● Milky Way Picture Books

BY DANIELLE CHAPERON, ILLUSTRATED BY NATHALIE DION

A young girl and a rainbow inspire us to nurture love and know when to let it go

One sunny morning, a young girl catches a beautiful rainbow and places it in a glass jar. An instant bond is formed and the two become inseparable. But for the rainbow, homesickness eventually sets in—and no matter what the girl does to cheer it up, it can’t escape feeling unwell. To make things right again, she must make a gut–wrenching decision and, in the process, learn the hard way what love truly means.

Before starting her writing career, Danielle Chaperon studied literature and education, then taught in primary school for many years. She began writing children’s fiction in 2007, inspired by her students’ daily lives, experiences, and dreams. Danielle lives in Montréal. Nathalie Dion’s free–spirited, narrative illustrations grace the pages of books, magazines, and newspapers worldwide. A graduate of design arts from Montréal’s Concordia University, Dion is known for her sense of humor and her modern yet retro touch. Dion’s delicate, whimsical style continues to win her fans around the world, and she is a four–time honoree of the Communication Arts Illustration Competition. ODE TO LOVE: Offers young readers a daring angle with the oft–overlooked topic of learning to love while respecting others’ freedoms.

COMPLEX TOPICS SIMPLIFIED:

Easy–to–follow storyline explores complex emotions in a way that young readers will be able to access and understand.

SELF–EXPLORATION:

Chaperon and award–winning illustrator Dion invite us to consider—and feel—our own anxieties.

BOLD COLORS: In addition to the rainbow as a character, the story’s look and feel is heavily influenced by both the color palette of a rainbow and the aesthetics of the 1960s and 1970s that illustrator Nathalie Dion grew up with.

SPECIFICATIONS

*Full-color illustrations throughout *44 pages *WIDTH: 8 1/2" - 216mm *HEIGHT: 11" - 279mm

*Hardcover with jacket

PUB MONTH: AUGUST

AGES 4 to 8

PICTURE BOOK ISBN 978-1-990252-13-6

US $17.99 CAN $22.99 UK £12.99 ËxHSLJTAy252136z

BY NADINE ROBERT, ILLUSTRATED BY QIN LENG

An inspiring story about decision–making and self–trust when you’re all alone, by critically acclaimed creators Nadine Robert and Qin Leng

Around Clover’s family’s goat farm, there are plenty of things to do, from picking blueberries to collecting clams. But making decisions, even choosing something to do, is a great source of hesitation for young Clover —that is, until one day, the child’s beloved goat, Peony, wanders too far from the farm. In order to bring Peony back home safely, Clover will have to learn to act quickly and decisively.

Nadine Robert began her career as a video–game designer and director of animated films. As the founder of the publishing house Comme des géants, she has always had a strong passion for illustrated children’s books that have a powerfully built narrative approach combined with strong images. Her most recent book, On the Other Side of the Forest, was named a Best Book of the Year by Kirkus and a New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Book. She lives in Montréal with her family. Qin Leng was born in Shanghai and now lives in Toronto, where she works as a designer and illustrator. Her numerous picture books have earned her an Asian/Pacific American Literature Award and nominations for several other prizes, including a USBBY Outstanding International Book, a Marilyn Baillie Picture Book, and the prestigious Governor General’s Literary Award. TOP HONORS: In 2021, Robert’s On the Other Side of the Forest earned a Best Book of the Year from Kirkus and was named a New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books.

AWARD–WINNING DUO:

Critically acclaimed duo Robert and Leng team up for the first time ever!

PROMOTES SELF–RELIANCE:

This book can be used by educators to talk about important issues such as decision–making in early childhood, becoming independent as we grow up, and self–trust.

CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS:

Self–esteem, family relationships, language arts.

APPEARING AT ALA: Author Nadine Robert will be at ALA 2022.

