Author Profile
Lane Smith
27 Books
Lane Smith is an acclaimed American author and illustrator of children's books, known for his distinctive, whimsical art style and playful humor. He has collaborated extensively with Jon Scieszka on beloved classics like The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs and the Time Warp Trio series. As a solo creator, Smith has penned and illustrated award-winning titles such as the Caldecott Honor book Grandpa Green and the New York Times bestseller It's a Book.
Grandpa Green
Lane Smith
Art
Award Winners
-
/5
Madam President
Lane Smith
Fiction
Humor
-
/5
Glasses: Who Needs 'Em?
Lane Smith
Fiction
Health
-
/5
It’s A Book
Lane Smith
Animals
Fiction
-
/5
Abe Lincoln's Dream
Lane Smith
Fiction
Friendship
-
/5
A Perfect Day
Lane Smith
Animals
Award Winners
-
/5
The Happy Hocky Family Moves to the Country!
Lane Smith
Animals
Family
-
/5
There Is a Tribe of Kids
Lane Smith
Animals
Award Winners
-
/5
Science Verse
Lane Smith, Jon Scieszka
Humor
Poetry
-
/5
The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs
Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith
Animals
Fairy Tales
-
/5
Time Warp Trio
The Good, the Bad, and the Goofy: Book 3
Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith
Adventure
Fiction
-
/5
Time Warp Trio
The Knights of the Kitchen Table: Book 1
Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith
Adventure
Fantasy
-
/5
Math Curse
Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith
Fiction
Humor
-
/5
The Very Persistent Gappers of Frip
Lane Smith, George Saunders
Animals
Fiction
-
/5
Time Warp Trio
Your Mother Was a Neanderthal: Book 4
Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith
Adventure
History
-
/5
Seen Art?
Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith
Art
Fiction
-
/5
Time Warp Trio
2095: Book 5
Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith
Adventure
Humor
-
/5
Time Warp Trio
Summer Reading Is Killing Me!: Book 7
Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith
Adventure
Fiction
-
/5
Time Warp Trio
It's All Greek to Me: Book 8
Lane Smith, Jon Scieszka
Adventure
Fiction
-
/5
James and the Giant Peach
Roald Dahl, Lane Smith
Action
Adventure
-
/5
Squids Will Be Squids
Lane Smith, Jon Scieszka
Animals
Fiction
-
/5
Time Warp Trio
The Not-So-Jolly Roger: Book 2
Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith, Adam McCauley
Adventure
History
-
/5
The Roald Dahl Treasury
Lane Smith, Roald Dahl, B
Anthologies
Classics
-
/5
The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales
Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith, John Glore
Anthologies
Award Winners
-
/5
Animal Problems
Cat Problems
Jory John, Lane Smith
Animals
Cats
-
/5
Animal Problems
Giraffe Problems
Jory John, Lane Smith
Animals
Emotions
-
/5
Animal Problems
Penguin Problems
Jory John, Lane Smith, Concha Cardeñoso Sáenz de Miera
Animals
Birds
-
/5
Walk through a magical garden where memories take the shape of trees. A young boy guides you through a magnificent topiary garden created by his great-grandfather, Grandpa Green. Before he was a gardener, Grandpa Green was a farm boy, a kid with chickenpox, a soldier, and an artist. Now, he tells the story of his long, rich life through the beautiful bushes he carefully trims and shapes.
As the boy explores the winding paths, he discovers family history hidden in every leafy sculpture. This beautifully illustrated picture book is a gentle, touching exploration of aging, memory, and the special bond between generations. With whimsical artwork and a warm heart, it invites young readers to celebrate the extraordinary moments found in an ordinary life.
6-8 Years
49 Pages
N/A
/5
Imagine running the country before you even finish elementary school! A highly ambitious little girl knows exactly what her day would look like if she were Madam President. Her daily schedule is packed with crucial executive duties: kissing babies, giving executive orders, and negotiating treaties. Most importantly, she has the power to veto tuna casserole for dinner!
Of course, being the Commander-in-Chief comes with its own set of unique challenges. Recess requires a highly trained security detail, and dealing with a stubborn cabinet (also known as her family) takes serious diplomatic skill.
Packed with deadpan wit and hilarious illustrations, this clever story takes a wildly entertaining look at the highest office in the land through the eyes of an unforgettable young leader. It is a brilliant, laugh-out-loud read that introduces political concepts with sharp humor, perfect for future leaders with big imaginations and a strong sense of fun.
