“Narrated in a balance of warmhearted insight and wacky naiveté, Charlie’s life will resonate with readers trying to navigate the simple but realistic perils of elementary school. Making friends, getting along with siblings, avoiding trouble at school—these situations matter to young readers, and Harley captures these emotions with a light and humorous touch.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Harley’s delightful friendship story, with Gustavson’s spot-on illustrations, is humorous, yet poignant, and portrays the heartfelt good nature of true friends.” —Booklist Online

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2020

Bill Harley is a two-time Grammy Award-winning storyteller, musician, and writer who has been writing and performing for kids and families for more than twenty-five years. He is the recipient of Parents’ Choice and ALA awards. He won a 2007 Grammy Award for his children’s storytelling album Blah Blah Blah and a 2009 Grammy Award for his children’s spoken-word album Yes to Running! Bill Harley Live. He lives in Massachusetts. You can visit his website here.

Adam Gustavson is the illustrator of more than twenty books for children, as well as numerous periodicals. He holds a master of fine arts degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York, and teaches at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He lives in New Jersey. You can visit his website here.

Bill Harley is a two-time Grammy Award-winning storyteller, musician, and writer who has been writing and performing for kids and families for more than twenty-five years. He is the recipient of Parents’ Choice and ALA awards. He won a 2007 Grammy Award for his children’s storytelling album Blah Blah Blah and a 2009 Grammy Award for his children’s spoken-word album Yes to Running! Bill Harley Live. He lives in Massachusetts. You can visit his website here.

Adam Gustavson is the illustrator of more than twenty books for children, as well as numerous periodicals. He holds a master of fine arts degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York, and teaches at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He lives in New Jersey. You can visit his website here.

“Beauty will always find a way to rise from violence, but this is a reminder all readers need.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“Text and illustrations work together to remind readers of the power of beauty in the face of human suffering…. A highly recommended book that highlights the capacity for empathy and humanity, even in a society faced with violence and war.” ―School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

“[A] powerful story of a musical performance that defied the horror of combat.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Moving… A bittersweet account of the power of art in dark times.” ―Booklist

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“Thought-provoking…” ―The Horn Book Guide

“Folksinger John McCutcheon’s picture book Flowers for Sarajevo provides an insightful response, combining history, humanity and music in a memorable picture book that’s perfect for young elementary school students…. Kristy Caldwell’s illustrations add dimension to the story by imbuing the central action on each spread with color, leaving the rest of the scene in muted tones. She brings the busy marketplace to life, depicting the mortar explosion and its destruction without being gruesome.” ―BookPage

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Parents’ Choice Gold Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2017

Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education, 2018

Cybils (Finalist, Fiction Picture Books) ―Cybils, 2017

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CCBC Choices (Historical People, Places, and Events) ―Cooperative Children’s Book Center, 2018

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―National Council for the Social Studies/Children’s Book Council, 2018

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Starred, Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2018

Storytelling World Resource Awards (Stories for Pre-Adolescent Listeners) ―Storytelling World magazine, 2019

Delaware Diamonds Award (Nominee, Grades 3-5) ―Diamond State Reading Association, 2018-2019

Prairie Bloom Children’s Book Award (Nominee) ―South Dakota Library Association, South Dakota Reading Council, South Dakota State Library, South Dakota Elementary School Principals, 2019-2020

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John McCutcheon is an accomplished instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter. He has received multiple Grammy nominations and numerous other awards, and regularly appears on National Public Radio. He lives in Georgia. You can visit his website here.

Kristy Caldwell received an MFA in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts. She lives in New York. You can visit her website here.

John McCutcheon is an accomplished instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter. He has received multiple Grammy nominations and numerous other awards, and regularly appears on National Public Radio. He lives in Georgia. You can visit his website here.

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John McCutcheon is an accomplished instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter. He has received multiple Grammy nominations and numerous other awards, and regularly appears on National Public Radio. He lives in Georgia. You can visit his website here.

Henri Sorensen has illustrated over twenty books for children, including The Yellow Star, The Printer, and Christmas in the Trenches. He is also the author-illustrator of two children’s books, New Hope and Your First Step. Sorensen lives in Denmark.

