Tuesdays with Tundra is an ongoing series featuring our new releases. This title is now available in stores and online!
From Megabat with Love Written by Anna Humphrey Illustrated by Kris Easler 216 Pages | Ages 7-10 | Hardcover ISBN 9780735271685 | Tundra Books Megabat loves Bird Girl, but he’s having trouble coming up with a Valentine’s surprise that she actually likes. Daniel is trying to earn his Caring and Sharing Bird Scout badge by bringing valentines to residents at a retirement home. Megabat keeps trying to impress Bird Girl with his marvelous gifts that are things HE loves, but it’s not working. And she seems to be obsessed with a majestic eagle. Daniel and his fellow Bird Scouts create chaos at the retirement home and learn a lesson in how NOT to get a Caring and Sharing badge. Megabat finally learns about smushy love stuff from his new friends at the retirement home, but is it too late? Has he lost Bird Girl forever? And will Daniel ever earn his Caring and Sharing badge? Kris Easler’s adorable illustrations paired with Anna Humphrey’s hilarious text make for another unforgettable Megabat adventure, one that will appeal to Megabat fans and newcomers!
From Megabat with Love is also available today in Paperback!
We can’t wait to see you reading this title! If you share this book online, remember to use #ReadTundra in your hashtags so that we can re-post.
The Vicky Metcalf Award for Literature for Young People is given annually to the author of an exceptional body of work in children’s literature and the winner is selected by a three-member judging panel. We would like to congratulate Sara O’Leary who was the recipient of this year’s award!
From the jury citation: “With deep insight into the unwavering spirit of children, Sara O’Leary shows that her young characters are able to speak for themselves, to overturn assumptions and worn-out ways of seeing. O’Leary has devoted her picture books to complex and playful expressions of how fantasy suffuses our experience of this world – from a poignant account of the young Brontë siblings to loving and outlandish answers to a child’s question, ‘Where did I come from?’ Her direct address to readers is surprising and engaging, initiating a lively conversation or a personal relationship. In celebrating diversity or tracking a little girl’s intensely busy play, O’Leary explores, sometimes subtly, sometimes overtly, the possibilities imagination offers. Enhanced by her many gifted illustrators, O’Leary’s willingness to be both fanciful and serious, to take chances with tone, format, and structure, makes each new book a delightful work of spare, neatly crafted words.”
Thank you to the 2024 Vicky Metcalf Award for Literature for Young People Jury: Deirdre Baker, Andrea Curtis, and Itah Sadu!
The Little Books of the Little Brontës Written by Sara O’Leary Illustrated by Briony May Smith 40 Pages | Ages 5-9 | Hardcover ISBN 9780735263697 | Tundra Books Many years ago, the four motherless children of the Brontë family – Charlotte, Branwell, Emily and Anne – lived in a windswept house by the moors with their father. Although their lives were often filled with sadness and their world was only as large as the distance they could walk, their INNER worlds were bound only by their imaginations. Hungry for stories, these children devoured novels and poetry, history and fables. And with the gift of a group of toy soldiers, they were inspired to make their own stories, and their own tiny books . . . a passion that would last them a lifetime. A moving and atmospheric story about the power of imagination, the joy of storytelling and the love of books, The Little Books of the Little Brontës will enchant both those who love these literary sisters and those who are learning about them for the first time. Includes an author’s note, timeline of the Brontës’ lives and a fun craft with instructions on creating your own little book.
Gemma and the Giant Girl Written by Sara O’Leary Illustrated by Marie Lafrance 48 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover ISBN 9780735263673 | Tundra Books Gemma has always lived in a very nice little house, always slept in the same room and always worn the same clothes. A doll in an old forgotten dollhouse, Gemma wonders if she will ever grow up, but her parents tell her she will always be their little girl. Until, one day, the dollhouse is opened by a GIANT, and Gemma’s whole life changes. New things are introduced into the little house – and Gemma finally has an opportunity to leave what’s familiar and see the enormous world beyond. A story that evokes children’s classics, Gemma and the Giant Girl is a gorgeously illustrated and poignant tale of what it feels like to be small in a big world and how even the smallest among us can take charge of our own destinies.
This Is Ruby Written by Sara O’Leary Illustrated by Alea Marley 32 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover ISBN 9780735263611 | Tundra Books Ruby is a little girl with a sense of curiosity and enthusiasm that’s too big to contain! Ruby is always busy – she loves to make things, watch things grow and figure out how things work, with her dog Teddy by her side. And Ruby has lots of ideas about what she wants to be: maybe an animal conservationist? Or an archaeologist? She’s great at excavating (i.e. digging holes). Or maybe an inventor? She’s already invented a book with smells instead of words (so dogs can read it) and a time machine (the dinosaurs did have feathers after all, and the future is looking wild). This is Ruby, and this is her world.