SPECIFICATIONS

*Full-color illustrations throughout *64 pages *WIDTH: 7" - 178mm *HEIGHT: 9 1/2" - 241mm

*Hardcover with jacket

PUB MONTH: SEPTEMBER

AGES 5 to 9

PICTURE BOOK ISBN 978-1-990252-14-3

US $18.99 CAN $23.99 UK £13.99 ËxHSLJTAy252143z

WRITTEN BY ANDRÉE POULIN; ILLUSTRATED BY MARTINA TONELLO

The last piglet of a large litter courageously finds his own sense of belonging

Thirteen, the last piglet of a litter of 13, loves to play and help out around the farm. But he soon realizes that his mother can only feed 12 of her piglets at the same time, which, unfortunately, leaves no room for him. Suddenly, life seems very unfair! Gripped by his literal hunger, Thirteen discovers that a different kind of hunger will drive him to find the solution to take his place among his family.

If she could, Andrée Poulin would read from morning to night. Her love of reading is what brought her to writing. After working as a journalist for many years, she went into international development. Her picture books and novels deal with friendship, empathy, tolerance, poverty, and solidarity. Andrée Poulin believes books can change the world. By setting her stories in Canada, Africa, and Asia, she takes her readers on adventures to discover other cultures. Martina Tonello is an illustrator and an apprentice carpenter. She loves to discover hidden treasures, such as secret pathways in forests or villages tucked away in valleys. Born in Padova, Italy, in 1993, she now resides in Bologna, where she spends her time crafting stories and hosting workshops for children. Tonello has worked with several Italian publishing houses, including Electa Kids, Edizioni Piemme, and Editoriale Scienza. AWARD WINS: In 2021, Poulin’s Burying the Moon made the 2021 New York Public Library Best Books for Kids list and received a starred review from Booklist.

PROBLEM SOLVING: Educators can use Thirteen’s clever thinking to inspire young readers to be proactive in finding solutions to problems they face.

FINDING ONE’S PLACE: Through Thirteen’s struggle to fit into his own family, this story shows us the courage it takes to carve out our own place in the world.

COUNTING PRACTICE: Children can use this book as a playful way to practice counting, thanks to Thirteen and his large family.

NEW CREATOR DUO:The Thirteenth Piglet is the first collaboration between Poulin and Tonello.

SPECIFICATIONS

*Full-color illustrations throughout *40 pages *WIDTH: 6 1/2" - 165mm *HEIGHT: 9" - 229mm

*Hardcover

PUB MONTH: OCTOBER

AGES 2 to 5

PICTURE BOOK ISBN 978-1-990252-15-0

US $15.99 CAN $19.99 UK £11.99 ËxHSLJTAy252150z

BY ANDRÉ MAROIS, ILLUSTRATED BY GÉRARD DUBOIS

A fantastical story of two friends who venture to the limits of their imaginations

When two mischievous friends are told to go outside to play, the backyard becomes their setting for a frantic, thrilling adventure. As they role–play their way from becoming King and Queen of Pumpkins to embarking on a voyage to Mars, their vivid imaginations give them magical powers to venture forth and fight their enemies mercilessly. It's only when they’re abruptly brought back to reality that they’ll find themselves truly in danger!

Author, screenwriter, and columnist André Marois is the author of over 40 published titles, including picture books, novels for teens, and more. He is known for writing intriguing and grim stories, with a touch of caustic irony and unbridled imagination. Born in France but residing in Montréal since 1992, Marois is a recipient of the Governor General’s Literary Award, the Prix des Incorruptibles for children’s literature, and other noteworthy recognitions. Gérard DuBois studied graphic design in Paris then crossed the Atlantic to live in Montréal. Since then, he has worked as a freelance illustrator. His work has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post, and more than 20 illustrated books. DuBois has received the Hamilton King Award, four gold medals from the Society of Illustrators, a Bologna Ragazzi Award, and the 2021 New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Book Award for On the Other Side of the Forest. DRAWING ATTENTION: In 2021, DuBois’s On the Other Side of the Forest earned a Best Book of the Year from Kirkus and was named a New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Book.

