New Releases by Deborah Underwood

You''re not afraid of zombies . . . are you? This spooky, funny, and thrilling Step 3 reader features zombie retellings of popular fairytales! What is Little Red Zombie carrying in her basket on her way to Grandma''s? Are those . . . brains?! What if all the fairytales you know and love where actually zombie-tales? Beware, these stories are only for the bravest of readers! Read about Little Red Zombie, Hansel and Gretel Zombie, and more in this spooky and hilarious early reader! Step 3 Readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics. For children who are ready to read on their own.

From the bestselling author of The Quiet Book comes an honest and touching new picture book about the ups and downs of friendship. Walter and Xavier are best friends. They do everything together! But then…quietly…slowly…Xavier becomes best friends with someone else. Walter goes from feeling hurt and left out to feeling confused and angry to feeling just plain lonely. Until one morning he wakes up feeling a tiny bit hopeful. That day, while out for a hike by himself, he meets Ollie. Could this be the beginning of a new friendship? Sometimes best friends aren’t forever, and that’s okay. Because there might be a new pal waiting just around the corner.

A bot-building princess engineers her own happy ending in this futuristic fairytale, a follow-up to the acclaimed Interstellar Cinderella. Once upon a planetoid surrounded by her friends, a girl, Jo Bright, loved building bots from scraps and odds and ends! Snow White gets a stellar upgrade in this clever retelling with a truly inventive heroine. With wit, bravery, and some spare circuit boards, Jo will foil the queen, befriend a dragon, and build herself a celestially happy ending of her own. From the team that created the acclaimed Interstellar Cinderella and Reading Beauty comes another funny and empowering fairytale that''s out of this world. A STELLAR ROLE MODEL FOR GIRLS: This uniquely feminist retelling of Snow White, in which the princess is an engineer and inventor, encourages girls to see themselves as the heroines of their own stories. STEM FOR THE WIN: It''s more important than ever to support young girls who are interested in STEM activities. This picture book makes tinkering, inventing, and engineering accessible and inviting! SO MUCH FUN TO READ ALOUD: An enchanting rhyme and gorgeous color-drenched illustrations combine to make this engaging book a wonderful choice for story-times—one that little readers will want to pore over again and again. DON''T MISS THE OTHER BOOKS: This fractured fairytale is a smart and funny follow-up to the acclaimed Interstellar Cinderella and Reading Beauty. Perfect for: Parents and grandparents Gift-givers Teachers and librarians

The fourth book of the award-winning and bestselling Sugar Plum Ballerinas series by Whoopi Goldberg—now featuring brand-new illustrations! At the Nutcracker School of Ballet in Harlem, young dancers learn to chassé, plié, and jeté with their Sugar Plum Sisters—but things don''t always go to plan! As the girls encounter challenges both on and off stage, they''ll need the support of their classmates to carry them through with aplomb. Terrel is always in charge, whether she''s making lists for grocery shopping (her favorite hobby, AFTER ballet), keeping her brothers in line, or organizing father-daughter time in with her dad. Lately, though, her dad''s been acting a little strange--wearing new clothes and way too much aftershave. Things get even weirder when he surprises Terrel with his new girlfriend during a night out at the ballet - a night that was supposed to be father-daughter time. What''s more, his "date" brought her niece along. A niece who turns out to be Terrel''s ballerina nemesis, Tiara Girl! With some Sugar Plum help, Terrel takes charge of breaking up her father''s new relationship.

