Books by Lane Smith
The Happy Hocky Family Moves to the Country
by Lane Smith
When the Hocky family moves into an old house in the country, they quickly discover that they fit right in as they use the neighbors rooster as their alarm clock, build the squirrels a feeder, and make pretty bouquets with their own plants. Reprint.
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Return to Augie Hobble
by Lane Smith
Augie Hobble lives in a fairy tale―or at least Fairy Tale Place, the down-on-its-luck amusement park managed by his father. Yet his life is turning into a nightmare: he's failed creative arts and has to take summer school, the girl he has a crush on won't acknowledge him, and Hogg Wills and the school bullies won't leave him alone. Worse, a succession of mysterious, possibly paranormal, events have him convinced that he's turning into a werewolf. At least Augie has his notebook and his best friend Britt to confide in―until the unthinkable happens and Augie's life is turned upside down, and those mysterious, possibly paranormal, events take on a different meaning.
Return to Augie Hobble by Lane Smith is a charming tale about a boy stumbling through life and the supernatural. Hilarious, tender, wise, the book is packed with haunting illustrations throughout that all make for one, unforgettable middle-grade adventure.
"The incomparable Lane Smith stomps triumphantly into the middle school playground with his first novel." ―The New York Times Book Review
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Return to Augie Hobble
by Lane Smith
Augie Hobble lives in a fairy tale―or at least Fairy Tale Place, the down-on-its-luck amusement park managed by his father. Yet his life is turning into a nightmare: he's failed creative arts and has to take summer school, the girl he has a crush on won't acknowledge him, and Hogg Wills and the school bullies won't leave him alone. Worse, a succession of mysterious, possibly paranormal, events have him convinced that he's turning into a werewolf. At least Augie has his notebook and his best friend Britt to confide in―until the unthinkable happens and Augie's life is turned upside down, and those mysterious, possibly paranormal, events take on a different meaning.
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There Is a Tribe of Kids
by Lane Smith
Winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal
When a young boy embarks on a journey alone . . .
he trails a colony of penguins,
undulates in a smack of jellyfish,
clasps hands with a constellation of stars,
naps for a night in a bed of clams,
and follows a trail of shells,
home to his tribe of friends.
If Lane Smith's Caldecott Honor Book Grandpa Green was an homage to aging and the end of life, There Is a Tribe of Kids is a meditation on childhood and life's beginning. Smith's vibrant sponge-paint illustrations and use of unusual collective nouns such as smack and unkindness bring the book to life. Whimsical, expressive, and perfectly paced, this story plays with language as much as it embodies imagination, and was awarded the 2017 Kate Greenaway Medal.
This title has Common Core connections.
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The Happy Hocky Family
by Lane Smith
A series of short silly stories takes a humorous look at the activities of various members of the Hocky family.
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A Gift for Nana
by Lane Smith
Two-time Caldecott Honor author/illustrator Lane Smith tells a whimsical story about a little rabbit searching for the best gift for someone very special.
A thoughtful little Rabbit sets out to find the perfect gift for his Nana. He knows she will love anything he brings her but Rabbit wants this gift to be extra special. As he travels on his quest, Rabbit encounters an assortment of creatures-a crow, a smiling full moon, a stickler (whatever that is), a big fish, and a volcano. Each is certain they offer the best advice but nothing they suggest seems right for his Nana. It's not until Rabbit reaches the highest peak, that he finds exactly what he's been searching for.
The award -winning illustrator of bestsellers including Penguin Problems and Giraffe Problems, brings originality and gentle humor to a story that parents and grandparents will be sharing with their children for years to come.
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Stickler Loves the World
by Lane Smith
From award-winning author/illustrator Lane Smith comes Stickler, a woodland creature who reminds us to appreciate the everyday wonders we often ignore. In a picture book that’s both silly and sweet, readers will find Stickler’s enthusiasm irresistible and see the world anew.
