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.
The Geisel Award is an annual award given to the most distinguished book for beginning readers published in English. We would like to congratulate Jashar Awan whose book Towed by Toad was named an honor book in this year’s 2025 ALA Youth Media Awards! This playful, funny and refreshingly sweet picture book is a perfect read aloud and we’re thrilled to see it receive such a wonderful accolade.
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.
Congratulations once more to Jashar Awan. Thank you to the 2025 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award Honor Book Committee for all their hard work. For more information about the Geisel Award and this year’s honorees, please click here.
At Tundra Book Group, we think all our books are brilliant, and it’s nice when others think so too! Congratulations to our authors and illustrators; these are our starred books of 2024!
FIVE STARS:
We Are Definitely Human By X. Fang 48 Pages | Ages 4-8 | Hardcover ISBN 9781774882023 | Tundra Books “What starts out as a fish-out-of-water comedy becomes a close encounter of straightforward acceptance.” – Starred Review, Publishers Weekly “DEFINITELY a good book.” – Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews “Laugh-out-loud lovely.” – Starred Review, Booklist “A fabulously illustrated, rib-tickling, and affecting picture book in which Mr. Li and his neighbors demonstrate the potential of kindness and cooperative spirit.” – Starred Review, Shelf Awareness “This warm and giggle-worthy tale will please young readers – whether human or definitely human.” – Starred Review, BookPage
THREE STARS:
Barnaby Unboxed! By The Fan Brothers 80 Pages | Ages 5-9 | Hardcover ISBN 9781774882436 | Tundra Books “In this delightful take on the classic toys-come-to-life story, the text and art – and Barnaby – will surely charm while conveying a reassuring message of the value of being appreciated for who you are.” – Starred Review, Booklist “A heartfelt and emotional commentary on love and the limits of the human attention span.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal “The story is a poignant delight that seamlessly incorporates striking lessons about pets, responsibility, and furever commitment.” – Starred Review, Shelf Awareness
Boy vs. Shark By Paul Gilligan 240 Pages | Ages 10+ | Hardcover ISBN 9781774880449 | Tundra Books “An authentic and funny look at masculinity and growing pains that resonates across the decades.” – Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews “Gilligan powerfully explores shifting middle-grade friendship, exquisitely illustrating feelings of fear, anxiety, and joy in simple but expressive cartoon artwork.” – Starred Review, Booklist “This hilarious look into life as a kid in the summer of 1975 is a must-have for any and all middle grade libraries.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal
I’m From Written by Gary R. Gray, Jr. Illustrated by Oge Mora 40 Pages | Ages 4-8 | Hardcover ISBN 9781774886168 | Puffin Canada “Poet Gray, making a picture book debut, models the process of, and the power in, learning that “I come from/ somewhere.” – Starred Review, Publishers Weekly “A beautiful, simple look into one child’s typical experience that all readers can learn from and relate to.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal “This beautifully rendered picture book serves as a reminder of the importance of familial and cultural identity and the grounding that it offers in the wider world.” – Starred Review, The Horn Book
Tove and the Island with No Address By Lauren Soloy 48 Pages | Ages 4-7 | Hardcover ISBN 9781774883150 | Tundra Books “The adventure channels the darkly mischievous tone for which Jansson’s works are beloved and re-creates the strange, wild atmosphere of the island in this windblown tribute to the creator’s artistry and sensibility.” – Starred Review, Publishers Weekly “The best part of art is how and what it makes us feel, and a picture book about an artist that skips past the facts of biography and manages to successfully cultivate the feeling of experiencing that artist’s work is a bit of magic worth treasuring.” – Starred Review, Booklist “This pairing of a strange escapade in the wild with a warm and a cozy welcome home epitomizes the appeal of Jansson’s Moomin books; Moomin fans of all ages will especially enjoy this tale.” – Starred Review, The Horn Book
Viewfinder By Christine D.U. Chung and Salwa Majoka 144 Pages | Ages 6-9 | Hardcover ISBN 9780735268753 | Tundra Books “Beautiful and precisely depicted, a gentle, generous reflection on civilization and community life.” – Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews “Striking a balance between whimsical adventure and wistful contemplation, this title underscores the beauty and fragility of life on our planet. A first purchase for youth graphic novel collections.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal “A gorgeous, digitally sketched and painted picture book debut that welcomes the deeply curious to piece together a surprising and touching tale of what it means to find home.” – Starred Review, Shelf Awareness
