New Releases by Mike Wohnoutka

Could the third time be the charm? Bear is determined to break his string of showtime disasters in this comedy of perseverance from the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award–winning illustrator of See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog. Bear’s track record when it comes to putting on a show hasn’t been exactly stellar. His puppet show was a flop (anyone could get tangled in those strings, right?). His baking show had some, er, unexpected developments. But Bear is confident that his magic show will be a success! Can Bear ace the tricks on his program for his eager friend Fox and pull a rabbit out of a hat, guess a card, and . . . well, there’s always the disappearing act! With a funny narrative told in bold visual jokes and simple language, this latest act from the award-winning Mike Wohnoutka will have newly confident readers lining up for an encore.

In a feel-good concept book, the Geisel Award–winning illustrator of See the Cat gives young children a vocabulary for naming—and managing—their emotions. From delight to disgust, excitement to fear, worry to confidence, boredom to curiosity, feelings can shift in a heartbeat. Mike Wohnoutka’s simple words and tender, nuanced illustrations follow three young children as they traverse emotional highs and lows over the course of a school day. The wide spectrum of emotions covered—far beyond happy and sad—invites readers to share their own contradictory, unpredictable, ever-present feelings. Vetted by an expert in the science of children’s emotions, this day in the inner life of three kids encourages first steps toward emotional literacy and is a satisfying narrative that ends with the adorable trio converging after school in the park—ready for play!

"Join Mike Wohnoutka's adorable animal friends as they sing along with this family favorite. Familiar rhythms and rhymes will introduce children to the sounds of language." --Publisher's website.

Croc & Turtle may be different, but they're the best of friends! This adorable winter-themed story will warm your heart, and is perfect for fans of Penguin and Pinecone. Croc and Turtle are best friends! It's a wintry day, so Croc and Turtle are ready for snow fun! But Croc likes outside activities and Turtle likes inside activities. What happens when best friends have very different ideas of fun? In this new humorous and heartwarming adventure, Croc and Turtle navigate the ups and downs of friendship.

A simple, clever text paired with utterly adorable animal characters makes school-day jitters seem not so big after all! Bear is so big, and he's ready to start school! But even if you're SO BIG, you might feel a little nervous at times. Can Bear brave his first day and find a way to make it feel just right? A clever and charming story, So Big! is the perfect gift for helping young readers through all the important first steps in life, especially the sometimes scary, but always exciting first day of school. Acclaim for Dad's First Day Bank Street Best Children's Books of 2016--outstanding merit title Acclaim for Moo! An ALA Notable book A BCCB Blue Ribbon selection

For fans of Penguin and Pinecone, this adorable new duo will warm your heart and tickle your funny bone. Meet Croc! He is the strongest and fastest crocodile around. Meet Turtle! He agrees that Croc is the strongest and fastest. But what happens when Elephant lifts that heavy rock with ease? And when Cheetah speeds on by? Croc and Turtle might not be the strongest or the fastest, but they're definitely the best at something even more important . . . Introducing an utterly charming new duo, this humorous and heartwarming adventure will delight readers of all ages.

Although other animals are better at lifting, jumping, and running, Croc and Turtle discover something they are best at.

"Tout l'été, Olivier et son papa jouent ensemble, rient ensemble, chantent ensemble et lisent ensemble. Quand vient le jour de la rentreée, Olivier est fin prêt... mais son papa, lui, ne l'est pas. Il est anxieux. Ce n'est pas le cas d'Olivier. L'école, c'est peut-être amusant après tout!" -- goodreads.com

"Who wants to play?" wonders Little Puppy. The schoolchildren are too busy, the sleeping man is too lazy, the big dogs are too mean, and the cat is too boring. Maybe the monster wants a friend. The monster replies with a powerful ROAR! But with unfaltering optimism, inexhaustible goodwill, and a bit of naivete, the tiny puppy transforms the curmudgeonly monster into the perfect playmate.

Oliver can't wait for his first day of school, but his dad isn't quite ready! Celebrate the new school year with this fun-filled tale about embracing new experiences--at any age! Oliver and his dad spent all summer playing together, laughing together, singing together, and reading together. But now it's time for Oliver to start school, and he's so excited! But. . . his dad isn't. Suddenly, he feels nervous and his tummy hurts. Maybe they should stay home together! But Oliver isn't convinced. What if the first day is really fun? What if it's the start of an exciting year? In this charming story, acclaimed author and illustrator Mike Wohnoutka perfectly captures the mixed emotions felt by kids and their parents during big changes.