A Junior Library Guild selection • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY People Magazine • Kirkus Reviews • The Boston Globe • The Evanston Public Library
And just think of the wonders we must pass every day without even noticing!
Stickler, an original character covered in sticks and with multiple ever-changing eyes, loves its little world. With best friend Crow, it shares the wonders of all the amazing things the world has to offer. Stickler is astonished by the ordinary, such as the sun and the stars, as well as fascinated by those things in nature that are often overlooked, such as swirling seed pods falling from the sky. The two pals wander about the world, stopping to appreciate the many marvels along the way, especially its beloved sticks, each one unique.
Stickler Loves the World encourages awareness and mindfulness with a joyous and lighthearted touch. The award-winning illustrator of bestsellers including Penguin Problems and Giraffe Problems brings imagination and humor to a story that features a delightful and original character.
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$18.99
A Stickler Christmas (A Stickler Story)
by Lane Smith
A holiday picture book from award-winning author/illustrator Lane Smith that features the woodland character, Stickler, who wanders the forest delivering Christmas presents. In a picture book that’s both silly and sweet, readers will be inspired by this story of holiday kindness.
Happy-go-lucky Stickler, an original character covered in sticks, is celebrating Christmas by passing out presents for all his friends. He has carefully selected the right stick for each of them, including: a Hop-Higher Stick for Rabbit, an Idea Stick for Crow, an In-a-Pear-Tree Stick for Partridge. But Doug-the-Fir doesn’t want a present, he is too worried about being covered with decorations and lights and being the center of attention. So, Stickler promises to think of a solution and finds the perfect stick. But in order to help his shy friend, Stickler needs to be the one to shine.
A Stickler Christmas encourages empathy and kindness with a joyful, lighthearted touch. Lane Smith, the award-winning author and illustrator of recent picture books, including A Gift for Nana (where Stickler first appears) and Stickler Loves the World, brings imagination and laughter to a clever story featuring a delightful character.
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$18.99
Math Curse
When the teacher tells her class that they can think of almost everything as a math problem, one student acquires a math anxiety which becomes a real curse.
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Math Curse
Did you ever wake up to one of those days where everything is a problem? You have 10 things to do, but only 30 minutes until your bus leaves. Is there enough time? You have 3 shirts and 2 pairs of pants. Can you make 1 good outfit? Then you start to wonder: Why does everything have to be such a problem? Why do 2 apples always have to be added to 5 oranges? Why do 4 kids always have to divide 12 marbles? Why can't you just keep 10 cookies without someone taking 3 away? Why? Because you're the victim of a Math Curse. That's why. But don't despair. This is one girl's story of how that curse can be broken.
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Hooray for Diffendoofer Day!
by Dr. Seuss, Jack Prelutsky, Lane Smith
Started by Dr. Seuss, finished by Jack Prelutsky, and illustrated by Lane Smith, Hooray for Diffendoofer Day! is a joyous ode to individuality starring unsinkable teacher Miss Bonkers and the quirky Diffendoofer School (which must prove it has taught its students how to think--or have them sent to dreary Flobbertown). Included is an introduction by Dr. Seuss's longtime editor explaining how the book came to be and reproductions of Dr. Seuss's original pencil sketches and hand-printed notes for the book—a true find for all Seuss collectors! Jack Prelutsky and Lane Smith pay homage to the Good Doctor in their own distinctive ways, the result of which is the union of three one-of-a-kind voices in a brand-new, completely original book that is greater than the sum of its parts. For all of us who will never forget our school days and that special teacher, here is a book to give and to get.
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John, Paul, George & Ben
by Lane Smith
From New York Times bestselling creator and Caldecott Honor recipient Lane Smith comes a fun story of five little lads before they became five really big Founding Fathers--perfect for patriotic holidays and storytime year round!
