Book Lists

New Releases by Marilyn Sadler

Marilyn Sadler is the author of It's Not Easy Being an Elf (2026), Best Bunny Brother Ever (2026), It's Not Easy Being a T. Rex (2025), It's Not Easy Being a Leprechaun (2025), It's Not Easy Being a Ghost (2025).

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It's Not Easy Being an Elf

release date: Sep 29, 2026
It's Not Easy Being an Elf
Life isn't always easy—even for Santa's elves! In this sweet, funny picture book, a toy-making elf longs to try something new, only to discover a new way to do something he's already very good at! A perfect for Christmas gift giving! Quin the Elf is bored. Day after day he makes toy trucks in Santa's workshop. Everyone LOVES Quin's trucks—everyone except for Quin. He dreams of doing something new. But after trying (and comically failing at!) various jobs around the North Pole, it appears his options are limited. And then a crisis leaves Santa without a way to deliver toys—and Quin with a new way to apply his skills! Featuring a loveable cast of animal characters (the same as in It's Not Easy Being Santa Claus)—including a small mouse with a BIG attitude for readers to find hidden on every page—this fun picture book about self-acceptance, team work, and creative thinking makes an ideal Christmas gift! Everyone has a rough day now and then and wishes they could do something or be someone else. Not even beloved characters like Santa Claus, ghosts, dinosaurs, or leprechauns are immune. The It's Not Easy... picture book series explores the witty ways these iconic characters search for happiness, only to find it within themselves. Also available: It's Not Easy Being Santa Claus It's Not Easy Being a Ghost It's Not Easy Being a Leprechaun It's Not Easy Being a T. Rex It's Not Easy Being an Elf

Best Bunny Brother Ever

release date: Jan 06, 2026
Best Bunny Brother Ever
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • P.J. Funnybunny from the classic Beginner Book It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny coaches his little sister, Honey Bunny, at T-ball in a story that celebrates family ties and is perfect for Eastertime and gift-giving all year long! Honey Bunny Funnybunny LOVES baseball, but is too little to play. So big brother P.J. teaches her T-ball! From warming up to throwing and catching to hitting the ball and running the bases, P.J. and Honey Bunny work side-by-side until she is ready for her first game—where she hits a home run! But is winning what Honey Bunny is MOST thankful for? Or could it be . . . P.J.? With colorful illustrations and easy-to-read text, this story about family and sports is a perfect Easter treat for beginning readers and Funnybunny fans! Beginner Books are fun, funny, and easy to read! Launched by Dr. Seuss in 1957 with the publication of The Cat in the Hat, this beloved early reader series motivates children to read on their own by using simple words with illustrations that give clues to their meaning. Featuring a combination of kid appeal, supportive vocabulary, and bright, cheerful art, Beginner Books will encourage a love of reading in children. Look for more of Marilyn Sadler’s Funnybunny books! • It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny • Honey Bunny Funnybunny • Money, Money, Honey Bunny! • It's Better Being a Bunny • Bunny with a Big Heart

It's Not Easy Being a T. Rex

release date: Sep 30, 2025
It's Not Easy Being a T. Rex
Life isn't always easy—even for a T. rex! In this sweet, funny picture book, a T. rex who is self-conscious about her big teeth and small arms learns she is perfect exactly as she is! Perfect for dinosaur lovers—with a bonus message about self-acceptance! Rexy is nervous about starting school. Her head is BIG. Her arms are small. And her teeth are the size of bananas! Rexy wants to fit in with the other dinosaurs, but after catching a kickball in her mouth (and popping the ball!) at recess, she's MORTIFIED and ready to give up. Then a volcano erupts, sending rocks flying onto the kickball field. When another dino needs help, can Rexi's powerful jaws save the day? You bet your tyrannosaur they can! Featuring a comical cast of animal characters—including a wise-beyond-his-size dragonfly sidekick for readers to find hidden on every page—this picture book about self-acceptance, friendship, and helping others is perfect for young dinophiles! Everyone has a rough day now and then and wishes they could do something or be someone else. Not even beloved characters like Santa Claus, ghosts, and leprechauns are immune! The It's Not Easy... picture book series explores the witty ways these iconic characters search for happiness, only to find it within themselves. Also available: It's Not Easy Being Santa Claus It's Not Easy Being a Ghost It's Not Easy Being a Leprechaun