Maud and Grand-Maud Written by Sara O’Leary Illustrated by Kenard Pak 40 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover ISBN 9781101918692 | Tundra Books Maud loves the weekends that she stays over at her grandma’s house. There’s always breakfast-for-supper, matching nightgown, black-and-white movies and best of all – having someone to listen to her dreams for when she grows up. But what makes the visit extra-special is what Grand-Maud has hidden in an old chest under her bed. Sometimes there are paint sets, toys, homemade cookies, handknit mittens or sweaters. But Maud finds a wonderful surprise when she finds a belonging from Grand-Maud’s childhood. When she grows up, Maud wants to be just like Grand-Maud. Maud and Grand-Maud is a sweet celebration of the unique bond between grandparents and grandchildren.
Owls Are Good at Keeping Secrets Written by Sara O’Leary Illustrated by Jacob Grant 40 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover ISBN 9781101919118 | Tundra Books Did you know that chipmunks love to stay up past their bedtime? Or that dragons cry at happy endings? I bet you’d never have guessed that iguanas sometimes get homesick at sleepovers. Sara O’Leary pulls back the curtain on the animal world and gives us absolutely charming little one-line “facts” about an animal for each letter of the alphabet. Kids will love to see their own quirks reflected in these adorably-rendered creatures, and perhaps will be comforted to know that, just like them, narwhals can be perfectly happy all on their own and quail also get tired of being told to be quiet. This is more than just an alphabet book – it is a charming, hilarious and touching look at the diversity of personalities in the world, worth many, many re-reads.
This Is Sadie Written by Sara O’Leary Illustrated by Julie Morstad 32 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover ISBN 9781770495326 | Tundra Books Sadie is a little girl with a big imagination. She has been a girl who lived under the sea and a boy raised by wolves. She has had adventures in wonderland and visited the world of fairytales. She whispers to the dresses in her closet and talks to birds in the treetops. She has wings that take her anywhere she wants to go, but that always bring her home again. She likes to make things – boats out of boxes and castles out of cushions. But more than anything Sadie likes stories, because you can make them from nothing at all. For Sadie, the world is so full of wonderful possibilities . . . This is Sadie, and this is her story.
At Tundra Books, we want you to get to know and love our creators as much as you know and love their books. Our creator spotlight series will introduce you to the people behind some of your favorite titles . . . this week, say hello to Anna Humphrey!
About the Author:
ANNA HUMPHREY has worked in marketing for a poetry organization, in communications for the Girl Guides of Canada, as an editor for a webzine, as an intern at a decorating magazine, and for the government. None of those was quite right, so she started her own freelance writing and editing business, created the Megabat, Bee and Flea and Clara Humble series and wrote many other books for kids and teens. She lives with her husband and two kids in a big, old brick house in Kitchener, Ontario.
Fast Five with Anna Humphrey:
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
I love where I live now (in an old brick house in Kitchener, Ontario), but I wouldn’t mind living near the water someday. One little waterfront town I adore is Meaford, Ontario. It’s on the shores of Georgian Bay, and I can definitely see myself there in some cozy little cottage.
What’s one thing that can instantly make your day better?
Kittens. Part of my week usually involves volunteering at a cat shelter, cleaning litter boxes and scritching ears, etc. Walking into the kitten room is so good for my soul that I honestly can’t believe they don’t charge money to volunteer there. There’s no joy like vacuuming a room while kittens climb your pants.
Which meal is your favorite: breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
Breakfast. Because I have a fancy espresso machine and also because it’s the one meal at my house where everyone always just makes their own, so I can have whatever I want without anyone making a BLECK face at it.
What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
My best concert was my first concert: seeing Sloan at an all-ages venue at Carleton University. I didn’t have any other paper with me, so Jay Ferguson (guitarist and vocalist) signed my bus pass right next to my name so it said Anna Humphrey & Jay Ferguson could ride Ottawa Public Transit together. I felt like this bonded us for life somehow (although I’m not sure if he’d agree).
Who would win in a fight: Megabat & Birdgirl or the Fluffle Bunnies?
Oh, the Fluffle Bunnies, hands down (or should I say paws down?) They’re way more crafty and cunning. Megabat is much too kind to fight, anyway. He’d talk it out using his own funny words.
Books by Anna Humphrey:
Buns Gone Bad: Fluffle Bunnies #1 Written by Anna Humphrey Illustrated by Irma Kniivila 176 Pages | Ages 6-9 | Paperback ISBN 9781774881323 | Tundra Books This story starts, as stories often do, with a tragedy. Three bunnies are left without their mother when she goes off to Brazil to learn jiujitsu. The bunnies, Flop, Biggie and Boingie, learn some hard truths about life pretty quick: squirrels will take over your cozy nest as soon as you leave and refuse to give it back, dogs are to be avoided at all costs and raccoons will believe anything you tell them. With quick thinking, ingenuity and maybe a little bit of raccoon manipulation, these three buns will take on all comers to be the rulers of the park. Will they win? Well, this IS an origin story . . .
