Author & Illustrator Profile
Ben Hatke
17 Books
Ben Hatke is an American author, illustrator, and cartoonist best known for his engaging graphic novels and picture books for children. He is the acclaimed creator of the bestselling graphic novel series Zita the Spacegirl and the beloved Julia's House picture book series. His works often feature adventurous protagonists, whimsical creatures, and richly detailed artwork that captivate young readers.
Zita's perfectly normal life takes a massive, cosmic turn in the blink of an eye! While playing outside, she finds a strange device that accidentally summons an alien doomsday cult. When her best friend is suddenly abducted and pulled through a portal, Zita does not hesitate. She leaps right in after him to the rescue! Suddenly, she finds herself stranded as a stranger on a wildly bizarre planet. Navigating a world filled with humanoid chickens and incredibly nervous robots is a massive shock, but Zita is even more surprised when she accidentally becomes an intergalactic hero. She quickly learns to handle weird aliens, ancient prophecies, and even a fast-talking con man who takes a special interest in her mission. Packed with spectacular monsters and non-stop action, this thrilling graphic novel is a brilliant story about bravery, loyalty, and doing whatever it takes to save your best friend. Blast off into an unforgettable universe!
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
192 Pages
Zita never asked to be an intergalactic megastar, but saving a planet tends to make you famous! After her thrilling first adventure, our intrepid space heroine is more determined than ever to find her way back home to Earth. Unfortunately, navigating the universe is never simple, and fame comes with a whole new set of bizarre problems. Everywhere she goes, adoring alien fans crowd around her, making it impossible to slip away unnoticed. To make matters worse, a mischievous robot doppelganger has stolen her identity and is wreaking absolute havoc across the galaxy while wearing her face! Now, Zita must figure out who she can truly trust as her public persona threatens to ruin her reputation. With alien invaders closing in and her robotic twin causing chaos, she will need all her courage and quick thinking to set things right. Dive into this rollicking, action-packed graphic novel sequel filled with mistaken identities, quirky creatures, and epic cosmic battles. Can Zita clear her name and finally find her way home?
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
205 Pages
Zita the Spacegirl is back, and the odds are stacked higher than ever before! Our intrepid heroine has already saved entire planets, battled terrifying monsters, and dealt with the heavy burden of interplanetary fame. But now, Zita faces the absolute biggest challenge of her life in the thrilling final chapter of her cosmic adventures. She has been wrongfully convicted and locked away on a bleak, heavily guarded penitentiary planet. Time is running out, and Zita must gather a crew of misfits to plot the greatest jailbreak the galaxy has ever seen. If she fails, the evil prison warden will unleash his terrifying plan for interstellar domination. With action around every corner, new alien friends, and unbelievable stakes, Zita must use all her courage and cleverness to escape. Find out if everyone's favorite spacegirl can break free and save the universe one last time in this spectacular graphic novel conclusion!
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
222 Pages
When Julia and her giant, walking house finally settle down in a new town, she is thrilled. There is only one problem: her new neighborhood is way too quiet! To fix this, Julia hangs a friendly sign by her front door, welcoming all lost creatures to come inside. Before long, her quiet home is completely packed with goblins, beautiful mermaids, fluttery fairies, and even a fire-breathing dragon. The silence is definitely gone, but now Julia has a much bigger problem. Her magical housemates are making a massive mess and refusing to behave! Julia quickly realizes that if they are all going to live together peacefully, everyone needs to pitch in. Discover how Julia brings order to her chaotic, monster-filled home by giving everyone a chore. This stunningly illustrated picture book blends charming fantasy with relatable lessons about sharing space and working together.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Julia's incredible walking house is starting to feel restless! It is time for Julia and her quirky family of lost creatures to pack up and move on to a brand-new location. But figuring out exactly where to go and how to get there is not an easy task for a house full of goblins, mermaids, and trolls. Luckily, Julia is a master at making plans. She maps out everything perfectly to ensure her magical friends have a safe and smooth journey. But the world is full of surprises, and even the best ideas can quickly fall apart. When Julia's clever plans begin to fail one by one, she finds herself completely stuck and unsure of what to do next. Can she learn to let go of her perfect plans and trust her friends to help navigate the unknown? Jump into this beautiful and imaginative graphic adventure about embracing change, working as a team, and finding your way when nothing goes as expected.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
40 Pages
Deep underground in a cozy, rat-infested dungeon, a cheerful little Goblin lives happily with his absolute best friend, Skeleton. They spend their peaceful days playing together among the ancient treasure and enjoying the quiet gloom. But their perfect life is shattered when a loud gang of so-called "heroic" adventurers kicks down their door. These greedy marauders smash the dungeon, steal the shiny treasure, and worst of all, they kidnap Skeleton! Left entirely alone, the brave little Goblin realizes he has to take action. He must leave the safety of his dark home and travel up into the bright, scary world to rescue his best friend. There is just one big problem: he is about to discover that nobody out there likes a goblin. Join this unlikely little hero on a heartwarming and hilarious quest that proves true friendship is worth facing the whole wide world.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
When a young girl explores the woods, she stumbles upon something amazing: an adorable, lost little robot. With the push of a button, she wakes him up and accidentally activates her very first friend. The two are eager to explore the world together, learning about friendship along the way. But life outside the factory is dangerous for a little machine. Big, bad robots are on their way to track him down and take him back. Now, it is up to one brave five-year-old to protect her mechanical pal. Armed with only her trusty wrench and plenty of courage, she will do whatever it takes to save the day. This charming adventure shows that even the smallest heroes can overcome their biggest fears when they work as a team.