It's Not Easy Being a Leprechaun

release date: Feb 04, 2025
It's Not Easy Being a Leprechaun
Life isn't always easy—even for a leprechaun! In this funny follow-up to It's Not Easy Being a Ghost, an unhappy leprechaun who thinks he can’t make friends because he looks a little different finds happiness by being himself and doing good. The perfect way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with little lads and lassies! Connor O'Connor is not a happy leprechaun. His ears are too big, and his body is much too small. In fact, he looks a bit like a lawn ornament! But worst of all, no one wants to be Connor's friend. All they want is his pot of gold! But after using some leprechaun magic to turn himself into a fairy, a carpenter, and a king, Connor discovers that the best way to make friends is by being himself -- and that a little pot of gold can do a LOT of good! Featuring a comical cast of animal characters—plus a caterpillar sidekick with a BIG appetite for readers to find hidden on every page—this hardcover picture book about self-acceptance, friendship, and helping others is perfect for celebrating St. Patrick's Day! Everyone has a rough day now and then and wishes they could do something or be someone else. Not even beloved characters like Santa Claus, ghosts, and leprechauns are immune! The It's Not Easy... picture book series explores the witty ways these iconic holiday and seasonal characters search for happiness, only to find it within themselves. Also available: It's Not Easy Being Santa Claus It's Not Easy Being a Ghost Coming soon: It's Not Easy Being a Dinosaur

It's Not Easy Being a Ghost

release date: Jan 01, 2025
It's Not Easy Being a Ghost
"Misty is a sad ghost. The haunted house she lives in is cold and damp. Her living room is full of spiderwebs. And she's too CUTE to be spooky! What Misty needs to do, she thinks, is to be someone else. But will being spooky make Misty happy?"--

It's Not Easy Being A Ghost

release date: Aug 13, 2024
It's Not Easy Being A Ghost
Life isn't always easy—even for a ghost! In this funny follow-up to It's Not Easy Being Santa Claus, a ghost discovers that happiness comes from within when she learns to accept that she's simply too cute to be considered spooky! The perfect way to celebrate Halloween with your littlest trick or treaters! Misty the Ghost is feeling sad. The haunted house she lives in is cold and damp. Spiders have taken over her living room. And worst of all, nobody thinks she is spooky. They think she is (gasp!) CUTE. But after trying to disguise herself as a mummy, a werwolf, and a witch—with hilarious results—Misty learns that true happiness comes from just being herself. Featuring a comical cast of animal characters—plus a little bat sidekick with a BIG attitude for readers to find hidden on every page—this hardcover picture book about self-acceptance and overcoming obstacles makes a sweet Halloween treat for young readers! Everyone has a rough day now and then and wishes they could do something or be someone else. Not even beloved characters like Santa Claus, ghosts, and leprechauns are immune! The It's Not Easy... picture book series explores the witty ways these iconic holiday and seasonal characters search for happiness, only to find it within themselves. Also available: It's Not Easy Being Santa Claus Coming soon: It's Not Easy Being a Leprechaun

