Original character: Stickler, who made a brief appearance in A Gift for Nana, will inspire readers to notice world’s natural wonders

Educational hook—with humor: A celebration of the joy and peace mindfulness brings

Top Talent: Not only is Lane Smith one of the best illustrators in the business, his previous books for Random House, Penguin Problems, Giraffe Problems, and Cat Problems are bestsellers and key backlist titles.

Timely: As the constraints of the pandemic begin to loosen a bit, here’s a reminder to look at the outside world with fresh eyes.

Lane Smith is the author-illustrator of numerous award-winning and bestselling books for children. He is the recipient of the Kate Greenaway Medal, two Caldecott Honors, five New York Times Best Illustrated Book selections, and lifetime achievements from the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art and the Society of illustrators. He is the illustrator of Penguin Problems, Giraffe Problems, and Cat Problems, all written by Jory John. Lane Smith lives in Connecticut with his wife, Molly Leach, an award-winning graphic designer.

Author Residence: Connecticut

★ “Smith has joined the oddball goofiness of his earlier books with the heart and soul of his more recent stories, and the result is a book as physically beautiful as it is moving…. A buoyant, bristly ode to joy.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ “Centering irrepressible joy that’s a force of nature itself, the work lovingly portrays an ’amazing…weird…wonderful’ world that’s worth experiencing anew.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ “A delightful book intended to encourage readers to appreciate the simple beauty of everyday things….”—School Library Journal, starred review

“The message here is not just to find the beauty in the world but to relish in its absolute weirdness and wondrous possibilities.” —The Bulletin

“Smith again explores a world of friendly monsters, talking animals, and personified inanimate objects, here celebrating childlike curiosity, wonder, and appreciation.” —The Horn Book