Dog vs Strawberry
Random House Studio (April 9, 2024)
words by Nelly Buchet , art by Andrea Zuill
Welcome to the Greatest Race of All Time!
Give it up for our reigning champion, the one-and-only DOG!
And let’s have a hand for her opponent: the formidable STRAW-BER-RYYYY!
When Dog is handed a strawberry from the fruit bowl, she sizes it up, dances around it, and decides she is going to race the Strawberry–and win. She dashes left, then right, then–oh!– over the couch in an attempt to outrun her opponent. Strawberry doesn’t move, but that doesn’t stop Dog from continuing the race. Eventually, it’s neck-and-neck… until mom walks in to see what the fuss is about, and SPLAT!
Kids everywhere will recognize the rivalry at play here, and will laugh-out-loud at the bright, expressive illustrations and ridiculous scenarios from the award-winning creators of Cat Dog Dog
Review
★ “Zuill has unleashed her considerable talents to great effect, creating a cinematic sense of silliness and a winning protagonist whose roly-poly physique, boopable snout, and operatic eyes convey equal parts cunning competitor and genial goofball.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ “The book’s snappy pace is in step with the high-stakes energy of a serious race. The highly expressive Dog will elicit lots of laughs and cheers from the stands.” —Booklist, starred review
★ Everyone’s a winner in this fast-paced match between canine and fruit, recommended for both public and school libraries.” —School Library Journal, starred review
“Berry delightful.” —Kirkus Reviews
About the Author
Nelly Buchet is the author of Cat Dog Dog, called a “picture book magnum opus” by Shelf Awareness. The book received starred reviews from Kirkus and The Bulletin and was named an American Library Association Notable Book, among others. She was awarded a Dalai Lama Fellowship and has taught nonviolent resolution in schools. Nelly lives in Berlin.
Andrea Zuill is the author-illustrator of Regina is NOT a Little Dinosaur, an Indie Next List selection; Sweety, a Booklist Best Book of the Year;and Wolf Camp, a Children’s Choice Award finalist. Andrea is the illustrator of Donut by Laura Gehl, a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library selection. Cat Dog Dog by Nelly Buchet, an American Library Association Notable Book which was called “A clever, winning read-aloud for modern families” in a starred review from Kirkus. Her work has been exhibited in galleries in California, Texas, and New York. –This text refers to the library edition.
Gustav is Missing / A story of friendship and bravery
Random House Studio (April 11, 2023)
by Andrea Zuill
Oh, no! When mushroom boy Little Cap’s pet slug, Gustav, goes missing, Little Cap is beside himself. How can he summon the courage to leave his cozy home to find him? But summon he does. There are many suspicious characters just outside his door and–gasp!–he has to talk to his neighbors, but Little Cap can’t be stopped.
After much perilous searching–up sheer cliffs and into deep canyons and even stepping in something really, really gross–Little Cap finally finds his very best friend, and he’s changed for the better along the way. Here is a story that celebrates friendship, perseverance, and bravery, told with Andrea Zuill’s signature heart and humor.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Elegant, digitally colored ink illustrations from Zuill (Donut) provide plenty of quirky details while remaining deeply sympathetic to the story’s offbeat protagonist, which makes his newfound, internally identified confidence endearing and inspiring.” —Publishers Weekly
“A delightful, sharply observed tale about friendship and taking those first tentative steps toward independence.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Read this picture book to kids not ready to take on The Hobbit just yet.” —The Bulletin
“Zuill’s gentle adventure highlights how monumental stepping outside of one’s comfort zone is and how doing so can come with unforeseen rewards.” —Booklist
A Friend Like No Otter
Union Square Kids (May 9, 2023)
Words by Nelly Buchet, art by Andrea Zuill
Otter loves playing with Rock. Manatee would like to join. But what happens when Manatee joins Otter and Rock for a boisterous game and disaster strikes? This is a story about finding the courage to face one’s mistakes and take the plunge to save a friendship. It’s also about Rock. . .who doesn’t talk but experiences a lot.
“Plain blue watery backdrops focus attention on the foregrounded animals, which Zuill expressively depicts in sketchlike lines as affable and emotive. After a cast of ocean denizens improbably save the day, Otter embraces collaborative play for a conclusion that reinforces the value of conviviality. An author’s note concludes.” – Publishers Weekly
Donut / The Unicorn Who Wants to Fly
Random House Studio (April 12, 2022)
words by Laura Gehl, art by Andrea Zuill
When Donut, a fluffy, scruffy unicorn with a colorful horn spots a bird in the air, she thinks, why can’t I be up there, too? And so she jumps! off of a log and and even a trampoline. But thump! she falls down to the ground. After many attempts at flight (including wings fashioned out of sticks), Donut schemes with the other animals in the field, and finally comes up with an ingenious and imaginative solution. Finally, her perseverance pays off– and Donut flies!
