Tuesdays with Tundra is an ongoing series featuring our new releases. This title is now available in stores and online!
Sunny Wants to Play By Katty Maurey 40 Pages | Ages 4-7 | Hardcover ISBN 9781774884812 | Tundra Books Sunny is the only kid in a big family. She wishes she had someone to play with, but it seems like everyone has someone except her. When she finally gets her wish and is invited to play with the neighborhood kids, it’s a bit more than she bargained for . . . Maybe being the only child has its advantages! This beautiful story invites readers into Sunny’s quiet world with its lazy afternoons and sleepy, distracted adults, and Katty Maurey’s delicate and gorgeous artwork perfectly evokes both the calm and not-so-calm moments, in this celebration of introverts, comfort zones and new experiences.
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.
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 Robin Rosenthal!
About the Author:
ROBIN ROSENTHAL is an author, illustrator and art director. She has illustrated Two Dogs on A Trike and the Big Ideas for Little Philosophers and Big Ideas for Little Environmentalists series of board books. SWEET BABE! is her authorial debut. She grew up in Connecticut and now lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her sweet, sweet family. You can see more of her work at robinrosenthal.com.
Fast Five with Robin Rosenthal:
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
I’ve lived in New York City for about 28 years and there is no place I would rather be. There is so much energy here and so much to see and do. I love that New York accepts all kinds of people and that you can be creative and weird and different and that is celebrated. I love looking out my own apartment window at the other buildings and thinking about how a different person lives in each one of those apartments, with a different life, different goals, dreams, loves, fears, histories. We are all living together and coexisting in this relatively small area and making it work.
What’s one thing that can instantly make your day better?
So many things . . . a quality hug from my husband or daughter, a breakthrough on a project I’m working on, or a long catch-up with a friend.
Which meal is your favorite: breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
Definitely breakfast. I love anything egg related: eggs Benedict, scrambled eggs with cheese, eggs over-easy, bacon gruyere egg bites from Starbucks. My mom used to make me scrambled eggs with cream cheese and buttered cinnamon-sugar toast when I was home sick as a kid. Delish. Cracker Barrel hack in case you didn’t know: they serve breakfast all day but you have to ask for the breakfast menu when it is lunch or dinner time.
What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
Indigo Girls back in the 1990s. They have also been my top choice for sing-at-the-top-of-my-lungs-in-the-car music since high school.
What’s your favorite Yiddish word?
My favorite Yiddish word is b’shert. It is pronounced “buh-SHARE-t” and it means “meant to be.” It’s often used in a romantic context but our family uses it in a more general way. It’s a nice way to mark a positive, serendipitous moment when the world seems right and good. You look at your family member and say, “b’shert,” and they say “b’shert,” back and you both nod your heads knowingly.
Books by Robin Rosenthal:
Sweet Babe! By Robin Rosenthal 32 Pages | Ages 2-5 | Hardcover ISBN 9781774884324 | Tundra Books Look at this baby . . . what a genius! And such a shayne punim, too! From the top of baby’s adorable head to the tips of their toes, there’s nothing for a grandma not to adore in her little bubbeleh. Sweet Babe takes babies and their bubbies, not to mention grandparents of every stripe, on a delightful read-aloud journey that practically cries out for frequent cheek-squishing and keppie (head)-kissing in this irresistible celebration of the connection between grandparent and grandchild, and of Jewish joy through the generations. Includes a Yiddish glossary at the back with transliterated vocabulary.
Big Ideas for Little Environmentalists: Conservation with Jane Goodall Written by Maureen McQuerry Illustrated by Robin Rosenthal 20 Pages | Ages 0-3 | Board Book ISBN 9780593323601 | G.P. Putnam’s Sons BFYR Even little children can make a positive impact on the environment. Jane Goodall has dedicated her life to studying chimpanzees, and realized that sometimes people hurt the places where animals have always lived. She began to teach others how we can enjoy nature while also making sure that the homes of animals aren’t suffering. Kids will come away from this book with questions about what animal habitats they can care for in their own community, and how conservation work makes sure all people and animals have a healthy home.
