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.
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!
Hello, and thanks for joining us at Tundra Telegram, the column where we step forward into a few subjects that are always talked about, and filter out some great books that are really good 4 u.
This past Friday, young singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo released her highly anticipated second album, GUTS, a couple months after the release of lead single “Vampire” and just one month after the release of “Bad Idea Right?” (A song title which the editors within us feel really should have a comma.) The album is a new collection of pop-punk anthems and over-the-top ballads about some of her (and our) favorite things: awful boys, awkwardness, self-loathing, and parties you want to leave.
We’ve listened (and re-listened) to GUTS to figure out what books for young readers are the most logical fit for the twelve (non-hidden) tracks of the album. Without further ado, we present book accompaniments to Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS, from picture books to YA – something we think is a good idea. Right?
PICTURE BOOKS
“Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl“: A song all about social anxiety, awkwardness, and the fear that everything you do is inherently embarrassing? That reminds us of Are You Mad At Me?by Tyler Feder and Cody Feder, a picture book about an extremely nervous ostrich who constantly worries she’s doing the wrong thing and that someone is mad at her. This results in a neck movement that Opal the ostrich calls “The Noodles.” (Note to Olivia Rodrigo: “Noodle Ballad” also has a nice ring to it.)
“The Grudge“: While the song is mostly about a friendship of sorts marked by betrayal and manipulation, we’d like to focus on the difficulty the narrator has in forgiving and forgetting the damage done. Hence, we recommend Petal the Angry Cow by Maureen Fergus and Olga Demidova, a book about a cow who flies into a rage no matter the grievance, whether the horse steps on her foot or the dog steals her favorite chapeau. Petal seeks advice on how to let go of grudges, and it turns out the farm’s goose is not the best animal to turn to. (Though if online detectives are to be believed regarding the song’s inspiration, we could also recommend Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography by Wendy Loggia and Elisa Chavarri, but we try not to buy into internet rumors.)
“Logical“: Rodrigo’s ballad about self-delusion (and now you got me thinkin’ /two plus two equals five) and a manipulative boyfriend may seem a far cry from Minh Lê and Raissa Figuero‘s picture book about an imaginary friend, Real To Me, but the parallels are there! (Others tried to tell me that she wasn’t real, that she was just imaginary.) Both are portraits of the lies we tell ourselves (even if, as in the case of the book, they are happy ones) and how to move past them.
“Making the Bed“: You might think it’s difficult to find a picture book that matches the emotions of ennui and dissatisfaction with fame heard in “Making the Bed,” but that’s where you’re wrong. Arthur Who Wrote Sherlock by Linda Bailey and Isabelle Follath is not just a biography of Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of the world’s greatest detective, but an account of the author’s struggles with the success of Sherlock and how he felt trapped by his own creation’s popularity.
CHAPTER BOOKS & MIDDLE GRADE
“Vampire“: So, the song isn’t about a literal vampire (though the subject apparently only comes out at night), but we couldn’t waste an opportunity to mention a wonderful middle-grade book about the real thing: Don’t Want To Be Your Monster by Deke Moulton. Neither of the vampire brothers in the humorous horror-mystery are as sociopathic as the guy in “Vampire,” but they do remain bloodsuckers.
“Pretty Isn’t Pretty“: This is a song about impossible beauty standards for women and girls, and the devastating self-image problems that usually result. Unfortunately, there are a lot of stories with those elements, but Barely Floatingby Lilliam Rivera is perhaps the most uplifting. Natalia De La Cruz Rivera y Santiago is part of a synchronized swimming team, the LA Mermaids, but is often underestimated in a sport where girls are expected to be thin and white. Barely Floating explores what it means to be at home in your own skin (even when you’re underwater).
“Get Him Back!”: Who doesn’t love a song with an exclamation mark?(!) And this pop-punk track about trying to win a boy back who’s probably bad for you certainly deserves the punctuation. While the titular Penny in Penny Draws a Best Friend by Sara Shepard isn’t trying to win back a boy, she is trying to figure out why her former best friend Violet is avoiding her and hanging out with all the meanest girls in school. It’s a book about letting go of friends who aren’t right for you and making room for others who are.
“Teenage Dream“: Not to be confused with the Katy Perry hit, this song was written by an actual teenager. The subject is birthdays and the conflicting emotions of feeling simultaneously too young and too old. Those are resolutely not the conflicting emotions at play in Megabat and the Not-Happy Birthday by Anna Humphrey and Kass Reich, but the book is all about mixed birthday emotions. In the book, those feelings are about hating your new glasses and getting into a big fight with your mostly-verbal bat friend (two specific feelings the singer-songwriter doesn’t touch on).
YOUNG ADULT
“All-American B-h“: Finally, we enter the world of YA, a perfect age category for the oeuvre of Olivia Rodrigo. The opening song, which speaks to the unachievable double standards facing women and girls, has a title inspired by the writing of Joan Didion. Tragically, Didion never wrote children’s books or YA, but we think a good pairing for this track is On the Subject of Unmentionable Thingsby Julia Walton, in which rule-following goody-two-shoes Phoebe Townsend lives a secret life as a sex education blogger who raises the ire of a local mayoral candidate who is all-too-keen to enforce some double standards.
“Bad Idea Right?”: This banger is all about the time-honored tradition of reuniting with ex against your better judgment. That immediately made us think of Amanda Woody‘s novel They Hate Each Other, in which Jonah and Dylan, who dislike each other immensely but everyone thinks should be together, hook up one wild homecoming night. Mutually horrified, they decide to fake-date, so they can end their relationship with a big, staged fight to prove their incompatibility to everyone else. One can only imagine what kind of idea that is.
“Love is Embarrassing“: A song that explores the mortifying experiences of young love and how that affects your feelings of self-worth and mental state can find few better matches than Something Moreby Jackie Khalilieh. Diagnosed as autistic before the school year begins, fifteen-year-old Palestinian Canadian Jessie finds herself romantically entangled with two very different boys that – especially given her difficulties with certain social cues – often leaves her reeling and confused.
“Lacy“: “Lacy” is a lyrically intriguing song that looks at a relationship between two female friends that blurs the line between love and hate, envy and total worship. In many ways the song reminds us of the fraught friendship between Beth and the beautiful, magnetic, but perhaps untrustworthy Edie in the 1983 New York coming-of-age tale Friends Like Theseby Meg Rosoff.
Tuesdays with Tundra is an ongoing series featuring our new releases. This title is now available in stores and online!
Megabat Megastar By Anna Humphrey Illustrated by Kris Easler 192 Pages | Ages 7-10 | Hardcover ISBN 9780735271661 | 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!
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 Beverly Cleary Children’s Choice Award sponsored by the Oregon Association of School Libraries began in the summer of 2001 and was named in honor of Beverly Cleary with the winner being announced on her birthday, April 12, every year. Children of all ages are invited to vote each spring for their favorite title from the list of nominated books. We would like to congratulate Anna Humphrey and Kass Reich whose adorable book, Megabat, is this year’s winner!
Megabat
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. Add some buttermelon, juice boxes, a lightsaber and a common enemy and you’ve got a new friendship in the making! This charming, funny story is brought to life by Kass Reich’s warm and adorable illustrations. There’s never been a bat this cute – readers will be rooting for Megabat and Daniel from page one!
