Scroll down to read more reviews of Mike's books.
Just Like My Papa
written by Toni Buzzeo
Hyperion Children's Books, April 2013
ISBN: 978-142314263-8, Hardcover
All Ages
Picture Book, 32 pages
Click here for Toni's wonderful Curriculum Guide and
Reader's Theater Script!
Awards & good things
Children's Book of the Month Club Selection
Book Description
Kito wants to be just like his papa, the protector of the pride. Throughout a day and night on the savanna, the cub imitates the way his father roars, swings his tail, shakes his head, and pounces. Kito may be too little to catch a wildebeest, but he is brave enough to succeed in his own hunt. Someday he will be King, just like his Papa.
With its rhythmic text, dramatic moments on the African plain, and playful times for cub and papa, this book will make a perfect read-aloud for family sharing.
Reviews
"This companion to Stay Close to Mama (Hyperion, 2012) chronicles a day in the life of an adult male lion and his son. Though anthropomorphized, many details of life on the savannah shine forth in the simple, lyrical prose. Kito, the young cub of the king of the pride, narrates with the refrain, “Just like my papa, the King.” After a playful, restful afternoon under an acacia tree, the action and atmosphere climax in a twilight hunt of wildebeest. Before a vast sun-swept landscape, “Papa stands and gives his dark brown mane a fearsome shake. He follows the lionesses to the hunt. Kito shakes his little head. He sneaks off after Papa. I will hunt, too. Just like my papa, the King.” What makes this title work is the blend of factual information about a pride’s habitat and behavior with the compelling, personal narrative of a son following his father’s footsteps and winning his respect. The acrylic illustrations are larger than life and show the expanses of the savannah but remain warm and kid-friendly, especially in the lions’ depth of expression, ranging from curiosity to impatience, from concern to pride. The pacing is superb, with the right amount of drama for the youngest readers yet awash with reassuring paternal love and care for young Kito. An author’s note briefly describes the social interactions of a pride."
—School Library Journal
"Buzzeo and Wohnoutka pair up again, this time taking a closer look at the loving dynamic between a lion and his mischievous cub on the African savanna. Children and their parents will appreciate this intimate look at this wild feline pair. Although presented as a charming story about a specific lion cub, the descriptive facts provided about lion prides are accurate and later expanded upon in a note at the book’s end. The warm and reassuring flow of the text coupled with the dramatic painterly scenes of the African landscape come together for a likable tale just in time for Father’s Day."
—Kirkus Reviews
Moo!
written by David LaRochelle
Walker & Company, Coming October 8th, 2013
Hardcover
All Ages
Picture Book, 32 pages
Awards & good things
Junior Library Guild Selection
Book Description
Here is the story of . . .
One cow.
One word.
One udderly wild adventure . . .
MOO!
Hanukkah Bear
written by Eric A. Kimmel
Holiday House, Coming Fall 2013
Hardcover
All Ages
Picture Book, 32 pages
Book Description
Bubba Brayna was ninety-seven years old and did not hear or see as well as she used to, but she still made the best potato latkes in the village. On the first night of Hanukkah, she cooks a special batch for the rabbi, who is coming to visit her. When she hears a thumping at the door, she lets in her guest. Only later does she realize she has served a bear her delicious latkes.
Stay Close to Mama
written by Toni Buzzeo
Hyperion Children's Books, March 2012
ISBN: 978-1423134824, Hardcover
All Ages
Picture Book, 32 pages
Click here for Toni's wonderful Curriculum Guide!
Awards & good things
Scholastic Book Club Selection
Children's Book of the Month Club Selection
Book Description
In the wide, shining world there is so much to see, and Twiga is curious. But Twiga’s tall, tall Mama wants her baby to stay close, stay safe from the dangers that lurk near each irresistible sweet smell and sparkling sight that Twiga finds. With lyrical text and enchanting illustrations, this story of a mother’s love will soothe and delight readers of all ages.
Reviews
"Despite his mother's reminders to 'Stay close, stay safe,' young Twiga (Swahili for "giraffe") constantly strays toward whichever sight, sound, or smell catches his attention. Wohnoutka’s large, almost impressionistic paintings grant a rich glimpse of the vast savanna and its denizens."
