Author & Illustrator Profile
Dan Yaccarino
23 Books
Dan Yaccarino is an American author, illustrator, and designer of many picture books for children. He is known for books such as All the Way to America, Doug Unplugged, Every Friday, and City Under the City, as well as for illustrating stories by other writers. His work often features bold, clean artwork, warm family themes, humor, and imaginative adventures.
Tess has a truly massive problem. She is a giant living in the bustling city of Myth-hattan, and she has an enormous wish to just be like everyone else. No matter how hard she tries, she constantly bumps her head, blocks traffic, and stands out in the crowd. Just when Tess is ready to completely give up on ever fitting in with the normal sized folks, she accidentally meets a brand new friend who is exactly her size. Together, this giant duo teams up for a daring and heroic rescue. Can these two massive misfits save the day and rescue the spectacular big city parade from disaster? This reassuring, larger than life adventure is packed with heart and humor. It is a wonderful reminder that true heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and you should always be proud to stand tall.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Friday is simply the best day of the week. All week long, a boy and his father look forward to their special Friday ritual, which means breakfast at their favorite corner diner. The leisurely walk through the bustling city neighborhood is just as good as the delicious pancakes waiting for them at the end. You can feel the crisp air and see the friendly faces as they stroll hand in hand. This sweet, simple story celebrates the quiet magic of father and son bonding over a shared weekly tradition. It is a warm, comforting read that perfectly captures the joy of spending focused time together. Whether you have your own special routines or want to start a new one, this gentle journey will make you smile and appreciate the small moments that make the end of the week so wonderful.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Phil hates eating his Brussels sprouts, taking baths, and doing his homework. When his mom asks him to finish his vegetables, Phil begins to imagine exactly what it would be like to have a shiny mechanical friend who could do absolutely everything for him! If Phil had a robot, it would take over all his chores. It would eat his greens, scrub behind his ears in the tub, and finish every math problem. No one would ever pick on him again on the playground, and he would be king of the world! This bold and funny fantasy brings to life the ultimate childhood wish. Join Phil as he dreams up a constantly growing list of jobs for his robot to take over. It is a lively, exuberant adventure that shows just how wild your imagination can get when faced with a plate of vegetables.
6-8 Years
38 Pages
The arrogant lion is the undisputed king of the jungle, and he makes sure everyone knows it with a giant roar! But his reign takes a wild turn when a slick lion tamer tricks him into joining the circus, promising him fame as the king of the big top. Suddenly, life in the circus is not what he imagined. Instead of being famous and admired, the bossy lion tamer is the one giving all the orders. Fed up with his new life, the lion decides he has had enough and swallows the tamer right down! Returning to the jungle as a changed and peaceful feline, he apologizes to the animals he used to terrorize. This hilarious, tongue in cheek fable delivers big laughs as a jungle bully gets his well deserved comeuppance and learns a valuable lesson about kindness and respect.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Doug is a highly advanced robot whose parents want him to be as smart as possible. Every morning, they plug him in and start a massive information download, filling his memory banks with facts about the city. But Doug is curious. He suspects he could learn even more about the world by actually going outside and exploring it firsthand. So, Doug makes a bold decision and unplugs himself! What follows is an exciting day of adventure, freedom, and discovery in the bustling city streets. Doug learns amazing things by doing, seeing, touching, and listening, rather than just downloading data. Most importantly, he learns the value of interacting with a brand new human friend. This funny story of gentle robotic rebellion is a wonderful reminder that sometimes the very best way to learn about the world is to step outside and experience it.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
When Michele Iaccarino arrived at Ellis Island, he carried only big dreams, a small baking shovel, and his parents' invaluable advice: work hard, enjoy life, and never forget your family. This heartwarming true story traces the remarkable journey of that very same little shovel as it is lovingly passed down through four generations of an Italian American family. From a bustling bakery in Little Italy to a produce market, a barbershop, and finally to the author's own drafting table, the shovel represents the enduring spirit of a family building a new life. Along with the shovel, the family's simple but profound advice is passed from father to son. Dig deep into the past and honor the brave immigrants who helped shape our country in this beautiful celebration of heritage, hard work, and the unbreakable bonds of family.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
41 Pages
Fasten your seat belt and get ready to hitch a ride with the fabulous Farley family for a rip roaring road trip across the country! This is not your ordinary, boring book of state facts. Instead, Mom, Dad, Freddie, Fran, and their dog Fido are on a mission to discover the wackiest, most bizarre, and downright hilarious oddities hidden across the United States. Do you know which state claims the chocolate chip cookie as its official state cookie? Or where you can find the International Rotten Sneaker Contest? How about the state where it is actually illegal to walk around with a live chicken on your head? Travel from coast to coast to uncover far out festivals, ludicrous laws, and peculiar people. It is a wildly entertaining and educational ride through fifty glorious states of fun!