TWO STARS:
Benji Zeb Is a Ravenous Werewolf By Deke Moulton 304 Pages | Ages 10-14 | Hardcover ISBN 9781774880524 | Tundra Books “Moulton explores relevant issues surrounding anxiety, faith, prejudice, sexuality, and prioritizing others’ safety over personal comfort in this allegorical creature feature.” – Starred Review, Publishers Weekly “Highly recommended for readers looking for a unique take on the werewolf trope. Readers will root for the gentle and introspective protagonist.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal
Boy Here, Boy There By Chuck Groenink 56 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover ISBN 9781774881064 | Tundra Books “A contemplative telling that seeds rich conversations about connection across species and time, and about what it means to make art.” – Starred Review, Publishers Weekly “A lyrical and beautifully imagined prehistoric encounter.” – Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews
Frostfire By Elly MacKay 44 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover ISBN 9780735266988 | Tundra Books “This tale is magical anytime, but it’s a top choice when seeking a winter story that doesn’t center on a holiday.” – Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews “An enchanting outing that will have readers longing to wander a winter wonderland.” – Starred Review, Booklist
Lockjaw By Matteo L. Cerilli 328 Pages | Ages 14+ | Hardcover ISBN 9781774882306 | Tundra Books “Cerilli delivers a stunning debut in this gripping paranormal horror novel about queer teens growing up in a community that doesn’t accept them and the insidious danger of apathy.” – Starred Review, Publishers Weekly “A horrifyingly honest tale with a hopeful ending, this engrossing novel is sure to get hearts racing and leave readers reflecting upon their own place in their communities.” – Starred Review, BookPage
Métis Like Me Written by Tasha Hilderman Illustrated by Risa Hugo 40 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover ISBN 9781774881125 | Tundra Books “A joyful story that encourages empathy and affirms identity.” – Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews “Despite the specificity implied in the title, this is a book for everyone. A first purchase for libraries looking to expand Indigenous representation in collections.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal
The Lightning Circle Written by Vikki VanSickle Illustrated by Laura K. Watson 224 Pages | Ages 12+ | Hardcover ISBN 9781774882498 | Tundra Books “This journal-like free-verse novel expertly conjures the essence of the summer camp experience while exploring self-identity and highlighting the importance of friendships.” – Starred Review, Shelf Awareness “A richly imagined and deeply felt story that speaks to the power of female friendship, the gift of reinvention, and the perspective-shifting joy of being outdoors.” – Starred Review, Quill & Quire
Tig By Heather Smith 160 Pages | Ages 10+ | Hardcover ISBN 9780735267497 | Tundra Books “A devastatingly honest novel about foster care, neurodivergence, family, and resilience.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal “In the complex, unforgettable Tig, Heather Smith explores the stunning (and sometimes self-sabotaging) resourcefulness children can muster in the face of adversity.” – Starred Review, Shelf Awareness
A Garden Called Home Written by Jessica J. Lee Illustrated by Elaine Chen 48 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover ISBN 9781774880470 | Tundra Books “This heartfelt story beautifully depicts the sorrow that can be felt during the cold winter months, especially when one has come from a completely different environment.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal
An Anishinaabe Christmas Written by Wab Kinew Illustrated by Erin Hill 48 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover ISBN 9781774883570 | Tundra Books “A heartwarming and beautifully crafted book that shares the joy of Christmas through the lens of Anishinaabe culture.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal
Honk Honk, Beep Beep, Putter Putt! Written by Rukhsana Khan Illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat 32 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover ISBN 9781774882641 | Tundra Books “The pairing of the rhythmic text and the vibrant pictures is sure to intrigue readers of all ages to explore a culture and way of life that they may not be as familiar with, or revisit a place where they or relatives have lived.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal
I Am Wind Written by Rachel Poliquin Illustrated by Rachel Wada 80 Pages | Ages 8-12 | Hardcover ISBN 9780735272187 | Tundra Books “While the soft yet dynamic and detailed illustrations are the stars of this book, the lyrical writing combined with solid scientific information make it a must-have for upper elementary and middle school library collections” – Starred Review, School Library Journal