Bunny with a Big Heart

release date: Dec 19, 2023
Bunny with a Big Heart
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • P.J. Funnybunny from the classic Beginner Book It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny learns a lesson in kindness that's perfect for Eastertime—and gift-giving all year long! P.J. Funnybunny is a very busy—and not very considerate—bunny! Always rushing from one place or the other, he leaves toys on the floor and dirty dishes on the table. He forgets to return things, is impatient with his sister, and shows up late for play dates. But when a twisted ankle forces P.J. to spend a few days in bed, the thoughtfulness of his family and friends inspires P.J. to become a kinder bunny. With colorful illustrations and easy-to-read text, this story of self-discovery is a perfect Easter treat for beginning readers and bunny fans of all ages! Beginner Books are fun, funny, and easy to read! Launched by Dr. Seuss in 1957 with the publication of The Cat in the Hat, this beloved early reader series motivates children to read on their own by using simple words with illustrations that give clues to their meaning. Featuring a combination of kid appeal, supportive vocabulary, and bright, cheerful art, Beginner Books will encourage a love of reading in children. Look for more of Marilyn Sadler’s Funnybunny books! • It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny • Honey Bunny Funnybunny • Money, Money, Honey Bunny! • It's Better Being a Bunny • Best Bunny Brother Ever

It's Not Easy Being Santa Claus

release date: Oct 03, 2023
It's Not Easy Being Santa Claus
Life isn't always easy—even for Santa Claus! In this hilarious picture book, Santa realizes that happiness is something found within when he tries working different professions. A perfect Christmas gift or stocking stuffer with a subtle message about self-acceptance! Santa is feeling grumpy! He has too many letters to read. His reindeer are quarreling. Someone's taken his slippers. And Mrs. Claus wants him to eat more vegetables. When Santa decides to try something new (working in a department store, bakery, toy store, and delivering mail), he discovers that nothing is as rewarding as just being himself. Featuring a comical cast of animal characters—plus a small mouse with BIG attitude for readers to find hidden on every page—this hardcover picture book about self-acceptance and overcoming obstacles makes a great holiday gift for kids 3-7! Look for It's Not Easy Being a Ghost coming soon!

Tony Baroni Loves Macaroni

release date: Jul 01, 2023
Tony Baroni Loves Macaroni
Picky eaters everywhere will identify with young Tony, who will eat nothing but macaroni. This charming tale about a limited palette that is expanded, step-by-step, on a tour through noodle-dom is told in singsong verse. The importance of a balanced diet is addressed ever so subtly in this engaging story.

It's Better Being a Bunny

release date: Jan 04, 2022
It's Better Being a Bunny
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • In this sweet, funny sequel to the classic Beginner Book It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny, P.J. Funnybunny discovers that being who you are is the best! Perfect for Easter or gift-giving all year round! P.J. Funnybunny is not having a good day. His mom won't let him eat ice cream for breakfast. She won't let him hang upside down from a tree. She won't even let him watch a scary movie! P.J. visits Potts Pig, whose mom lets them do all those things. But when he gets a stomachache and has a bad dream, P.J. Funnybunny realizes that—while it's fun to be a pig—it's better being a bunny! This tale of self-discovery is the perfect Easter treat for beginning readers and bunny fans of all ages! Beginner Books are fun, funny, and easy to read! Launched by Dr. Seuss in 1957 with the publication of The Cat in the Hat, this beloved early reader series motivates children to read on their own by using simple words with illustrations that give clues to their meaning. Featuring a combination of kid appeal, supportive vocabulary, and bright, cheerful art, Beginner Books will encourage a love of reading in children. Look for more of Marilyn Sadler’s Funnybunny books! • It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny • Honey Bunny Funnybunny • Money, Money, Honey Bunny! • Bunny with a Big Heart • Best Bunny Brother Ever

It's Not Easy Being a Bunny

release date: Jan 07, 2020
It's Not Easy Being a Bunny
P.J. Funnybunny doesn't want to be a bunny anymore! In this hilarious story, a young bunny explores life with different animal friends. This bunny-rific tale of self-discovery is now available in a simplified board book perfect for the littlest hands—and with a festive, sparkly cover, it makes the perfect gift to fill any Easter basket. P.J. Funnybunny is tired of cooked carrots and his big ears. It would be way more fun to be a bear, a bird, or a pig...right? Read along as P.J. leaves home and tries to determine who he is—and where he belongs. But this bunny might just learn that all he wants to be is...himself! This sturdy board book adaptation, with text abridged from the beloved Beginner Book, makes a fun-filled read aloud for babies and toddlers!

