New Releases by Sophie Blackall

From two-time Caldecott Medallist Sophie Blackall and artist Phoebe Wahl comes a luminous book that braids together the joy of storytelling with the satisfaction of learning a new craft.​ Class 203 is braiding. In fact, they are in a braiding craze. They started with hair and shoelaces, and now they have brought rags from home. Their braid gets longer and longer until one idea transforms it into an extraordinary surprise for their teacher. Here is the story of a rag rug, woven through with the histories of the scraps used to create it, and the tales told as it was being made. The result is a special handmade place where the whole class can gather, ready for more stories. This charming celebration of storytelling is intertwined with an easy-to-learn and impressive craft project, including instructions, and will have readers reaching for scraps to make their own rag rug. PRAISE FOR SOPHIE BLACKALL: 'A tender and quietly clever tale about friendship, differences and really seeing someone else' GOOD READING MAGAZINE on If We Were Dogs 'Full of imagination and gentle humour . . . The delightful illustrations provide outstanding detail and invite the reader to pore over the images' CHILDREN'S BOOK COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA on If I Was a Horse 'Charming and whimsical visual surprises are found throughout the impeccably designed pages . . . An exquisite equine fantasy, this encourages imaginations to giddyup and run wild and free' BOOKLIST on If I Was a Horse 'Absolutely gorgeous and brilliant fun' READINGS on If I Was a Horse 'A tender, layered masterpiece that itself deserves to be passed along for generations' NEW YORK TIMES on Farmhouse 'Gloriously detailed . . . One of the most evocative and beautiful picture books I've had the pleasure of reading' BETTER READING on Farmhouse 'A lyrical love letter to the past . . . The illustrations feel like a patchwork quilt - with pieces of history and experience stitched together to make a beautiful and complete whole . . . Every page can be revisited over and over again' CHILDREN'S BOOK COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA on Farmhouse 'Painted with the featherlight touch that distinguishes Caldecott Medallist Blackall's work, this graceful account of a lighthouse keeper's life celebrates a lost era . . . A jewel of a creation' PUBLISHERS WEEKLY on Hello Lighthouse 'I will be surprised if a more exquisite picture book will be published this year . . . Children will be fascinated' NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW on Hello Lighthouse

Two-time Caldecott Medallist Sophie Blackall's follow-up to her bestselling If I Was a Horse explores the challenges of first friendships through imaginative play. If we were dogs, what kind would we be? I'd be a big dog! And you'd be a little dog. Woof! Join two friends as they bark and growl, woof and howl - and maybe even quack - in a romp that makes room for everybody's ideas. Sophie Blackall unleashes an exuberant game of pretend that explores navigating friendship and celebrates boundless imagination. PRAISE FOR SOPHIE BLACKALL: 'Full of imagination and gentle humour . . . The delightful illustrations provide outstanding detail and invite the reader to pore over the images' CHILDREN'S BOOK COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA on If I Was a Horse 'Charming and whimsical visual surprises are found throughout the impeccably designed pages . . . An exquisite equine fantasy, this encourages imaginations to giddyup and run wild and free' BOOKLIST on If I Was a Horse 'Absolutely gorgeous and brilliant fun' READINGS on If I Was a Horse 'A tender, layered masterpiece that itself deserves to be passed along for generations' NEW YORK TIMES on Farmhouse 'Gloriously detailed . . . One of the most evocative and beautiful picture books I've had the pleasure of reading' BETTER READING on Farmhouse 'A lyrical love letter to the past . . . The illustrations feel like a patchwork quilt - with pieces of history and experience stitched together to make a beautiful and complete whole . . . Every page can be revisited over and over again' CHILDREN'S BOOK COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA on Farmhouse 'Painted with the featherlight touch that distinguishes Caldecott Medallist Blackall's work, this graceful account of a lighthouse keeper's life celebrates a lost era . . . A jewel of a creation' PUBLISHERS WEEKLY on Hello Lighthouse 'I will be surprised if a more exquisite picture book will be published this year . . . Children will be fascinated' NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW on Hello Lighthouse

