Books by David Elliott

And Here's to You!

by David Elliott

"Elliott’s cup runneth over with good cheer in this rhymed toast to people — and not just the two-legged variety. . . . Will have listeners calling for another round." — Kirkus Reviews

Here’s to the birds and the bears and the bugs! Here’s to the weird and wacky, the cute and creepy! From toothy fish to get-you-when-you’re-sleeping cats to lick-lick-lick-lick-lick-lick dogs, every creature is unique and lovable . . . especially you! David Elliott’s infectiously joyful poem and Randy Cecil’s brilliant, amusing artwork invite us to celebrate the world’s vast diversity — and feel pretty happy with our place in it, too.

And Here's to You!

by David Elliott

Here’s to exuberant read-alouds! This picture book ode to joy invites us to celebrate the world’s vast diversity — and feel pretty happy with our place in it, too.

Here’s to the birds!
The Feather People!
Birds!

Here’s to the birds and the bears and the bugs! Here’s to the weird and wacky, the cute and creepy! From toothy fish to let-you-when-you’re-sleeping cats to lick-lick-lick-lick-lick-lick dogs, every creature is unique and lovable . . . especially you! The infectious joy of David Elliott’s wonderful read-aloud poem and Randy Cecil’s brilliant, amusing artwork is sure to have children reciting along.

Bull

by David Elliott

Much like Lin-Manuel Miranda did in Hamilton, the New York Times best-selling author David Elliott turns a classic on its head in form and approach, updating the timeless story of Theseus and the Minotaur. A rough, rowdy, and darkly comedic young adult retelling in verse, which NPR called “beautifully clever,” Bull will have readers reevaluating one of mythology's most infamous monsters.

SEE THE STORY OF THESEUS AND THE MINOTAUR
IN A WHOLE NEW LIGHT

Minos thought he could
Pull a fast one
On me,
Poseidon!
God of the Sea!
But I’m the last one
On whom you
Should try such a thing.
The nerve of that guy.
The balls. The audacity.
I AM THE OCEAN!
I got capacity!
Depths! Darkness! Delphic power!
So his sweet little plan
Went big-time sour
And his wife had a son
Born with horns and a muzzle
Who ended up
In an underground puzzle.
What is it with you mortals?
You just can’t seem to learn:
If you play with fire, babies,
You’re gonna get burned.

Bull

by David Elliott

David Elliott turns a classic on its head: this rough and rowdy retelling of the Minotaur myth in verse will have readers reevaluating one of mythology's most infamous monsters.

THE MYTH OF THE MINOTAUR? THAT'S BULL.



Garnering six starred reviews, this update of the timeless story of Theseus and the Minotaur has been called "beautifully clever," "a literary feast fit for the gods," "powerful and engrossing," "irresistible, slick, and sharp," "a genre of its own," and "rude...crude, and it's a whole bunch of fun."



Resurrected from the dark depths of the labyrinth, this fresh, deliciously shocking, and darkly comedic novel-in-verse takes on the Theseus and Minotaur myth and shines a light on one of history's most infamous monsters.

In the Wild

by Zadie Smith, Nick Laird, David Elliott

The stellar team who brought us ON THE FARM present a companion book evoking creatures of the wild in simple, clever poems and vibrant woodcuts. (Ages 4-7)

From the lion standing alone on the African savannah to the panda in a bamboo forest, from the rhinoceros with its boot-like face to the Arctic polar bear disappearing in the snow, the earth is full of curious and wonderful animals, each more extraordinary than the next. David Elliott's pithy, lyrical verse and Holly Meade's stunning woodcut and watercolor illustrations reveal a world of remarkable beauty and wonder --and offer an enticing introduction to both favorite animals and poetic forms.

In the Wild

by Zadie Smith, Nick Laird, David Elliott

Acclaimed authors Zadie Smith and Nick Laird are back with a brand-new picture book about conquering new experiences and enjoying the great outdoors!

Maud—the judo-suit-wearing guinea pig and proud oddball—is off into the wild, as is Kit, her owner. Both are slightly nervous about what they’ll find in the great outdoors, but with a pinch of bravery—and a few Signature Moves—they’ll make new friends and explore new worlds . . .