I’m Afraid, Said the Leaf Written by Danielle Daniel Illustrated by Matt James 64 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover ISBN 9781774880708 | Tundra Books “Every worry is addressed and every need is met in this eloquent portrait of the interconnectedness of the living world.” – Starred Review, Publishers Weekly
Into the Goblin Market Written by Vikki VanSickle Illustrated by Jensine Eckwall 48 Pages | Ages 4-8 | Hardcover “In this bravura picture book – a mischief-rich, rhyming fairy tale with modern touches – a girl contends with enchanted adversaries and something almost as fearsome: her sister’s terrible judgment.” – Starred Review, Shelf Awareness
Once Upon a Sari Written by Zenia Wadhwani Illustrated by Avani Dwivedi 48 Pages | Ages 4-8 | Hardcover “Wadhwani shows the young, and reminds the older reader that saris are heirlooms of memory and stories are not just found in books, but also within the walls of our wardrobes.” – Starred Review, Quill & Quire
Rebel Skies By Ann Sei Lin 360 Pages | Ages 12+ | Paperback ISBN 9781774884003 | Tundra Books “This debut, the first in a trilogy, creates a fascinating world based on Japanese mythology and has a unique magic system . . . The uniqueness of the world created in the story makes this a book adventure fantasy lovers will enjoy.” – Starred Review, Booklist
Shine By Bruno Valasse 32 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover ISBN 9781774884287 | Tundra Books “A gentle look at fear, darkness, strength, and light . . . The work’s apt title encompasses both the moth’s journey of self-discovery and the luminous art.” – Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews
The Green Baby Swing Written by Thomas King Illustrated by Yong Ling Kang 40 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover ISBN 9780735269361 | Tundra Books “An affecting, supportive portrayal of navigating loss and the ways love and family connection endure.” – Starred Review, Booklist
The Gulf By Adam de Souza 240 Pages | Ages 14+ | Paperback ISBN 9781774880753 | Tundra Books “An evocative tale reminiscent of Jillian and Mariko Tamaki’s This One Summer, this book is a great match for teens searching for community, purpose, and the possibility of existing just for the sake of it.” – Starred Review, Booklist
The Island Before No Written by Christina Uss Illustrated by Hudson Christie 56 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover ISBN 9780735272415 | Tundra Books “A super fun read, a visual treat and an excellent conversation starter all in one . . . A quirky gem of a tale that’s sure to elicit giggles even as it inspires confidence.” – Starred Review, BookPage
Towed by Toad By Jashar Awan 48 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover ISBN 9781774883488 | Tundra Books “A pitch-perfect picture book with broad appeal, ideal for both truck-obsessed toddlers and emerging readers.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal
Tuesdays with Tundra is an ongoing series featuring our new releases. These titles are now available in stores and online!
Barnaby Unboxed! By The Fan Brothers 80 Pages | Ages 5-9 | Hardcover ISBN 9781774882436 | Tundra Books Meet Barnaby: he’s half mouse and half elephant, with just a dash of flamingo . . . and fully trained! When he’s brought home to be pampered and cared for by his very own little girl, life is perfect . . . until a new, even more perfect pet comes on the scene. Suddenly Barnaby is no longer the most perfect pet around, and his little girl doesn’t seem interested in him anymore. Feeling unappreciated, Barnaby runs away and finds himself swept up on a wild journey through the city and an emotional search for home in a tale of love found, lost and found again. In a poignant follow-up to their award-winning, internationally bestselling picture book The Barnabus Project, The Fan Brothers and their brother Devin Fan have once again crafted a heartfelt and sweetly sensitive story full of adventure, friendship and family that will enchant readers of all ages.
My Grammie’s House Written by Lana Button Illustrated by Skye Ali 40 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover ISBN 9781774880784 | Tundra Books A precocious and delightful tour guide walks some potential buyers through Grammie’s old house, showing them all the great things about it: a shaggy rug for shuffling, a shady closet that makes a great clubhouse, the perfect spot for eating cookies – even a climbing tree. And with each new detail eagerly pointed out, we get to see hints of what the house was like when Grammie was still there and experience the love that lived in every nook and cranny. This charming and tender story celebrates the connections we make between people and the spaces they inhabit, and the memories that can live on even when new connections are being made.