IMPORTANCE OF ROLE–

PLAYING: Imaginative play inspires children to explore different perspectives, which will encourage them to reread the book and explore new adventures.

SOCIETAL RELEVANCE:

Focuses on educational and social themes, such as storytelling, creative collaboration, friendship, and staying active.

VISUALLY ENGAGING:

DuBois’s classic and charming visual universe transports readers to another world that will captivate and delight.

SPECIFICATIONS

*Full-color illustrations throughout *44 pages *WIDTH: 8 1/2" - 216mm *HEIGHT: 11" - 279mm

*HC cloth spine

PUB MONTH: OCTOBER

AGES 5 to 8

PICTURE BOOK ISBN 978-1-990252-16-7

US $17.99 CAN $22.99 UK £12.99 ËxHSLJTAy252167z

BY MIKOLAJ PA, ILLUSTRATED BY GOSIA HERBA

A hybrid comic and seek–and–find book that contemplates art and creativity

Van Dog rides to the countryside to paint a landscape one day. As he mounts his easel, mixes his paints, and contemplates the scenery, the landscape slowly unfolds in weird and wonderful ways: a snail nibbles on a mushroom, ants gather to work, and a giant lizard monster sets off on a journey to Tokyo. As the landscape becomes busier and busier, Van Dog struggles to finish his painting—but is he overwhelmed by his subject, or is the richness of the countryside precisely what inspires him?

Mikołaj Pa (Pasinski) is a book designer based in Wroclaw, Poland. He is a graphic novel and children’s book author who is mostly interested in children’s literature, book design, typography, and print. His clients include HarperCollins, Egmont, Matilda, and Dwie Siostry. Gosia Herba was born and raised in a small town in southwest Poland. She started drawing as a child and never stopped. After graduating from the Academy of Fine Arts in Wroclaw, she started her career working for various publishers, magazines, music labels, and agencies. Her work has been exhibited worldwide, in particular at the Biennial of Illustrations in Bratislava, the Tallinn Illustrations Triennial, and the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. Her clients include The Quarto Group, Penguin Random House, Andersen Press, the New York Times, and The New Yorker. She lives and works in Wroclaw. ART HISTORY: Perfect for educators focused on art, serving as an early introduction to the history of painting with references to the great masters of art.

INSPIRING YOUNG ARTISTS:

Readers can draw inspiration from the subject of paying attention to the beauty of one’s surroundings and use it create their own artwork.

HYBRID STYLE: Combining the dialogue style of a comic and hidden details of a seek–and–find book within the conventions of a children’s picture book, Van Dog is, in itself, a true artistic exploration.

EASTER EGGS: Each illustrated spread contains mini dialogues, nods to art and pop culture, and other fun hidden treasures to spot among the characters and landscapes.

CREATOR CHEMISTRY: Fourth children’s book from frequent collaborators Mikołaj Pa and Gosia Herba.

SPECIFICATIONS

*Full-color Illustrations throughout *50 pages *WIDTH: 9 1/2" - 241mm *HEIGHT: 11 1/2" - 292mm

*Hardcover

PUB MONTH: NOVEMBER

AGES 5 to 9

PICTURE BOOK ISBN 978-1-990252-12-9

US $18.99 CAN $23.99 UK £13.99 ËxHSLJTAy252129z

BY NADINE ROBERT, ILLUSTRATED BY SANG MIAO

A cunning owl and a distracted cat attempt to outsmart each other in this charming, timeless fable

One day, Grey Cat stumbles upon a surprise in one of his usual fishing spots: a small wooden rowboat containing a bucket of fresh fish sitting idly. Curious and eager to snatch it up, Grey Cat seeks the help of a nearby owl, who is willing to lend a hand if Grey Cat helps him free his claw from under a log. But will Grey Cat choose to help the owl—or is he too eager to reach the rowboat and grab his newfound treasure?