A warm and endearing story celebrating the quiet power of being yourself.

Finn Throws a Fit

by David Elliott

Who among us hasn't encountered that force of nature called "a fit"? A best-selling author and illustrator depict a toddler’s tantrum in all its horror and hilarity.

Finn likes peaches. Usually. But not today. Today Finn doesn’t like anything. Uh-oh. Is Finn going to throw a fit? Author David Elliott directs the event with wit, warmth, and appropriate wariness, while illustrator Timothy Basil Ering’s energy and whimsy match this tantrum turn for turn. At once empathetic and uproariously funny, this picture book speaks directly to anyone (young or old) who has ever had — or tried to contain — a real earth-quaking, ground-shaking, full-on fit.

In the Sea

by David Elliott

A New York Times best-selling author and a Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator explore life in the ocean with clever poems and bold, expressive woodcuts.

The briny deep is home to an enormous variety of fascinating creatures, from the dainty sea horse to the fearsome shark, from the spiny sea urchin to the majestic blue whale. In striking woodcut illustrations, diverse creatures glide through blue and green waters, while succinct, witty poetry examines their behavior and interactions. In this companion volume to On the Farm and In the Wild, David Elliott and Holly Meade explore the depths of the ocean in a collection of poems sure to thrill budding oceanographers and landlubbers alike.

Knitty Kitty

by David Elliott

An ever-patient kitty knits away with one watchful eye on three impish kittens in a charming tale that's purr-fect for bedtime — or anytime.

"Clickety-click.
Tickety-tick.
Knitty Kitty sits and knits."

What could Knitty Kitty be knitting? Something to keep three mischievous kittens toasty and comfy, of course. But after the snow falls and the moon comes up and it's bedtime for kittens everywhere, what will keep them all warm and snug? Knitty Kitty has the answers! With a fun, rhythmic text and delightfully detailed illustrations, the storybook team of David Elliott and Christopher Denise knit together a read-aloud that little ones will cozy right up to.

Evangeline Mudd's Great Mink Rescue

by David Elliott

"Readers will not be able to resist smart, quirky Evangeline as she unicycles her way through yet another wild tale. Original and fun." — KIRKUS REVIEWS

When a letter marked URGENT!!! arrives at Evangeline Mudd’s bungalow, she is reminded of a promise she needs to keep: to set free the animals at Mudd’s Marvelous Minks. Going undercover as a newspaper reporter, and with the help of Alexy Alexy, the world’s highest-jumping dancer, the spirited heroine is back to join the fight for animal rights in a funny, fast-paced, whimsically illustrated novel.

The Transmogrification of Roscoe Wizzle

by David Elliott

"The wacky plot and quirky details . . . will appeal to young and reluctant readers who like their fiction light and offbeat."— SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

Roscoe Wizzle used to be a normal ten-year-old kid. But that was before a sign reading COMING SOON! GUSSY'S! sprang up in a vacant lot. A sign showing Gussy Gorilla eating a Jungle Drum-just about the biggest hamburger in the world. Roscoe Wizzle, hamburger fan, was a normal kid all right . . . until he started turning into a bug! David Elliott’s debut novel takes a hilarious and surreal look at what can happen when you get too much of a good thing.

The Two Tims

by David Elliott

Best pals encounter a complication in this welcoming tale of camaraderie from New York Times best-selling author David Elliott.

Tim and Tim are best friends. They like to play and climb trees together. Then Tom comes along. Tom shares some interests with one Tim and some with the other. But can all three boys find common ground? David Elliott and Gabriel Alborozo explore the nuances and adjustments required when a pair of friends becomes a group and how opening your heart can reap enormous rewards. A spot-on read-aloud for young children learning to find a place in their world for new friendships.

Finn Throws a Fit!

by David Elliott

Who among us hasn’t encountered that force of nature called “a fit"? A best-selling author and illustrator depict a toddler’s tantrum in all its horror and hilarity.