Rebel Fire By Ann Sei Lin 352 Pages | Ages 12+ | Hardcover ISBN 9781774884010 | Tundra Books Kurara has barely escaped the grasp of Princess Tsukimi. Reeling from her Crafter mentor’s grim betrayal, Kurara and her friends are desperate to catch up with their old airship, even if it means they have to do it on foot. But after everything she’s been through, Kurara refuses to give up on understanding and freeing the shikigami, origami creatures enchanted to life, nor will she stop at anything to understand her mysterious past, no matter who tries to interfere . . . or what dark truths about her role in the war may surface, the farther south she goes. Her goal is the Grand Stream, where Suzaku, the greatest shikigami of all, likes in furious wait. But Kurara isn’t the only one searching for Suzaku. Traveling through forests, seas and the ruins of an underground Crafter city, there is no shortage of enemies who wish to control Kurara and the shikigami of the world for their own ends. When a bloody confrontation leads to horrifying revelations about the true nature of shikigami and Kurara’s past, Kurara will need all the support she can muster just to carry on.
Rebel Fire is also available today in audiobook!
Tig By Heather Smith 160 Pages | Ages 10+ | Hardcover ISBN 9780735267497 | Tundra Books After months of living without electricity or parents, Tig and Peter are forced to move in with their Uncle Scott and his partner, Manny. The transition from down-and-out to picture-perfect isn’t easy, especially in pristine Wensleydale with the idyllic couple and their beautiful home. Tig, with Peter’s support, decides to make their new life messy, starting with daily arguments and her plans to become a competitive cheese racer. She’ll run circles around her new guardians, outrun a wheel of cheese, and leave the past buried in her dust. But things don’t always go as planned, and Tig must decide what to truly leave behind in order to move forward.
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? Playful, funny and refreshingly sweet, Towed by Toad is a peppy read-aloud full of fascinating vehicles and endearing characters.
New in Paperback:
Anne Dares Written by Kallie George Illustrated by Abigail Halpin 68 Pages | Ages 6-9 | Paperback ISBN 9780735272125 | Tundra Books Anne is excited to be a guest at a party at Orchard Slope, the home of her kindred spirit, Diana Barry. But when the dares start and mean Josie Pye makes the others feel bad, Anne can’t stop herself from challenging Josie to a dare . . . which leads to Anne being dared to climb the house and walk along the ridgepole! Anne’s dangerous dare ends in injury . . . and teaches her an important lesson. But Anne must pluck up her courage again when she is chosen to recite at a Christmas concert! How can Anne perform in front of so many people? And what is shy Matthew Cuthbert hiding from the family?
Rebel Skies By Ann Sei Lin 360 Pages | Ages 12+ | Paperback ISBN 9781774884003 | Tundra Books Kurara has never known any other life than being a servant onboard the Midori, a flying ship serving the military elite of the Mikoshiman Empire, a vast realm of floating cities. Kurara also has a secret – she can make folded paper figures come to life with a flick of her finger. But when the Midori is attacked and Kurara’s secret turns out to be a power treasured across the empire, a gut-wrenching escape leads her to the gruff Himura, who takes her under his wing. Under Himura’s tutelage, and with the grudging support and friendship of his crew, Kurara learns to hunt shikigami – wild paper spirits sought after by the Princess of Mikoshima. But what does the princess really want with the shikigami? Are they merely enchanted figures without will or thought, or are they beings with souls and minds of their own? As fractures begin to appear both across the empire and within Kurara’s understanding of herself, Kurara will have to decide who she can trust. Her fate, and the fate of her friends – and even the world – may rest on her choice. And time is running out.
The Grave Thief By Dee Hahn 344 Pages | Ages 9-12 | Paperback ISBN 9780735269422 | Tundra Books Twelve-year-old Spade is a grave thief. With his father and brother, he digs up the recently deceased to steal jewels, the main form of trade in Wyndhail. Digging graves works for Spade – alone in the graveyard at night, no one notices his limp or calls him names. He’s headed for a lifetime of theft when his father comes up with the audacious plan to rob a grave in the Wyndhail castle cemetery. Spade and his brother get caught in a royal trap, and Spade must find the master of the Woegon: a deadly creature that is stalking the castle by night. Along the way, he meets Ember, the queen’s niece, and together they race to solve the mystery of the legendary Deepstones and their connection to the Woegon, the queen, a missing king and the mysterious pebble Spade finds in the Wyndhail cemetery. This is a fantastic story of friendship, bravery, grief and acceptance.
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.
