Tag: animals

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Three picture books to welcome Spring

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Spring is springing! I’ve got my Cricut kicking into high gear and am preparing displays for the children’s room here at the library. What better time to start talking about Spring Storytime? Here are three fun books to start things off.

Let’s Be Bees, by Shawn Harris, (Feb. 2025, Neal Porter Books/Holiday House), $18.99, ISBN: 9780823457090

Ages 3-8

It’s all about imagination and sounds with this storytime between a father and child. Starting with the two reading a story – why, they’re reading the same book we are! – there’s a statement: “Let’s be bees”. The next spread expands on the fun as parent and child turn into bees, the accompanying statement reading “Let’s be fuzzy, buzzy bees and BUZZ!” The two turn into chitty, chatty birds (“CHIRP!”), lofty, leafy trees (“RUSTLE!”), and a host of other nature and animal sounds. It’s great fun made for an interactive storytime with onomatopoeia and alliteration to keep kids’ interest with wordplay. The two even mimic each other for a delightful close to a perfectly fun story. The crayon artwork beautifully matches to the playful theme. Do not miss this one; it’s an essential add to storytime collections.

Let’s Be Bees has starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, and Booklist and is a Shelf Awareness pick.

 

 

Alfred Blooms, by Carrie Kruck & Carrie Mok, (March 2025, Random House Studio), $18.99, ISBN: 9780593647608

Ages 4-8

This amusing story about friendship, flowers, and blueberry treats is just what a Spring storytime needs. Alfred would love to have a beautiful garden like his friend Lulu, whose garden “was full of flowers and fruits trees and friends”. Try as he might, though, nothing grows in Alfred’s garden, leaving him disheartened until he sees some wildflower seeds and decides to give it one more try. As Alfred gets the seeds open, though, he sneezes, and the wind blows the seeds right back in his face. The seeds are EVERYWHERE, and when it starts raining , the flowers sprout: all over Alfred! He’s got flowers in his hair, flowers in his nose, flowers all over his clothes! As much as Alfred wants to hide away, the smell of blueberry muffins reminds him of Lulu’s favorite snack, so he heads to the local bakery and then to Lulu’s, where he discovers that a blooming garden isn’t the most important thing to have, and that sharing a kind moment with a friend is the best way to spend time. The gouache and pencil artwork create soft and gentle illustrations; Alfred, covered in flowers, will amuse readers and Lulu’s kindness will resonate with readers. Endpapers show the before and after of the garden. The cast of characters is diverse. Don’t miss this one for your Spring storytimes.

 

Fairy Walk, by Gaia Cornwall, (April 2025, Candlewick Press), $17.99, ISBN: 9781536230710

Ages 3-7

Three kids and their puppy friend are in search of fairies! While their moms relax, the explorers head into the woods on a wordplay adventure that gives We’re Going on a Bear Hunt vibes: “River rushes icy cold. / Step, / hop, / hop. / Splish-splash… / into the misty magic”. The group encounters all sorts of flora and fauna, but where are the fairies? Readers who keep an eye on the canine companion may see a fairy or two before the kids do – there’s playful magic to be found if only you look! The story is a light-hearted walk through a magical world that makes for a lively storytime. Fun storytime tip: flannel fans can create some fairies for readers to place on the flannel board. Pencil, watercolor, and collage illustration sets a magical stage for the story; the woods seem to glow with magic in the background on the opening pages, and the sprites bring a whimsical joy with them when they appear. Endpapers give readers a lay of the land, with fairies transparent yet visible for sharp eyes. Fairy Walk is magical and playful and a do-not-miss addition to storytime collections.

Don’t forget to have some fairy coloring sheets on hand for a post-storytime activity!

Posted in Post-apocalyptic/Dystopian, Toddler Reads, Uncategorized

Tactile Board Books for Little Hands

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Bedtime Kisses, by Élisabeth de Lambilly/Illustrated by Mélisande Luthringer, (Feb. 2025, Twirl Books), $10.99, ISBN: 9791027613267

Ages Birth-3

A group of babies get bedtime cuddles in this adorable graduated, die-cut board book. Baby squirrels, monkeys, kangaroos, whales, and humans all run through a bedtime routine with their parent: a soothing hush from Mama Squirrel, closing eyes with Papa Monkey, tickles, cuddles, and kisses from Daddy Kangaroo, a warm snuggle with Mommy Whale, and a loving hug and kiss from a human parent to child. The board books are sturdy and pages get larger in size with each mammal; die cuts are chunky and the shapes allow for little fingers to trace and explore. This book will hold up to multiple readings and the gentle illustrations are warm and show affection between caregivers and babies. Colors are soft and cheerful. A very cute addition to board book and bedtime story collections.

