“Vibrant colors prevail in Julie Paschkis’s lively folk art… Children ages 2-5 who like a bit of noise with their books will enjoy these bright and buoyant pages.” —Wall Street Journal

“This clever take on the alphabet book lets readers fill in the story on their own…. Paschkis’ folk-art–inspired illustrations, filled with movement, pattern, and color, practically leap off the page…. An absolute zoo of an ABC book—in the best possible way.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“[An] entertainingly madcap alphabet adventure… Paschkis provides delicate drawings… The solidly colored backgrounds pop with eye-catching hues…Paschkis keeps the compositions from becoming cluttered. Viewers will delight in narrating the action, particularly given the boisterous sounds occurring all throughout the book, and in spotting and naming all the animals that appear.” —The Horn Book Magazine

“Charming…adorable, brightly colored illustrations… Parents, teachers, and caregivers will enjoy the artwork and the opportunity to work on oral language…. A lovely and fun addition to an early childhood collection or for early literacy experiences.” —School Library Journal

“An especially lively alphabet to read aloud, and listeners will get a kick out of joining in on the cartoonish sounds. Folk-art-style patterns and motifs make Paschkis’ watercolor illustrations attractively decorative…a visually playful outing.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

Julie Larios is an award-winning poet whose work for adults has been included twice in The Best American Poetry series. With children, she loves exploring riddles, rhymes, chants, blessings, curses, playground songs, and the amazing music and mystery of words. She lives in Bellingham, Washington, at the northwest tip of the Pacific Northwest. This is her fifth book for children.

Julie Paschkis attended Cornell University and the School for American Craftsmen at RIT, where she earned a BFA. She taught art to grade school children for several years while working on her own art and illustration. Julie now works full-time painting, creating commercial illustrations, and illustrating children’s books. Some of her books include Albert the Fix-It Man; Where Is Catkin?; Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal: A Worldwide Cinderella; and Yellow Elephant: A Bright Bestiary. She lives in Washington. You can visit her website here.

“The momentarily dire consequences and subsequent détente are familiar, but Paschkis’s innate effervescence more than compensates. She fills the oversize pages with curly ink lines and folk art motifs and colors; it’s cozy and cheery, yet it still delivers on the big dramatic moment. While the narration tends toward the see-and-say, Paschkis writes with concision and an ear for words that make for great readalouds.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Kalinka’s blithe cluelessness and Grakkle’s grunting ire should tickle young listeners. Paschkis’ colorful and quirky illustrations, rendered in ink and gouache, heighten the supreme silliness of her tale…. Another cute odd-friendship story.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Humorous monster details will pull in readers for this lighthearted tale of an unusual friendship.” ―Booklist

“[A] fictitious tale that reads more like a modern-day fable….an important lesson about the value of self-control… A strong emphasis on friendship provides a solid theme for this book.” ―School Library Journal

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“Charming… This is an appealing picture book that children will love based on the characters and the engaging illustrations. The book is also great for teaching lessons, for instance that not everyone is the same nor wants the same things.…teachers will love to use it for various lessons throughout the year with all age ranges!” ―School Library Connection

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Parents’ Choice Recommended Award —Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2018

Julie Paschkis attended Cornell University and the School for American Craftsmen at RIT, where she earned a BFA. She taught art to grade school children for several years while working on her own art and illustration. Julie now works full-time painting, creating commercial illustrations, and illustrating children’s books. Some of her books include Albert the Fix-It Man; Where Is Catkin?; Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal: A Worldwide Cinderella; and Yellow Elephant: A Bright Bestiary. She lives in Washington. You can visit her website here.

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Parents’ Choice Recommended Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2015

Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education, 2016

CCBC Choices (Picture Books for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers) ―Cooperative Children’s Book Center, 2016

Capitol Choices Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens ―Capitol Choices, 2016

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Texas 2×2 Reading List ―Texas Library Association, 2016

Georgia Children’s Picture Book Award (Nominee) ―University of Georgia, 2016-2017

Red Clover Award (Honor List) ―Vermont Department of Libraries, 2016-2017

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Julie Paschkis attended Cornell University and the School for American Craftsmen at RIT, where she earned a BFA. She taught art to grade school children for several years while working on her own art and illustration. Julie now works full-time painting, creating commercial illustrations, and illustrating children’s books. Some of her books include Albert the Fix-It Man; Where Is Catkin?; Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal: A Worldwide Cinderella; and Yellow Elephant: A Bright Bestiary. She lives in Washington. You can visit her website here.

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Society of School Librarians International Book Awards (Honor Book, Language Arts, Grades K-6 Picture Books) ―Society of School Librarians International, 2012

Julie Paschkis attended Cornell University and the School for American Craftsmen at RIT, where she earned a BFA. She taught art to grade school children for several years while working on her own art and illustration. Julie now works full-time painting, creating commercial illustrations, and illustrating children’s books. Some of her books include Albert the Fix-It Man; Where Is Catkin?; Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal: A Worldwide Cinderella; and Yellow Elephant: A Bright Bestiary. She lives in Washington. You can visit her website here.

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Keystone to Reading Book Award (Nominee) ―Keystone State Reading Association, 2011-2012

Janet Lord earned her BA in graphic arts and advertising from Concord University and now works as a graphic designer. She is the author of Where Is Catkin?, Albert the Fix-It Man, and Here Comes Grandma!, all illustrated by her sister Julie Paschkis. She lives in Pennsylvania.

Julie Paschkis attended Cornell University and the School for American Craftsmen at RIT, where she earned a BFA. She taught art to grade school children for several years while working on her own art and illustration. Julie now works full-time painting, creating commercial illustrations, and illustrating children’s books. Some of her books include Albert the Fix-It Man; Where Is Catkin?; Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal: A Worldwide Cinderella; and Yellow Elephant: A Bright Bestiary. She lives in Washington. You can visit her website here.

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Janet Lord earned her BA in graphic arts and advertising from Concord University and now works as a graphic designer. She is the author of Where Is Catkin?, Albert the Fix-It Man, and Here Comes Grandma!, all illustrated by her sister Julie Paschkis. She lives in Pennsylvania.

Julie Paschkis attended Cornell University and the School for American Craftsmen at RIT, where she earned a BFA. She taught art to grade school children for several years while working on her own art and illustration. Julie now works full-time painting, creating commercial illustrations, and illustrating children’s books. Some of her books include Albert the Fix-It Man; Where Is Catkin?; Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal: A Worldwide Cinderella; and Yellow Elephant: A Bright Bestiary. She lives in Washington. You can visit her website here.