9-12 Years
40 Pages
N/A
/5
Glasses are for dorks!" That is exactly what one stubborn boy thinks when he finds out he needs to wear them. But his eye doctor is determined to change his mind, and he has a wildly imaginative list of well-adjusted eyeglass wearers to prove it.
Soon, the boy learns that glasses aren't just for moms, dads, and scientists. They are also worn by snowmen, robots, worms, potatoes, and even Hong Kong flu bugs! As the doctor's examples get sillier and more outrageous, the boy begins to realize that getting a new pair of specs might not be so bad after all.
Filled with quirky humor and vibrant illustrations, this laugh-out-loud story is perfect for any child feeling nervous about their first pair of glasses. It is a brilliantly funny adventure that helps young readers see the world—and themselves—in a whole new way.
6-8 Years
N/A
/5
A tech-savvy donkey has a lot of questions for his friend, the monkey. Armed with a laptop, the donkey wants to know what the monkey's strange object can do. Does it tweet? Can it text? Does it need a password, a screen name, or a charger? The monkey's answer is simple: no, it's a book!
In this hilarious and clever picture book, readers get a playful look at the digital age through the eyes of two very different friends. As the donkey tries to understand how a story works without a screen, the monkey patiently shows him the magic of turning real pages. It is a witty, laugh-out-loud celebration of reading that proves some things never need an upgrade. Perfect for tech-loving kids and traditional bookworms alike!
6-8 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
When a curious schoolgirl wanders away from her White House tour, she stumbles upon a very unexpected resident: the ghost of Abraham Lincoln! The famous sixteenth president has been pacing the halls for over a century, worried about the country he left behind. He is looking for someone to show him how the United States has changed since his time.
Together, the clever young girl and the tall, top-hat-wearing ghost embark on a spectacular journey across modern America. From soaring airplanes to diverse, bustling cities, she shows him all the incredible progress the nation has made. Along the way, they share plenty of laughs and discover the enduring power of hope.
Blending history with humor, this beautifully illustrated tale offers a fresh, funny, and deeply touching look at an American icon. It is a perfect adventure for young history buffs and anyone who loves a good ghost story with a heartwarming twist.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
34 Pages
N/A
/5
It is a beautiful, sunny afternoon in Bert's backyard, and everyone is having a perfect day. Cat is happily lounging among the bright yellow daffodils. Dog is sitting in the wading pool, cooling off in the shallow water. Chickadee is snacking on fresh seeds from the birdfeeder, and Squirrel is munching on his very own delicious corncob.
Everything is peaceful and wonderful—until Bear comes along. Bear is big, Bear is hungry, and Bear is ready to have a perfect day of his own! In no time at all, he crushes the daffodils, drinks all the pool water, and gobbles up the birdseed and the corncob.
With brilliant pacing and vibrant illustrations, this hilarious picture book shows how quickly things can change depending on who is telling the story. It is a clever, laugh-out-loud tale about sharing, surprises, and the power of perspective!
6-8 Years
36 Pages
N/A
/5
Look! The Happy Hocky Family is packing up their things and moving to the country! They are ready for fresh air, wide-open spaces, and a big old house. But living in the country might be a little different than they expected.
As the family settles into their new rural life, they quickly discover that nature is full of surprises. They have to deal with leaky roofs, tricky poison ivy, and a whole lot of farm animals. From building snowmen and raking leaves to attending the county fair and eating chili dinners, every day is a new adventure. Oh, and did we mention the squirrels? There are so many squirrels!
Told with brilliant deadpan humor and quirky illustrations, this hilarious early reader captures the funny, messy reality of moving to a new place. It is a laugh-out-loud story that proves life in the country is never boring!
6-8 Years
64 Pages
N/A
/5
Embark on a breathtaking journey through the wonders of the natural world! When a young boy sets off on an adventure all by himself, he discovers the magic of belonging. Along the way, he trails behind a waddling colony of penguins, swims alongside a smack of glowing jellyfish, and even naps in a cozy bed of clams.
As he travels from the deep ocean to the starry night sky, he learns the special names for groups of animals, from an unkindness of ravens to a parade of elephants. But after following a trail of shells, he finally finds the most important group of all: his very own tribe of kids.
Winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal, this visually stunning picture book is a joyful celebration of childhood, imagination, and finding your place in the world. With playful language and vibrant artwork, it is a perfect read-aloud for young explorers.