—School Library Journal
"Written with a storyteller’s ear for cadence and repetition, the text has a sense of immediacy. The book concludes with a short author’s note on giraffes. Nicely composed and pleasing in their use of rounded forms and line, the broad double-page illustrations show up well from a distance. A good choice for reading aloud."
—Booklist
"There's no doubt that readers and their parents will instantly see themselves in this loving but ongoing conflict over the need to explore and the need to protect, and they'll undoubtedly find the two characters adorable and reassuring."
—Publisher's Weekly
"A sweet story about a curious little giraffe and his mama, Stay Close to Mama is a beautifully illustrated picture book which expresses the close, protective relationship between a mother and son. With an online curriculum guide and reader’s theater script, Stay Close to Mama can be used by primary teachers to teach about African wildlife, species of giraffes, and to encourage inquisitiveness and fluency. The brief author’s note discusses some unique characteristics of giraffes including their natural curiosity and aversion to water."
—The Center for Children’s Literature at Carthage College
"Twiga’s inquisitiveness will be appealing to the younger set, and parents will readily recognize the unconditional love and protection that his mother offers to him. Audiences will warm to Twiga’s wobbly-legged cuteness and sweet smile."
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"In today’s cross-cultural families, it is fun to share stories from other lands. Twiga is the Swahili word for giraffe. The story follows a curious baby giraffe who keeps wandering away from his mother to explore the interesting sights and smells that surround them. The author includes a brief note on giraffes and the illustrator creates a beautiful African setting."
—The Missoulian
“The illustrations stretch across the layout which adds to the visual enjoyment for children listening during a read aloud of the story. The yellow tone of color gives warmth to the pictures. An author's note at the back of the book provides some additional information about giraffes that readers may find interesting.”
—Children's Literature
A Teacher for Bear
written by Anne Marie Pace
Scholastic, Fall 2011
ISBN: 978-0-545-37776-8, Paperback
All ages
Picture Book, 32 pages
Scholastic Book Club Selection
Book Description
Bear is as ready for his first day of school as he will ever be. His big sister, Bella, told him all about her old teacher Miss Fern. But on the big day, what's Bear going to do when he discovers he's got a new teacher who does things differently?
Can't Sleep Without Sheep
written by Susanna Leonard Hill
Walker & Company, September 2010
ISBN 978-0-8027-2066-5, Hardcover
All ages
Picture Book, 32 pages
Click here for Classroom Guides and Activities!
Awards & good things
Teacher's Lounge - 25 Great Children's Books
Nominated for the Alabama Camellia Children's Choice Award 2011-2012
Children's Book of the Month Club Selection
Korean Translation
U.K. Paperback Edition 2011
Available in e-book, all platforms
Book Description
Whenever Ava can't sleep, she counts sheep. But Ava takes so long to fall asleep, it's the sheep that are getting tired - until they finally quit! The sheep promise to find a replacement that Ava can count on, but it might not be as easy as they thought...
In this hilarious take on a familiar bedtime ritual, readers will be charmed by Ava and her fluffy friends.
Reviews
"...refreshing bedtime story. A gently humorous book that families will undoubtedly come to count on."
—Kirkus Reviews
"The charming, rounded illustrations are set against the backdrop of a starry night with the characters bathed in the moonlight. On many spreads, the animals take up the entire space, creating a cinematic vista. The endpapers feature a series of repeated, lovely and puffy cloudlike sheep in mid-leap. A book that is delightful for the eyes and soothing to the ears, Can’t Sleep Without Sheep will quickly become a bedtime favorite and a can’t-sleep-without book."
–School Library Journal
"Can’t Sleep Without Sheep will stimulate a child's imagination and keep him or her engaged in the story until its peaceful ending."
—SWON Libraries
"Acrylic illustrations depict a humorous menagerie of animals lining up to help."
—Horn Book
"Can’t Sleep Without Sheep puts a new twist on a familiar bedtime ritual and the result is pure fun."
—Children's Book of the Month Club
"This heavenly, hilarious little tale of the sheep and a herd of other animals that couldn’t get Ava to sleep will delight your little one. The artwork was scrumptiously silly and meshed perfectly with this zany tale."