Finn likes peaches. Usually. But not today. Today Finn doesn’t like anything. Uh-oh. Is Finn going to throw a fit? Author David Elliott directs the event with wit, warmth, and appropriate wariness, while illustrator Timothy Basil Ering’s energy and whimsy match this tantrum turn for turn. At once empathetic and uproariously funny, this picture book speaks directly to anyone (young or old) who has ever had — or tried to contain — a real earth-quaking, ground-shaking, full-on fit.

In the Past: From Trilobites to Dinosaurs to Mammoths in More Than 500 Million Years

by David Elliott

Return to the prehistoric era and discover a host of creatures both novel and familiar, from the mysterious trilobite to the famed T. rex.

Care to meet a dunkleosteus? An apatosaurus? How about the dragonflyesque meganaura? In a collection that’s organized chronologically by epoch and is sure to intrigue everyone from armchair dino enthusiasts to budding paleontologists, David Elliott and Matthew Trueman illuminate some of the most fascinating creatures ever to evolve on the earth. Combining poems both enlightening and artful with illustrations perfect for poring over, this volume ensures fascinating trips back to a time as enthralling and variable as any in our planet’s evolutionary history.

Baabwaa and Wooliam: A Tale of Literacy, Dental Hygiene, and Friendship

by David Elliott

A hilarious and satisfying tale of literacy, dental hygiene, and friendship from David Elliott and Melissa Sweet that is sure to have readers in stitches from start to finish.

Baabwaa is a sheep who loves to knit. Wooliam is a sheep who loves to read. It sounds a bit boring, but they like it. Then, quite unexpectedly, a third sheep shows up. A funny-looking sheep who wears a tattered wool coat and has long, dreadfully decaying teeth. Wooliam, being well-read, recognizes their new acquaintance: the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing! The wolf is so flattered to discover his literary reputation precedes him that he stops trying to eat Baabwaa and Wooliam. And a discovery by the sheep turns the encounter into an unexpected friendship.

Nobody's Perfect

by David Elliott

Not being perfect has its virtues in this irresistible child’s-eye view.

Your best friend is kind of a show-off. Your baby sister is loud. And Mom can be pretty stubborn. Not perfect! But sometimes they come pretty close, and you do, too. David Elliott’s winning, tongue-in-cheek text combines with Sam Zuppardi’s fresh, kid-friendly illustrations to show that life may be more about patience than perfection, and that focusing on the positive reaps its own rewards.

Boar and Hedgehog

by David Elliott

Boar is grumpy. Hedgehog is a know-it-all. Could they EVER be friends? From an outstanding team comes a classic story of unexpected camaraderie, told with wit and disarming sweetness.

All the animals say Boar is cranky. And he does live in a dark cave—that matches his mood just fine. But annoying Hedgehog keeps offering suggestions for nicer spots, near the riverbank, for example. Hedgehog probably wants to be helpful, but he comes across as a busybody.

When Hedgehog gets stuck in a hole and calls for help, who might come assist him? Well, Boar might. If they were friends. But are they? This captivating and funny story of two characters who find unlikely companionship together is brought to vibrant life by Eugene Yelchin’s superb illustrations.

This Orq. (He say UGH!)

by David Elliott

Cave boy Orq is back! An ode to the power of standing up for oneself, this book is the perfect antidote for any child who has ever felt small.

Orq's latest adventure pits Orq and Woma against a couple of stone-age bullies. Dorq is big, strong, and mean . . . and his pet, Caba, is even worse. But when Caba smashes a giant egg on Woma, Orq is so incensed he bangs two rocks together over and over, creating a spark. Like all good scientists, Orq recognizes an important discovery when he sees it. As he raises a flaming torch triumphantly, Dorq and Caba flee. Small Orq is the inventor of fire—and is a hero to his beloved Woma.

This Orq. (He #1!)

by David Elliott

Cave boy Orq is back in his third book, as exuberant as ever. A celebration of inventiveness, this story will comfort any child who has lost in a friendly (or not-so-friendly) competition.

Orq's convinced that he's #1—able to throw far, climb high, and run fast—until talented Torq and his pet giant sloth, Slomo, move into the cave next door. Torq throws farther, climbs higher, and runs faster. Suddenly everyone seems to think that Torq and Slomo are #1! How can Orq and Woma earn back their place in the cave community?