Big Ideas for Little Environmentalists: Ecosystems with Rachel Carson Written by Maureen McQuerry Illustrated by Robin Rosenthal 20 Pages | Ages 0-3 | Board Book ISBN 9780593323649 | G.P. Putnam’s Sons BFYR Even little children can make a positive impact on the environment. Rachel Carson was an environmentalist who studied the way the land, plants, and animals interact with each other, beginning when she was a child. She noticed that everything is connected, and all of nature must stay healthy for living things to thrive. When she realized that the chemicals people used outdoors were making plants, animals, and even other people sick, she began teaching others about the ecosystems, and how we must take care of them to keep the Earth balanced. Kids will see, through Rachel’s curiosity and passion for all creatures, that even seemingly small choices can have big consequences on the world around them.
Big Ideas for Little Philosophers: Kindness with Confucius Written by Duane Armitage and Maureen McQuerry Illustrated by Robin Rosenthal 22 Pages | Ages 0-3 | Board Book ISBN 9780593322956 | G.P. Putnam’s Sons BFYR Even little children have big questions about life. Confucius believed always treating people with kindness can make us wise, and Kindness with Confucius brings his philosophy to the youngest thinkers. He believed we should use our own feelings as a guide to how to treat others. We feel good when people are kind to us and should want to make others feel that way. Emphasizing the importance of being in touch with your own emotions in order to be kind to others, this book will lead to inspiring conversations about human dynamics between people of all ages.
Big Ideas for Little Philosophers: Love with Plato Written by Duane Armitage and Maureen McQuerry Illustrated by Robin Rosenthal 22 Pages | Ages 0-3 | Board Book ISBN 9780593322994 | G.P. Putnam’s Sons BFYR Even little children have big questions about life. Plato believed showing and receiving love makes us wise, and Love with Plato brings his philosophy to the youngest thinkers. Asking young readers what being loved feels like to them and how they can show others love prompts questions about how we treat one another and ourselves. This book will lead to inspiring conversations about loving people for what is on the inside, and helping others do the same.
Tuesdays with Tundra is an ongoing series featuring our new releases. This title is now available in stores and online!
The City of Lost Cats By Tanya Lloyd Kyi 288 Pages | Ages 10+ | Hardcover ISBN 9781774882108 | Tundra Books When Fiona wanders into an abandoned mansion down by the harbor, she discovers the house is full of stray cats (and two chaotic parakeets). Fiona feels a great deal of sympathy for the animals; she understands what it’s like to need a safe home. Ever since her parents died, she’s been struggling to adjust to the tiny apartment where she and her Aunt Tanis now live. And Aunt Tanis has little time to spare for Fiona, between her job at The Municipal Hall and her horrible, hair-gelled boyfriend. When the mansion is threatened by a demolition team, Fiona is determined to save “The City” and its residents. But the cats have their own priorities. Cot (short for Cottonball Fluffikins Magnificent III, a name he refuses to acknowledge) has lived in the mansion for two years and is the self-proclaimed king. He’s convinced the demolition effort has been organized by the recently arrived parakeets. Those birds have got to go! Cot’s feline rival, Piper, is sure she can intimidate the demolition team and force them to leave, if Fiona will simply stay out of her way. And the parakeets . . . well, the parakeets just want to go home. As the demolition team begins tearing down the house next door, Fiona looks for any help she can find – at the library, the butcher shop, and even at The Municipal Hall. Can the efforts of one small girl and an assortment of animals stop a luxury condo development? Can they create something better in its place? It’s going to take some quick thinking on the part of Fiona, not to mention the cooperation of all the cats, to give The City a future.
The City of Lost Cats is also available today in audiobook!
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.
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 M.L. Fergus!
About the Author:
M.L. FERGUS‘s many books for young people have been translated into more than a dozen languages, optioned for television, adapted for stage, and won or been shortlisted for numerous prestigious awards. She writes illustrated books for young readers under the name Maureen Fergus. She lives in Winnipeg, Canada with her family.
Fast Five with M.L. Fergus:
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
I would split my time between the Caribbean island of Curaçao (because I love snorkeling), Vancouver Island (because I love hiking and surfing) and my beautiful hometown of Winnipeg, Canada (because I love hanging out with mosquitos in the summer and being so cold in the winter that I can’t feel my face).
What’s one thing that can instantly make your day better?