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
88 Pages
A sweet little pet with big green, watery eyes and eight squiggly legs just made for cuddling has followed a little girl home. Now she has a hard time convincing her father to let her keep him. After all, the house is a little short on space, especially with crocodiles already sleeping under the bed, elephants hanging out in the garage, and a giraffe poking out of the chimney! Her daddy gently reminds her of the seals and other wild animals she has already brought into the house to create chaos. Will she be able to keep this sweet, homeless ball of fur? You will need a big heart, an understanding parent, and a house that is not just a home but a complete zoo to find out. Bursting with bright, bold art, this comic tale will make you consider carefully and laugh out loud.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Jacques Cousteau was the ultimate ambassador of the oceans, bringing majestic whales, playful otters, and smiling dolphins right into the living rooms of people all over the world. From the very first moment he caught a glimpse of the vibrant life under the waves, Cousteau was hooked for life. He set sail aboard his famous ship, the Calypso, to explore the vast, uncharted mysteries of the sea. Together with his team of brilliant scientists, he invented new diving equipment and waterproof cameras to capture the magic of the deep. They made thrilling films and wrote books so they could share their incredible discoveries with everyone. When he saw that pollution was harming marine life, Cousteau became a fierce champion for protecting the environment. Dive deep into the true story of the man behind the snorkel who guided us through the unexplored underwater world.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
41 Pages
Each evening, a gentle and magical figure walks across the earth to bring comfort and calm to the world. Mr. Night quietly closes the blooming flowers, soothes the busy animals, and settles the restless sea. With a wave of his hand, he brings a special, quiet magic that lets everyone know the day is done. When you see the dark sky out your window, you will know that Mr. Night has arrived and it is finally time for bed. This peaceful, comforting journey celebrates the quiet mystery, warmth, and coziness of the nighttime world. It is the perfect story to help you wind down after a long day of play. Let the soothing presence of Mr. Night guide you into sweet dreams and restful sleep as the busy world around you gently comes to a halt.
6-8 Years
56 Pages
Enter the endearing world of Piccolo, a stylish, Vespa riding shrew who lives in the bustling city of Bella Citta. Piccolo is a dedicated list maker, and today he has a plan to visit all his absolute favorite places. But as his day begins, he spots his pal Mr. Rosso struggling to carry his artwork to the museum. Piccolo happily zips over on his scooter to lend a helping hand. In no time at all, his boundless enthusiasm and optimism have him zipping all around town, helping his animal friends solve their daily problems. But with so many friends in need, Piccolo realizes he might not have time to visit the one special place he loves the most! Full of culture, adventure, and tasty hazelnut gelato, this sweet tale proves that helping others is the greatest triumph of all.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Doug the high tech robot boy is ready for a day of low tech fun! Doug and his parents are off on a road trip to visit the grandbots. But when their journey is suddenly interrupted by a flock of stubborn sheep blocking the road, Doug switches gears. Instead of just downloading information about farm animals from his databanks, he gets to step outside and actually interact with them! He discovers a whole new world of hands on learning as he helps herd the sheep, milks a cow, and even gathers fresh eggs from the coop. When their car gets stuck in a ditch, Doug must use good old fashioned horse sense to get his family back on the road. This lively adventure celebrates the joy of farm life and encourages you to go screen free and explore the real world!
