Author & Illustrator Profile
David Ezra Stein
23 Books
David Ezra Stein is an award-winning author and illustrator of children's picture books, best known for his highly popular Caldecott Honor book, Interrupting Chicken. His engaging stories often feature expressive animal characters and playfully explore themes of nature, family, and curiosity. Through works like Leaves and Monster Hug!, Stein delights young readers with his vibrant watercolor illustrations and charming, humorous narratives.
The ballet is starting, the music is swelling, and one very excited little red chicken is ready to help tell the story. Papa just wants to enjoy a peaceful winter vacation trip to see The Nutcracker, but his enthusiastic daughter has other plans. She promised to be on her best behavior, but the moment the villainous bully Fritz and the sword-swinging Mouse King appear, the temptation to jump in becomes too much. Get ready for giggles as the world's most lovable interrupter dances right onto the stage to save the day. You will love seeing what happens when a classic holiday tale gets completely turned upside down. This hilarious adventure shows that sometimes the best part of a show is the audience.
6-8 Years
50 Pages
Cowboy Ned and his trusty horse Andy go everywhere together. They are the best of partners, sharing every trail and campfire out in the wide open desert. But everything changes the day Ned introduces a new friend named Miss Clementine. Suddenly, Andy feels left out in the cold. It is not easy watching your best buddy spend all his time with someone else. You will recognize the sting of jealousy as Andy tries to figure out where he fits in now. This tender story explores the bumpy road of expanding a circle of friends. Step into a beautifully drawn western world that proves there is always enough room in the heart for one more friend.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Meet a curious little bear who is experiencing his very first autumn! One day, a yellow leaf falls right onto his nose. What is happening? The bear watches as more and more leaves float down from the trees. He tries to put them back on the branches, but they won't stick! Soon, he's having a wonderful time playing in the crunchy piles of red, orange, and yellow leaves.
Follow the bear through the year as he observes the leaves changing with each passing season. From bright green spring leaves to the snowy quiet of winter, you'll discover the wonders of nature right alongside him. This gentle story is perfect for exploring the beautiful world outside your window.
6-8 Years
34 Pages
A long winter sleep is finally over, and Bear wakes up with a single, golden thought in his head. Honey! There is just one tiny problem. The world is only just beginning to thaw, and the sweet treat he craves is not quite ready yet. Waiting can be the hardest thing to do, especially when your tummy is rumbling. But as Bear bides his time, he rediscovers the other wonderful parts of his forest home. You will feel the warm grass under his paws, taste the fresh berries, and splash in the cool creek right alongside him. This gentle, beautifully illustrated tale celebrates the joy of anticipation and the quiet thrill of savoring the things you love most.
6-8 Years
33 Pages
Two rambunctious friends are wide awake and ready to turn the whole world into their personal playground. From the moment they leap out of bed, these young monsters play with absolute, earth-shaking gusto. You know the kind of playtime where you run faster, jump higher, and laugh louder than you ever thought possible. That is exactly what these two do all day long. They stomp, romp, and completely wear each other out with colossal fun. Join in the energetic chaos of a day filled with bold adventures and boundless enthusiasm. This lively story perfectly captures the wild, untamed joy of having a best friend who matches your energy step for step, right down to the final good-bye hug.
6-8 Years
33 Pages
A growing tadpole simply cannot get enough of his amazing frog dad. From the lily pad to the muddy bank, this little swimmer is determined to stay right by his father's side every single second of the day. Dad loves his energetic son, but he just wants one tiny moment of peace and quiet. You will laugh out loud as the tiny tadpole constantly interrupts, splashes, and wiggles his way into his tired father's personal space. Dive into this funny and tender reflection of family dynamics that highlights the intense, sometimes exhausting, but always deeply affectionate bond between a parent and child. It is a heartwarming reminder of how much a little one looks up to their biggest hero.
6-8 Years
42 Pages
Three whole days without seeing her beloved grandmouse feels like an absolute eternity for a young city mouse. Mouserella misses her grandmother so much that her mama suggests a brilliant idea. Write a letter! Grabbing her crayons and paper, Mouserella sets out to document every single important thing that has happened since they last hugged. You will get to peek over her shoulder as she draws pictures and shares the tiny, wonderful details of her busy life in the city. This sweet, charming story captures the special connection between generations. It celebrates the simple magic of putting pencil to paper to let someone far away know exactly how much you care about them.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Some dogs need humans to fetch their slippers or tell them they are good boys, but not this fiercely independent pup. He runs his own life. He curls up at his own feet, gives himself a satisfying scratch, and handles his daily business all by himself. But there is one itchy spot right in the middle of his back that he simply cannot reach. When he finally lets a friendly human give it a good scratch, the poor guy just will not stop following him home. You will chuckle at this hilarious role-reversal as a confident dog takes on the responsibility of adopting a human. Discover the hilarious and heartwarming journey of training a person to be the perfect, faithful companion.
