Illustrated Books
A witty, heartwarming exploration of father-son relationships and growing up male in today's culture, through the lens of a boy yearning to forge his own identity.
Chuck Whipplethorp has a lot to live up to. He is Charles Whipplethorp the Fifth after all, named after his seriously cool ancestors who were explorers, soldiers, and scientists--his grandpa even discovered a new species of insect! One day Chuck looks at his stay-at-home dad, huddled over his laptop, and asks: "Dad...when I grow up, am I going to be as boring as you?" With a little help from his nurturing father, Chuck finds his own source of strength and individuality through creativity, and helps him to discover that "greatness" comes in many forms.
The Great Whipplethorp Bug Collection offers a multigenerational family portrait with humor and heart, while unpacking gender roles and acknowledging the universal desire young readers feel to belong and make a mark in the world.
“A charmer about finding self-confidence and one’s place in a family.” — Kirkus (starred review)
This warm and tender story about being yourself--even when you're sad, anxious, or feeling lonely--reminds readers that human connection is essential, tears can heal, and a new day is always coming.
Being Edie is hard today. No one understands. Not her mother. Not her teachers, or the kids at school. If only if she could be an animal! Edie's imagination may be the perfect escape, but she can't run from her feelings forever if she's going to be comfortable in her own skin.
Debut author/illustrator team Ben Brashares and Elizabeth Bergeland offer an entirely original, wry, and poignant take on having a bad day--and trying again the next.
"Edie's plight is identifiable to anyone who's ever been bullied or who sometimes finds everyday life a bit of a struggle." ―Kirkus Reviews
"This book will serve as a reminder to adult readers harried by kid antics that the comparatively small problems of youth should still be treated with kindness and empathy."―School Library Connection