Illustrator Profile
Lynn Munsinger
20 Books
Lynn Munsinger is an American children’s book illustrator known for expressive, humorous animal characters and lively picture-book art. She is especially associated with Helen Lester’s Tacky the Penguin books, as well as Hooway for Wodney Wat, Listen, Buddy, Me First, and It Wasn’t My Fault. Her illustrations often add comic timing and personality to stories written by other authors.
Harold the dog and Chester the cat are expecting a relaxing stay at Chateau Bow-Wow while the Monroe family goes on vacation. Instead, they find themselves in a rundown boardinghouse filled with strange animal guests and a spooky atmosphere. When Louise, a French poodle, suddenly disappears from the premises, Chester is absolutely convinced that foul play is involved. Now, these two unlikely pet detectives must sniff out the clues and solve the mystery before anyone else vanishes. You will join Harold and Chester as they tiptoe through dark hallways and interrogate a wacky cast of suspects. The hilarious antics and mild suspense make this a perfect puzzle for young readers ready for a good whodunit.
6-8 Years
195 Pages
Wodney Wat is a sweet rodent who struggles to pronounce his R sounds. When he receives a special talking robot for his birthday, he is thrilled to have a new toy that might just help him practice his speech. His peaceful days at school are interrupted when Camilla Capybara, the biggest and meanest bully in class, returns to cause trouble. Camilla thinks she can pick on everyone, but she has never met a robot quite like Wodney's new friend. You will cheer for Wodney as he discovers that being clever and brave is much more important than being big. This funny school story shows how brains can easily outsmart brawn.
6-8 Years
37 Pages
Tacky is not your average, sleek, and graceful penguin. While his friends Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly, and Perfect prefer doing things properly, Tacky marches to the beat of his own drum. Now, the iceberg-wide Penguin Cheering Contest is approaching, and his team desperately wants to win those shiny first-place bow ties. His friends worry that Tacky's clumsy moves and loud voice will ruin their perfectly synchronized routine. You will watch Tacky practice hard to learn the routine, but when the big day finally arrives, he simply cannot help adding his own unique flair. This hilarious story proves that sometimes a little bit of silly originality is exactly what a team needs to stand out.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Tacky the penguin is looking for a relaxing day of sailboarding, but a sudden gust of wind blows him completely off course. He washes up on a warm, tropical island that is very different from his icy home. Wearing his favorite floral Hawaiian shirt, Tacky catches the eye of an elephant who mistakes him for a beautiful bouquet of flowers. The elephant decides Tacky will make the perfect table centerpiece and refuses to let him go. You will laugh out loud as Tacky uses all of his wackiest penguin moves to prove he is a real bird, not a plant. This silly jungle mix-up brings a hilarious tropical twist to Tacky's usual snowy adventures.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Sam has his heart set on making the perfect valentine for Tiffany. With the help of his good friend Mary Ann, he crafts a very special card just for her. But when Valentine's Day arrives, Tiffany does not even notice Sam or his beautiful creation.
Sometimes the person you are trying to impress is not the one who truly matters. Follow Sam as he learns a gentle lesson about friendship and realizes who is really special in his life.
This sweet story explores the ups and downs of making friends and handling big emotions at school. You will also discover fun facts about the history of Valentine's Day along the way.
6-8 Years
34 Pages
Murdley Gurdson is a boy who just cannot catch a break. He accidentally squeezes toothpaste everywhere, breaks fragile vases, and trips straight into wastepaper baskets. Even worse, whenever something goes wrong, it is almost always his own fault. But everything changes during a simple walk when a bird suddenly drops an egg right onto his head. For once, Murdley is absolutely certain that this messy disaster is not his fault, and he sets out to find out who is truly to blame. You will follow along on his hilarious quest to discover exactly how this gooey accident happened. This silly story is a funny look at how one little mistake can lead to a giant chain reaction.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
The Nice Icy Land is buzzing with excitement. Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly, and Perfect have spent weeks secretly preparing the ultimate surprise party for Tacky the Penguin's special hatchday. They have arranged everything perfectly, from the fishy ice cream to a special performance by Twinklewebs the Dance Queen. However, when you mix an elegant party with a clumsy penguin like Tacky, things are bound to get messy. A hilarious comedy of errors unfolds, turning the flawless celebration into a wild and chaotic event. You will love watching Tacky use his upbeat attitude and goofy dance moves to save the day, proving that a party does not have to be perfect to be a huge success.