—Feathered Quill
"Kids will enjoy the silliness of her predicament and readers of all ages will be captivated by the soft, plump creatures that fill the pages with earnest good-heartedness in this gorgeously illustrated tale."
—Family Times
"This is a humorous bedtime story with a new take on a time-honored tradition."
—The Reading Tub
“Hill's bedtime story is a clever one, made workable by Mike Wohnoutka's sensibly humorous approach to the subjects of his bright acrylic illustrations. His sheep are full-bodied, fluffy, and eminently huggable; his buffalo are vast bulldozers fronted by tiny, squinty eyes; his trebuchet-building penguins are far too smart for their own good. In short, this is an amusing sort of bedtime read. It might even convince kids the wisdom of actually falling asleep.”
—Children's Literature
Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes
Scholastic, Fall 2009
ISBN: 978-0-545-15604-2, Paperback
Ages 0-4
A Sing and Read Storybook, 24 pages
Scholastic Book Club Selection
Book Description
Join Mike's animal friends as they sing along with this family favorite. Familiar rhythms and rhymes will introduce children to the sound of language.
The Twelve Days of Christmas in Minnesota
written by Connie Van Hoven
Sterling Publishing, October 2009
ISBN 978-1-4027-6395-3, Hardcover
All ages
Picture Book, 32 pages
Book Description
Welcome to the 12 Days of Christmas in Minnesota! Ready to greet you are 5 golden hotdishes, 4 lumberjacks, 3 red stones, 2 hockey sticks...and much more from the Gopher State. Jack is so excited about the visit of his twin cousins, Sarah and Hannah, that he gives them one of these VERY unusual gifts on each of the twelve days of Christmas. Hannah writes lively letters home to tell her mom and dad all about their trip. Lucky readers are in for a wild Christmas countdown!
Awards & good things
Listed by the St. Paul Pioneer Press as one of the best holiday gifts for children.
Reviews
"Nicely blends facts and fun. Kids will connect with this book’s local theme.”
—St. Paul Pioneer Press
"Mixes fun factoids with a silly, uniquely Minnesota take on the popular carol. Charming, lighthearted illustrations."
—South-West Review
"A delightful holiday book that is sure to entertain year-round."
—Family Times
Jack's House
written by Karen Magnuson Beil
Holiday House, September 2008
ISBN 978-0-8234-1913-5, Hardcover
ISBN 978-0-8234-2242-5, Paperback
All Ages
Picture Book, 32 pages
Awards & good things
The Society of Illustrators Original Art Exhibition
The Society of Illustrators Original Art Traveling Show
A Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book
Scholastic Book Club Selection
Children's Book of the Month Club Selection
Book Description
"Construction-equipment loving young readers will adore this humorous twist on the classic nursery rhyme.
Someone has been doing a lot of work. Someone has been operating a cement mixer, driving a bulldozer, and using a forklift to build walls, frame windows, and nail down a roof. Someone has built a big, strong home for Jack. But is this the house that Jack built? One tired puppy dog disagrees.
Reviews
"Introduces readers to bulldozers and backhoes and forklifts, and a handful of trucks: cement, rack, boom and dump. These great machines loom on the page, but Wohnoutka has beveled the edges to make them as soft as sponge cake and just as desirable, as they shimmer in the heat of a summer afternoon. This book was built for those youngsters with a jones for trucks and other big wheels, and it delivers in spades."
—Kirkus Reviews
"A wonderful twist on an age-old rhyme. This beguiling book will be a hit both at storytimes and in circulating collections, for those who really want to know how Jack’s house got built."
—School Library Journal
"Details about home construction and machinery are well suited to the intended age group. Large-scale acrylic illustrations and repetitive phrasing make this a good choice for read-alouds."
—The Horn Book
"The unexpected twist at the end along with Mike Wohnoutka’s engaging acrylic illustrations add a playfulness to this retelling of a classic tale. Perfect read for boys who like tractors or any other big machine with levers, wheels or control sticks."
