Penguin and Panda should not be friends. The very idea is absurd. Penguin likes to build things and Panda likes to nap. Panda munches bamboo and Penguin gobbles cheese puffs and jam-banana sandwiches. Penguin never powers down and Panda has a hard time powering up. There is no way their friendship would ever work. Except somehow, it does.
“I love that so many graphic novels and being created and published for beginning readers. As a librarian and a parent, I can tell you that they are the gateway drug to reading. One thing that is special about beginning graphic novels is that they are so wholesome. After you turn last page you feel like you just got a hug from a book. So fantastic.”
—Amanda Murphy (Librarian, Goodreads Review)
In the tradition of Narwhal and Jelly, here is a new graphic novel series for young readers.
Categories: graphic novel, early reader, middle grade
Themes: friendship, following rules, surprises, creativity, jealousy
Publishing date: April 23rd 2024
ISBN: 9781958325056 (TP)
ISBN: 9781958325063 (Ebook)
Trade Paperback: $9.99 US
Ebook: $9.99 US
Length: 72 pages
Size: 6×8.25 inches
Ages: 6-10
Grade: 1-4
AUTHOR: Brenda Maier
ILLUSTRATOR: Fanni Mézes
Available at your favorite bookstores or online retailers.
It’s always time to rejoice when there’s a new easy book/early chapter book series on the horizon. First of all, extra points for giving us a penguin with pigtails. How has no one ever thought of that before? This particular series was described to me as one step up of easy readers. For Captain Underpants lovers, it’s your typical odd couple situation told in a graphic novel format. And since we’re always on the lookout for books in this age range/reading level, I thought it wise to direct your attention accordingly. —Betsy Bird, AFuse8Production, School Library Journal
Categories: graphic novel, early reader, middle grade
Themes: friendship, differences, honesty, planning ahead, multiple perspectives/ understanding
Publishing date: April 23rd 2024
ISBN: 9781958325070
ISBN: 9781958325049
Trade Paperback: $9.99 US
Ebook: $9.99 US
Length: 72 pages
Size: 6×8.25 inches
Ages: 6-10
Grade: 1-4
AUTHOR: Brenda Maier
ILLUSTRATOR: Fanni Mézes
Who will like it: Readers who enjoyed the Narwhal and Jelly Books, Balooney and Friends or Grumpy Unicorn.
Available at your favorite bookstores or online retailers.
A wintry collection of four all-new stories featuring excitable Penguin and her chill BFF, Panda.
Whether earning money for the perfect Christmas tree; shopping for a cozy new holiday sweater; sledding down a terrifyingly snowy hill; or trying to squeeze in everything on Penguin’s over-the-top Christmas list, these two yin and yang besties meet every challenge with an abundance of humor and generosity of spirit. Full of clever dialogue, giggle-inducing artwork, and even a few fun facts.
Categories: graphic novel, early reader, middle grade
Themes: friendship, Christmas, winter sports, decorating, community, to-do-list, Christmas tree, sledding, change, worry, perseverance
Publishing date: October 1st 2024
ISBN: 9781958325162
ISBN:
Trade Paperback: $9.99 US
Length: 72 pages
Size: 6×8.25 inches
Ages: 6-10
Grade: 1-4
AUTHOR: Brenda Maier
ILLUSTRATOR: Fanni Mézes
Who will like it: Readers who love Narwhal and Jelly, Beak & Ally, and Pizza & Taco.
Available at your favorite bookstores or online retailers.
Brenda Maier is a writer, mother of five, public school teacher, and board member of OAGCT, the Oklahoma chapter of the National Association for Gifted Children. Among her books for young readers are The Little Red Fort and The Little Blue Bridge, both of which have been named to notable reading lists. She lives in Oklahoma with her family and enjoys visiting classrooms around the country to share her passion for reading and writing. See more about Brenda at brendamaier.com
Fanni Mézes is an artist living in Budapest, Hungary. After graduating university as a product design engineer, she pivoted to art school and set out to illustrate books for young readers. The Penguin and Panda books mark her U.S. debut. Fanni and her husband are the parents of one daughter; they all enjoy reading and watching cartoons together. Find her at fannimezes.com
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