Charlie Piechart and the Case of the Missing Hat

release date: Oct 04, 2016
Charlie Piechart and the Case of the Missing Hat
Charlie Piechart’s second math mystery takes place at school—when a purple, sparkly cone-shaped princess hat goes missing! Margot needs her hat in time for the school play (today!), so Charlie and his dog companion, Watson, are on the case—finding evidence of sparkles and purple paint and keeping on the lookout for geometric clues that might lead to the missing hat. Fantastic colors, clever characters, and beginning concepts in geometry will go down easy as pie, while activities at the end of the book will reinforce the shapes and the story. Dynamic duo Eric Comstock and Marilyn Sadler bring the right level of energy and entertainment for this engaged picture book audience.

Charlie Piechart and the Case of the Missing Pizza Slice

release date: Sep 01, 2015
Charlie Piechart and the Case of the Missing Pizza Slice
With a dinnertime mystery and 5 hungry suspects, Charlie Piechart makes fractions fun. Charlie Piechart has a piechart for a belly, and it’s a belly that’s perfect for showing fractions. In his first mystery, perfect for little math enthusiasts, it’s pizza night at the Piecharts’ house. How about veggies on top? “NO VEGGIES!” yell 4/6 of the pizza eaters. No one wants anchovies, either. They like Charlie’s idea best: pepperoni. But with 6 pizza eaters, 3 sizes of pizza on the delivery menu, and 2 slices allotted for each person, it is no surprise when there’s a mystery! A scream from Charlie’s sisters reveals the issue: 1 out of 12 slices has gone missing. So who did it? Charlie counts the suspects and questions each one (except Mom!). But could he be forgetting someone? This colorful, hysterical mystery adventure is perfect for both reluctant and enthusiastic math learners. Great for fans of G Is for Googol, Sir Cumference and the First Round Table, and Math Curse. Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts

Pass it On!

release date: Jan 01, 2015
Pass it On!
Bee's friend Cow is stuck in a fence and asks for his help, so Bee tells Frog about Cow's predicament and asks him to "Pass it on!" This causes a series of misunderstandings that, at last, brings the help Cow needs.

Alice from Dallas

release date: Mar 11, 2014
Alice from Dallas
Alice is the most rootin’, tootin’ cowgirl in all of Dallas . . . Pennsylvania. Each day she puts on her favorite boots and hat and sets off on her stick pony for school with a “Yippee ki-yay!” Alice is used to being the only cowgirl around, until Lexis from Texas arrives at school one day. Lexis seems to be a real cowgirl, with her fancy hat, jingling spurs, and lasso tricks. Alice decides there’s only one way to know who the best cowgirl is: a school-yard showdown at high noon! But will Alice learn there’s room for more than one cowgirl in town? Bestselling author and illustrator Marilyn Sadler and Ard Hoyt team up to create a rollicking tale of friendship that will have readers dancing the Texas Two-Step and shouting “Yee-haw,” no matter where they’re from. Praise for Alice from Dallas "The comic watercolor-and-ink illustrations don’t miss a beat in capturing the amusing rivalry that turns into friendship...The clever ending is a yee-haw moment that will rope in readers as quick as tumbling tumbleweeds." --Kirkus Reviews "Hoyt’s bright ink-and-watercolor illustrations gleefully capture the girls’ enthusiasm for all things western, from their fringed cowgirl blouses to the bandannas tied jauntily around their necks. A lively story for cowgirls everywhere, with a breezy lesson about jealousy." --Booklist Award: NAPPA Gold Award Winner