—Children's Literature Network
Mama's Little Duckling
written by Marjorie Blaine Parker
Dutton Children's Books, February 2008
ISBN 978-0-1424-1532-0, Paperback
All Ages
Picture Book, 32 pages
Awards & good things
Korean Translation 2010
Children's Book of the Month Club Selection
Reviews
"This tender tale deals with a milestone every family faces: finding a balance between a child's budding independence and a parent's need for security. Wohnoutka's brightly colored acrylics feature large, up-close views of the characters, making this perfect for sharing with groups. Both Dandelion's exuberance and Mom's reluctance are clearly painted on their faces, and the two plainly exude love for one another. A delightful addition to any preschool or toddler collection."
—Kirkus Reviews
"The text is lyrical, cleverly using repetitive phrases and rhyming words without actually adhering to a strict poetic structure. Glowing with bold shades of turquoise, orange, gold, and green, the oversize illustrations vibrantly depict the ducks and pond animals–both Dandelion’s friends and enemies. Although there are many duck stories available, this one is a standout. The bright-hued artwork and rhythmic text make it a wonderful choice for toddlers and preschoolers, as well as a perfect storytime selection."
—School Library Journal
"Wohnoutka’s saturated, pastel-like paintings immediately draw in the audience—his full-bleed compositions, feel for action and exuberant characterizations bring to mind the golden age of animation. Better still, he situates readers exactly at the center of the action: for example, in some scenes he sets the surface of the pond as a sight line, forcing viewers along with Dandelion to look up to the mother duck; in another scene, he shows the pond almost as if it were an aquarium, with Dandelion’s submerged head fully visible as he blows bubbles underwater, his tail feathers bobbing, blithely oblivious to the hawk swooping toward him. Wohnoutka’s art invites readers into the protagonist’s role, where they can absorb his growing competence."
—Publisher's Weekly
Cowboy Sam and Those Confounded Secrets
written by Kitty Griffin and Kathy Combs
Clarion Books, Fall 2001
ISBN 0-618-08854-7, Hardcover
All Ages
Picture Book, 32 pages
Book Description
Under Cowboy Sam's hat are more secrets than fleas on Doc Peeble's hound dog, more secrets than peppers on a chili pepper plant, and more secrets than spikes on a horny toad lizard. Just about everyone in the town of Dry Gulch wants to tell Sam a secret. But when his hat gets plum full of secrets and won't stay put on his head, Sam is bumfuzzled and bewildered. How can he keep all those secrets under wraps—and keep the townfolk from going crazy?
Awards
Nominated for the 2002-2003 Buckaroo Award
Reviews
“Rootin’-tootin’ boot-scootin’ fun, beginning to end.”
—Publisher's Weekly, 
Starred Review
“This playful picture book brings home a strong message for children-the importance of keeping friends’ secrets. The illustrations are both effective and enchanting as they capture the true western flavor.”
—Library Talk
“The Western landscape and theme are wonderfully captured by Wohnoutka's cartoon representations of the town and its inhabitants. A pleasing, humorous read for young cowboy fans.”
—School Library Journal
“Colorful acrylic illustrations illuminate this lighthearted tale.”
—Children's Literature
“Acrylic paintings echo the tale's humor with exaggerated perspectives.”
—The Horn Book
“Clever story, but most fun is the artful way the two authors play with words. They are the queens of metaphor.”
—Houston Chronicle
Davey's Blue-Eyed Frog
written by Patricia Harrison Easton
Clarion Books, Spring 2003
ISBN 0-618-18185-7, Hardcover
Ages 6 to 11
Chapter Book, 92 pages
Book Description
Davey doesn’t believe in spells and fairy tales—until the day a strange blue-eyed frog named Amelia turns up in his pond. Amelia is really a princess, and in order to break the spell she’s under, she needs a kiss before two cycles of the moon pass. It looks as though Davey is the only boy who can help her. But he doesn’t want to kiss the frog until he’s had a chance to show her off to his friends. Can the princess convince Davey to do the right thing, or is she doomed to stay a frog forever?
Awards & good things
Winner of the 2006 Beverly Cleary Children's Choice
Award
Texas Library Association Pick of the Decade
for Grades K-8 1997-2007
New Jersey Library Association Pick of the Decade
for 4th Grade 1995-2005
NYSRA Charlotte Award Committee’s Primary Suggested
Reading List
Reviews
“Terrific tale...pencil illustrations add to the charm and comedy of this romp through the pond.”