With a simple text and expressive art, here is a character-driven story from a popular author-illustrator duo that’s laugh-out-loud funny, ingenious, and sure to appeal to all those unicorn fans out there–especially those who like their unicorns a little on the imperfect side.
An Indie Next List Selection
A Junior Library Guild Selection
“Donut is awkward, funny, and sweet, with a big pink nose and a long fringe, and the unicorn’s lessons of persistence, kindness, and collaboration land with the lightness of a zephyr.” –Publisher’s Weekly
Regina is NOT a little Dinosaur
Schwartz & Wade (April 13, 2021)
By Andrea Zuill
When Regina’s mother heads off to hunt, she tells her little dinosaur: stay in the nest and be mama’s good little carnivore. But just who is she calling little?! Regina is big! And she has all the tools to hunt herself: a fear-inducing predator stare, a terrifying roar, and an uncanny ability to camouflage. And so Regina sets off on her first real hunt, all alone. ROAR! Along the way, she meets some truly huge dinosaurs, and hilariously, and miserably, fails at catching anything. What if she has to live her life as an…. herbivore?! Little kids everywhere will recognize themselves in Andrea Zuill’s intrepid young dino–eager for independence, but still very much needing the safety and comfort of home.
Junior Library Guild selection
WINNER – South Carolina Book Award
“Regina’s expressions are priceless… her emotive eyes flashing with glee, rage, or panic in turn. Young readers (and their adults) will laugh out loud at the relatable protagonist and her adorable antics.” —Booklist
“Indelible Regina roars, slinks, sniffs, and pounces…. A gem of comic timing and expression: readers will want to incorporate the conciliatory nose bump that mother and daughter dino share (“Boop!”) into their own repertoire of affectionate moves.” —Publishers Weekly
Cat Dog Dog / The story of a blended family
Schwartz & Wade (April 13, 2021)
Words by Nelly Buchet, art by Andrea Zuill
Cat and Dog live with their human in a suburban house with a big backyard. Sure, they fight like…. well, cats and dogs, but they’re used to one another. Dog– a different dog– lives a happy only child life in the city with his dad. He has the bed to himself, he never has to share his toys, and that’s the way he likes it. So what happens when the Dog’s dad and Cat and Dog’s mom move in together? Well, it’s chaotic. There’s not enough room on the bed, for starters. But as the seasons pass, the three animals become a trio and learn to (mostly) love one another. Just as they’re settling into a cozy life as a threesome, along comes….. a baby! This laugh-out-loud picture book, which is the recipient of The Irma Simonton Black and James H. Black Award for Excellence in Children’s Literature, cleverly uses two repeating words and is sure to strike a chord with kids dealing with the ups-and-downs of settling into a blended family of their own.
Praise for Cat Dog Dog:
An American Library Association Notable Book
A 2020 CCBC Best Books for Kids
“A clever, winning read-aloud for modern families.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“This is perfect for kids just climbing aboard the reading train, but it could also work as a comedic read-aloud to younger kids.” —The Bulletin, starred review
“… a picture book magnum opus about the intricacies of the step family.” —Shelf Awareness
Indie Next 2020 List
2021 CCBC Choices List
Amazon’s Best of 2020 for ages 3-5
2021 Wisconsin State Reading Association “Picture This” Recommendation List
Iowa Public Radio Best New Books for Children
Bank Street
College of Education Best of the Year 2021 Edition
STARRED review from Kirkus Reviews
STARRED review from the Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“A clever, winning read-aloud for modern families.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“This is perfect for kids just climbing aboard the reading train, but it could also work as a comedic read-aloud to younger kids.” —TheBulletin, starred review
“… a picture book magnum opus about the intricacies of the step family.” —Shelf Awareness
Sweety
Schwartz & Wade (March 26, 2019)
By Andrea Zuill
An Indie Next List Top 10 Pick!
Sweety is awkward, even for a naked mole rat. She has protruding front teeth, thick glasses, and some very unusual hobbies, including interpretive dance and fungus identification. She’s intense and passionate–and her peers don’t always get her. But surely there are other mushroom lovers out there? As Sweety sets out to find them, she comes to realize–with a little help from her cool Aunt Ruth– that being Sweety is actually pretty awesome. With heart and humor and a whole lot of charm, Andrea Zuill delivers a story about learning to embrace everything that makes you you–and that’s something many kids are going to relate to.