Terry Kay is the author of numerous bestselling and award-winning novels, several of which have been made into television movies. He lives in Georgia. You can visit his website here.

“Deedy’s text sparkles with sly humor… The stunning acrylic illustrations are full of color, light, and humor… This wonderful book will delight children.” ―School Library Journal

“Austin’s cockroach dwelling is a desirable piece of real estate, with its stairs made of gum wrappers, its wrought-plastic comb railing, and its exclusive mid-Havana address (it’s a lamppost). A friendly sprinkling of Spanish words, warmly drawn relationships and a lot of puns all widen the audience for this spirited story.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Lively and funny… Fun to compare with other versions, this telling has magic all its own.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Deedy’s masterful retelling of this Latino folktale has a rollicking voice imbued with sly tongue-in-cheek humor. The acrylic illustrations, in a hyper-realistic style reminiscent of a softer William Joyce, are rendered in a vivid tropical palette. Shifting perspectives and points of view add vitality to the compositions, and facial expressions reveal both emotions and character traits. A scattering of Spanish words adds zest to this fine read-aloud.” ―Booklist

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“The skillfully crafted acrylic illustrations capture the island’s ambience… The text flows easily.” ―Criticas, Starred Review

“Every page crackles with funny rhymes, silly sound effects, and wordplay that even adults will find irresistible.” ―Atlanta Magazine

“Gorgeously illustrated” ―Fort Worth Star-Telegram

“The humorous use of language, Cuban setting, and beautiful illustrations add to the book’s cultural authenticity.” ―REFORMA Newsletter

“Beauty and charm are not what we expect in a cockroach, but author Carmen Agra Deedy creates a sweet maiden in her re-telling of a Cuban folk tale about selecting a husband.” ―The Sacramento Bee

“It is an excellent way to introduce youngsters to the beauty of insects…” ―Sun Herald

“Children love the animals… The illustrations are WONDERFUL… Great for teaching a lesson on puns, whether for reading OR writing. Also has a great character development component to it about acceptance, kindness, and understanding. Also great to include in a folktale unit…” ―Write Wild

“Audio books have also gained acceptance as a type of reading, thanks to great recordings like ‘Martina the Beautiful Cockroach,’ written and narrated by Carmen Agra Deedy…” ―Jon Scieszka, Ambassador for Children’s Literature

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Pura Belpre Medal (Honor Book) ―American Library Association, Association for Library Service to Children, REFORMA, National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos, 2008

Odyssey Award (Honor) ―American Library Association, Booklist, Young Adult Library Services Association, 2009

Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education, 2008

Notable Children’s Recordings ―American Library Association, 2009

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Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―National Council for the Social Studies, Children’s Book Council, 2008

Amelia Bloomer Project (Nominee) ―ALA Booklist, Feminist Task Force, 2008

B. White Award (Nominee) ―Association of Booksellers for Children, 2008

Irma Simonton and James H. Black Award for the Best Picture Book of the Year (Honor Book) ―Bank Street College of Education, 2008

Society of School Librarians International Book Awards (Honor Book, Language Arts, Picture Books) ―Society of School Librarians International, 2008

International Latino Book Awards (Best Children’s Picture Book, English) ―Latino Book and Family Festival, Latino Literacy Now, 2008

Americas Award for Children’s and Young Adult Literature (Commended Title) ―National Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (CLASP), 2008

California Young Reader Medal (Primary) ―California Reading Association, CATE, CLA, CSLA 2010-2011

Children’s Book Award ―Florida Reading Association, 2008-2009

Young Hoosier Book Award (Nominee, Picture Book) ―Association for Indiana Media Educators, 2009-2010

Texas Bluebonnet Award (Master List) ―Texas Library Association, 2009-2010

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Starred, Primary) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2008

Monarch Award (Master List) ―Illinois School Library Media Association, 2011

Virginia Readers’ Choice Awards (Master List) ―Virginia State Reading Association, 2010-2011

Black-Eyed Susan Book Award (Nominee, Picture Book) ―Maryland Educational Media Organization, 2008-2009

Charlotte Award (Nominee, Primary) ―New York State Reading Association, 2010

Georgia Children’s Picture Storybook Award (Nominee) ―University of Georgia, 2010-2011