Nadine Robert began her career as a video–game designer and director of animated films. As the founder of the publishing house Comme des géants, she has always had a strong passion for illustrated children’s books that have a powerfully built narrative approach combined with strong images. Her most recent book, On the Other Side of the Forest, was named a Best Book of the Year by Kirkus and a New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Book. She lives in Montréal with her family. Sang Miao is a freelance illustrator who graduated from the University of Brighton in the United Kingdom and has since worked on numerous fiction and children’s book projects. Her most recent picture book, The Immortal Jellyfish, was a finalist for the Children’s Book Council’s Children’s & Teen Choice Book Awards. Her work is inspired by nature, different cultures, and daily life. She currently lives in China. TOP HONORS: In 2021, Robert’s On the Other Side of the Forest earned a Best Book of the Year from Kirkus and was named a New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Book.

RECENT FINALIST: Sang Miao’s most recent book was named a finalist for the Children’s Book Council’s Children’s & Teen Choice Book Awards.

ENCOURAGES LITERACY:

Predictable, repetitive text structures give educators a resource they can use to develop language and literacy skills in children.

BUILDS ANTICIPATION: The story’s refrains will hook young readers into predicting and calling out the next line of text, building anticipation and setting up a delightful ending.

STRONG MORAL: This tale confronts certain values, notably that the owl’s cunning and ingenuity go further than the cat’s impatience and egoism.

ILLUSTRATIONS THAT POP:

Miao’s colorful, beautifully painted images soar off the page —including a very clever foldout featuring the story’s owl.

SPECIFICATIONS

*Full-color illustrations throughout *36 pages *WIDTH: 7 1/2" - 191mm *HEIGHT: 9 1/2" - 241mm

*Hardcover with jacket

PUB MONTH: FEBRUARY

AGES 3 to 7

PICTURE BOOK ISBN 978-1-990252-17-4

US $16.99 CAN $20.99 UK £11.99 ËxHSLJTAy252174z

BY DAVIDE CALI, ILLUSTRATED BY SÉBASTIEN MOURRAIN

Discover Little Pea’s debut in this gentle, joyous story about embracing what makes us unique

Little Pea was born tiny, but with big aspirations. As he grows up, he loves to climb, explore, swim, daydream—just like any other kid his age. But when Little Pea starts school, the realization of how small he is sets in. Suddenly, he’s too small to sit at his desk, play the flute, or even join classmates at recess. What will become of Little Pea?

Internationally renowned author Davide Cali is a Swiss–born Italian writer of picture books and graphic novels primarily for children and young adults. His work has been published in 25 countries and translated into many languages. Cali is a recipient of numerous awards, including the BolognaRagazzi Award in the special category, Switzerland’s Prix Enfantaisie, and Belgium’s Libbylit Award. He lives in Italy. Sébastien Mourrain is the illustrator of over 40 picture books and documentaries published by Éditions Gallimard, Éditions du Seuil, Bayard & Milan, among others. He lives in Lyon, France. FINDING YOUR LIGHT: Inspires young readers by showing that pursuing a passion can bring joy and give meaning to one’s life.

PROMOTES UNIQUENESS:

Educators and parents alike can use this tale to reinforce notions of self–acceptance, individuality, and creativity.

BIG LITTLE WORLD: Little Pea’s miniature world, brought to life through Mourrain’s whimsical images, will captivate its young readers.

LITTLE PEA’S DEBUT: The one that started it all—Cali and Mourrain’s debut installment in the popular Little Pea series, which has spawned two sequels.

REISSUE REIMAGINED: This reissue of Little Pea is presented in an all–new format and features a cloth spine.

SOCIAL MEDIA HIT: Cali has more than 11,000 followers on Facebook and 4,500 on Instagram.

SPECIFICATIONS

*Full-color illustrations throughout *36 pages *WIDTH: 7 1/2" - 191mm *HEIGHT: 9 1/2" - 241mm

*HC cloth spine

PUB MONTH: FEBRUARY

AGES 4 to 6

PICTURE BOOK ISBN 978-1-990252-11-2

US $15.99 CAN $19.99 UK £11.99 ËxHSLJTAy252112z