What do an intrepid sheep, a fearless little girl, a daring Victorian explorer, and a fish finger-loving penguin have in common? Why, they’re all dauntless adventurers, of course! These entertaining Holiday Gift Guide picks will make great gifts for your bold little readers who are always looking for their next great adventure.
Lana Lynn Howls at the Moon
Written by Rebecca Van Slyke
Illustrated by Anca Sandu
Lana Lynn is an intrepid sheep. The other members of her flock are content to nibble grass in the pasture, sip water from the pond, and nap in the meadow. But not Lana Lynn. She wants adventure!
So one night, she finds a disguise and dashes into the wild woods to see what life is like as a wolf. But is life with the wolf pack everything it seems? Rebecca Van Slyke’s charming depiction of experiencing new things is accented by Anca Sandu’s humorous illustrations.
Buy Lana Lynn Howls at the Moon through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.
Little Red
Written and Illustrated by Bethan Woollvin
On her way to Grandma’s house, Little Red meets a big bad wolf. Which might scare some little girls. But not this little girl. She knows just what the wolf is up to, and she’s not going to let him get away with it.
In this updated fairy tale with a mischievous twist, talented newcomer Bethan Woollvin uses sly humor, striking visuals, and dark irreverence to turn a familiar tale on its head.
Check out Bethan Woollvin’s other fractured fairy tales, Rapunzel and Hansel & Gretel, and be sure to watch for her brand-new, original fairy tale Bo the Brave, coming Spring 2020!
Buy Little Red through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.
Away with Words
The Daring Story of Isabella Bird
Written by Lori Mortensen
Illustrated by Kristy Caldwell
“Isabella Bird was like a wild vine stuck in a too-small pot. She needed more room. She had to get out. She had to explore.”
Exploring was easier said than done in Victorian England. But Isabella persisted, and with each journey, she breathed in new ways to see and describe everything around her. This dashing picture book biography about the first female member of the Royal Geographical Society takes readers around the world with a daring nineteenth-century female explorer and author. Kristy Caldwell’s detailed illustrations illuminate Bird’s travels around the world, and Lori Mortensen’s back matter, author’s note, and bibliography will satisfy the curiosity of readers who want to learn more.
Buy Away with Words through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.
Mr. Penguin and the Fortress of Secrets
Written and illustrated by Alex T. Smith
Everyone’s favorite penguin-and-spider duo are back for another adventure! When Mr. Penguin and Colin crash-land on a snowy mountain, they discover strange noises coming from an old, ruined fortress. Might it be connected to the mystery of missing pets? Why are there shadowy figures lurking about? And will Mr. Penguin conquer his fear of flying?
This second installment in the humorous, page-turning series from Alex T. Smith, the author-illustrator of the popular Claude series, is sure to thrill young readers looking for a good adventure.
Buy Mr. Penguin and the Fortress of Secrets through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.