From School Library Journal
K-Gr 2—Sweety is a particularly awkward naked mole rat. She doesn’t always fit in with her classmates. She likes different things, like mushrooms and interpretive dance. Her grandmother calls her a square peg, but Aunt Ruth understands her. Aunt Ruth is a square peg herself and explains to Sweety that if the young mole rat stays true to herself, she will find her people. Sweety wonders who “her people” are and how will they recognize one another. Will there be a secret handshake? Sweety is indeed awkward, with head gear to pull her prominent front teeth together and thick eyeglasses. Pen-and-ink drawings, scanned and colored digitally in a washed color palette, depict the naked mole rats in clothing and other humanlike elements. Drawn with lots of squiggly black lines, tiny eyes, bald heads, and spindly limbs, the cast of characters could be described as adorable and dorky. Composition varies from page to page, ranging from spreads to multiple vignettes. The touching and comedic prose, dotted with an occasional conversation bubble, pairs perfectly with the adorkable characters. Square pegs rejoice, Zuill has created a worthy addition to her lineup of whimsical and lovable character-filled picture books. VERDICT A sweet and heartening selection, best shared one-on-one or in a small group setting.–Mindy Hiatt, Salt Lake County Library Services
Booklist Editors’ Choice
A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year
An Indie Next List Top 10 Pick!
Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award
“With hilarious pictures and tender, observant writing, Andrea Zuill gets to the heart of what it is to be an oddball in ’Sweety,’ an endearing picture book for children…” —The Wall Street Journal
“Zuill takes a common theme—finding the courage to be yourself—and makes it funny, heartwarming, and inspiring.” —Booklist, starred review
“Zuill takes a common theme—finding the courage to be yourself—and makes it funny, heartwarming, and inspiring.” —Booklist, starred review
Marigold & Daisy
Union Square Kids; Illustrated edition (February 6, 2018)
By Andrea Zuill
Even snails can feel jealous over a new baby! Although Marigold is excited to meet her new snail sister, Daisy, she quickly realizes that Daisy must be an evil genius, capable of mesmerizing everyone. After all, their parents think everything Daisy does is cute—even pooping! Just when Marigold reaches her breaking point, she discovers that Daisy’s amazing skills may come in handy after all.
“Spring has sprung, and with it comes new beginnings and unexpected trials for two young snails. New siblings can be an unfortunate tribulation, even in the buggy world of this brightly colored picture book. Life unfolds nicely for Marigold, a big-eyed young snail, until the birth of her sister, Daisy. No longer the center of attention, Marigold resents this little intrusion, who doesn’t seem nearly as cute as everyone thinks; instead, she ruins everything, even Marigold’s favorite toy. Disgusted and resentful, Marigold sets out to be alone…until she finds herself in a pickle. When Daisy turns up to help out her big sis, Marigold realizes maybe siblings aren’t so bad after all. Loose, watercolor-styled illustrations feature quirky yet lovable gastropods and insects, all endowed with big, expressive eyes, and a bug’s-eye view into a spring garden, complete with leafy green endpapers, which amplify the floral theme. While Marigold’s sophisticated vocabulary will prompt good discussions of words and their meanings, the lively speech balloons offer opportunities for humorous voice impressions for added read-aloud enjoyment. Good for new older siblings who will recognize Marigold’s frustration but not be too old to appreciate Daisy’s pluck. Not your garden-variety sibling story despite a familiar theme.” —Kirkus Reviews
Dance is for Everyone
Union Square Kids; Illustrated edition (April 4, 2017)
by Andrea Zuill
An alligator dancing ballet? When the reptile takes her place at the barre, Mrs. Iraina and her dancers are very surprised. But since they can’t communicate with the alligator—and she is able to follow along—they just decide to name her Tanya and let her stay. (Would YOU say no to a 450-pound alligator?) Mrs. Iraina even creates a special ballet to showcase Tanya’s larger-than-life talents . . . and super-swishy tail. Then, without warning, Tanya disappears. Funny and irreverent, Dance Is for Everyone shows that, with just a little understanding, anyone can fit in—even a dancing alligator.
“The illustrations are stylized and quirky, and the plot is engaging, with jokes that adults will appreciate peppered throughout. The narrative conveys the story’s message of inclusion in a subtle manner, but the book’s title makes this important theme abundantly clear. VERDICT A fun read-aloud and a welcome addition to medium and large collections, best shared one-on-one or in a small group setting.” —School Library Journal
Wolf Camp
Schwartz & Wade; Reprint edition (July 31, 2018)
By Andrea Zuill
Homer is a dog . . . but he also secretly fancies himself part wolf. So when an invitation to attend WOLF CAMP (“Where every dog can live as a wolf for a week”) falls out of his kibble bag one morning, he’s determined to go. After his people finally agree, Homer boards the bus bound for Wolf Camp, along with fellow campers Trixie and Rex. They’re greeted on the other end by wolf counselors Fang and Grrr (“they seem nice”), and what follows is an array of wolf activities, including learning to howl, mark, and hunt. Of course, Homer’s a little homesick at times, and the food isn’t very good, but that just makes heading home all the sweeter.
Perfect for all those kids anticipating camp themselves, Zuill’s debut introduces a charmer of a dog and puts him in some laugh-out-loud scenarios.
Nominee, The Young Hoosier Award, 2018“This debut picture book will delight more than dog lovers.” —Kirkus Reviews starred review