Buckle up for a little bear''s first flight in this adorable, light-as-air picture book by New York Times bestselling author Deborah Underwood and critically acclaimed artist Sam Wedelich. Follow a bear cub, their grownup, and their beloved stuffie Teddy as they make their way through the busy airport and cub''s first plane ride. Their destination? A bear-y special family reunion with grandma! This cheerful, rhyming, reassuring go-to for little ones preparing for their first (or second or tenth) flight is a gentle adventure full of accessible bear puns and delightful touches, plus a detailed map of the bear-port on the endpapers. Here’s the shuttle—climb inside. Time for your first bearplane ride! “The perfect pick for first-time fliers . . . Essential." —Common Sense Media “Buoyant and properly reassuring." —Booklist * "Both accessible and fun." —BCCB (starred review) “Adorable.” —TinyBeans “Fun for travelers of all ages.” —The Walla Walla Union-Bulletin

In Bearnard Writes a Book, the hilarious follow up to writer Deborah Underwood and illustrator Misa Saburi''s Bearnard''s Book, Bearnard decides to write a book for his best friend. One day, Bearnard the bear and Gertie the goose were reading Brave Bearnard''s Book. "I wish you had your own book too," said Bearnard. Thus begins Bearnard''s quest to write Gertie her own book. But Gertie wants danger and excitement—complete with dragons, volcanoes, and rampaging monsters—while Bearnard just wants his friend to be safe! What will become of Gertie''s story? Godwin Books

You are a blessing. / You are beautiful just as you are. / You are loved, / and you love. / You make mistakes, / and it’s okay to make mistakes, / because that’s how you learn. Lyrical and poignant, Loving Kindness encourages us to be tender with ourselves and others, and to open our hearts to the world. This vibrant picture book celebrates connection, compassion, and life.

When Jupiter notices a planet circling a far star, he enlists the other planets in our solar system to send a letter, but soon there is a disagreement on which, exactly, is the exoplanet.

For fans of The Word Collector and Be Kind comes a story of words, walls, and widening your world, by New York Times bestselling author Deborah Underwood Small h has always lived with the other H''s in a city surrounded by walls that keep them safe. At least, that''s what the big H''s say. But one day, a hole in the wall reveals someone new on the other side. When little h and little i meet, they make a small word with big meaning: "hi!" The other H''s find out, though. They fill the hole. But it won''t be enough to keep these little letters apart--or twenty-four of their newest friends. Every Little Letter shows how even the smallest among us can make a big impact, and how a single act of friendship can inspire whole communities to come together. How do you tear down walls? With words, at first. Then brick by brick. "Rich for exploration . . . Adorable." --SLJ (starred review) "This message of friendship . . . bears repeating, especially for the youngest readers." --Kirkus "Smartly executed . . . Underlines how diversity leads to strength." --Publishers Weekly "This [book] goes beyond to incorporate the alphabet and word-learning, as well as the importance of listening to young people." --Shelf Awareness

Meet the Sugar Plum Ballerinas At the Nutcracker School of Ballet in Harlem, young dancers learn to chassé, plié, and jeté with their Sugar Plum Sisters--but things don''t always go to plan! As the girls encounter challenges both on and off stage, they''ll need the support of their classmates to carry them through with aplomb. Readers will applaud the first two books in this beloved, New York Times best-selling series celebrating friendship, creativity, and most of all, dance. Plum FantasticAlexandrea Petrakova Johnson does not want to be a beautiful ballerina, and she does not want to leave her friends in Apple Creek. It''s hard enough when her ballet-crazy mother moves the family to Harlem, but when Al is chosen to star in the Nutcracker School of Ballet''s big recital, she''ll have to contend with her terrible dancing and a rotten case of stage fright! Can her new classmates help her find her inner Sugar Plum Fairy? Toeshoe TroubleBrenda Black prides herself on her logical and orderly mind. She studies anatomy books and idolizes Leonardo da Vinci. Things go haywire, though, when her spoiled cousin Tiffany comes to visit. Sick and tired of Tiffany''s bragging, Brenda snaps and says she owns an autographed pair of famous toe shoes. It''s a ballet slipper-y slope as the lie gets out of hand, and she''ll need her Sugar Plum Sisters to help get her back en pointe!