6-8 Years
44 Pages
N/A
/5
What if every science lesson suddenly turned into a catchy, rhyming poem you couldn't get out of your head? That's exactly what happens to a student in Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith's hilarious book, Science Verse! When your teacher says you can hear the "poetry of science" everywhere, you might just find yourself cursed with a case of unstoppable science rhymes. Imagine a boring lesson about the food chain transforming into a sing-along about predators and prey, or a familiar "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" becoming a rhyme about a sunshine-eating black hole. From tiny amoebas to mighty combustion, and even the creation of the universe, every scientific concept becomes an irresistible, laugh-out-loud verse. Get ready to discover the fun in facts and the rhythm in reactions. You'll never look at science the same way again!
6-8 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
Get ready to hear a familiar story in a whole new way! You know the tale of the Three Little Pigs, but what if the Big Bad Wolf wasn't so bad after all? Meet A. Wolf, also known as Alexander T. Wolf, who is finally ready to share his side of what *really* happened. He insists he was just trying to bake a birthday cake for his Granny when a terrible cold struck. All he wanted was a cup of sugar from his neighbors, the pigs. But a series of sneezes and misunderstandings led to houses of straw, sticks, and bricks tumbling down. Was it truly a big, bad wolf causing trouble, or just a very unlucky day for a wolf with a sniffle? This hilarious twist on a classic will have you laughing and wondering who to believe!
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
Get ready for a wild ride with Joe, Sam, and Fred, the Time Warp Trio! Thanks to their magical book, these three friends never know where or when they'll end up next. This time, they've landed right in the middle of the dusty, dangerous Wild West! Imagine facing cowboys, outlaws, and maybe even some unexpected surprises as you try to figure out how to get back home. From dusty saloons to wide-open plains, every turn brings a new, hilarious challenge. Will Joe, Sam, and Fred manage to lasso their way out of trouble and find their way back to their own time? Or will they be stuck in the land of ten-gallon hats and rootin' tootin' adventures forever? Join the Time Warp Trio for a laugh-out-loud adventure that's packed with history, mystery, and plenty of goofy fun. It's a rip-roaring journey you won't want to miss!
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
80 Pages
N/A
/5
What starts as a totally normal birthday party quickly turns into a wild medieval nightmare when Joe opens a strange gift from his uncle. The present is a mysterious blue book that instantly zaps Joe and his best friends, Sam and Fred, hundreds of years into the past. Before they can even blink, they are standing face-to-face with the legendary King Arthur, his brave knights, and a massive, fire-breathing dragon.
Equipped with absolutely no armor, no weapons, and zero survival skills, the boys must figure out how to stay alive in an era of magic and danger. To make matters worse, a foul-smelling giant and a wicked knight are determined to wipe them out. Their only hope is to use their modern-day brains to outsmart their enemies and track down the magical book that can send them home. Packed with non-stop action and endless laughs, this thrilling adventure proves that surviving history requires quick thinking and a great sense of humor.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
64 Pages
N/A
/5
What if your math teacher told you that everything in the world could be a math problem? For one student, this idea turns into a real curse! Suddenly, every moment of her day is filled with numbers, equations, and calculations. From figuring out how many pieces of toast are left to solving the mystery of her socks, math is everywhere. Join her on a hilarious and mind-bending adventure as she tries to break free from the ultimate math curse. Can she find the solution to make the numbers disappear, or will she be stuck calculating forever? This clever and funny story will have you looking at math in a whole new way!
6-8 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
In the seaside village of Frip, the local economy relies entirely on goat's milk. Unfortunately, the town is plagued by gappers—bright orange, many-eyed creatures the size of softballs that love to attach themselves to goats. When a gapper gets too close, it lets out a joyful shriek that stops the goats from giving milk. Every day, the children of Frip must brush the gappers off and toss them into the sea.
But one day, the gappers get a little smarter. Instead of spreading out, they gang up entirely on the goats belonging to a young girl named Capable. Suddenly free of the gapper plague, her neighbors, the Romos and the Ronsens, turn their backs on her. Left to fend for herself, Capable must figure out how to survive when her community refuses to help.
Written by acclaimed author George Saunders and featuring hauntingly hilarious illustrations by Lane Smith, this modern fable explores the true meaning of community, selfishness, and compassion. It is a sharp, subversive, and deeply funny tale that resonates with readers of all ages.
9-12 Years
13-18 Years
98 Pages
N/A
/5
Get ready for a wild trip back in time with Joe, Sam, and Fred, the Time Warp Trio! One minute you're hanging out, and the next, a mysterious book sends you hurtling into the past. This time, their magical book lands them in the prehistoric era, where cave art is the coolest graffiti and "rock" music takes on a whole new meaning.