A good belly laugh can instantly make my day better. Luckily, my husband and kids are all very hilarious and I will laugh at just about anything. I will also do almost anything to get a laugh and seeing people laugh makes me laugh. With all that laughing, it’s a wonder I ever get any writing done at all, isn’t it?
Which meal is your favorite: breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
I love eating, so breakfast, lunch and dinner are all my favorite! In addition, I am a big grazer, so I usually share my writing space with bowls of popcorn and nuts, cheese and crackers, apple slices and carrot sticks, banana chocolate chip muffins (my speciality) and random bits of candy. Mmmm, I’m getting hungry just thinking about it . . .
What’s your “dance like nobody’s watching” song?
My dance AND sing like nobody’s watching song is “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield. The music and lyrics get me going every time and are PERFECT for a writer like me. “Staring at the blank page before you/Open up the dirty window/Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find”. I hope you pictured me belting that out at the top of my lungs while I typed it, because I that’s what I did.
Who’s your favourite book heroine?
Persephone from my Fractured Kingdom trilogy is my favorite book heroine. It’s why I spent three books with her! She is the beating heart of this epic romantic adventure – a girl with a tragic past who has not been broken by her suffering. She is clever, fierce and funny, and though she is not fearless, she is fearfully brave. An animal lover who is passionate but conflicted, she is far more likely to rescue any would-be knight in shining armor than the other way around. Truly, the handsome thief she meets at the outset of the story has no idea what he’s in for . . .
Books by M.L. Fergus:
Prophecy By M.L. Fergus 352 Pages | Ages 12+ | Paperback ISBN 9781774886076 | Tundra Books A lifetime of hardship and toil has left Persephone dreaming of a destiny that belongs to none but her. When a chance encounter with a handsome thief offers hope of escape, she recklessly sets her plan in motion. But the thief, Azriel, has plans of his own and no intention of letting her go anywhere. For he and his clan believe that Persephone could be the key to defeating the king’s regent, a sadistic monster who has hunted them for years. Torn between her longing for freedom and her growing feelings for Azriel, Persephone finds herself plunging ever deeper into a dark and dangerous world where death is never more than one careless word away. As tensions rise to a fever pitch, Persephone faces the hardest choice she has ever had to make. And no one – least of all her – could have imagined the shocking truth her decision will reveal.
Odyssey By M.L. Fergus 408 Pages | Ages 12+ | Paperback ISBN 9781774886090 | Tundra Books Available: May 13, 2025 In the final moments of Prophecy, a truth was revealed to Persephone and Azriel – one that could change everything forever. For her. For him. For them. For the entire kingdom. But the murderous Regent Mordesius wants this truth buried and them along with it. Cornered and out of options, Azriel boldly bargains: release them, and they will seek out the mythical healing pool. Mordesius agrees but warns that if they do not find it, he’ll make those dearest to them suffer – starting with King Finnius. Persephone has never needed Azriel’s teasing warmth more, but she is discovering that there is a price to pay for having broken past promises. Together, the pair set off on a journey that will take them to the farthest corners of the kingdom. Danger will ever lie ahead and behind them; they will battle men and beasts alike. Will Persephone and Azriel survive these perils? And will this quest see their romance grow cold – or will it burn hotter than ever?
Destiny By M.L. Fergus 376 Pages | Ages 12+ | Paperback ISBN 9781774886113 | Tundra Books Available: September 23, 2025 On the heels of a tragic discovery, Persephone was all but torn from Azriel’s waiting arms. She now finds herself desperately alone, in terrible danger and burdened by responsibilities she would do almost anything to escape. But some responsibilities are inescapable, and Persephone is not the girl she once was. Knowing that the clans are in mortal peril and that the realm is descending into chaos, she is fiercely determined to defeat Mordesius and set things to right for all people. But she cannot imagine doing so without the handsome thief she has fallen helplessly, hopelessly in love with. And so, armed with nothing but her wit, her dagger and her dauntless courage, Persephone races across the realm in search of Aziel and a path forward. As the stakes rise ever higher, loyalties shift, disasters strike and catastrophic grief gives way to inexpressible joy. And just when it seems like it’s finally over, the Fates play their cruelest trick of all . . . In this epic, exhilarating final adventure in the Fractured Kingdom trilogy, destiny is coming for the girl who started it all.
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.