Ivy & Bean is a heartwarming children's book that tells the story of two unlikely friends who forge an unexpected bond despite their differences. Ivy, a quiet and bookish girl, and Bean, a lively and mischievous girl, seem to be worlds apart. Ivy is content with her books and her solitary world, while Bean thrives on adventure and excitement. When Bean sets her sights on Ivy, she believes Ivy is too boring to be of any interest, but after a series of surprising encounters, the two girls discover they have more in common than they initially thought. As the story unfolds, the two girls embark on small adventures together that challenge their perspectives on friendship, fun, and what it means to be brave. Bean is curious and full of energy, pushing Ivy to break out of her comfort zone and embrace a more daring and adventurous side. Ivy, on the other hand, introduces Bean to the joys of reading and thinking deeply, showing her the beauty in quiet moments and imaginative worlds. The pairing of these contrasting personalities offers both girls an opportunity for personal growth and a deeper understanding of themselves and each other. Ivy & Bean is a delightful tale about the power of friendship and how people who seem completely different can still connect in meaningful ways. Through their friendship, Ivy and Bean show young readers that it's okay to be different and that sometimes, the best friendships form when you least expect them. The story, filled with humor and heart, encourages readers to embrace new experiences, appreciate diversity, and cherish the bonds that form from unexpected places.

Korean edition of [Things to Look Forward To: 52 Large and Small Joys for Today and Every Day] by Sophie Blackall. Everyone needs things to look forward to: big things and small things, on good days and on bad days, whether we actively create delight for ourselves or simply allow it to enter our lives. Korean edition translated by Jeong Hoi Seong.

In her funniest book yet, two-time Caldecott Medalist Sophie Blackall captures the astonishing spectacle of a child imagining life as a horse. And with a book jacket adorned with glitter, this romp really sparkles! If you were a horse, what would you do? Could you fit in your clothes? Would you give your little sister a ride? Would your brother even notice? Gallop along with two-time Caldecott Medalist Sophie Blackall through this riotous day in the life of a child who imagines their life as a horse. What ensues are uproarious, resonant episodes that feature a giant horse in familiar settings offering both a visual feast, a grand dose of joy, and a celebration of the real power of imagination to help us navigate the world.

Everyone needs things to look forward to: big things and small things, on good days and on bad days, whether we actively create delight for ourselves or simply allow it to enter our lives. In these pages, beloved author and illustrator Sophie Blackall has gathered a collection of joys for all of us—reminders that every day the sun comes up and new babies are born. She includes suggestions that you bake muffins for a friend, or draw a face on an egg and put it in the fridge where it will smile at you each time you open the door. With wisdom, whimsy, and compassion, the 52 illustrated ideas in this book offer moments of uplift and serendipity for yourself and your loved ones. A message of hope and solace in hard times and of joyful anticipation at times of new beginnings—whether you're grieving a loss or starting a new chapter—and for all the days in between—Things to Look Forward to is full of gentle reminders of the objects, occasions, gestures, and ideas that warm our hearts. There is always something bright on the horizon, and sometimes that horizon can be a lot closer than we think. BELOVED AUTHOR: Sophie Blackall is a world-renowned, two-time Caldecott award–winning children's book author and illustrator. Whether your kids grew up with Ivy & Bean and If You Come to Earth, or you're discovering Blackall's empathetic voice and gorgeous artwork for the first time, you’re sure to fall in love with her new book for adults and folks of all ages. UPLIFTING AND HOPEFUL: We all need a little reassurance that things will get better—this book offers just that, and so much more. It reminds us that while looking forward is important, sometimes we can take matters into our own hands and create our own joy when we need it most. THE PERFECT GIFT: Not only a promise of solace in tough times, this book is also a celebration of joyful new beginnings—after all, who has more to look forward to than parents of new babies, or recent grads? You'll want to give Things to Look Forward to to the grieving and the embarking alike. Perfect for new moms, new graduates, those going through breakups or suffering a loss, and anyone who could use a little extra joy in life just because. Perfect for: • Those going through hard times and those experiencing joyous life events • Parents (or aunts, uncles, grandparents) who have bought Sophie Blackall's books for their children and fallen in love with her artwork • Shoppers looking for the perfect grad gift or baby shower gift • People looking for a way to express sympathy with someone who is struggling or grieving

Two-time Caldecott winner Sophie Blackall spins a winning tale about Max, a feline whose behavior doesn't win any raves, except from the boy who believes in him and finds a way to turn a negative into a positive. When a boy is FINALLY allowed to get a cat, he has no doubts about which one to bring home from the shelter. But Max the cat isn’t quite what the family expected. He shuns the toy mouse, couldn’t care less about the hand-knitted sweater, and spends most of his time facing the wall. One by one, the family gives up on Max, but the boy loves his negative cat so much, he’ll do anything to keep him. Even the thing he dreads most: practicing his reading. Which, as it turns out, makes everything positive!

A New York City-themed bingo game that features 50 quintessentially New York characters and objects painted by two-time Caldecott winner and bestselling author Sophie Blackall. Calling all bingo players and Big Apple fans to the table! With ten 25-square bingo boards, 80 tokens, and 50 calling cards included, up to ten players of all ages can play this whimsically illustrated version of the beloved game. Visit New York from the comfort of your own home and keep your eyes peeled for the city's classic iconography, from pizza, bagels, and pigeons to the Chrysler Building, the Staten Island Ferry, and much more!