When Torq is showing off and a crisis happens, Orq and Woma use their scientific ingenuity to invent a solution – and come to the rescue!

On the Wing

by David Elliott

“Poetry flutters across the pages of this lovely book. . . . Each poem is witty and thoughtful and enlivens its subject. . . . Every bird seems to come alive.” — School Library Journal (starred review)

Take to the sky to explore a glorious array of all things avian, from the tiny, restless hummingbird to the inscrutable horned owl to the majestic bald eagle. David Elliott and Becca Stadtlander bestow a sense of wonder onto such common birdfeeder visitors as the sparrow, the crow, and the cardinal and capture the exotic beauty of far-flung fowl like the Andean condor, the Australian pelican, and the Caribbean flamingo.

Best in Show

by David Elliott

A celebration of the extraordinary and ordinary power of dogs of all kinds, in sly and cheerful verse from celebrated poet David Elliott. Features artwork from an all-star cast of eighteen bestselling and award-winning illustrators.

In so many hearts you're number one! Agile! High-spirited! Obedient! Fun! You hunt. You fish. You search and find. You cheer the old. You guide the blind.

In this ode to our most loyal companions, you'll meet the Labrador Retriever and sixteen other remarkable dogs. There's the Bloodhound, who has a sense of smell one thousand times better than yours or mine. And there's the Irish Wolfhound, the world's tallest dog, who was once the companion of royalty. And we can't forget the mutt.

But that's not all! You'll meet big dogs and small dogs, scruffy dogs and elegant dogs, and dogs from all around the world. Pairing engaging poems with surprising facts, Best in Show is a one-of-a-kind gift and a paw-sitively perfect read-aloud for dog lovers and aspiring pet owners.

Includes illustrations by Elaine Bay, Cátia Chien, Matthew Cordell, Cindy Derby, Flavia Z. Drago, Leo Espinosa, Raissa Figueroa, Julie Flett, Ebony Glenn, Rebecca Green, Emily Hughes, Oge Mora, Kenard Pak, Antoinette Portis, Raúl the Third, Sergio Ruzzier, Charles Santoso, and David Ezra Stein.

Don't miss these titles by David Elliott:

• On the Farm
• In the Wild
• The Seventh Raven
• Voices: The Final Hours of Joan of Arc
• Bull

In the Desert

by David Elliott

With wonder and wit, David Elliott's poems look beyond the Sahara's blinding surface to the rich flora and fauna of the world's largest hot desert, depicted in Gordy Wright's vibrant illustrations.

The Sahara, covering more than three million square miles, is a harsh and uninviting landscape, inhospitable to most forms of life. But under every rock, in every crevice, and hidden in the growth of the landscape, life persists. From the dangerous deathstalker scorpion and the Nile crocodile to the familiar Saharan cheetah and Nubian vulture, the animals of the Sahara not only survive but thrive. In his iconic and admiring poetry, David Elliott reveals the secrets of barren desert landscapes, featuring animals both familiar and elusive. With comprehensive back matter offering notes on the poems and Gordy Wright's striking, saturated paintings, In the Desert seeks out the hardy animals who have made the desolate deserts their home.

Bonebag

by David Elliott, E. M. Elliott

In this riveting middle-grade fantasy, New York Times bestselling author David Elliott and E.M. Elliott tell the story of a forest-dwelling boy forced to confront the mysteries of his life.

Trapped in a dark forest with his cold-hearted parents, Bonebag leads a cruel and isolated existence. However, he feels deep in his bones that things weren’t always this way: he has known happiness before. Why does it feel like it was in a past life?

When Bonebag discovers a locket that burns him to the touch, and a ghostly girl beckons him into the deep woods, he must grapple with the riddle of where he came from and how he came to be. Only then can he begin to rewrite his fate.

From New York Times bestselling author David Elliott and his son, E.M. Elliott, this powerful middle-grade fantasy will take readers on a quest that tackles the mystery of belonging with high-octane twists and turns along the way.