6-8 Years
144 Pages
Get ready for an epic team-up as two incredible heroes join forces to save the world! Jack and Lilly are completely used to wild adventures. After all, they have befriended dragons, battled massive giants, and earned the loyalty of a goblin army. But when they cross paths with Zita the Spacegirl, who has just arrived from her travels across the stars, they realize a completely new kind of danger is brewing. A terrifying army of giants and screeds is waiting just outside the door to their world, threatening to destroy the earth and end the age of humans forever. The gates between their worlds are growing dangerously weak, and time is quickly running out. To stop this massive invasion, Jack, Lilly, and Zita must combine their unique skills and work together like never before. Dive into this thrilling graphic novel where magical fantasy meets cosmic science fiction, and discover if this legendary team can defeat their greatest enemy yet.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
272 Pages
Everything changes in a flash when Jack's little sister Maddy is snatched away to another realm by a terrifying ogre. Without hesitation, Jack and his brave friend Lilly jump through the magical portal to rescue her. They think they are ready for anything, but nothing can prepare them for the strange, floating crossroads between worlds. Their trusty magic plants might not be enough to keep them safe this time. Soon, the two friends find themselves separated and injured in a highly dangerous land. Jack and Lilly must fight their own terrifying battles, facing giants who crush bones to feed a mysterious beast, and dealing with a fearsome goblin king who rules the dark sewers below. Just when Jack is cornered and running out of hope, he receives help from the most unexpected ally of all. Jump into this action-packed graphic novel adventure that turns a classic fairy tale completely upside down, packed with daring escapes and unforgettable monsters.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
208 Pages
Every basement is a little bit creepy, but Milo is about to discover that his new home hides something truly unbelievable. When his mother sends him downstairs to find a missing sock, Milo expects to see normal things like dusty storage boxes and old furniture. Instead, he uncovers a mysterious door hidden in the very back. When he opens it, he does not just find another room, he steps into an enormous, secret world stretching far below the historic house. As Milo ventures deeper into the shadowy depths of the Basement World, he encounters all sorts of bizarre and fascinating Things that live in the gloom. Some are scary, some are strange, but Milo soon realizes that the only way to survive this incredible journey is to face his fears. He learns that offering kindness to even the most frightening creatures can change everything. Step through the door and join Milo on a thrilling graphic novel adventure into the unknown.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
240 Pages
Julia and her wonderful house full of magical friends are on the move once again! Her extraordinary flying house has finally landed on the ground, but now it has sprouted legs and is wandering the landscape. The house is searching for the absolute perfect spot to settle down forever. Just as Julia spots the ideal location in the distance, disaster strikes. Her walking house trips and tumbles down a steep mountainside! The crash scatters Julia and all her fantastical creatures across the rolling hills, while her runaway home keeps right on rolling away on its own adventure. Now, Julia must stay calm and come up with a clever plan. She has to gather her scattered found family, track down her mischievous roaming house, and hopefully reach that perfect spot once and for all. Join Julia and her monstrous crew for one last heartwarming and surprising journey in this beautifully illustrated conclusion to a beloved picture book trilogy.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
48 Pages
Caterpillar Crossing
Ben Hatke
The world is a very big place when you are a small bug! Follow the thrilling journey of a brave woolly bear caterpillar who faces the ultimate challenge: crossing a busy road. For a tiny insect, the black pavement looks like a massive, endless desert filled with roaring obstacles. But this determined little caterpillar will not give up easily. Slowly but surely, he navigates the dangers of the great crossing, using all his fuzzy courage to reach the beautiful, green sanctuary on the other side. This beautifully illustrated adventure gives young readers a bug's-eye view of the world, transforming an everyday nature scene into an epic quest. Get ready to cheer for the smallest hero on the block as he proves that you do not have to be big to go on a mighty adventure.