6-8 Years
41 Pages
No one knew exactly where the strange storm came from, or why it seemed to last forever. A father and his children are forced to hunker down inside their house together, completely cut off from the outside world. With no going outside and absolutely nothing to do, the close quarters quickly become a challenge. Everyone starts getting on everyone else's nerves, and the house feels smaller by the minute. But as the storm rages on outside, the family must figure out how to bridge the distance between them. They slowly learn how to connect, overcome their conflicts, and find joy in each other's company again. This heartwarming and timely story offers an optimistic vision of a family learning how to deeply love and support one another, even when things feel completely impossible and the storm clouds refuse to part.
6-8 Years
48 Pages
Stories have been around since the very beginning of time. From ancient cave drawings to the brilliant invention of the printing press, and all the way to our modern digital age, stories have found a way to reach us. They have been told in countless different ways, passed down through generations, and shared across the globe. A story can make you feel incredibly happy, wonderfully sad, bursting with excitement, or deliciously scared. Most importantly, stories have the magical ability to bring people together, no matter where they come from. This powerful journey traces the fascinating history of storytelling from the past to the present and beyond. Discover the timeless magic of words and pictures, and celebrate the incredible power that a simple story holds to connect us all.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Morris Mole has always felt a little bit different from the rest of his family. While the other moles are perfectly content digging exactly the way they always have, Morris sees the world in his own unique way. When a severe food shortage hits their underground home, the mole community is in trouble. Now, it is entirely up to clever little Morris to step up and save the day! With a little bit of help from an unexpected surface dwelling friend and a whole lot of brave digging, Morris sets off on a grand adventure. He soon discovers that you do not have to be the biggest or the strongest to make a massive difference. This heartwarming tale of courage proves that even the smallest creatures can do extraordinarily big things when they believe in themselves.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Bix lives in a futuristic city where people rarely talk or play together, and books are a thing of the past. Instead, everyone stares blankly at small portable screens while being constantly monitored by giant floating eyeballs. The Eyes claim they are here to help with everything, but Bix desperately wants to do things for herself. While running away from an intrusive Eye, she accidentally discovers a hidden, forgotten world: the City Under the City. Guided by a friendly rat, Bix uncovers a massive library filled with a treasure trove of real books and lost knowledge. Thrilled by her discoveries, she learns about a time when people lived freely without the Eyes. Now, Bix must find the courage to head back home, share her newfound independence, and help her family defeat the Eyes once and for all.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
70 Pages
Billy and Goat are the absolute best of friends, even though they have completely different styles. Billy prefers to stop and smell the roses, while Goat prefers to eat them! So when they visit the bustling state fair together, they naturally have very different ideas of fun. The loud crowds and chaotic noises intimidate Billy, who is perfectly happy waiting quietly in the livestock pens for the best goat contest. But Goat is not about to sit still when he could be running! Faster than you can say butter sculpture, Goat breaks out of his pen, leading Billy on a wild, merry chase past dizzying rides, carnival games, and crazy exhibits. When Billy finally catches his runaway friend on the biggest parade float, he realizes that his best friend truly is the greatest goat ever!