 

Look! What is That?, by Tristan Mory, (Feb. 2025, Twirl Books), $16.99, ISBN: 9782408056018

Ages Birth-3

There is so much to enjoy about this interactive board book! A baby wanders onto the scene, with no idea that they’re being watched! A mouse, bear, rabbit, bird, pig, and wolf all wonder aloud and take guesses as to what this strange little creature could be until a parent arrives on the scene, answering the question. Sturdy pull-tabs pop up from the top and right side of the book, making for a fun interactive storytelling and solo play. A fun introduction to animal descriptions as the animals puzzle things out: “…it doesn’t have a beak… and it has no feathers! It’s not a bird”. The characters’ expressive eyes draw readers’ attention right away, and the bright illustrations keep readers engaged. The pull tabs and pages are sturdy and will hold up nicely. Developing motor skills and teaching readers about animals? Look! What is That? is a fun addition to collections that readers will ask for again and again.

 

My Hand is the Sun, by Christine Naumann-Villemin/Illustrated by Géraldine Cosneau, (Feb. 2025, Twirl Books), $14.99, ISBN: 9782408056025

This is a board book that’s begging for an art storytime activity. A narrator considers different things their hands can be: an apple tree, a hen, an octopus, a lion, a flamingo, a butterfly, a garden, or a heart. Handprints form the basis for the illustrations, with a glossy allowing readers to touch and glide their own hands over the book’s, and place their hands over the illustrations to see how their own hands fit. Thoughtful illustration shows readers how to add to their initial handprint to create, for instance, a flamingo’s long neck or an octopus’s waving arms. Fun sound effects for each spread allows for an interactive storytime where readers can crunch apples, cluck like chickens, bloop like an octopus, or roar like lions. This book is another great addition to storytime and board book collections: it’s a program and book, all in one!

Extend the storytime with a handprint craft: if you don’t want to bring out paints to do handprints, you can always trace and cut handprints on colorful paper. Simple Everyday Mom has some fun ideas, or you can take inspiration from My Hand is the Sun.

Posted in Toddler Reads

High-contrast board books for babies

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

During baby’s early months, babies aren’t able to focus on objects further than about 8-10 inches away. High contrast black and white images also help babies strengthen their focus; adding high contrast board books and images to your storytime collection will be a great resource for new parents and caregivers!

Animals at Home, by Xavier Deneux, (Feb. 2025, Twirl Books), $14.99, ISBN: 9791027613274

Ages Birth-3

High contrast meets pop-up die cuts in this adorable board book! Six animals show off their comfy homes: a bear in its den, ants in their anthill, and rabbits in their burrow are just a few of the animals babies will discover. High-contrast black and white images have a splash of color for interest as baby’s sight becomes stronger, and pop-up, die-cut images add an interesting third dimension that little fingers will love exploring. Simple prose on each spread gives readers an introduction to animals and their habitats. Simple and playful images pair with fun book design to make Animals at Home another fun addition to board book collections at the library, in the classroom, or at home.

InfantZoo has free high-contrast printables for you to share with your families or have available for post-storytime activities. Young Wonderer has a good piece on why black-and-white images are good for babies, with a breakdown of baby’s first year in development.

 

 

Uh-Oh! Rabbit, by Jo Ham, (Sept. 2023, Candlewick Studio), $10, ISBN: 9781536233179

Ages Birth-3

Learning about opposites was never so much fun. A rabbit learns that what goes up must come down, whether on a ski slope or a see saw. The story follows an amusing, repetitive pattern: Rabbit attempts an action, there’s an “Oh-oh!” moment, Rabbit learns: one “Rabbit up” spread shows Rabbit sporting bright yellow goggles and preparing to dive into a pool where another Rabbit relaxes on a float; “Uh-oh!” shows Rabbit in mid-air, heading right for the relaxing Rabbit; “Rabbit down” shows the goggled Rabbit clinging to the float in the middle of a big splash as the other Rabbit swims away. High contrast black and white images add pops of bright yellow for visual interest, and the two-word spreads tell readers all they need to know. Easy to read and with a stylish layout, this is a fun addition to concepts and high-contrast collections.

Uh-Oh! Rabbit was a Children’s Book Council pick for Building a Home Library.