Ten Eggs in a Nest

release date: Jan 28, 2014
Ten Eggs in a Nest
Beginning readers can count to ten—and add—while they learn to read with P.J. Funnybunny author Marilyn Sadler's latest, funniest Bright and Early Book! Gwen the hen has laid her eggs, but just how many is anyone's guess. For now, she's quite content to sit and wait for them to hatch. Red Rooster, however, is too excited to wait. As soon as one egg hatches, he struts over to Worm World and buys ONE worm for his ONE new baby chick. Alas, Red returns to find that not ONE new baby chick, but TWO baby chicks have now hatched, requiring a return trip to Worm World. The hijinks continue back and forth until ten eggs have hatched, Red Rooster is ready to plotz, and young readers have learned a thing or two about ONE: counting to ten; TWO: simple addition; THREE: buying and selling; and FOUR: chickens and eggs! With stylized illustrations by Michael Fleming reminiscent of classic Beginner Books, this is a perfect choice for parents looking to teach reading and math to their own little chicks! Bright and Early Books are perfect for beginning beginner readers! Launched by Dr. Seuss in 1968 with The Foot Book, Bright and Early Books use fewer and easier words than Beginner Books. Readers just starting to recognize words and sound out letters will love these short books with colorful illustrations.

P. J. Funnybunny Camps Out

release date: Apr 24, 2013
P. J. Funnybunny Camps Out
Illus. in full color. Camping is not for girls, right? At least, that's what P.J. and his pals tell Donna and Honey Bunny when they want to tag along on a camping trip. But when two mysterious ghosts frighten the boys all the way home, only the girls know the real story.

Stuck on Earth

release date: Jan 25, 2012
Stuck on Earth
21st Century #4 Meet Zenon Kar. She’s your typical elementary school kid, except she lives on a space station in 2049! In book #4, Zenon’s teacher, Mr. Peres, leads her fifth-grade class on a very special field trip off of Space Station 9. But when she gets separated from the group, Zenon finds out what it’s like to be stuck on Earth! The Zenon books are written and illustrated by the award-winning husband and wife team who created P.J. Funnybunny and Alistair.

The Trouble with Fun

release date: Sep 28, 2011
The Trouble with Fun
Meet Zenon Kar. She’s your typical elementary school kid, except she lives on a space station in 2049! These humorous stories about Zenon are all reality-based so kids can easily identify with her situations. In book #3, when an important Earth scientist visits Space Station 9, Zenon agrees to entertain his daughter, Teena. At first Zee’s job is easy. Teena seems polite and well behaved. But when the adults turn their backs, she changes completely! All Teena cares about is having fun, even if it means breaking all sorts of space station rules. Written and illustrated by the award-winning husband-and-wife team who created P. J. Funnybunny and Alistair.

The Big Red Book of Beginner Books

release date: Aug 10, 2010
The Big Red Book of Beginner Books
What’s a better present than a classic Beginner Book? Six of them—for less than the price of two! Following on the success of The Big Blue Book of Beginner Books and The Big Green Book of Beginner Books, we’ve taken the complete text and art of P. D. Eastman’s Sam and the Firefly, Robert Lopshire’s I Want to Be Somebody New!, Marilyn Sadler’s The Very Bad Bunny, Mike McClintock’s Stop That Ball!, Al Perkins’s The Digging-est Dog, and Joan Heilbroner’s Robert the Rose Horse and bound them together in one sturdy hardcover omnibus. This is a perfect introduction to reading that will whet young readers’ appetites for additional books in the Beginner Book series. Beginner Books are fun, funny, and easy to read! Launched by Dr. Seuss in 1957 with the publication of The Cat in the Hat, this beloved early reader series motivates children to read on their own by using simple words with illustrations that give clues to their meaning. Featuring a combination of kid appeal, supportive vocabulary, and bright, cheerful art, Beginner Books will encourage a love of reading in children ages 3–7.