6-8 Years
41 Pages
Five, four, three, two, one, blast off! With a suitcase firmly in hand, a brave little boy races out his front door and heads straight toward his shiny red rocket ship. He is leaving the earth behind and blasting off on an out of this world adventure. After carefully zipping up his special space suit, he is finally ready to launch his ship and zoom all the way to the moon! Join this daring young astronaut as he navigates the stars, dodges meteors, and explores the magnificent lunar surface. But do not worry, because once all of his thrilling space adventures are over, he will fire up his rocket and head safely back home just in time for bed. This vibrant, rhyming journey perfectly captures the boundless joy of an incredible childhood space fantasy.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Not everyone understands the secret life of lawn ornaments, but Pearl is different. She is the only human who knows her garden friends are actually real! When Pearl's family moves away and accidentally leaves behind Flo the flamingo, Betty the deer, Norm the gnome, and Jack the lawn jockey, the brave little statues know exactly what they must do. They cannot stay behind, so they embark on a perilous cross country journey to find their favorite girl. Trekking through busy cities, climbing over mountains, and trudging through mucky swamps, the ornaments face terrifying storms and menacing gargoyles. They must even dodge the dreaded, roaring trash truck! This quirky, hysterical tale of toys coming to life proves that home is truly where the heart is, and no adventure is too dangerous when it leads back to the person you love.
6-8 Years
41 Pages
Alfred is a little pug dog who is convinced that he is completely unlovable. The other neighborhood dogs constantly make fun of his tiny, stubby legs and his squished, funny looking face. Even the snooty cat, the loud parrot, and the goldfish tease him! Alfred feels incredibly lonely until a big new dog named Rex moves in right next door. Desperate to make a brand new friend, Alfred decides to tell Rex a little fib about who he really is behind the fence. They talk for hours about their shared love of dog food and their mutual hatred of the dreaded vet. But what will happen when Rex finally looks over the fence and learns the truth about Alfred's size? Discover the true meaning of friendship in this charming story about learning to love exactly who you are.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Meeting someone who is completely different from you is the best way to start a brand new adventure. When a curious young boy crosses paths with a friendly mechanical robot in the woods, they instantly strike up a fascinating friendship. They play together, explore the trees, and share their favorite things. But when a tiny accident causes Bot's power to shut off, the boy assumes his metal friend is sick and tries all sorts of human remedies to make him feel better. Later, when the boy falls asleep, the robot wakes up and thinks his human friend's battery has died! This sweet and hilarious story highlights the funny misunderstandings that happen when two completely different worlds collide. You will absolutely love watching this unlikely duo learn how to care for each other, proving that a strong connection is easily the most powerful battery of all.
6-8 Years
Sammy has never tasted a lima bean, but he is already sure he hates them. His best plan is simple: sneak the beans out of the house, hide them in his sock, and bury them where no one will ever know.
Then the other kids join in. Soon the hole is full of unwanted vegetables, and after a stormy night, something green, angry, and very hungry rises from the ground. The town has a monster problem, and it all began with dinner.
The Lima Bean Monster is a silly, suspenseful picture book with just enough gross-out fun for readers who like monsters, mischief, and vegetables that refuse to stay buried.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
By
Margaret Wise Brown
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Pictures by
Renata Liwska, Sophie Blackall, Linda Bleck, Isabel Roxas, Sean Qualls, Éric Puybaret, Melissa Sweet, Christopher Silas Neal, Zachariah OHora, Carin Berger, Dan Yaccarino, and Jonathan Bean
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Collected by
Amy Gary
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With
Tom Proutt and Emily Gary
Drift off to sleep with a beautiful collection of never-before-seen lullabies from Margaret Wise Brown, the beloved author of Goodnight Moon. Hidden away in a dusty trunk for decades, these sweet and soothing songs have finally been brought to life to help you wind down after a busy day. Baby sail the seven seas, safely in my arms... Each gentle poem captures the magic of a child's world, filled with sleepy animals, quiet moments, and cozy dreams. As you listen to the rhythmic words, you will explore stunning, colorful pages created by twelve different award-winning artists. Perfect for bedtime snuggles, this enchanting picture book is a wonderful way to say goodnight. Wrap up in your favorite blanket, turn the pages, and let these timeless rhymes carry you off to a world of sweet dreams.
6-8 Years
26 Pages