Join the boys as they navigate a world filled with woolly mammoths, saber-toothed tigers, and maybe even a few friendly (or not-so-friendly) Neanderthals. How will they get back to their own time? And what kind of hilarious trouble will they get into before they figure it out? With Jon Scieszka's signature wacky humor and Lane Smith's fantastic illustrations, this adventure is packed with laughs and excitement. Perfect for young readers who love a good mystery and a journey through history!
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
80 Pages
N/A
/5
Where could Art be? A young boy is on a mission to find his friend, Art, but his search leads him on an unexpected adventure through the grand halls of the Museum of Modern Art. As he wanders from room to room, he encounters all sorts of amazing and sometimes puzzling creations. Is that a painting? A sculpture? A splash of color or a collection of everyday objects? Each new discovery makes him wonder even more about what 'art' truly is. Join him on this funny and fascinating journey as he learns that art can be found in the most surprising places, and maybe, just maybe, his friend Art is closer than he thinks.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
48 Pages
N/A
/5
Get ready to blast into the future with the Time Warp Trio! When Joe, Sam, and Fred accidentally open their magical book, they are instantly transported one hundred years forward to the dazzling, high-tech world of 2095.
Suddenly, the boys find themselves dodging flying cars, navigating anti-gravity rooms, and trying to blend in with kids who have computer chips implanted in their heads. To make matters even more complicated, they run into their own great-granddaughters, who are not exactly thrilled to meet their time-traveling ancestors. Now, the trio must figure out how to survive a futuristic school day, escape a pair of robotic enforcers, and find the Book so they can finally get back to their own time.
Packed with wacky humor, fast-paced action, and clever sci-fi twists, this hilarious chapter book is perfect for readers who love a wild adventure. Join the Time Warp Trio for a futuristic journey where anything can happen!
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
80 Pages
N/A
/5
Summer reading assignments can be a real drag, but for best friends Joe, Sam, and Fred, it's about to get truly wild! Thanks to a magical book, the Time Warp Trio suddenly finds themselves zapped right into the middle of their summer reading list. Imagine meeting legendary figures like Pecos Bill and Paul Bunyan, or even coming face-to-face with some famous monsters from classic tales! Our heroes must quickly figure out how to navigate these strange, storybook worlds, outsmart tricky villains, and find their way back home before they're stuck in storyland forever. Get ready for a hilarious, action-packed adventure that proves reading can be anything but boring when you're traveling through time and tales!
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
82 Pages
N/A
/5
Just as Joe, Fred, and Sam are about to perform their class play, a magical mishap sends them hurtling through time! One moment they're backstage, and the next, they've landed right in ancient Greece. Imagine meeting legendary figures like Zeus, the mighty king of the gods, and other powerful deities! But here's the funniest part: these famous Greek gods seem to be acting exactly like the silly characters from the boys' very own school play.
Join Joe, Fred, and Sam on a wild and wacky adventure filled with unexpected encounters and hilarious mix-ups. Can these three friends navigate the world of myths and monsters, figure out what's going on, and find a way back to their own time before the curtain rises on their play? Get ready for a laugh-out-loud journey through history where anything can happen!
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
N/A
/5
James Henry Trotter lives a completely miserable life, forced to work all day for his two incredibly cruel and nasty aunts. But everything changes the moment he drops a bag of glowing, magical crystals near an old, dead tree in the garden.
Overnight, a single peach begins to grow until it is massive enough to crush a house. When James discovers a secret, glowing tunnel leading straight to the center of the fruit, he crawls inside and meets the most spectacular group of overgrown, talking bugs. With a quick snip of the stem, the giant peach rolls away, launching James and his new friends on an epic, globe-trotting journey.
You will soar through the clouds, battle terrifying sharks, and fly all the way to New York City. This perfectly crafted, magical adventure proves that you can always find a family in the most unexpected places.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
144 Pages
N/A
/5
Get ready for fables like you've never heard before! Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, the masters of funny stories, have cooked up a collection of modern tales where squids, slugs, and even matches teach lessons about life. Forget the old-fashioned morals; these fables are packed with hilarious twists and unexpected endings that will make you laugh out loud.
Meet characters like Little Walrus, who learns that sometimes too much truth can be tricky, or Slug, who gets so caught up in herself she misses something big. You'll find stories about why you should never play with matches (because they cheat!) and other silly, smart lessons about things like homework, curfews, and even television commercials. Dive into this wonderfully wacky book and discover why squids will be squids, and why these fables are just right for you!