A funny, visual story from Bearnard''s Book author Deborah Underwood, about a duck who wanders away from the rest of the flock and must find the way back. Ducks. Ducks? NO DUCKS! Duck wanders away from the pond for a moment and returns to find the other ducks gone! Searching high and low, Duck discovers many clues around the city—footprints, feathers, eggs—but no ducks. Will Duck’s feathered friends finally be found? With spare storytelling and lots of visual jokes, this is a funny and sweet celebration of family. Featuring illustrations by T. L. McBeth

From the New York Times best-selling author behind The Quiet Book comes a mindful contemplation on the many ways nature affects our everyday lives, perfect for fans of Joyce Sidman and Julie Fogliano. Outside is waiting, the most patient playmate of all. The most generous friend. The most miraculous inventor. This thought-provoking picture book poetically underscores our powerful and enduring connection with nature, not so easily obscured by lives spent indoors. Rhythmic, powerful language shows us how our world is made, the many ways Outside comes in to help and heal us, and reminds us that we are all part of a much greater universe. Emotive illustrations evoke the beauty, simplicity, and wonder that awaits us all . . .outside.

From New York Times-bestselling author Deborah Underwood comes Finding Kindness, a heartfelt picture book illustrated by Irene Chan. Celebrate kindness in all its many forms. This is a powerful story of community, compassion, and generosity of spirit—perfect for sharing! Kindness is sometimes a cup and a card, or a ladder, a truck, and a tree. A scritch and a cuddle. A rake and a yard.

The clothes don''t make the bunny in this new picture book from New York Times-bestselling author Deborah Underwood, illustrated by T. L. McBeth. When Ogilvy moves to a new town, the possibilities feel endless. There are so many new bunny friends and fun things to do together! But in this town, bunnies in dresses play ball and knit socks, and bunnies in sweaters make art and climb rocks. Ogilvy wants to do everything—and won''t let a sweater or a dress get in the way.

The critically adored, New York Times bestselling Deborah Underwood delights with a hilariously meta celebration of storytelling out of control. Every story needs a problem. But Panda doesn''t have a problem. Unless . . . Panda is the problem. The New York Times bestselling author of Here Comes the Easter Cat and The Quiet Book loses control of the narrative in the funniest, most exuberant, most kid-delighting way in this adventurous ode to what makes a story--and what makes a story great. "Highly entertaining and laugh-out-loud funny."--Kirkus "Supremely silly."--Publishers Weekly "Excellent...Cute, cute book."--School Library Connection "Entertaining...humorous." --BCCB "Kid-friendly...visually appealing...cheeky...adorable."--The Horn Book "Hilarious, inventive...A joyful read aloud." --SLJ, The Classroom Bookshelf

Bearnard''s Book by writer Deborah Underwood and illustrator Misa Saburi is a charming picture book about a bear who discovers that to shine in his own story, he just needs to be himself. When Bearnard gets an invitation to be in a book, it''s a dream come true! But as he reads up on what starring in a book might actually entail, he wonders if he''s not quite the right bear for the part. With the help of his friend Gertie, Bearnard discovers that to shine in his story, he just needs to be himself. With sweet humor, charming characters, and a gentle message of self-confidence, this is the perfect story for book (and bear) lovers.

A first, worst impression leads to a lasting friendship in this hilarious picture book romp from the author of the New York Times bestselling Cat series and The Quiet Book. Things you''d expect to find in the bathtub: 1. Soap bubbles 2. Rubber duckies 3. Shampoo Things you don''t expect to find in the bathtub: 1. WALRUS As it turns out, once a walrus settles in for a nice long soak, it''s pretty darn hard to get him out. What''s a family to do? This silly-sweet story will keep readers giggling as a family tries--and tries again!--to evict their unexpected houseguest... before finally realizing why he''s there in the first place.

When Arnold''s parents bring an egg home and tell him he''s going to be an older brother, Arnold is not convinced. Arnold knows the egg could be anything. . . maybe even an EGG OF DOOM! If a vampire-saurus flies out of the egg, Super Saurus will be ready! If a planet-crushing robot stomps out of the egg, Super Saurus will be ready! If Maud the Marauder jumps out of the egg, Super Saurus will be ready! But what happens if the Egg of Doom turns out to be Arnold''s new little brother or sister? With the same wit, humor and charm that shines in Super Saurus Saves Kindergarten, readers will be captivated by Arnold''s super imagination.