6-8 Years
33 Pages
The little red chicken is bursting with brilliant answers, and she just needs Mr. Popperman to call on her. Today is the class trip to the art museum, and the teacher has given strict instructions about raising wings and not calling out. But the museum is filled with incredible paintings, and Chicken knows exactly what feeling Edvard Munch is trying to show, and exactly which animal belongs in the Peaceable Kingdom. You will feel her hilarious frustration as she jumps, moans, and waves her wing frantically, trying everything to get noticed without technically breaking the rules. Join the beloved, excitable character as she tries her absolute hardest to hold her tongue in a place entirely full of wonderful things to talk about.
6-8 Years
Do you know what it feels like to be cozy and safe, nestled inside your mama's pouch? Little Joey the kangaroo loves his warm home, but sometimes, a peek at the big, wide world calls to him! Join Joey as he takes his very first wobbly hops outside, exploring the grassy plains and meeting all sorts of interesting creatures.
Each little hop makes Joey a tiny bit braver. He learns new things and sees amazing sights, all while knowing Mama is always close by. This sweet story is about finding your courage, trying new things, and the special comfort of family. It's a perfect tale for anyone who's ready to take a small step into a bigger adventure!
6-8 Years
32 Pages
The world is massive, exciting, and brand new for a newly hatched dinosaur named Dinah. She spends her very first day stomping her big feet and chomping with her mighty jaws, discovering just how much fun being a dinosaur can be. But when she spots two creatures sharing a gentle kiss, she decides she wants to try doing that, too. The only problem is that Dinah's enthusiastic attempts keep turning into whomps, chomps, and stomps. You will root for this clumsy, lovable prehistoric toddler as she tries to figure out how to show affection without accidentally flattening her friends. It is an energetic, laugh-out-loud romp about learning the right way to deliver a sweet, gentle greeting.
6-8 Years
33 Pages
Out on a dusty cattle drive beneath the wide desert sky, a loyal horse named Andy realizes something important. Tomorrow is Cowboy Ned's birthday, and a birthday in the middle of nowhere just does not feel right without a cake. While Ned sleeps by the campfire, Andy quietly slips away into the quiet, starlit night to find the perfect surprise. You will ride along on a sweet, slightly bumbling quest as this devoted horse searches high and low for a way to make his best friend's special day complete. Experience the deep, quiet bond between a cowboy and his horse in a beautifully illustrated adventure that proves the best gifts come straight from the heart.
6-8 Years
The gentle rhythm of a timeless lullaby takes on a whole new warmth in the paws of a loving papa bunny. As the day quietly winds down, he cradles his little one and sings a soothing song about all the wonderful things he will do to keep them safe and happy. You will feel the quiet comfort of the burrow as the papa promises the moon, the stars, and endless affection. This beautiful reimagining of a classic tune perfectly captures the deep, unconditional love a parent holds for their child. It is a tender, deeply comforting story designed to help you settle down, snuggle in close, and drift off to sleep feeling entirely protected and deeply cherished.
6-8 Years
34 Pages
A single, joyful grin on a busy New York street can travel farther than anyone ever imagined. When a little girl named Amelia skips down the sidewalk with a huge smile on her face, it instantly brightens the day of a woman passing by. That sudden burst of happiness inspires the woman to send a care package to her grandson all the way in Mexico. You will follow the remarkable ripple effect as one tiny act of warmth bounces from person to person, crossing oceans and borders in the blink of an eye. This beautifully illustrated journey shows exactly how powerful your own joy can be. It proves that a simple, happy moment has the magic to connect and uplift people across the entire world.
6-8 Years
41 Pages
It is finally time for bed, and a sleepy little red chicken is ready for her favorite fairy tales. Papa is perfectly willing to read to her, but only if she promises not to interrupt. She promises to be good, but the moment a sneaky wolf or an evil witch tries to trick the heroes, she just cannot hold back. You will laugh out loud as the little chicken continuously leaps into the story to warn Hansel and Gretel or Little Red Riding Hood, bringing the tales to an abrupt, hilarious halt. This brilliantly funny, award-winning book captures the boundless energy of a child who simply cares too much about the characters to let anything bad happen to them.
