Owl’s Outstanding Donuts, Carolrhoda Books 2019!
Robin Yardi, author of The Midnight War of Mateo Martinez, tells a story full of mystery, feathers, and sprinkles. After Mattie Waters loses her mother, she goes to live with her aunt, the owner of a roadside donut shop in Big Sur, California. When an owl taps on Mattie’s window one night, Mattie looks out to see something suspicious taking place nearby. With help from her friends—and from Alfred, a stuffy but good-hearted owl—she’ll set out to find the culprits, facing fears that have followed her since her mother’s death.
“Doughn’t miss this earnest tale.” —Kirkus Reviews
“An exciting conclusion will satisfy young mystery fans, though the book excels when focusing on Mattie’s internal journey. Author Yardi’s love for nature shines through in this quiet but quirky story about friendship, family, and of course, donuts.” —Booklist
“This eco-mystery may appeal to fans of Carl Hiaasen. Narrated mostly from Mattie’s perspective, with occasional chapters from the point of view of Alfred the irritable owl, this book has gentle humor, some action at the climax, and a touching examination of Mattie’s grief. With strong pacing, a fully-realized setting, and well-developed characters, there’s something for everyone.” —School Library Journal
Listen to the first chapter!
The Midnight War of Mateo Martinez, Carolrhoda Books 2016
Best Books for Kids 2016 from The New York Public Library
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They Just Know: Animal Instincts, Arbordale Publishing 2015
“The anthropomorphized scenes will certainly elicit chuckles from both adult and child readers: a mother sea turtle rocking her baby in a cradle, a baby kingsnake coiled round a teddy bear, a horn shark in a highchair, tiny tadpoles wearing backpacks. Turns of the pages reveal realistic scenes of the animals in their natural habitats. And the final message—animals don’t need toys, help, or hugs, “but you do!”—is one every child will relish hearing.