—Crescent Blues Book Views
“Delightful chaos ensues, hilariously depicted by Wohnoutka's black and white illustrations. Perfect for reluctant readers, this fast-paced chapter book is filled with humor, action and true-blue friendship.”
—Children’s Book Council
“Modern spin on a traditional tale. This story will charm its readers, and the pencil drawings add to the fun. Children will relate to the boy's struggle between desiring popularity and taking responsibility for his actions. There is a lot of funny, snappy dialogue, and the spot and full-page black-and-white drawings are equally engaging. A strong selection for early chapter-book readers.”
—School Library Journal
“. . . pencil illustrations keep the story hopping along.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Full of humor, the story still deals with the moral dilemma of being accepted by your peers or doing the right thing. ”
—Children’s Literature
“Davey’s struggle with his conscience is surprisingly complex, and the humor is enhanced by amusing pencil drawings.”
—The Horn Book
“Wohnoutka's illustrations, sympathetic and often amusing depictions of the characters, enhance the story's child appeal. For children reading short, illustrated chapter books, this light fantasy provides good fun.”
—Booklist
The Foot-Stomping Adventures
of Clementine Sweet
written by Kitty Griffin and Kathy Combs
Clarion Books, Spring 2004
ISBN: 0618247467, Hardcover
All Ages
Picture Book, 32 pages
Book Description
This here's the story of the meanest, most ornery and pugnacious, pigtail-wearing, pint-sized person in the whole entire Texas Hill Country, and how she saved the town of Lovett from getting blown clear off the map. But most of all, this is a story about a little gal who just got plumb tired of being forgotten about, and how she finally discovered a way to get noticed that made her happy instead of mad...and how she made other people happy, too. Clementine Sweet's frustrations and triumphs will enthrall little cowgirls and cowboys everywhere.
Awards
A Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book
Reviews
“...a rollicking original tall tale.”
—Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College of Education
“...a tale that will make them smile.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“The book makes for a great read-aloud as the text features lots of alliteration and hyperbole. The full-color illustrations add to the humor of the story, bringing the kooky characters to life. The book has no big moral or lesson to learn and is just plain old fun. ”
—Children’s Literature
“...the humor and spirit of a modern-day tall tale. Wohnoutka's acrylic illustrations provide a sunny landscape and a pugnacious heroine seen from a variety of amusing perspectives. Used as an introduction to the tall-tale genre or for just plain fun, this will be an energetic addition to storytimes.”
—School Library Journal
“...this has the allure of a tall tale, and Wohnoutka's boisterous, oversize artwork has a comic look, especially when he uses unusual perspectives (with feet often in the forefront). Children looking for a heroine who takes matters into her own hands--make that feet, too—will find her here.”
—Booklist
“The illustrations are drawn in a unique perspective and are colorful and lively. The illustrations and text will entertain young children each time they open this book. ”
—Oneota Reading Journal
Johnny Appleseed: My Story
written by David L. Harrison
Random House, Fall 2001
ISBN 0-375-81247-4, Paperback
Grades 1-3
Step into Reading Series, Step 3, 48 pages
Scholastic Book Club Selection
Book Description
Johnny Appleseed was an important historical figure, well known for planting apple orchards across the new frontier. But he was also a master storyteller. In his own folksy voice, Johnny Appleseed tells his story to a couple of entranced children. Readers learn how he started planting apple trees and about some of the myths and true stories of his life.
Reviews
“...the narration is direct and engaging, and the accompanying art is colorful and appealing.”
—Children's Literature
“This briskly told, cheerful story features Johnny Appleseed...Wohnoutka contributes a series of buoyant paintings that capture the beauty of the landscape, the innocent goodness of the people, and the slightly larger-than-life persona of Johnny Appleseed.”
—Booklist
My Dad Can Do Anything
written by Stephen Krensky
Random House, Spring 2004
ISBN: 0375826270, Paperback
Ages 2-6
Pictureback Book, 24 pages
Book Description
What can your dad do? Can he climb the highest mountain? Or swim to the bottom of the sea? In this heartwarming story about how dads are strong, brave, and all around great, dads can do anything.
