Sparky! [Hardcover]

The ingenious author of17 Things I'm Not Allowed to Do Anymoreand a brilliant illustrator and production designer of theCoralinemovie have created a hilarious, touching picture book perfect for young animal lovers. Like the Caldecott Medal-winningOfficer Buckle and Gloria, Sparkystars a pet who has more to offer than meets the eye. When our narrator orders a sloth through the mail, the creature that arrives isn't good at tricks or hide-and-seek . . . or much of anything. Still, there's something about Sparky that is irresistible.

Winner of the Charlotte Zolotow AwardJenny Offill is the author of17 Things I’m Not Allowed to Do Anymore,aParentingMagazine Best Book of the Year and a Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Book of the Year, and11 Experiments That Failed,also a Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Book of the Year, whichKirkus Reviews,in a starred review, called “the most joyful and clever whimsy.” Learn more at jennyoffill.com.

Chris Appelhans was selected as the Children’s Choice Illustrator of the Year at the Children’s Choice Book Awards for Sparky!, his first picture book. The book received two starred reviews, including one from Booklist declaring, “Appelhans is a revelation.” Chris has also worked on several films, as an illustrator and a production designer for Coraline, an environment designer for Fantastic Mr. Fox, and a visual development artist for The Princess and the Frog.CN