6-8 Years
37 Pages
Rodney Rat has a tough time at school because he cannot pronounce his R sounds. The other rodents tease him constantly, making him feel small and shy. The classroom dynamic changes completely when Camilla Capybara arrives. Camilla is bigger, meaner, and smarter than everyone else, and she immediately begins bullying the entire class. No one knows how to stop her until the students play a game of Simon Says. You will discover how Rodney's unique way of speaking unexpectedly becomes a secret weapon against the fierce new bully. This heartwarming and hilarious story reminds us that sometimes our biggest insecurities can turn into our greatest strengths.
6-8 Years
37 Pages
Tacky is an odd bird who definitely marches to the beat of his own drummer. While his perfectly polite companions Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly, and Perfect spend their days greeting each other quietly and marching in straight lines, Tacky prefers loud Hawaiian shirts and making giant splashy cannonballs. His fellow penguins find his quirky behavior quite annoying. Their peaceful icy land is threatened when a group of intimidating hunters arrive with maps and traps, looking for pretty penguins to capture. You will see how Tacky's eccentric habits and un-penguin-like behavior confuse the hunters and protect the entire flock. This hilarious adventure proves that being true to yourself is always the best way to stand out.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Mrs. Beakly's class of energetic young penguins is putting on a school play to entertain the crowd. Keeping everyone's attention during a full performance is tough, but when Tacky takes center stage, it is impossible to look away. Dressed in a flowing blond wig and bright red skipping shoes, Tacky takes on the lead role in the classic tale of the Three Bears. As usual, he brings his own wild personality to the stage, causing chaos and leaving the set in complete shambles. You will laugh as this misfit bird turns a quiet fairy tale into a wildly unpredictable comedy. It is a show the audience will never forget.
6-8 Years
37 Pages
Sam's teacher has given the class a very special Thanksgiving assignment, but Sam is completely stuck. He has to decide what he is most grateful for, and with so many things to choose from, picking just one feels impossible.
Follow along as Sam thinks hard about all the wonderful things in his life, from fun toys to yummy food. With a little help, he discovers what truly matters most of all.
This charming story will help you explore the true meaning of being thankful. You will also learn fun facts about the history of Thanksgiving Day as you help Sam figure out his perfect project.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
The holidays have arrived in the Nice Icy Land, and the penguins are busy celebrating with cheerful singing, beautiful decorations, and plenty of gifts. Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly, and Perfect have carefully prepared everything, but Tacky's idea of a perfect Christmas present is highly unusual. His friends are not quite sure what to make of his strange gift. The peaceful merrymaking comes to a sudden halt when greedy hunters sneak onto the ice, looking to capture pretty penguins. You will see how Tacky's oddball behavior and very unconventional present become the exact tools needed to chase the intruders away. This festive winter tale shows that sometimes the strangest gifts are the most valuable.
6-8 Years
37 Pages
Tacky and his perfectly polite penguin friends are packing their bags for a thrilling trip to summer camp in the Nice Icy Land. They spend their days rock hopping, line dancing, and playing intense games of Capture the Ice Cube. When the sun sets, they gather around the glowing campfire to roast s'mores and share spooky ghost stories. But the fun takes a scary turn when something straight out of their frightening tales visits their sleeping cabin. While his friends want to run away as fast as they can, Tacky stays behind. You will discover how this oddball bird uses his own wacky brand of heroics to face the campfire monster and save the camp.