Reviews
“There is humor in the art and the artist's interpretation of the story. Pleasant enough for anytime, but especially Father's Day.”
—Children's Literature
Look What the Cat Dragged In!
written by Gary Hogg
Dutton Children's Books, Fall 2005
ISBN: 0-525-46984-2, Hardcover
Sorry, Out of Print
Picture Book, 32 pages
Book Description
Deep in the woods, in the middle of winter, the last thing the Lazybones family wants to do is step outside their cabin. When they complain about being chilly, it’s up to the cat to go out and get them some firewood. “Look what the cat dragged in!” they exclaim. Still the Lazybones refuse to move a muscle, so the little cat has to take care of their hunger and boredom too. Finally the kitty gets fed up with their selfish whining, and he drags the Lazybones into the middle of trouble—earning himself some well-deserved peace and quiet at last.
Reviews
"The animated scenes put the right spin on the absurdity, with vivid hues of orange and blue cranking up the energy and a perspective that cleverly places the cat in the forefront of all the raucous action. Silly, entertaining feline fun."
—Booklist
"A silly and clever tale to be read aloud."
—Square Books, Jr.
...illustrations explode off the pages...
—School Library Journal
"Wohnoutka mixes milieus in his comic country scenes, setting the Lazybones down in a rustic log cabin, but surrounding them, ultimately, with empty pizza and Chinese takeout boxes, along with Twister, Mr. Potato Head and like amusements. Readers weary of endless variations on 'Little Red Hen' might give this a try."
—Kirkus Reviews
"Kids will deeply empathize with the cat, who expresses the keen sense of unfairness children often feel."
—Los Angeles Daily News
When the Wizzy Foot Goes Walking
written by Roni Schotter
Dutton Children's Books, August 2007
ISBN 978-0-525-47791-4, Hardcover
Sorry, Out of Print
Picture Book, 32 pages
Book Description
Early every morning, the Wizzy Foot rises and goes walking. Floors shake, buildings quake. Soon, like it or not, the whole family’s awake! Whether jumping into its parents’ bed, stomping into the kitchen for breakfast, or splashing outside, the Wizzy Foot is busy making noise and having fun all the day long! From award- winning author Roni Schotter and acclaimed illustrator Mike Wohnoutka comes a rollicking picture book.
Reviews
"...perfect for read-alouds or library programs in which children can act out the parts. The artwork is truly inspired. Wohnoutka's exuberant child parades through the text, his actions huge and filling up the brightly colored pages. The facial expressions are spot-on, from the dismay of the parents who are attempting to get some work done, to their obvious joy in playing with their children. This is a loving tribute to the wild WIZZY FOOT in every child, sure to bring a smile to parents' lips . . . as long as their own is safely tucked into bed."
—Kirkus Reviews
"The bold palette of the illustrations energizes the story, making it a multi-sensory experience. This book would be a good addition to a preschool, an early elementary reading program or a lesson based on learning parts of the body."
—Children's Literature
"Wohnoutka's boldly painted illustrations are full of motion and fit the story well. A mix of full-bleed spreads and spot illustrations adds movement to the plot and encourages page turns."
—School Library Journal
Ask for Mike's books at your local bookstore or order online:
Counting Sheep
written by Julie Glass
Random House, Fall 2000
Sorry, Out of Print
Scholastic Book Club Selection
Book Description
What do you do if you can't sleep? Count sheep! That's what the restless hero of this rollicking tale does. And when sheep don't work, he counts kangaroos by twos and monkeys by threes. But when he gets to bees by fours, the animals run amok! Then it's a countdown to dream time.
Reviews
“Wohnoutka’s illustrations, pleasing paintings that ably balance fantasy and humor, group the animals cleverly for ease in counting. Good fun as well as good practice for math and reading skills.
—Booklist
“...charming illustrations of plump, smiling animals are depicted in warm, glowing colors, just right for the lamp-lighted nighttime setting.”
—Children's Literature
“This is an easy reader that preschoolers will enjoy while being introduced to counting and numbers. A young boy counts sheep and other animals when he can't sleep. The illustrations and rhyming text will delight!”
—Parent Council
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