At night, a normal little girl imagines she is a princess, but not just a princess who wears pretty gowns and goes to balls. She also gets to fight dragons and tame trolls. But one morning she wakes up and begins to think maybe her royal adventures aren''t so imaginary after all... From the best-selling author of The Quiet Book, this jacketed picture book is perfect for every little girl who dreams of being a princess.

Girl by day. Mermaid by night. This part-time mermaid is ready for adventure! Jump into the sea to play hide-and-seek in coral caves, explore sunken pirate ships, and meet new underwater friends. At the sea palace, it''s almost time for the Midsummer Sea Festival! But . . . where is the merboy and his turtle? Can the Part-time Mermaid find him in time?

It’s back to school for the New York Times bestselling Cat when he steps in as a substitute teacher. Cat is not pleased to be tapped as substitute teacher. Not only is it cutting into his naptime, but a roomful of kittens is a little . . . much. At school, Cat follows the lesson plan of music, building, and painting—only in gradually more mischief-making Cat style. By the end, Cat has learned a thing or two about inspiring others by being himself. But even more heart-melting and humorous is what these adorable kittens have learned from Cat. Read it for back-to-school and year-round—great as a holiday or year-end teacher''s gift! “[A] heart warmer.” —The Wall Street Journal ★ “Plenty to giggle over.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Just purrfect.” —The Washington Post "Clever . . . Droll." —The Horn Book “Amusing . . . has much to offer." —School Library Journal “Adorable.” —Common Sense Media

Nothing can keep Super Saurus from conquering kindergarten in this funny story about a young dinosaur who learns how to be himself, with or without a cape—perfect for back-to-school and year-round storytime. Arnold has a plan. The evil genius Zorgo-disguised as Mr. Zachary -- will never stop him. That''s because Arnold is . . . SUPER SAURUS! No kindergarten in the universe can hold him. Or can it? Don''t miss: Super Saurus and the Egg

Just in time for the holidays—here comes Santa Cat! From the New York Times bestselling author of Interstellar Cinderalla, The Quiet Book, and Here Comes the Easter Cat comes a hilarious holiday adventure that''s perfect for fans of Narwhal and Jelly, Elephant and Piggie, and holiday gift-giving. Christmas is coming, and Cat has a hunch he''s not on Santa''s "nice" list. But Cat knows what to do—dress up as Santa! What better way to be sure he gets a present? "Instead of being Santa," the narrator gently suggests, "why don’t you just try to be nice?” Doubtful at first, Cat quickly warms to the holiday spirit, but his attempts at gift-giving, caroling, and tree-decorating go hilariously awry. There are wonders still in store, though, and this holiday, Cat might surprise even himself with his capacity for generosity. He may also get a visit from the man in the red suit and an extraordinary surprise of his own. Readers of all ages will delight in this unsentimental holiday treat with a surprisingly sweet center. "There is a sweetness to this story that illustrates the joy of sharing in a manner that is refreshingly free of goody-goody or didactic sentiment. . . . Get yourself—and all the little ones in your life—a copy of Here Comes Santa Cat, and you will all treasure it for years to come."—Katrina Fleming for OurHenHouse.org ★ "Excellent . . . An ideal holiday pick for the naughty and nice alike." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

Get to know the softer side of your favorite fairy tale baddies as they return home from a full day of scheming to enjoy a yummy dinner together and help one another get ready for bed. Wolves, today was not so good. You didn’t catch Red Riding Hood. You huffed and puffed without success. But brush your fangs, please, nonetheless. Wicked witches. Evil queens. And big, bad wolves. By day they’re such baddies! But cozy at night at home among friends? Why, they couldn’t be nicer! Inspired by the mischief-makers from classic folk and fairy tales, this picture book shows that even the baddest baddies can have big hearts.

