Boyd Bunny: The Stowaway
Boyd Bunny is a real rabbit who pretends to be a stuffy to stow away on a family trip—his first grand adventure. Soon, Boyd is sailing on a cruise ship, having wild encounters with lurking lobsters and drooly dogs—and quietly bonding with the boy. But he must sometimes act “stuffed”—if anyone discovers he’s real, Boyd could be locked away in a cage below deck. Boyd Bunny: The Stowaway (501 words) is a warm, humorous picture book that offers a unique flip on The Velveteen Rabbit, while capturing the playful, adventurous spirit of Buffalo Fluffalo. This delightful story will leave readers cheering for Boyd as he learns the true value of being real. Series potential.
Dragon Wagon
Thump! Thump! Thump! Unable to fly, Megan Dragon runs everywhere in her red sneakers, leaving a trail of books, food, and soccer gear! Remembering to run, jump, and flap all at once is too much. Her knees wobble, her tummy flutters, and she ends up in a tangled heap. Even her non-flying friends, Goat and Troll, try to coach her. Determined to get where she needs to go, Megan constructs a contraption that unexpectedly solves her problem, and she rises above her anxiety. Dragon Wagon (405 words) is a picture book that explores anxiety, courage, and tenacity. By combining the themes of If You Met a Dragon with the character growth of Jabari Jumps, it sets readers who deal with their own anxious hearts a-soaring!
Grandpa Dragon
Grandpa is independent, a master woodcarver, and getting older. In this tale, Grandpa works hard to avoid needing help from anyone. This is Grandpa’s journey. But when Megan sees an opportunity to “fix things”, a hilarious journey begins, along with her friends Goat and Troll. Will she eventually listen, and can they find a compromise that will work for all? Grandpa Dragon (505 words) is a tender yet humorous story of aging, love, and respect. This is a sequel to Dragon Wagon, but it can also be read as a standalone. This story combines the heartwarming tale of aging in Twice a Child with the dizzying adventures found in Disney’s Up.
Hugo Bear’s Big Sleep
Zzzzzz! Papa Bear’s snoring wakes up Hugo…again. But this is the morning after hibernation—so why can’t he sleep? While Papa and Mama sleep, Hugo spends the day eating and playing–until danger approaches, and Hugo discovers that staying awake may be exactly what his family needs! Hugo Bear’s Big Sleep (517 words) is a heartwarming picture book about growth, protectiveness, and love, blending the sweetness of Bear Snores On with the quiet resourcefulness of A Story for Small Bear. Backmatter and discussion questions are available.
Luca the Reluctant Llama Leader
P-t-o-o-o-e-y! The leadership challenge has been called—but who will be the next Llama Leader? Much to his dismay, Luka wins. Determined to improve life for his herd, he tries one leadership style after another. But when his efforts put the herd at risk, Luka must figure out what it really means to be a good leader. Luka, the Reluctant Llama Leader (524 words) is a humorous picture book about listening, caring, and community. This leadership tale combines the sweet naivete and heart of What Do You Do with an Idea? with the team dynamics of The Sandcastle That Lola Built.
Room for the Piano
Mama and Papa dream of filling their tiny cottage with music, with their beloved grand piano at the heart. But as their family grows, each child finds their own unique voice (builder, farmer, storyteller), and the piano is moved again and again as the family’s dreams find their own unique cadence. In the end, their family is almost-perfectly harmonious. Understanding that their parents’ musical talents are lacking, the children quietly slip on their noise-canceling headphones—and love them anyway. Room for the Piano (472 words) is a warm, humorous picture book that tells a tale of love, identity, and acceptance. It combines the inclusiveness of A Family Like Ours with the acceptance of individuality found in I Am Me: A Book of Authenticity, with the family togetherness that grows in The Family Tree. The ending notes will make your heart sing!
The Rusty Dusty Tractor
Honorable Mention – 2026 Writer’s Digest Writing Contest
Oscar and Jack, 9-year-old brothers, choose ‘Help Bernice’ as their summer service project, expecting a few simple chores—and lots of homemade cookies. They’re surprised to discover she isn’t an 87-year-old grandma, but a broken-down tractor. Since Farmer Sam has promised to lead the parade with Bernice in three days, the boys rally the community to fix her up in time. As more and more neighbors trek to the farm, the boys—and Farmer Sam—discover that restoring Bernice builds something even bigger: a sense of community. The Rusty, Dusty Tractor (670 words) is a heartwarming picture book about collaboration and community. It blends the farm charm of The Little Blue Truck with the “many hands helping” found in Thank You, Omu!
Skipper Chip & Captain Jax
Honorable Mention – 2026 Writer’s Digest Writing Contest
Fish guts and frosting cover the deck of The Matilda, the ship shared by best friends Skipper Chip and Captain Jax after their sailboat, The Angelina, sank. They devise clever, hilarious solutions to keep their fishing and sightseeing tours afloat, prompting passengers to jump ship to escape the chaos! Over their nightly bowls of clam chowder, the two friends come up with a new idea to keep their friendship strong and their customers’ bellies satisfied. Skipper Chip and Captain Jax (515 words) is a captivating picture book that beautifully combines the coastal setting of Swashby and the Sea with the resilient spirit found in Dan Santat’s After the Fall. This delightful story will leave you longing to join the characters on the beach at sunset!
So, You Found a Magic Wand
So, you’ve found a magic wand. You’ll need this manual! A mischievous corner narrator shares five quirky tips to avoid magical disasters—from frogs turning into dressed-up dogs to camels line-dancing across the desert. He also reveals the wand’s gentler side, offering bedtime protection. So, You’ve Found a Magic Wand (530 words) is a rhyming picture book that is a lighthearted, fun read for children with opportunities for classroom discussion and a creative art project. It combines the magical dreams found in The Dream Painter with the lyrical fun of How to Catch a Yeti.
Tree House – Stone House
The Tree-Dwellers and the River People keep their distance. Fearful of the spooky dark forest and the wild raging river, they learned to mistrust one another. When a fierce monsoon brings them together to survive, they realize what they have in common. What happens when a third group moves into their area? Tree House – Stone House (590 words) is a heartwarming, universal fable that illustrates the importance of overcoming our biases and learning to rely on each other. This story combines the strength of confronting your fears in A Little Bit Brave with the broader message of The Garden of Us.
View from the High Jagged Mountain
Nine-year-old Gio gazes down from the mountain at the villages by the Bubbly River and the Great Forest below. Fleeing their war-torn village, he and his family dream of safety and a new home. Met with unexpected kindness yet still filled with fear, they must decide whether to trust and stay or continue their journey. View from the High Jagged Mountain (630 words) is a heartfelt picture book that tells the story of a refugee family through the eyes of a child. This story blends the themes of What is a Refugee? with the belief that we’re all connected, shared in Under the Same Sky. Seeing this journey through Gio’s eyes will warm your heart.
A sequel to Tree House – Stone House, this story can also stand on its own. Discussion questions available.