 

Yippee! Rabbit, by Jo Ham, (Sept. 2023, Candlewick Studio), $10, ISBN: 9781536233186

Ages Birth-3

A companion to Uh Oh! Rabbit! (and Oops! Rabbit, also published in 2023), Yippee! Rabbit illustrates “Go” and “Stop”, with a brief pause for a triumphant “Yippee!” in between cause and effect: Rabbit runs with a kite (“Rabbit go”), the kite sails through the air (“Yippee!”), the kite wraps itself around a tree (“Rabbit stop”). Rabbit also attempts to swing, use his scooter in the rain, and leap off a chair, all with entertaining results. Endpapers show high contrast blue and black renderings of Rabbit’s activities across all three books. Jo Ham creates a fun way of illustrating concepts using spare text and humor while breaking each action down into three steps and teaching readers cause and effect. The high contrast art will appeal to babies, and the fun stories will sustain readers as they grow.

 

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Alpacas Here, Alpacas There… so much fun to read and share!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Alpacas Here, Alpacas There, by Carrie Tillotson/Illustrated by Elisa Chavarri, (Feb. 2025, Beach Lane Books), $18.99, ISBN: 9781665942027

Ages 3-8

This delightful illustrated rhyming book went over very well at storytime yesterday! These adorable big-eyed, lushly lashed animals have their moment in this fun and informative rhyming story loaded with alpaca facts. The story begins with alpacas’ domestication thousands of years ago in the Andes Mountains, when the people living among them used their fleece to keep warm in the cold mountain climate. From there, Tillotson provides a glimpse into alpaca life and behavior, with rhyming text making for an engaging storytime and informative paragraphs on each spread, providing deeper context and more information. Tilloton weaves beautiful imagery with her verse; paired with Chavarri’s charming and textured illustration, engaging moments abound: “While winter brings its crystal shawl, / In summer’s blaze / they laze and sprawl” shows alpacas steadfastly standing on the mountains as the winds whip around them, then enjoying a warm afternoon in a wading pool. Alpacas Here, Alpacas There is a cheerful and enlightening introduction to the smiling and fluffy animals. Endpapers feature a bevy of colorful alpacas across a stark white page. An excellent addition to storytime and picture book collections. Back matter includes an notes from the author and the artist, a glossary, and additional sources. Find some fun coloring pages to hand out after storytime here at Coloring.ws.

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads, Toddler Reads

Three books for your next lapsit

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

These three books are adorable and perfect for a cuddly lapsit. Some fun fingerplay and song suggestions follow at the end.

Already All the Love, by Diana Farid/Illustrated by Shar Tuiasoa, (Dec. 2024, Little Bee Books), $12.99, ISBN: 9781499815658

Ages Birth-3

We already know that Diana Farid excels at writing in verse; lose yourself in her latest work, a board book that celebrates the love between parent and child. A parent holds their child, imagining what their futures may hold, only to be brought back to the present by the wonder of their baby: “You are already the bloom, the glimmer, and the rise… You are the full moon, a constellation, a shooting star that heard my wish.” Mother holds baby as the two witness the world around them while she also dreams of what wonders may come. Earth-toned illustration has brilliant moments of color that create playful landscapes that include a friendly-faced sun and moon, round, vibrant flowers, and pulsing music. Mother’s body becomes the land: we see her arms in the grass that embraces the two; her body is as strong as a mountain range as she bends over her child; she defines a place in the universe as she gestures toward the cosmos. Farid uses economy of language to make the verse spare and deeplly felt. A beautiful book that parents and caregivers will reach for time and again. Recommended for board book collections.

Readalike: We Sang You Home by Richard VanCamp

 

 

Follow Your Heart, by Emma Dodd, (Dec. 2024, Templar), $17.99, ISBN: 9781536234930

Ages 2-5

Emma Dodd’s books provide some of the coziest readalouds. Dodd’s omniscient narrator stands in for parents and caregivers who want their littles to follow their hearts and find joy while wondering where their decisions will take them: “Will you follow the crowd / and join in the fun, / leaping and laughing / as you play in the sun? / Will you be by yourself / and go it alone, / taking some time / to explore on your own?” As a dolphin parent and child swim through foil-enhanced waters, they encounter rough waters and warm sunlight; the parent dolphin also assuages any fears by letting them know they can always stay by their side if the world feels too big for them. It’s a story about letting go and seeing baby take first steps; letting go and seeing your bigger kid ride their first two wheeler; letting go and seeing your children growing up, while always letting them know you’re there for them. A very sweet addition to storytime collections; children will enjoy Dodd’s animal parent and baby dolphin, and the foil enhancements on spreads and the cover add interest.