Golden Sower Award (Nominee, Primary) ―Nebraska Library Association, 2010-2011

Louisiana Young Readers’ Choice Award (Nominee, Grades 3-5) ―State Library of Louisiana and Louisiana Center for the Book, 2010

North Carolina Children’s Book Award (Nominee, Junior Book) ―North Carolina Reading Association, 2009

Patricia Gallagher Picture Book Award (Nominee) ―Oregon Reading Association, 2015-2016

Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Awards (Nominee, Grades K-3) ―Pennsylvania School Librarians Association, 2009-2010

South Carolina Picture Book Award (Nominee) ―South Carolina Association of School Librarians, 2009-2010

Treasure State Award (Nominee) ―Montana State Reading Council, 2010

Volunteer State Book Awards (Master List, Grades K-3) ―Tennessee Association of School Librarians, 2009-2010

Anne Izard Storytellers’ Choice Award ―Westchester Library System, 2008

Books All Young Georgians Should Read ―Georgia Center for the Book, 2014

Hispanic Heritage Month Recommended Reading List ―Just Read, Florida!, 2013

Read On Wisconsin! (Primary) ―Read On Wisconsin!, 2009

Storytelling World Resource Awards (Winner, Stories for Young Listeners) ―Storytelling World, 2009

Mockingbird Award (Nominee) ―Abilene Independent School District, 2008-2009

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Carmen Agra Deedy, a New York Times bestselling author, has been writing and traveling around the world telling stories for more than twenty years. Her books have received numerous awards and honors. Carmen has performed in many prestigious venues, but children are her favorite audience. Born in Havana, Cuba, she came to the United States as a refugee and like most immigrants sees the world from multiple perspectives. She lives in Georgia. You can visit her website here.

Michael Austin is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, a creative director, and the illustrator of several books. He lives in Georgia. You can visit his website here.

“Youngsters will enjoy the funny touches and librarians may feel the good-humored tap of a reminder that books are for kids.” ―School Library Journal

“Deedy is an accomplished storyteller, and kids will likely enjoy her frequent puns and wordplay and [Michael White’s] droll, stylized illustrations, filled with vibrant color and lots of comical details.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Full of witty word-play and double meanings, this fun read about a dragon librarian who guards the books and thinks ‘storytime is simply medieval’ is sure to make you ‘on fire with enthusiasm.’” ―Book for that Kids

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“I love the story. I love the images. I love the humor. I love the language. I love it as a parent, a teacher, and a writer. I could read it over and over and over because the humor and the language and the story and the pictures are just that engaging…” ―Christie Write Wild

“The illustrations are colorful and the creation of the dragon librarian and her antics will entice children to find the Library Dragon in their own school library.” ―It’s About Time MaMaw

“There’s plenty of wordplay to keep both parent and child entertained. Miss Scales ‘smoulders’ and is so tired after all her anger that she is simply ‘draggin’ near the end of the story. These examples, and many others, give readers opportunities to place emphasis on the words as they’re being read and stop to give context or discuss the rich vocabulary. It’s a terrific way to teach children about words, homophones and puns…” ―Kid Book Doctor

“Somehow, I had missed out on reading this book! We picked up the book with the audio cd at the public library and it’s now my new favorite book about Librarians. I will definitely be using it and recommending it for elementary librarians. Classic! The audio is a must because the author, Carmen Agra Deedy, gives the dragon a “I just smoked a carton of cigarettes” voice and it is hilarious!” ―Mrs. Library Fanatic

“This book has to rank right up there as one of my ‘most delighting’ kids’ books to listen to one of my tribe read. Just look at the grin on my boy’s face!!! I’d listen to his giggles as he’d sound out one of the harder, very tongue in cheek phrases and caught their silly meaning.” ―Our Wrighting Pad

“Clever wordplay, rich vocabulary and brightly colored illustrations make The Library Dragon a sharp, humorous commentary on children’s department librarians-be they dragons or dragonmasters!” ―A Page in a Book

“This is probably my favorite picture book of all. I first read it to my children when I checked it out from the library a few years ago. We’ve gotten it several times since. We all love it!” ―Write Wild

“The wordplay in this book is tops, and the illustrations are as funny as the words – pay close attention so you don’t miss a joke. The moral is nice, too…” ―The State Journal Register