6-8 Years
37 Pages
Buddy the bunny has beautiful, giant ears, but he has one major problem: he never actually listens. When his parents ask him to buy tomatoes, he brings home potatoes. When they ask for a slice of bread, he saws off a piece of his bed. His scatterbrained habits are mostly just silly until he takes a wrong turn on the path and ends up completely lost. Suddenly, he finds himself face to face with the scary Scruffy Varmint, who immediately puts him to work making soup. You will find out if Buddy can finally learn to follow directions before he accidentally becomes the main ingredient in bunny stew. This fast-paced story is a hilarious reminder of why listening matters.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Parents are truly amazing, and they know exactly how to make every single day feel special! Whether you are spending time with your mom or your dad, there is always something fun and exciting waiting to happen.
Mommies are fantastic at painting beautiful pictures, taking you on exciting picnics, and showing you how to dance. Daddies are just as wonderful, whether they are playing a game of hide-and-seek, building a fantastic sandcastle, or singing a silly song. But no matter what fun activities they plan, there is one very important thing that both mommies and daddies do better than anyone else in the world!
Discover the joy and warmth of family in this sweet, two-in-one story that celebrates all the wonderful ways parents show their love.
6-8 Years
It is time for Halloween in the Nice Icy Land. Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly, and Perfect are busy transforming their home into the spookiest haunted igloo ever built. They are hanging creepy cobwebs and baking terrible waffle treats to share. Meanwhile, Tacky is busy eating all the treats and working on his own ridiculous costume instead of helping. When a group of ghostly hunters suddenly arrives, demanding all the snacks that Tacky has already eaten, the penguins are trapped in a tricky situation. You will laugh out loud as Tacky steps up to show the hunters that if they cannot have a treat, they are definitely going to get a trick.
6-8 Years
37 Pages
Everyone knows that Tacky is not the best-dressed penguin in the flock. While his companions prefer formal bow ties, Tacky loves loud, colorful Hawaiian shirts. The whole iceberg is thrown into a frenzy when they hear that the grand Emperor is coming for a special visit. The penguins rush to make everything perfect and elegant for the royal guest. Tacky tries his best to dress up for the big occasion, but he completely gets carried away and ends up wearing an outfit that is far too elaborate. You will enjoy watching the chaos unfold as Tacky's mistaken identity and silly wardrobe bring endless laughs to the Emperor's royal tour.
6-8 Years
37 Pages
The icy winds are blowing, and Team Nice Icy Land is officially preparing for the grand Winter Games. Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly, and Perfect are training rigorously to get in top shape for the athletic competitions. They run, lift, and practice their synchronized moves until they are flawless. Tacky wants to help his team bring home a shiny medal, but his version of training involves a lot more snacking and bumbling around than serious practice. You will cheer for the penguins as they tackle speed skating, ski jumping, and bobsledding. From start to finish, Tacky brings his loud and unpredictable style to the games, reminding everyone that having fun is the biggest victory of all.
6-8 Years
37 Pages
Pinkerton Pig is completely obsessed with being first at everything. Whether it is rushing down the slide at the playground, grabbing the front seat on the school bus, or cutting in line at the trough-a-teria, Pinkerton will push anyone out of the way to claim the top spot. His extremely selfish habits seem to work perfectly for him until the Pig Scouts take a long hike at the beach. Hearing a voice ask if anyone cares for a sandwich, Pinkerton sprints ahead to grab the treat. You will laugh as he discovers that he has not found a tasty lunch, but a grumpy Sandwitch who lives in a castle and needs someone to do all her chores.
6-8 Years
37 Pages
Hunter and Stripe are the very best of friends. These young raccoons love doing everything exactly the same, from wearing matching striped sweaters to eating the exact same lunches of crawfish sandwiches and huckleberries.
But one day, Stripe arrives at Mr. Ringtail's class in a big mischief-making mood. As Stripe starts stirring up trouble and acting out, Hunter is faced with a tough choice. Should he follow his best friend's lead and break the rules, or should he be brave enough to do the right thing?
Join these delightful pals as they learn how to navigate the tricky waters of peer pressure. You will see that true friendship means knowing when to be a copycat, and when it is time to be your own raccoon.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