6-8 Years
42 Pages
Monkeys, mice, snakes, and cats are all gathering together to show exactly how wonderful it feels to treat others with care. In this gentle and engaging guide, a playful cast of animals demonstrates the simple actions that make the world a friendlier place. You will see how sharing a toy, offering a comforting hug, or simply playing fairly can turn a regular day into something special. With bright, cheerful illustrations and easy-to-understand examples, this story breaks down the basics of good manners and thoughtful behavior. It is a perfect, warmhearted introduction to understanding how your actions impact the friends around you, proving that being nice is the very best way to play.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Murray is a dog with a very long list of things that make him nervous. The loud boom of fireworks sends him hiding, the barking dogs at the local park make his paws tremble, and he definitely does not want to step outside when it is raining. You will completely understand his worries as the big, noisy world seems entirely overwhelming. But with a little bit of patience and a lot of gentle encouragement, Murray slowly begins to realize that he is stronger than his fears. He discovers that wearing a raincoat keeps him dry, and saying hello to other dogs can actually lead to new friendships. This tender, reassuring tale is a beautiful reminder that bravery takes time, and you do not have to be fearless to be brave.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
The sun is up, and the little red chicken has a very specific, incredibly sweet breakfast craving in mind. She wants cookies, and she wants them right now! Papa, who is desperately trying to grab just a few more minutes of sleep, attempts to distract her with soothing nursery rhymes. You will crack up as his plan completely backfires. The clever little chicken effortlessly twists every classic rhyme to include her favorite baked goods, turning Hickory Dickory Dock and Little Miss Muffet into hilarious demands for a sugary morning treat. Join the beloved, boisterous character for a laugh-out-loud morning battle of wills that proves how creative a hungry kid can be when they have their heart set on dessert for breakfast.
6-8 Years
41 Pages
High up in the branches, Ol' Mama Squirrel runs a tight ship. She has fiercely protected countless babies over the years, successfully scolding and chasing away every single cat, owl, and dog that dared to come near her beloved tree. You will marvel at her relentless bravery as she chatters and scolds to keep her family safe. But her ultimate test arrives in the form of a massive, determined grizzly bear who is eyeing her home. This giant predator is not easily intimidated by a tiny, angry rodent. Dive into this hilarious, action-packed showdown as a fierce mother unleashes her full fury. It is a wildly entertaining tribute to the unstoppable protective power of a devoted parent facing impossible odds.
6-8 Years
37 Pages
A brand new bird has strutted into Simpleton, and he brings a pocket full of sneaky tricks. This devious duck has cooked up a master plan to separate the trusting townspeople from their hard-earned cash, all to satisfy his endless craving for freshly baked bread. Meanwhile, the town is buzzing with absolute chaos. The local inventor is testing out explosive new kitchen gadgets, the inspector is obsessed with bulking up, and the chef is desperately searching for a new baker. You will love watching Beaky Barnes, the sharp-eyed chicken, calmly observe the madness as she protects her adorable new baby chick. Jump into this fast-paced, laugh-out-loud comic adventure to see if a clever chicken can outsmart the town's newest, feather-ruffling con artist.
6-8 Years
129 Pages
The little red chicken is bursting with excitement about her latest homework assignment. She just learned that every truly great story must include an elephant of surprise. Her amused Papa gently tries to correct her, explaining that it is actually an element of surprise, but Chicken is entirely unconvinced. After all, she is ready to find the hidden elephants in The Ugly Duckling, Rapunzel, and The Little Mermaid. You will laugh out loud as the enthusiastic chicken eagerly flips through the pages, waiting for a massive, trunk-swinging mammal to crash the party. Dive into this incredibly clever, joyful follow-up that celebrates the magic of reading, the thrill of the unexpected, and the unstoppable imagination of a young reader.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
The town is completely out of eggs, and the local cafe is in a state of absolute panic. But a no-nonsense chicken named Beaky Barnes happens to be having a lovely lunch nearby with her treasured egg safely by her side. Suddenly, a chaotic, slapstick chase erupts through the streets. You will be breathless with laughter as Beaky grabs every tool in her coop to outsmart a relentless inspector and an overly ambitious entrepreneur who wants to put her to work. Fast-paced, visually hilarious, and packed with madcap comedy, this graphic novel weaves three wild storylines into one massive, side-splitting escape. Watch a fierce, brilliant chicken prove that she is not to be messed with.
6-8 Years
129 Pages
Ice Boy has a perfectly normal life inside the freezer. Like all ice cubes, he is expected to wait patiently until he is chosen to cool down a summer drink or soothe a bumped knee. His parents warn him never to go outside, and his doctor tells him to avoid the sun at all costs.
But Ice Boy wants a bigger adventure. He is tired of the chilly freezer and dreams of seeing the wide world. Breaking all the rules, he sneaks out and heads straight for the warm sandy beach. Rolling right into the ocean waves, he has the absolute best day ever.
Soon, Ice Boy notices his crisp edges are starting to blur. His grand escape turns into a wild journey of change and discovery. Follow along on this hilarious and refreshing story about a brave little ice cube who dares to explore the great outdoors.
6-8 Years
33 Pages