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Notable Children’s Recordings ―Association for Library Service to Children, 2013

Children’s Book Award (Nominee) ―Florida Reading Association, 1997-1998

Young Hoosier Book Award (Nominee, Grades K-3) ―Association for Indiana Media Educators, 1999-2000

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Flicker Tale Children’s Book Award (Picture Book) ―North Dakota Library Association, 1997

Georgia Top 25 Reading List ―Georgia Center for the Book, 2002

Buckaroo Book Award (Nominee) ―Wyoming Library Association, Wyoming State Reading Council, 1999

Colorado Children’s Book Award (Nominee) ―Colorado Council of the International Reading Association, 1997

Volunteer State Book Awards (Master List, Grades K-3) ―Tennessee Association of School Librarians, 1997-1998

Read Alouds too Good to Miss ―AIME, 1998

Storytelling World Resource Awards (Winner, Special Storytelling Resources) ―Storytelling World, 2013

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Carmen Agra Deedy, a New York Times bestselling author, has been writing and traveling around the world telling stories for more than twenty years. Her books have received numerous awards and honors. Carmen has performed in many prestigious venues, but children are her favorite audience. Born in Havana, Cuba, she came to the United States as a refugee and like most immigrants sees the world from multiple perspectives. She lives in Georgia. You can visit her website here.

Michael P. White is an award-winning fine artist and the illustrator of several children’s books. He lives in Georgia. You can visit his website here.

“The swift-paced story is powered by peppy repartee between Charlie and the people in his life, as well as his droll internal monologue… Dynamic and skillfully drafted ink-and-watercolor spot illustrations from Gustavson, who illustrated Harley’s Lost and Found, help chronicle the hijinks.” ―Publishers Weekly

“While Charlie seems incapable of avoiding mishaps, he also has some very good qualities, like helpfulness, which will have readers cheering him on…this is a fast-paced, enjoyable first entry in a new chapter-book series.” ―School Library Journal

“Harley has teamed once again with illustrator Gustavson (Lost and Found, 2012) to create a real-life world in which a likable kid must face the everyday terrors of childhood: enormous bullies, looming teachers and thick gym coaches with huge pointing fingers. Into this series opener, Harley magically weaves the simple lesson that people, even teachers, can surprise you. Readers will be waiting to see how Charlie faces his next challenge in a series that marks a lovely change of pace from the sarcasm of Wimpy Kid.” ―Kirkus Reviews

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“Narrator Charlie is personable and well-rounded as a Ramona Quimby-esque protagonist who faces a series of kid-familiar challenges in trying his best to do the right thing…readers will welcome him as a bumbling but generous addition to the ranks of novels for novices.” ―The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“An engaging school story in which kids face kid-sized problems like strict teachers and playground disputes. Charlie’s poor judgment often results in sitcom-type humor, but he’s such a kindhearted kid–in a believable way, not a too-sweet way–that readers care about him and share his empathy for others.” ―Common Sense Media

“Kids will relate strongly to the well-meaning but trouble-bound Charlie. All the characters in this book are extremely realistic, and the pen-and-ink drawings will make kids stop reading for a moment just to admire the pages. There’s plenty of humor, and everything that happens in this book is written in a way that makes you think it could actually happen.” ―Blue Owl Reviews

“Young readers will have no problem relating to Charlie and will see the humor in Charlie’s series of blunders. Will easily appeal to the elementary school boy.” ―Boys to Books

“Charlie Bumpers is a cute book that is sure to get the kids laughing… Yes, Charlie sometimes doesn’t think things through but hey, don’t we all! I would recommend this book to any teacher, parent or kid. This would be a fun book to read aloud in the classroom, or great for bedtime read aloud, or even silent reading.” ―Gidget’s Bookworms

“The writing and story in this novel are pitch-perfect for younger middle-grade readers. Charlie and his friends feel like real kids, struggling with real problems. As always, Harley captures childhood perfectly, with a nice dose of his trademark humor and plenty of warmth. This series is sure to be a hit with kids who like reading about real-life kids like themselves and fans of the Horrible Harry series who are a little older now.” ―Great Books for Kids and Teens