6-8 Years
Spending the night away from home for the very first time can feel like a big step. When Anna stays over at her grandparents' house, she suddenly realizes just how dark the room gets when the lights go out. The strange shadows make her feel scared and lonely. But before she can worry too much, her wise grandfather steps in to offer comfort. He shares a gentle reminder that even when we cannot see anything around us, we are never truly alone. He explains how Jesus is always watching over her, offering protection and love through the darkest nights. This reassuring message helps Anna find her courage and peacefully drift off to sleep. This tender story helps young readers understand faith, overcome their nighttime fears, and feel safe resting in the comfort of a loving God.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Jack might be the only kid in town who actually dreads summer vacation. With his single mom working a second job, Jack is left in charge of his autistic little sister, Maddy. It is a huge responsibility, and since Maddy never speaks, the days drag on quietly. Everything changes during a boring trip to the local flea market when Maddy suddenly speaks for the very first time. She begs Jack to trade their mom's car keys for a strange box of mysterious seeds. It seems like a terrible mistake, but it turns out to be the greatest adventure of their lives. When they plant the seeds in their backyard, the tiny garden explodes into a wild, magical jungle. Soon, they are chasing tiny onion babies, running from massive pink pumpkins with sharp teeth, and facing down a real dragon. Dive into this breathtaking graphic novel that brilliantly reimagines a classic fairy tale with modern magic, fierce monsters, and powerful sibling bonds.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
208 Pages
An Exciting Look Behind the Scenes at Four Fantastic New Graphic Novels
Are you ready to dive into the wonderful world of comics? "Between the Panels 2" invites you to explore even more fantastic stories told with amazing pictures and clever words. In this fun book, you'll meet exciting characters and go on lively adventures, all brought to life by Zack Giallongo's incredible art.
Whether you love to draw your own stories or just enjoy getting lost in a good book, "Between the Panels 2" is packed with imagination and humor. You'll see how artists use each panel to build a world, show action, and make you laugh. Get ready to discover the magic that happens when pictures and words come together in a special way, and maybe even get inspired to create your own comic book tales!
6-8 Years
32 Pages
50 Timeless Rhymes from 50 Celebrated Cartoonists
By
Chris Duffy
●
With
Leonard S. Marcus, Vanessa Davis, Eleanor Davis, Nick Abadzis, Richard Thompson, James Sturm, Craig Thompson, G. Willow Wilson, Drew Weing, Stan Sakai, Richard Sala, Roz Chast, Raina Telgemeier, Mike Mignola, Tao Nyeu, Mathew Forsythe, Cyril Pedrosa, Sara Varon, Laura Park, Marc Rosenthal, Patrick McDonnell, Jen Wang, Jordan Crane, Jaime Hernández, Lark Pien, George O'Connor, Dave Roman, Ben Hatke, Kate Beaton, Bob Flynn, Theo Ellsworth, Nick Bruel, Alexis Frederick-Fost, David Macaulay, Tony Millionaire, Mark Martin, Eric Orchard, Gilbert Hernández, Gene Luen Yang, Mo Oh, Mark Siegel, Stephanie Yue, Lilli Carre, Rebecca Dart, Jules Feiffer, Lucy Knisley, J.P. Coovert, Aaron Renier, Vera Brosgol, and Scott Campbell
Fifty beloved nursery rhymes leap off the page in this vibrant graphic novel collection. Each classic tale is completely reimagined into a short comic by a different celebrated cartoonist, offering a fresh visual take on the stories you know by heart. From the crooked mile walked by the Crooked Man to the misadventures of the Three Little Kittens, these familiar rhymes gain new life through dynamic paneling and engaging full-color artwork. The visual format makes the poetry incredibly approachable, letting you follow the action step-by-step as Jack and Jill tumble down the hill or the Owl and the Pussycat set sail. Whether you are reading these rhymes for the first time or revisiting old favorites, the unique artistic styles bring out the humor, mystery, and joy hidden in the traditional text. It is a perfect blend of classic literature and modern comic storytelling that offers endless details to discover in every panel.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
130 Pages
A Graphic Novel
By
Jennifer L. Holm, Matthew Holm, and Jarrett J. Krosoczka
●
With
Victoria Jamieson, Ben Hatke, Matt Phelan, George O'Connor, Rafael Rosado, Jorge Aguirre, and Lark Pien
Getting sent to the principal's office is usually a nightmare, but what if it was actually the start of an amazing adventure? Prepare to laugh until your stomach hurts with this wildly funny collection of short comic stories all about the most dreaded word in school: detention.
You might think sitting in a quiet room is boring, but these incredible graphic novel creators prove otherwise. You will encounter disrespectful Greek gods, terrifying antimatter ooze, bioengineered rats running wild, and even a school hallway filled with stampeding bulls. Each story takes a normal, frustrating school experience and turns it into something completely ridiculous and exciting.
This hilarious anthology brings together some of the best graphic novelists to show you that even the worst parts of the school day can be filled with action and surprises. You will fly through these fast paced, highly imaginative tales, discovering that a little bit of trouble can sometimes lead to a whole lot of fun.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
160 Pages