Once there were four lads . . . John [Hancock], Paul [Revere], George [Washington], and Ben [Franklin]. Oh yes, there was also Tom [Jefferson], but he was annoyingly independent and hardly ever around. These lads were always getting into trouble for one reason or another. In other words, they took a few . . . liberties. And to be honest, they were not always appreciated. Until one day, they all played a part in securing America's freedom.
"Deftly drawn, witty, and instantly appealing, the illustrations creatively blend period elements such as wood-grain and crackle-glaze texturing, woodcut lines, and formal compositions typical of the era, with gaping mouths and stylized, spiraling eyes typical of modern cartoons." --Booklist
"Exercise your freedom to scoop up this one." --School Library Journal
Don't miss these other books by Lane Smith:
Madam President
The Big Elephant in the Room
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Madam President
by Lane Smith
New York Times bestselling author-illustrator and Caldecott Honor-winner Lane Smith offers an entertaining and empowering vision of a strong girl in power, perfect for election season and year-round!
"This funny romp delivers a hefty message for today's girls: The White House is yours for the taking," says Kirkus Reviews of Madam President. A confident little girl imagines what her day would be like if she ran the country: There would be executive orders to give, babies to kiss, tuna casseroles to veto, and so much more! Not to mention that recess would definitely require more security.
With deadpan wit and hilarious illustrations, best-selling picture book creator Lane Smith introduces readers to an unforgettable new character.
* "Blends message with medium for maximum delight... Hail to the chief!" --- School Library Journal, starred review
* "In this sly, witty recitation of a president's responsibilities, a ponytailed girl has the list down pat: give executive orders (to her cat); negotiate treaties (between said cat and dog); kiss babies: and veto, veto, veto." --- Booklist, starred review
"A must-have title that will unite both sides of the (lunchroom) aisle." --- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
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Recess: A Picture Book
by Lane Smith
Bestselling and award-winning creator Lane Smith presents an interactive read-aLOUD that invites readers to take a break, run wild with their imaginations, and join in on some good-natured, school-sanctioned shenanigans
School is where you go to learn. It is fun.
But sometimes you need a little break from all the fun.
That is why there is recess.
But what if it’s not recess time?
No problem!
You can have a Now Recess, a Really-Need-a-Break Recess, a Wherever-You-Are Recess.
It doesn’t matter what you call it. Just make sure you shout it:
RECESS!
Featuring the distinctive humor and beloved art of bestselling Caldecott honoree Lane Smith, this irresistibly fun, interactive read aLOUD is the perfect stress reliever to send kids into fits of giggles and shaking out their wiggles.
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$19.99
The Big Elephant in the Room
by Lane Smith
When one donkey tells his friend that they need to talk about "the big elephant in the room," his friend wonders what this embarrassing issue could possibly be. Is it that fact that he ate all the crunchy nut ice cream? Is it that he picked his friend last for soccer... and baseball, and volleyball? Is it the "going in the pool" incident? Or is it none of those things at all? With hilarious artwork and clever wordplay, Lane Smith demonstrates just how BIG a problem a simple verbal misunderstanding can become.
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It's a Book
by Lane Smith
Playful and lighthearted with a subversive twist that is signature Lane Smith, It’s a Book is a delightful manifesto on behalf of print in the digital age. This satisfying, perfectly executed picture book has something to say to readers of all stripes and all ages.
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Grandpa Green
by Lane Smith
A Caldecott Honor Book
From the creator of the national bestseller It's a Book comes a Caldecott Honor-winning timeless story of family history, legacy, and love.
Grandpa Green wasn't always a gardener. He was a farmboy and a kid with chickenpox and a soldier and, most of all, an artist. In this captivating new picture book, readers follow Grandpa Green's great-grandson into a garden he created, a fantastic world where memories are handed down in the fanciful shapes of topiary trees and imagination recreates things forgotten.
In his most enigmatic and beautiful work to date, Lane Smith explores aging, memory, and the bonds of family history and love; by turns touching and whimsical, it's a stunning picture book that parents and grandparents will be sharing with children for years to come.
