Kevin Waldron

Meet the pest: A tiny, elusive little fly is buzzing all around, stirring up some mighty jungle beasts. The big chase: When the fly lands on some great big toes and a great big nose, the poor elephant tries to tramp and crush it! Then comes a great big rhino and a great big tiger, each trying to roll, swat, swoop, and snatch the teasing insect right out of the air. Why it is great: With rhythmic, bouncy words that are a joy to read aloud, Michael Rosen crafts a suspenseful comedy for the very young. Kevin Waldron’s energetic illustrations match the playful beat, capturing the funny frustration of the massive animals trying to catch one tiny bug.

The temptation: When Michael was a young boy, he had one absolute favorite treat in the entire world. It was the moment his mum baked a rich, gooey, magnificent chocolate cake! The midnight feast: The temptation of that leftover cake sitting downstairs in the dark kitchen is simply too much to resist. What follows is a stealthy, crumbly, and wonderfully messy nighttime mission to get just one more bite. Why it is delicious: Brought to life as a vibrant picture book, Michael Rosen's famous poem is a fantastically funny love letter to every child's favorite dessert. Kevin Waldron's characterful illustrations perfectly capture the suspense, the silly noises, and the ultimate chocolatey triumph.