 

I See Me! A Guess How Much I Love You Mirror Book, by Sam McBratney/Illustrated by Anita Jeram, (Jan. 2025, Candlewick Press), $8.99, ISBN: 9781536203882

Ages Birth-3

Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare go exploring in this short and sweet Guess How Much I Love You story. Little Nutbrown Hare spies a butterfly; Big Nutbrown Hare discovers a bird in a nest. They head to the pond, where Big Nutbrown Hare encourages Little Nutbrown Hare to look in the pond. What does he see? A mirror at the end of the book lets readers, along with Little Nutbrown Hare, exclaim, “I can see… ME!” A sweet addition to the original Guess How Much I Love You story and a delightful introduction for younger readers.

 

 

I’m a big fan of Jbrary when it comes to lapsits. These two Canadian librarians have videos, written out song lyrics, and fingerplay walkthroughs that got me through my first couple of years of children’s librarianship. I still pull their website up when I’m about to do a lapsit – they’re just that good.

A Hippopotamus Got on a City Bus is one of my favorite silly rhymes at storytime; the Jbrarians turn it into an adorable lapsit.

Eyes, Nose, Cheeky Cheeky Chin is too much fun for toddlers and great for babies, if you don’t feel comfortable bouncing.

I like to incorporate some classic nursery rhymes in my lapsits. Row, Row, Row Your Boat is a great one; parents can hold their littles in their lap and “row” around them or with them, rocking the little one on their thighs:

Row, row, row your boat,

Gently down the stream,

Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily,

Life is but a dream!

Row, row, row your boat,

Gently down the stream,

If you see a crocodile,

Don’t forget to scream-EEK! (you can cuddle your little one here)

Then, it’s time for “spider fingers”, and that’s the time to get ready for Itsy Bitsy Spider. Parents can do spider fingers on baby’s belly, or have toddlers do spider fingers along with them. Caitie’s Classroom has a fun walkthrough.

From “spider fingers” to “twinkle fingers”, it’s time for Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. I have parents and kids open and close their hands, like stars twinkling, through the song:

Twinkle, twinkle, little star,

How I wonder what you are,

Up above the world so high,

Like a diamond in the sky, (here, I have the families make diamonds with their thumbs and index fingers)

Twinkle, twinkle, little star, (back to twinkle fingers)

How I wonder what you are.

I’d love to hear some of your favorites!

Posted in Toddler Reads

A Pair of Board Books for Sleepy Readers

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Don’t let a stuffed animal sleepover program go by without some cute books on hand! Here are a couple I’ve been enjoying.

Oh So Sleepy  Head to Toe, Illustrated by Maria Gabriela Gama, (Jan. 2025, Cartwheel Books), $8.99, ISBN: 9781546139409

Ages Birth-3

A group of sleepy animals are tucked in and ready for bed. Readers can smooth Little Pup’s blanket; pat Little Bunny’s velvety ears, and give Little Chick a kiss goodnight as they prepare fto go to sleep. Each spread features a young animal getting ready to sleep, with a patch of textile that lets readers touch and soothe themselves as part of a bedtime routine. Each spread lets readers join in wishing the animals good night: “Goodnight, Bunny! Goodnight, Pup!” Colorful illustrations show drowsy animals comfortable in cozy bedding. Short and sweet, with easy-to-read text, this is a heartwarming way to bring the day to a close. The soft textures help soothe young readers as they head off to sleep. A very cute addition to board book collections; you may want a Storytime Reference copy for yourself.

 

Can I Sleep Here? Baby Monkey, by Ella Bailey, (Jan. 2025, Flying Eye Books), $9.99, ISBN: 9781838742218

Ages Birth-3

The sun is setting and it’s time for Baby Monkey to go to sleep. Where to go, though? Baby Monkey stops at a bushy branch, a leafy plant, and a nesting hole, but there’s always another family sleeping there. Will Baby Monkey find a place to bed down for the night? Flaps reveal different animals in the potential sleeping areas; the story follows a question-and-answer pattern on each spread, with Baby Monkey’s repeated question, “Can I sleep here?” acting as the nudge for readers to lift the flap and discover who’s sleeping in the spot. The latest in a new board book series, Can I Sleep Here? Baby Monkey is the companion to Can I Sleep Here? Baby Dolphin (2024). Animals have expressive faces and the flaps are sturdy and will hold up to multiple reads. A fun new animal series for board book collections.