“I really enjoyed the character of Charlie Bumpers. While I’ve never been “teacher of the year”, I’ve had several Charlies. Really sweet, good kids that just don’t have it all together… I could see myself (or others) including this book on a unit on Realistic Fiction, Back to School, or to teach the different ways you learn about a character (through their words, their actions, how others treat them/treat others, etc). Or, just for fun!” ―Maestra Amanda’s Bookshelf

“Solid little elementary school reader. We’ll be adding it to our juvenile collection at MPOW and I will recommend it for purchase at the school libraries I assist with collection development. I also plan to buy a copy for my cousin’s child as I think she’ll strongly identify with Charlie.” ―Amy Tureen, Netgalley

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Parents’ Choice Recommended Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2013

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association 2014

Beverly Cleary Children’s Choice Award ―Oregon Association of School Libraries, 2015-2016

Virginia Readers’ Choice (Master List) ―Virginia State Reading Association, 2015-2016

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Charlie May Simon Children’s Book Award (Nominee) ―Arkansas Department of Education, 2015-2016

Delaware Diamonds (Nominee, Grades 3-5) ―Diamond State Reading Association, 2014-2015

Flicker Tale Children’s Book Awards (Nominee, Intermediate) ―North Dakota Library Association, 2016

Golden Sower Award (Nominee, Intermediate) ―Nebraska Library Association, 2015-2016

Great Kids Can Read Award (Nominee) ―Greater Kansas City Association of School Librarians, 2015-2016

Massachusetts Children’s Book Award (Master List) ―Salem State College, 2015-2016

Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Awards (Nominee, Grades 3-6) ―Pennsylvania School Librarians Association, 2014-2015

Rhode Island Children’s Book Award (Nominee) ―Rhode Island IRA Chapter, RILA, REIMA, 2014-2015

Sequoyah Book Awards (Children’s Master list) ―Oklahoma Library Association, 2016

South Carolina Children’s Book Award (Nominee) ―South Carolina Association of School Librarians, 2015-2016

Horned Toad Tales (Nominee) ―Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District, 2014-2015

Gate City Book Award (Nominee) ―Elementary School Librarians of Nashua, New Hampshire, 2016-2017

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Bill Harley is a two-time Grammy Award-winning storyteller, musician, and writer who has been writing and performing for kids and families for more than twenty-five years. He is the recipient of Parents’ Choice and ALA awards. He won a 2007 Grammy Award for his children’s storytelling album Blah Blah Blah and a 2009 Grammy Award for his children’s spoken-word album Yes to Running! Bill Harley Live. He lives in Massachusetts. You can visit his website here.

Adam Gustavson is the illustrator of more than twenty books for children, as well as numerous periodicals. He holds a master of fine arts degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York, and teaches at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He lives in New Jersey. You can visit his website here.

“Fans of the [audiobook] series will enjoy this third installment, and those new to Charlie will have no trouble following along.” ―School Library Journal

“Harley serves up hilarious high jinks squirming with Halloween trouble…. A learning experience for more than just the main character.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Harley develops all of Charlie’s concerns with a nice sense of balance and levity, and Gustavson’s uncommonly good spot illustrations are frequent, adding notes of creepiness or humor at all the right places.” ―Booklist

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“Author and narrator Harley delivers another great story for young boys… An exceptional choice for fans of this series and of Sally Warner’s EllRay Jakes series and Tommy Greenwald’s Charlie Joe Jackson series.” ―Booklist Online

“Occasional ink and watercolor illustrations highlight the installment’s funniest moments.” ―Horn Book Guide

“The more I read of Charlie, the more I like him for a good series for younger readers.” ―Ms. Yingling Reads

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Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2015

Bill Harley is a two-time Grammy Award-winning storyteller, musician, and writer who has been writing and performing for kids and families for more than twenty-five years. He is the recipient of Parents’ Choice and ALA awards. He won a 2007 Grammy Award for his children’s storytelling album Blah Blah Blah and a 2009 Grammy Award for his children’s spoken-word album Yes to Running! Bill Harley Live. He lives in Massachusetts. You can visit his website here.

Adam Gustavson is the illustrator of more than twenty books for children, as well as numerous periodicals. He holds a master of fine arts degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York, and teaches at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He lives in New Jersey. You can visit his website here.