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
48 Pages
N/A
/5
Get ready to hoist the sails and brave the high seas with Joe, Sam, and Fred! When their unpredictable magical book acts up yet again, the three best friends are yanked from their ordinary lives and dropped straight onto the wooden deck of a massive pirate ship. To make matters worse, they have just crashed the party of the most terrifying pirate in history: the legendary Blackbeard.
Before they can even explain themselves, the boys are forced to join his scruffy, menacing crew. Now, they must learn how to swab the decks, sing sea shanties, and avoid walking the plank at all costs. Their only chance of escaping this swashbuckling nightmare is to track down their missing book and warp back to the present before Blackbeard discovers their secret. Packed with clever jokes, narrow escapes, and awesome pirate facts, this fast-paced adventure is a hilarious thrill ride. Grab your compass and prepare for a historical journey you will never forget.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
64 Pages
N/A
/5
Step right into the magical, mischievous, and completely unpredictable world of one of the greatest storytellers of all time. This incredible collection brings together the very best bits of your favorite tales, characters, and poems in one giant, galloping adventure. Whether you are meeting the Big Friendly Giant for the first time, sneaking around with Fantastic Mr. Fox, or avoiding the terrible tricks of The Twits, there is a surprise waiting on every single page. You will discover complete short stories, famous chapters from classic novels, and even some secret letters and ideas the author wrote himself. It is the perfect way to revisit your favorite moments or find brand new ones you never knew existed. From giant peaches to marvelous medicines, this treasury is packed with magic, laughs, and just the right amount of glorious grossness. Dive in anywhere you like, and let the storytelling magic begin.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
448 Pages
N/A
/5
Get ready to laugh out loud as your favorite fairy tales get a silly, mixed-up makeover! In The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, classic stories are hilariously twisted, turning everything you thought you knew upside down. What if the Little Red Hen decided *not* to bake the bread? Or if Jack's beanstalk adventure took a truly unexpected turn? You'll find out! Meet unforgettable characters like the Stinky Cheese Man, who is so incredibly smelly, no one wants to be near him, and discover new, wacky endings to familiar adventures. This award-winning collection is packed with clever jokes, surprising plot twists, and wildly imaginative stories that will make you giggle and rethink all your favorite tales. It's a wonderfully silly and smart book that proves sometimes, the most ridiculous stories are the very best!
6-8 Years
56 Pages
N/A
/5
Animal Problems
Cat Problems
Life as a pampered house cat is incredibly difficult. You might think lying around all day sounds easy, but you have no idea how stressful it gets. First of all, the warm sunbeam on the floor keeps moving away just as you get comfortable. Then, someone decides to serve you dry food instead of the delicious wet food you clearly deserve. And do not even mention the vacuum cleaner, the loudest and most terrifying monster in the house! Through hilarious complaints and grumpy observations, this funny feline shares the daily struggles of a perfectly comfortable life. Get ready to laugh out loud at the everyday annoyances that make being a cat so incredibly exhausting. You might just recognize some of your own grumpy moments in this delightfully cranky companion.
6-8 Years
26 Pages
N/A
/5
Animal Problems
Giraffe Problems
Edward the giraffe cannot stand his own neck. It is entirely too long, incredibly bendy, and completely ridiculous. Every time he looks around, he sees other animals with normal, sensible necks. Edward has tried absolutely everything to hide it. He has dressed it up with scarves, hidden behind large bushes, and stood very still in the trees, but nothing works. Just when he is ready to give up and hide forever, a very slow turtle ambles by with a different perspective. You will laugh out loud as Edward tries his hilarious disguises, and you will cheer when he finally learns to appreciate the exact thing that makes him different. This funny and sweet story shows that the parts of yourself you worry about the most might actually be your greatest strengths.
6-8 Years
41 Pages
N/A
/5
Animal Problems
Penguin Problems
Life in Antarctica is definitely not a snowy paradise. Just ask Mortimer. He is a small penguin with some very big complaints. First of all, the wind is freezing cold. Second, the ocean is full of hungry predators waiting to eat him. And to make matters worse, every single penguin in the entire colony looks exactly the same! How are you supposed to find your own mother in a crowd of identical birds? Mortimer hilariously points out every single uncomfortable, annoying, and frustrating thing about being a penguin. As you listen to his grumpy list of daily struggles, you will not be able to stop laughing. But even the grumpiest penguin might just learn to appreciate his icy home. This hilarious story proves that everyone gets a little cranky sometimes.
6-8 Years
34 Pages
N/A
/5