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Tales from the TBR: Hedgehog and the Log

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Hedgehog and the Log, by Pam Fong, (Jan. 2024, Union Square Kids), $18.99, ISBN: 9781454948537

Ages 4-8

Hedgehog outgrows his old home, and finds the perfect spot to build his new one – but his home is destroyed once he’s finished! He’s devastated; he cries, he rages, he feels sorry for himself… but once he changes how he views the situation, he is able to change his circumstances. The artwork is the star here; this story is beautiful, with a minimalist color palette and soft touches that you can almost feel under your fingers. Fong writes a story of resilience with a character that readers will relate to and be inspired by. An easily-read storytime selection, this one will work well in picture book and SEL collections.

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Explore anxiety and feelings with Babette: Baa Haa

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Baa Haa, by Audrey Perrott/Illustrated by Ross Burach, (March 2025, Scholastic Press), $18.99, ISBN: 9781546134039

Ages 4-8

Babette is a sheep who loves to laugh: so much that her friends have nicknamed her “Baa Haa”. But while it looks like Babette finds everything funny, she’s really covering up some big feelings, and it’s giving her a bellyache. Her friends discover her crying one day and gently let her know that “It’s okay if you’re not okay”, and that they love her for who she is. Filled with fun sheepy puns, Baa Haa examines anxiety and stress and the pressure many of us feel to cover up those feelings, whether it’s to make others feel better or to laugh off our own worries. Babette feels better after her friends support her and bolster her, and the image of the tightly wound ball of yarn in her belly immediately unravels, forming words like “icky”, “sad”, and “grumbly” – and isn’t that the best description of how it feels to embrace one’s true self? Pencil, crayon, and paint illustrations give a hand-drawn feeling to the story and the details are incredible; readers will love seeing Milton (from 2024’s Moo Hoo!) reading a copy of CosMOOpolitan Magazine, or a coffee mug in the principal’s office – Principal Lily Pad – that says, “Coffee makes me hoppy“. Baa Haa delivers a feast for the eyes and a supportive message for young readers. Download free activity sheets for a storytime extension.

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Duckie and Snaps meet can they be friends?

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Duckie and Snaps: We Cannot Be Friends!, by Ame Dyckman/Illustrated by Tim Miller, (Feb. 2025, Orchard Books), $14.99, ISBN: 9781338837872

Ages 2-6

The unlikeliest of friendships begins when one egg rolls into another’s nest. Duckie, a bright yellow duckling with a pink bow on her head, boisterously greets a more reserved crocodile and names him Snaps. As she’s describing all of the adventures the two new friends will have her, an adult crocodile shows up on the scene to inform the two hatchlings that they CANNOT be friends, because Snaps’s folks eat Duckies! This doesn’t sit well with either Duckie or Snaps, who just started getting used to his new friend, but when Snaps’s tummy starts a-rumbling, Duckie has to do some fast thinking. Dyckman’s hilarious back-and-forth dialogue, paired with Miller’s expressive facial expressions and body language, makes for a laugh-out-loud tale of friendship against all odds. Illustrations are organized into graphic novel-type panels, with dialogue taking place via word bubbles. The message is clear: friendship (and bananas) wins all. A great add to collections; I can’t wait to see what Duckie and Snaps will do on their next adventure.

 

Posted in Animal Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Teen, Tween Reads, Young Adult/New Adult

STOP THE PRESSES! NEW MOUSE GUARD INCOMING!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Holy cow, was this a great announcement to read. Mouse Guard is an Eisner and Harvey Award-winning graphic novel and comic book series; it’s a fantasy setting similar to Brian Jacques’s Redwall books. The Mouse Guard was formed to protect mice against predators. It’s a great series; my son (now in his mid-20s) was a tremendous fan when he was a kid, which naturally got me reading it. We were both hooked!

Anyway, the great news from BOOM! Studios: in honor of Mouse Guard’s 20th anniversary, we are getting a NEW Mouse Guard adventure! Here’s the scoop from BOOM!:

LOS ANGELES, CA (December 19, 2024) – There are few series as lauded and beloved as David Petersen’s Eisner Award-winning and New York Times bestselling Mouse Guard. Now, in celebration of the 20th anniversaries of both Mouse Guard and BOOM! Studios, David Petersen, along with Eisner-nominated artist Gabriel Rodríguez (Locke & Key), bring a brand new chapter to life in this sprawling saga with MOUSE GUARD: DAWN OF THE BLACK AXE.

