lively rhyming text and Lydia Nichols’s vibrant illustrations make for a spirited read.

Meet nature’s oddballs in this charming board book about some of the most unique birds in the world Backyard birds—move over! Odd Birds introduces babies and toddlers to unusual bird species, including the magnificent frigatebird with a bright red throat pouch and the California condor—the largest flying birds in North America! Gentle rhyming verses provide the comforting repetition that little ones crave, even as their minds are opened to new and fascinating creatures from around the world. At the end of the book, readers will find photographs of each bird, along with more detailed factual information. The eight birds featured are the magnificent frigatebird, blue-footed booby, shoebill stork, ostrich, hoatzin, oilbird, California condor, and burrowing owl.

Here's the hilarious story of Donut, a scruffy unicorn who can't fly-- but who keeps on trying! From the author of One Big Pair of Underwear and the illustrator of Sweety. When Donut, a fluffy, scruffy unicorn with a colorful horn spots a bird in the air, she thinks, why can't I be up there, too? And so she jumps! off of a log and and even a trampoline. But thump! she falls down to the ground. After many attempts at flight (including wings fashioned out of sticks), Donut schemes with the other animals in the field, and finally comes up with an ingenious and imaginative solution. Finally, her perseverance pays off-- and Donut flies! With a simple text and expressive art, here is a character-driven story from a popular author-illustrator duo that's laugh-out-loud funny, ingenious, and sure to appeal to all those unicorn fans out there--especially those who like their unicorns a little on the imperfect side.

Virtual "lift the flap" on every page of this board book to learn about seven animal species and their habitats! In this innovative nonfiction board book, young readers will see a hole in different environments on each spread. Virtually "lift the flaps" to discover which animal dug, burrowed, or pecked the hole—and learn a simple fact about each species. Featured creatures include ants, woodpeckers, fish, gophers, skunks, tortoises, polar bears, and kids on a sandy beach!

A mother explains to her child all the child's similarities to a dragon.

While the other members of his clan enjoy wrestling, throwing spears, and fighting, Leif prefers to hike up the mountain and enjoy the peace of his beautiful fjord; but when clan loyalty demands that he participate in the Viking Games--he does the best he can, but when it comes to comparing clan treasures, Leif has a surprise for everybody.

Meet nature’s oddballs in this charming board book about some of the strangest animals in the world Barnyard animals—move over! Odd Beasts introduces babies and toddlers to more unusual species, including the glass frog with transparent skin and the pangolin—the only mammal with scales! Gentle rhyming verses provide the comforting repetition that little ones crave, even as their minds are opened to new and fascinating creatures from around the world. At the end of the book, readers will find photographs of each animal, along with more detailed factual information. The eight animals featured are the pangolin, ocean sunfish, glass frog, anglerfish, long-horned orb-weaver spider, Eastern snake-necked turtle, bush baby, and giant jumping stick.

Scientists work hard in the lab and in the field to make important discoveries. But who are they really? It turns out they are just like us! Scientists can be any race. And any gender. They can wear lab coats, jeans, or even tutus. And they are people who love to fly drones, make art, and even eat French fries! Meet fourteen phenomenal scientists who might just change the way you think about who a scientist is. They share their scientific work in fields like entomology, meteorology, paleontology, and engineering as well as other interesting facts about themselves and their hobbies. An "if you like this, you'll like that" flowchart in the back of the book helps students identify science careers they might be interested in. Scan a QR code at the end of the book for a video of the scientists introducing themselves!

From Laura Gehl, author of One Big Pair of Underwear and Cat Has a Plan, comes a laugh-out-loud Ready-to-Go! Ready-to-Read about a hungry goat interrupting a sleepy cat’s naptime. Cat wants to nap, and Goat wants to eat. The problem is, every time Cat finds a cozy bed for napping, Goat eats it! When Goat feels sick from overeating and wants to take a nap himself, will Cat get revenge? Perfect for kids at the beginning of their reading journeys, Goat Wants to Eat was written for children who have learned the alphabet and are ready to start reading! And what better way to get kids excited than with a fun story featuring words they can actually read and starring some very funny animals? Each Ready-to-Go! Ready-to-Read includes a note to parents explaining what their child can expect, a guide at the beginning for readers to become familiar with the words they will encounter in the story, and reading comprehension questions at the end. Each Ready-to-Go! story contains around 100 words and features sight words, rhyming words, and repetition to help children reinforce their new reading skills. In this book, readers will learn seven sight words, and eleven words from four word families. So come on and get reading!

This fun, rhyming board book about baby’s first baseball game features energetic and eye-catching illustrations, making it an adorable must-have for baseball fans of all ages! Baby loves baseball, the bat and the ball, the players and stadium—he loves it all! In this adorable book, perfect for all baseball fans, baby goes to his first baseball game! From singing along with the crowd in the stadium to eating sweet baseball treats to watching the players hit the ball, baby just loves it all. So, when the game is over and the day is done, baby can’t wait to have more fun—by learning how to play baseball, too!

Celebrate Hanukkah with the Llama family in this joyful, rhyming picture book Follow along with the Llama family’s Hanukkah traditions as they light their menorah, spin the dreidel, fry latkes, and more. Laura Gehl’s lively rhyming text and Lydia Nichols’s vibrant illustrations make for a festive read. The book also features kid-friendly back matter, with expanded information on the holiday’s history and traditions.