Money, Money, Honey Bunny!

release date: Jan 24, 2006
Money, Money, Honey Bunny!
A charming follow-up to the classic Beginner Book It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny featuring hilarious, kid-friendly lessons about saving and spending—perfect for Easter or gift-giving all year round! Honey Bunny Funnybunny has lots and lots and lots of money. Some she saves, some she spends on herself, and some she spends on her friends. In this delightful rhyming book about spending and saving, the bear gets a chair, the fly gets some pie and, of course, the fox gets some socks. Bright and Early Books are perfect for beginning beginner readers! Launched by Dr. Seuss in 1968 with The Foot Book, Bright and Early Books use fewer and easier words than Beginner Books. Readers just starting to recognize words and sound out letters will love these short books with colorful illustrations. Look for more of Marilyn Sadler’s Funnybunny books! • It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny • Honey Bunny Funnybunny • It's Better Being a Bunny • Bunny with a Big Heart • Best Bunny Brother Ever

P.J. Funnybunny's Bag of Tricks

release date: Jan 27, 2004
P.J. Funnybunny's Bag of Tricks
The perfect springtime read for fans of P.J Funnybunny and magic! P. J. Funnybunny’s dad brings home a special present: a magic kit! P.J. studies all the tricks and does them just right. So why are his family and friends bored with his tricks? P.J. decides to show them the best trick of all . . . by disappearing!

Bobo Crazy

release date: Jan 01, 2001
Bobo Crazy
Meet Zenon Kar, a futuristic fifth grader who lives in a space station high above Earth. She's the star of a brand-new chapter book series and a #1-rated Disney Channel movie. Pets aren't allowed on Zenon's space station, so she becomes caught up in a craze for a robotic dog called a Tobo. Tobo dogs talk, fly, and even do homework. Every kid on the space station is getting one, but Zenon's dad buys her a cheap knockoff instead -- a Bobo, which has no ears, no tail, and no vocabulary! But what Bobo lacks in brains, he makes up for in loyalty. And when the Tobo dogs go haywire, Zenon's Bobo dog bravely saves the day!

What's Next, P. J. Funnybunny?

release date: Jan 01, 1998
What's Next, P. J. Funnybunny?
P.J. Funnybunny and his friends and family really mix things up in this workbook that challenges preschoolers to complete patterns, set stories straight, and discover many more fun and stimulating puzzles. Full color.

Honey Bunny Funnybunny

release date: Jan 21, 1997
Honey Bunny Funnybunny
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A hopping good "tail" about the ups and downs siblings face, featuring P.J. Funnybunny from the classic Beginner Book It's Not Easy Being a Bunny. Perfect for Easter or gift-giving all year round! It's not easy being Honey Bunny Funnybunny—P.J. Funnybunny's little sister. Like most big brothers, P.J. loves to tease and play jokes on his little sister. Poor patient Honey Bunny puts up with almost everything. But the jokes stop short when P.J. paints the sleeping Honey Bunny's face bright green. Mr. and Mrs. Funnybunny are hopping mad...From now on, things are going to be different in the Funnybunny household! But does Honey Bunny really want something different? Beginner Books are fun, funny, and easy to read! Launched by Dr. Seuss in 1957 with the publication of The Cat in the Hat, this beloved early reader series motivates children to read on their own by using simple words with illustrations that give clues to their meaning. Featuring a combination of kid appeal, supportive vocabulary, and bright, cheerful art, Beginner Books will encourage a love of reading in children. Look for more of Marilyn Sadler’s Funnybunny books! • It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny • Money, Money, Honey Bunny! • It's Better Being a Bunny • Bunny with a Big Heart • Best Bunny Brother Ever

Zenon

release date: Apr 01, 1996
Zenon
Because Zenon creates trouble at her space station home somewhere in the Milky Way, her parents send her to her grandparent's farm on Earth to work for the summer.

Bob 'n John, Bad to the Bone

release date: Jan 01, 1996
Bob 'n John, Bad to the Bone
The cats, Bob and John, love their neighborhood at the end of South Paw Boulevard and are horrified when former residents of Canine Park move in next door.

Alistair and the Alien Invasion

release date: Jan 01, 1996
Alistair and the Alien Invasion
When aliens invade from outer space, boy genius Alistair is the only person able to save the Earth.

Alistair Alien Invasion (Mpc) 010495

release date: May 01, 1995

Bedtime for Bunnies

release date: Jan 01, 1994
Bedtime for Bunnies
When their mother says it is time for bed, the Funnybunny children disappear. Each page has a cut-out showing a hiding place.
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