The origins of the legendary Black Axe are revealed in this prequel story set in the earliest point in the Mouse Guard history. Adventure with the ancient weapon’s first mouse wielder and champion, Bardrick, as he sets off on an epic quest of good versus evil!

“Getting to write this Mouse Guard lore of the forging of the Black Axe and it being handed to Bardrick (first of eleven wielders) while getting to do so with the brilliant Gabriel Rodríguez drawing Dawn of the Black Axe has been a thrill,” said Mouse Guard creator David Petersen. “He’s going above and beyond with his inked pages and storytelling while I’m just trying to keep up coloring them and still do them justice. Gabe was top of my list when we started pitching names for this spin off project, and I postponed it for a long time until his schedule opened up––I didn’t want to do this first one with anyone else.

“I’ll continue to work on the next volume in the main Mouse Guard series: The Weasel War of 1149, but I also hope this is first of many more Mouse Guard books like this one, where I get to explore the other past wielders of the Black Axe with exciting and extremely talented collaborators like Gabe.”

“I’ve been a fan of David Petersen’s work since the first time I saw a volume of his astonishing Mouse Guard books. We became friends as soon as we met,” said Eisner-nominated artist Gabriel Rodríguez. “Almost a decade ago we started daydreaming about working together on the story of the first wielder of the mythical Black Axe. That dream finally came true, and I’m humbled, grateful and excited to share it with the faithful legion of Mouse Guard readers.”

MOUSE GUARD: DAWN OF THE BLACK AXE #1 features main cover art by series artist Gabriel Rodríguez, and variant covers by Mouse Guard creator David Petersen, and celebrated artist Goñi Montes (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers).

MOUSE GUARD: DAWN OF THE BLACK AXE is the newest release from BOOM! Studios’ award-winning Archaia imprint, home to inspiring graphic novels such as Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut, Ryan North, and Albert Monteys; The Sacrifice of Darkness by Roxane Gay, Tracy Lynne-Oliver, and Rebecca Kirby; Big Black: Stand at Attica by Frank “Big Black” Smith, Jared Reinmuth, and Améziane; The Killer by Matz and Luc Jacamon; We Served the People by Emei Burell; New World by David Jesus Vignolli; Eighty Days by A.C. Esguerra; Better Angels: A Kate Warne Adventure by Jeff Jensen and George Schall; The Short While by Jeremy Sorese; About Betty’s Boob by Vero Cazot and Julie Rocheleau; Flavor Girls by Loïc Locatelli-Kournwsky; I’m Still Alive by Roberto Saviano and Asaf Hanuka; and licensed series including Sabaa Tahir’s An Ember in the Ashes; Lev Grossman’s The Magicians; and Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, The Storyteller, and Labyrinth.

MOUSE GUARD: DAWN OF THE BLACK AXE #1 will be available in comic shops March 19, 2025. It is available for pre-order at your local comic shop. Digital copies can be purchased from content providers, including Kindle, iBooks, and Google Play.

For continuing news on MOUSE GUARD: DAWN OF THE BLACK AXE and more from BOOM! Studios, stay tuned to www.boom-studios.com and follow @boomstudios on X.

About David Petersen:

David Petersen is the creator of the New York Times Bestselling and critically acclaimed Graphic Novel series Mouse Guard.  He was the 2007 Russ Manning Award recipient for Most Promising Newcomer and has since gone on to win three Eisner Awards and two Harvey’s for his continued work on the Mouse Guard series. David has done covers for Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, Jim Henson’s Storyteller, Star Wars, TMNT, and Usagi Yojimbo as well as recent work for Magic the Gathering: Bloomburrow.

David and his wife Julia live in Michigan.

About Gabriel Rodríguez:

Gabriel Rodríguez is a Chilean comic book artist and writer. He’s the author of Sword of Ages and co-creator Locke & Key, Onyx, and the Eisner Award-winning Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland at IDW. He’s also drawn titles such as Adventures of Superman for DC Comics, Locke & Key/Sandman: Heaven and Hell for IDW/DC, Le Gouffre Des Resurrections for Les Humanoïdes Associés, and illustrated for Marvel, BOOM! Studios, Skybound, Oni Press, Heroic Signatures and Clover Press. He has also contributed illustrations for novels by Stephen King and Joe Hill. He lives and works in Santiago, Chile. You can find Gabriel on Instagram at @gr_comics.