Traditional Chinese edition of Hello Lighthouse

A beloved picture book from two-time Caldecott Medal award-winner Sophie Blackall that transports readers to the seaside in timeless, nautical splendor! Watch the days and seasons pass as the wind blows, the fog rolls in, and icebergs drift by. Outside, there is water all around. Inside, the daily life of a lighthouse keeper and his family unfolds as the keeper boils water for tea, lights the lamp's wick, and writes every detail in his logbook. Step back in time and through the door of this iconic lighthouse into a cozy dollhouse-like interior with the extraordinary award-winning artist Sophie Blackall.

D'où viennent les bébés ? Lorsque ses parents lui annoncent qu'il va avoir un petit frère ou une petite sœur, ce petit garçon a un tas de questions qui lui viennent en tête. Et ce qui le tracasse particulièrement, c'est de savoir d'où viennent les bébés. Sa baby-sitter, Olive, lui parle d'un arbre à bébés, son grand-père de cigognes, le facteur d'œufs... Heureusement, son papa et sa maman sauront répondre à ses questions. Le mot de l'éditeur : Un album aux illustrations douces qui permet de répondre de façon juste et simple à la fameuse question que posent tous les enfants.

Cleverly revealing the basics of reproduction in an age-appropriate way, award-winning Sophie Blackall has created a beautiful picture book full of playful details to amuse and engage readers. Sooner or later, every child will ask, Where do babies come from? Answering this question has never been this easy or entertaining! Join a curious little boy who asks everyone from his babysitter to the mailman, getting all sorts of funny answers along the way, before his parents gently set him straight.

Ivy and Bean are always up to something. Whether they re playing tricks on Bean s older sister, doing good deeds that turn bad, or even trying to solve global warming, their adventures are always hilarious and filled with surprises! Now fans can reenact the duo s escapades (or create new ones!) with these Ivy and Bean stand-up paper dolls. Also included are two sturdy play scenes for displaying the dolls or acting out their adventures, plus reusable vinyl stickers of colorful clothes, silly hats, and all kinds of items for getting into mischief like an octopus in a bucket! WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

In her first book for adults, the artist Sophie Blackall creates a deeply felt, poignant book about love—a book that captures the mystery, the yearning, at times the cosmic humor behind the “what if?” of a missed connection. Like a message in a bottle, a “missed connection" classified (usually posted on a website) is an attempt however far-fetched, by one stranger to reach another on the strength of a remembered glance, smile, or blue hat. The anonymous messages are hopeful and hopeless, funny and sad. Ms. Blackall, award-winning illustrator of Ruby’s Wish and Big Red Lollipop, has turned some of the most evocative (or hilarious) of them into exquisite paintings. Missed Connections is a collection of illustrated love stories. There’s “We Shared a Bear Suit.” “If Not for Your Noisy Tambourine.” “Hairy Bearded Swimmer.” Each is told in the shorthand of a “missed connection,” and then illustrated in Chinese ink and watercolor. The paintings are extraordinary: delicate yet full of feeling, each springing from one little detail of the post into a fully imagined world. Each brings the voyeuristic pleasure of watching love at first sight, and the pleasure of watching an artist discover a fresh new way to tell a story. And not all the connections are missed. Hidden in the book are three pieces that conjure up the magic of love found.

Edward can’t fall asleep, and like most children, he has a million questions burning to be answered even though it’s way past his bedtime. In this funny picture book about the all-familiar bedtime negotiations between child and parent, Edward and his mother talk about everything from yellow dogs to corn on the cob. Most children (and parents) will recognize themselves in this gentle ode to bedtime.

In this seventh entry in the New York Times–bestselling series, two unlikely best friends get creative as they prepare for the Science Fair. It's the Science Fair, and the second grade is all over it! Some kids are making man-eating robots. Some kids are holding their breath for a very, very long time. Some kids are doing interesting things with vacuum cleaners. The theme, obviously, is global warming. But what should Ivy and Bean do? Something involving explosions? Or ropes? Something with ice cubes? Or maybe . . . maybe something different. Praise for What's the Big Idea? "This seventh episode about unlikely best friends Ivy and Bean may be the most ambitious and triumphant yet . . . . Barrows and Blackall know just how to expose situations that are familiar to second-graders—with empathy and a light touch." —Shelf-Awareness

Provides instructions for performing such tricks as floating the needle, the rising pushpin, exchanging wine for water, and bottling a hard-boiled egg.