"Cat does not want to send a valentine to anyone, until some unexpected gifts from the dog next door make him change his mind."--

The star of the New York Times bestselling Here Comes the Easter Cat is back with a loose tooth—and a little competition! When Cat loses a tooth, the Tooth Fairy delivers a wholly unwanted sidekick: a mouse. Together, Cat and Mouse are tasked with running a few Tooth Fairy-related errands—a challenge, since Mouse is just as competitive and mischievous and hilariously self-involved as Cat. The stakes rise and so does the deadpan humor, culminating in a satisfying surprise that will leave readers eager for yet another delightfully devious Cat adventure. An homage to classic comic strips from the author of The Quiet Book and The Loud Book, this New York Times bestselling series is perfect for fans of Pete the Cat, Bad Kitty, and Mo Willems''s Elephant and Piggie series. Read it when there''s a wiggly tooth and year-round! “Priceless.” —SLJ “Great . . . clever fun.” —Kirkus “Craftier than ever . . . [A] welcome addition.” —The Horn Book “A delight . . . a hoot in an aqua tutu and fairy wings” —BCCB

Once upon a planetoid, amid her tools and sprockets, a girl named Cinderella dreamed of fixing fancy rockets. With a little help from her fairy godrobot, Cinderella is going to the ball. But when the prince''s ship has mechanical trouble, someone will have to zoom to the rescue! Readers will thank their lucky stars for this irrepressible fairy tale retelling, its independent heroine, and its stellar happy ending. Plus, this is the fixed format version, which will look almost identical to the print version. Additionally for devices that support audio, this ebook includes a read-along setting.

This New York Times bestseller brings a cat with flair to spare, an Easter Bunny with a job to do, and a hilarious break from sticky-sweet Easter fare—for fans of Patrick McDonnell, Mo Willems''s Elephant and Piggie, and Ben Clanton''s Narwhal and Jelly. Why should the Easter Bunny get all the love? That''s what Cat would like to know. So he decides to take over: He dons his sparkly suit, jumps on his Harley, and roars off into the night. But it turns out delivering Easter eggs is hard work. And it doesn''t leave much time for naps (of which Cat has taken five--no, seven). So when a pooped-out Easter Bunny shows up, and with a treat for Cat, what will Cat do? His surprise solution will be stylish, smart, and even—yes—kind. An homage to classic comic strips from the author of The Quiet Book and The Loud Book, this Easter treat has a bit of bite, a sweet center, and a satisfying finish—sure to inspire second helpings. Great as an Easter basket stuffer—read it at Eastertime and year-round! "Clever . . . light-as-air." —The New York Times ★ "Brilliant . . . truly winning . . . wonderful." —SLJ, starred review ★ "Utterly endearing." —Kirkus, starred review ★ "Marvelous." —Publishers Weekly, starred review ★ "Cheekily amusing." —BCCB starred review "Witty . . . entertaining." —The Horn Book “Hilarious.” —Booklist

Illustrations and simple, rhyming text follow a family as they move to a new town.

“Fans of The Quiet Book and The Loud Book will be enchanted by this holiday companion . . . an ideal title for use during a winter holiday storytime.” —School Library Journal The holidays are filled with joyful noise. But Christmas is sometimes wrapped in quiet: “Searching for presents quiet,” “Getting caught quiet,” and “Hoping for a snow day quiet.” Irresistibly cute, soft colored pencil illustrations of bunnies, bears, and more paint a magical holiday picture indeed. “Especially endearing.” —The Wall Street Journal “There’s a special kind of quiet that comes with the holidays. This companion title to the beloved The Quiet Book and The Loud Book! highlights the joy of the season through small, but priceless, moments . . . Little kids will relate to the anticipation of the big night but also to the little pleasures, like making snow angels and enjoying a cup of steaming cocoa.” —Booklist “A congenial, understated choice for reading aloud to excited children to help them settle down for a long winter’s night.” —Kirkus Reviews “Reverence for the quieter aspects of the season is indeed a gift.” —Publishers Weekly “All of those quiet moments that make the holidays so special are wonderfully illustrated in this adorable book.” —Parents Canada