This title has Common Core connections.
Grandpa Green is a Publishers Weekly Best Children's Picture Books title for 2011.
One of School Library Journal's Best Picture Books of 2011.
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A Perfect Day
by Lane Smith, Richard Paul Evans
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Broken Road series presents an inspiring story about a man who has to rediscover his priorities after finding money and fame.
Robert Harlan has three loves in life: his wife, his daughter, and his writing. But when his thirst for success causes him to lose focus on his family life, it takes a few more missteps—and finally, a stranger with a mysterious message about the brevity of his future—before he discovers the truth about himself: who he has become, what he has lost, and what it will take to find love again...
“A Perfect Day examines love, relationships and self-awareness...This well-written story spans the range of emotions from joy to sorrow and grief.”—The Sunday Oklahoman
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A Perfect Day
by Lane Smith, Richard Paul Evans
One of the world's most beloved authors returns with the story of a man who found everything he thought he was missing in the family he already had.
Robert Harlan has three loves in his life: his wife, Allyson, his daughter, Carson, and his writing. As a sales rep for a small radio station, he has hopes of one day leaving it all behind for a successful writing career. When he is unexpectedly laid off from his job, Allyson encourages him to pursue his dream of writing. He writes a novel entitled A Perfect Day, based on the last few months Allyson and her father spent together as he died of cancer.
The story becomes a huge success and Robert finds himself swept into a new world far from his wife and home. In time Robert loses track of the things he loves most...until he meets a stranger who begins telling him intimate details about his past, his present and, most important, the brevity of his future. Thinking that he has just months to live, Robert begins to discover the truth about himself; who he has become, what he has lost and what it will take to find love again.
A Perfect Day is a novel of love and awakening from one of the world's most beloved storytellers.
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A Perfect Day
by Lane Smith, Richard Paul Evans
Today is a perfect day for Cat, Dog, Chickadee, and Squirrel.
Cat is lounging among the daffodils. Dog is sitting in the wading pool, deep in the cool water. Chickadee is eating fresh seed from the birdfeeder. Squirrel is munching on his very own corncob. Today is a perfect day in Bert's backyard.
Until Bear comes along, that is. Bear crushes the daffodils, drinks the pool water, and happily gobbles up the birdseed and corncob.
Today was a perfect day for Cat, Dog, Chickadee, and Squirrel. Now, it's just a perfect day for Bear.
Lane Smith uses perfect pacing and vibrant illustrations to emphasize the power of perspective in this hilarious picture book about the goings-on in Bert's backyard.
This book has Common Core connections.
An NPR Best Book of 2017
A 2018 ALSC Notable Children's Book
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A Stickler Valentine (A Stickler Story)
by Lane Smith
Stickler, the woodland creature from the mind of award-winning author-illustrator Lane Smith, returns to celebrate Valentine’s Day by giving his friends his favorite gift: sticks. A humorous and witty friendship story that encourages kindness and empathy.
Stickler, a one-of-a-kind creature made of sticks, is giving his friends Valentine’s Day sticks, but none of them are interested in Valentine’s sticks. Crow says he prefers fine, shiny things, Beaver likes receiving funny cards, and Wolf doesn’t care for Valentine’s sticks – they’re too small to chew on! When Stickler tries to offer Cat a Valentine stick, she does not want one. “Hmm…” he wonders, “Maybe Valentine’s Day is not about what Stickler loves, but what others love.”
Stickler has an idea: he will give Cat a gift he knows she wants.
Lane Smith, the award-winning illustrator of Giraffe Problems and The Stinky Cheese Man, presents a story about showing friendship and and being thoughtful with humor and wit. Featuring the return of the irresistible Stickler (first seen in A Gift for Nana), this lighthearted picture book celebrates the ways we show kindness and love in gestures big or small.
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$18.99