Big City Buns: Fluffle Bunnies #2 Written by Anna Humphrey Illustrated by Irma Kniivila 164 Pages | Ages 6-9 | Hardcover ISBN 9781774881286 | Tundra Books Available: April 15, 2025 The Fluffle Bunnies are back for the second installment in their bad-bunny kingpin saga. A brand-new graphic novel chapter book series for Bad Guys fans ages 6 and up. Biggie, Boingy and Flop have the park under control, and life is grand, if maybe a bit . . . boring. When they see a festival pop up nearby, they decide to investigate, and when they have a run-in with a group of city rats, their little park suddenly seems like small carrots. The Fluffle sets their sights on a bigger prize. But can this adorable gang really take over the whole city? Only if they can do it their way . . .
Megabat Written by Anna Humphrey Illustrated by Kass Reich 192 Pages | Ages 7-10 | Paperback ISBN 9780735266957 | Tundra Books Daniel Misumi has just moved to a new house. It’s big and old and far away from his friends and his life before. AND it’s haunted . . . or is it?Megabat was just napping on a papaya one day when he was stuffed in a box and shipped halfway across the world. Now he’s living in an old house far from home, feeling sorry for himself and accidentally scaring the people who live there. Daniel realizes it’s not a ghost in his new house. It’s a bat. And he can talk. And he’s actually kind of cute. Megabat realizes that not every human wants to whack him with a broom. This one shares his smooshfruit.
Megabat and Fancy Cat Written by Anna Humphrey Illustrated by Kass Reich 176 Pages | Ages 7-10 | Paperback ISBN 9780735267114 | Tundra Books Megabat was looking forward to Christmas morning: presents, playing toys, smooshfruit and watching Star Wars. But then Daniel opened his last, most special present. Daniel thinks this might be the best Christmas present yet: a beautiful cat named Priscilla! He’s always wanted a pet. Megabat is not sure he likes this cat. She tastes most hairy. Daniel loves his new cat! She’s fun to play with, and she’s so soft and fluffy. Megabat is not soft OR fluffy. He’s not purebred and he doesn’t have a big, beautiful swishy tail. What if Daniel loves Priscilla more than Megabat? This is truly a disturbance in the Force. Megabat and Birdgirl must find a way to get rid of this trubble cat once and for all! Calamity ensues as Megabat and Birdgirl try to come up with ways to get rid of Priscilla. But is there more than meets the eye with this furry menace?
Megabat Is a Fraidybat Written by Anna Humphrey Illustrated by Kass Reich 192 Pages | Ages 7-10 | Paperback ISBN 9780735268050 | Tundra Books Daniel is not so sure about going to camp. There will be bugs. And uncomfortable beds. And leeches! Megabat can’t wait to go to camp! There will be so much smooshfruit, and he loves a good sing-along. Soon Daniel starts to think camp isn’t so bad. He’s made friends, and his bed isn’t that uncomfortable. Megabat has made a new friend too. But his new friend wants him to go flying to spooky caves. And her mom is very toothy. As Daniel is getting into the swing of things and starting to enjoy camp, Megabat is getting himself into one tangle after another to avoid going into the scary woods. But can Megabat overcome his fears to help save his new friend? Kass Reich’s adorable illustrations paired with Anna Humphrey’s hilarious text make for another unforgettable Megabat adventure, one that will appeal to Megabat fans and newcomers!
Megabat and the Not-Happy Birthday Written by Anna Humphrey Illustrated by Kass Reich 176 Pages | Ages 7-10 | Paperback ISBN 9780735271753 | Tundra Books Daniel isn’t in the birthday party mood. He hates his new glasses – they’re dorky, and he feels silly in them. Megabat LOVES Daniel’s new face windows! They make him dizzy and his tummy feel funny. And he loves parties even more! Daniel starts planning his party, and things are looking up – all of his friends are excited, and he has some fun games planned. Plus: presents! Megabat’s party excitement is losing steam. He has to hide the whole time. He can’t eat any of the delicious buttermelon. And he can’t participate in any games, even though it’s the thing he wants most in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD. When Megabat loses his temper and breaks Daniel’s best birthday gift, he realizes he’s been a bad friend and gives Daniel what he thinks is the best possible gift: he runs away. But being alone in the big, wide, world is harder than he thought.
