The annual Youth Media Awards were announced on Monday, January 27, 2025 during the American Library Association’s final LibLearnX conference. We asked Jashar Awan what it was like when he got the call on his Geisel Honor Book that morning:
“The title Towed by Toad popped into my head while discussing trucks with my son. The homonyms together made me laugh and suggested a jumping off point for a story-a toad drives a tow truck.
I made a list of vehicular trouble that would require a tow but Toad driving around and helping other animal motorists-while cute-isn’t much of a story.
He would need some help along the way, too.
I added scenes where Toad skips meals in his eagerness to help others. He doesn’t stop until he breaks down.
A funny thing about writing is how revealing it ends up being. What you write is informed by where you are or what you’re going through or what you’ve been through. I thought I was writing a funny animal / truck book and ended up making a book about burnout and self-care.
Well, this book keeps surprising me.
On a Sunday night, my phone rang.
It was after 9pm and I was in the middle of doing dishes. I didn’t answer-after all, I am a millennial and I didn’t recognize the number-but when a voicemail popped up, I gave it a listen.
“Hi Jashar, this is Maria Peterson-the chair of the Geisel committee. We’d really appreciate a call back.”
I couldn’t believe it. I just got a call from THE GEISEL COMMITTEE… and I didn’t answer!
“Who called?” my wife asked. “Is everything okay?”
“It’s good news,” I said as I frantically called them back. (Fortunately, they didn’t screen the call!)
In between cheers from the rest of the committee, Maria told me that Towed by Toad would be receiving the 2025 Geisel Honor.
So many authors and illustrators I admire have received this award. I’m so honored to have Towed by Toad placed alongside their books.
Thank you to the ALA, the ALSC, and the Geisel committee for honoring Towed by Toad! Thank you to my agent Erica and the team at Tundra Books-Tara, Ashley, Sophie, Katelyn, and Sam-for guiding Toad on the road to publication and beyond. Thank you to Emily and Max for their love and support.
A big thanks to readers of all ages out there!
And congrats to all the other winners and honorees of the ALA Youth Media Awards!”
Towed by Toad
By Jashar Awan
48 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover
ISBN 9781774883488 | Tundra Books
Toad and his tow truck are always on the move to lend a hand to anyone who needs help. Whether it’s a flat tire or engine trouble, it’s Toad to the rescue! Pop does his best to try to get Toad to slow down and take care of himself, but there always seems to be someone else who needs to be towed by Toad. How can he say no? Toad is so used to being the problem solver that when his tow truck breaks down, he does everything he can to fix it himself – and can’t! What happens when the helper needs help? Towed by Toad is a peppy read-aloud full of fascinating vehicles and endearing characters.
Also by Jashar Awan:
Strum & Drum: A Merry Little Quest
By Jashar Awan
56 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover
ISBN 9780735272392 | Tundra Books
All is quiet in the forest as the Great Star rises in the distance, and two little musicians, Strum and Drum, wake up from a deep slumber and set out to make the most joyous music they can! But as Strum strums his guitar and Drum drums her drum on their way to the North, some mysterious obstacles fill their paths . . . flickering lanterns, bubbles of glass, a silver waterfall, a tiny house, dangerous animals . . . and a wooden man with a toothy grin warns them of a beast with green eyes lying in wait. For this is no ordinary forest – it’s a Christmas tree, on Christmas Eve, and Strum, Drum and all their new friends are ornaments! But when the green-eyed beast strikes and sends them tumbling out of the “forest,” Strum and Drum’s quest to reach the Great Star seems doomed . . . until a little boy setting out milk and cookies for Santa spots them.