Megabat Megastar Written by Anna Humphrey Illustrated by Kris Easler 192 Pages | Ages 7-10 | Paperback ISBN 9780735271708 | Tundra Books Daniel’s allowance is not going to cover the cost to fix his dad’s phone screen, which he and Megabat broke. And he is out of ideas. Megabat has a GREAT idea: become famous! Famous people have lots of money. Daniel is also grounded, and being stuck inside is pretty boring. Megabat has no time to spend with bored Daniel, he’s too busy learning the skill that will make him famous and rich. Daniel really doesn’t like Megabat’s new catchphrase, or his fancy new hairdo. Megabat will show him! When Megabat takes things too far and ruins Daniel’s mom’s dinner party with his “magic show,” chaos ensues . . . and Daniel is not too happy. And Megabat learns there are some things that are more important than fame and riches. Kris Easler’s adorable illustrations paired with Anna Humphrey’s hilarious text make for another unforgettable Megabat adventure, one that will appeal to Megabat fans and newcomers!
From Megabat with Love Written by Anna Humphrey Illustrated by Kris Easler 216 Pages | Ages 7-10 | Hardcover ISBN 9780735271685 | Tundra Books Available: December 10, 2024 Megabat loves Bird Girl, but he’s having trouble coming up with a Valentine’s surprise that she actually likes. Daniel is trying to earn his Caring and Sharing Bird Scout badge by bringing valentines to residents at a retirement home. Megabat keeps trying to impress Bird Girl with his marvelous gifts that are things HE loves, but it’s not working. And she seems to be obsessed with a majestic eagle. Daniel and his fellow Bird Scouts create chaos at the retirement home and learn a lesson in how NOT to get a Caring and Sharing badge. Megabat finally learns about smushy love stuff from his new friends at the retirement home, but is it too late? Has he lost Bird Girl forever? And will Daniel ever earn his Caring and Sharing badge? Kris Easler’s adorable illustrations paired with Anna Humphrey’s hilarious text make for another unforgettable Megabat adventure, one that will appeal to Megabat fans and newcomers!
Tuesdays with Tundra is an ongoing series featuring our new releases. This title is now available in stores and online!
I Am Wind Written by Rachel Poliquin Illustrated by Rachel Wada 80 Pages | Ages 8-12 | Hardcover ISBN 9780735272187 | Tundra Books In this beautifully illustrated mock-autobiography for middle-grade readers, Wind speaks directly to the reader, telling fascinating stories that show their cultural, historical and technical importance to humans. Make no mistake: Wind is not shy or humble. Wind is violent, impulsive, arrogant and unpredictable – now playing with a kite, then tearing down a forest. With the help of diagrams and fact-filled sidebars, Wind explains what causes the air to move, describes their favorite forms (katabatics, hurricanes, tornadoes) and shows how they influence the landscape (sand dunes, wind power). Readers will come to know the full breadth of Wind’s physical, historical and psychological presence. Moving seamlessly between science, history and myth, this book is an engrossing and unique look at an elemental force.
We can’t wait to see you reading this title! If you share this book online, remember to use #ReadTundra in your hashtags so that we can re-post.
Tuesdays with Tundra is an ongoing series featuring our new releases. These titles are now available in stores and online!
Paint with Ploof By Ben Clanton and Andy Chou Musser 56 Pages | Ages 2-5 | Hardcover ISBN 9781774881941 | Tundra Books Ploof is a little cloud who’s eager to make their first rainbow! But how? With your help, of course! Can you help Ploof find the right shape? Mix colors? Fly high to paint? Cheer Ploof on through the ups and downs of trying something new, follow along with some calming breathing exercises and find a new perspective! Just as full of imaginative, interactive fun as the first book in the series, each page offers readers from preschooler age and beyond a chance to play and learn in tandem, exploring social-emotional skills along the way. Young readers will be delighted to see the effects of their actions as they join a colorful rainbow quest and paint with Ploof!
Reasons to Look at the Night Sky By Danielle Daniel 328 Pages | Ages 9-12 | Hardcover ISBN 9781774883532 | Tundra Books Luna has always loved the night sky. She’s an eleven-year-old who knows everything there is to know about space, and dreams of one day becoming an astronaut. The first step in her plan to get there is to ace the space unit in her science class and secure a spot in NASA’s summer space camp. But when Luna’s teacher is unexpectedly replaced with a substitute, Ms. Manitowabi, who is looking to shake up science class by bringing in art, Luna’s carefully laid plans are crushed. And that’s not all that’s shifting in Luna’s life – changes at home and in her friendships have her feeling topsy-turvy. What on Planet Earth is happening? Reasons to Look at the Night Sky is an endearing, poetic look at the inner world of a middle schooler grappling with change from acclaimed author and illustrator Danielle Daniel.
Reasons to Look at the Night Sky is also available today in Audiobook!
We can’t wait to see you reading these titles! If you share these books online, remember to use #ReadTundra in your hashtags so that we can re-post.
