Lousy Rotten Stinkin’ Grapes

illustrated by Barry Moser

2009

Fox is here. Grapes are there.
Fox makes a “plan”.

A School Library Journal 2009 BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
“... a riotous treat for eyes and ears ...”
School Library Journal, starred review
“... a celebration of team spirit ...”
The Los Angeles Times
“... lively dialogue ...delightful third collaboration”
The Wall Street Journal
“... This. Is. Hilarious.”
Betsy Bird, SLJ Blog
“ The dialogue is crackling ...”
Judy Freeman, READKIDDOREAD.com
“... future classic.”
Children’s Literature
“... a great read.”
San Diego Union-Tribune

Gone With The Wand

illustrated by Brian Ajhar

2009

The Magic Wand of Bernice Sparklestein, once the best fairy godmother in the biz, is Kapoofski! She can’t even salacadoo a cup of tea for two.

But Edith B. Cuspid, tooth fairy second-class and bff, is there to help her find a new line of fairy work.

“... perhaps the author’s best work to date.”
Esme Codell, Planet Esme
“... an enjoyable, supportive story that explores the notion that there is a rewarding place and purpose for everyone – fairies included.”
Booklist
“... a perfect example of the persistence of trying.”
Children’s Book Review

Piggie Pie!

illustrated by Howard Fine

1995

Gritch the Witch has a hankering for Piggie Pie, and flies off to grab some pork on Old MacDonald’s farm.

“... colorful and action-filled ... a thoroughly enjoyable romp.”
School Library Journal, starred review
Ldquo;The wry, peppery dialogue is simply great ... a sardonically humorous rip-roarin’ yarn.”
Booklist, starred review
“More fun than a rasher of bacon.”
Kirkus, pointered review
“... memorable, high-powered language ...”
The Horn Book Magazine

NEA EDUCATORS’ TOP 100 BOOKS
NEA CHILDREN’S TOP 100 BOOKS
ALA NOTABLE
NCTE NOTABLE
BOOKLIST EDITORS’ CHOICE
9 STATE AWARDS
15 STATE AWARD NOMINATIONS

Bedhead

illustrated by Jack E. Davis

2000

The ultimate bad hair day. What’s a boy to do?

“... a delightful combination of text and pictures that will have readers coming back for more.”
School Library Journal
“... uproarious tale ...”
Kirkus

NEWSWEEK MAGAZINE ‘BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR’
MULTI-STATE AWARD WINNER and NOMINEE

Sweet Tooth

illustrated by Jack E. Davis

2004

Stewart has one big, bad, annoying Sweet Tooth. Does he have enough gumption to thwart this Toothache?
“BLAH BLAH BLAH”

“ uproarious.”
Kirkus
“... a delicious sly story ...”
Publishers Weekly
“... rollicking text and charming illustrations, this adventure is a scrumptious delight.”
School Library Journal

MULTI-STATE AWARD WINNER and NOMINEE
CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE MONTH CLUB

The Cheese

illustrated by Steve Johnson & Lou Fancher

2007

The Cheese stands alone? ... What a waste of a hunk of cheddar!

“ Palatini tells just how tempting it is to abandon the Rules and Regulations. ”
Publishers Weekly, starred review
“ Genially subversive outing. ”
Kirkus Reviews (pointer)
“ Uproarious spoof ... a read aloud hit. ”
Booklist
“Once again, parody master Palatini makes hay with her sprightly reworking of a classic nursery rhyme. ”
Judy Freeman, Children’s Literature Consultant, READKIDDOREAD.com

MULTI-STATE AWARD NOMINEE
JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION

The Three Silly Billies

illustrated by Barry Moser

2005

Billy Bob, Billy Bo, and Just Plain Billy, don’t have enough money to cross the Troll’s toll bridge, so the Silly Billies form a ‘carpool’ with The Three Bears, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack of beanstalk fame.

“...hip and punny text ... ”
School Library Journal
“Comic flourishes galore ... ”
Kirkus
“... riotous fun ... ”
Booklist

CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY ‘BEST OF THE BEST’
MULTI STATE AWARD WINNER and NOMINEE

The Web Files

illustrated by Richard Egielski

2001

DUM DE DUM DUM
Just the facts, Ma’am. Just the facts. Award-winning ‘ducktective’ mystery. Tongue-twisting laughs. Dragnet on the farm.

“... a Pullet Surprise. ”
School Library Journal, starred review
“... a stylized treat.”
Booklist, boxed review
“The best barnyard adventure since Old MacDonald took inventory. ”
The Horn Book Magazine
“Paced breathlessly ... outrageous silliness ... will tickle children ... delight the adults who read it to them.”
Kirkus

ALA NOTABLE BOOK
NAESP ‘BEST READ ALOUD’ NOMINEE
3 STATE BOOK AWARDS
9 STATE BOOK AWARD NOMINATIONS

Earthquack!

illustrated by Barry Moser

2002

Chucky Ducky thinks the earth is crumbling in this inventive spin on Henny Penny filled with rhyme, alliteration and humor.

“... belly-quaking, thigh-slapping, earth-shaking take on Henny Penny. ”
Kirkus, starred review
“... a rollicking retelling... ”
School Library Journal
“... rhythmic, playful storytelling ... ”
BOOKLIST

MULTI-STATE AWARD NOMINEE
NJ GOVERNOR’S BOOK CLUB PICK

Three French Hens

illustrated by Richard Egielski

2005

On the Third Day of Christmas, a young miss from Paree Sends her true love, Three French Hens, Two Turtle Doves, and a Partridge in a Pear Tree ...
The Hens never arrived!

“C’est Magnifique! ”
School Library Journal, starred review
“Clever and original tale... ”
Kirkus, starred review
“Something fresh for the holidays.”
Booklist, starred review
“Joyeaux Noel!”
The Horn Book Magazine
“Clever holiday farce.”
Publishers Weekly

OPPENHEIM PLATINUM AWARD
NY PUBLIC LIBRARY 100 BOOKS FOR READING AND SHARING
CCBC CHOICE AWARD

The Perfect Pet

illustrated by Bruce Whatley

2003

Elizabeth really, really, really wants a pet. Her parents give her a plant instead. A plant?

“Palatini is once again exercising her masterful grip on picture-book humor. She makes funny look easy.”
Kirkus
“Great for reading aloud; children will delight in Elizabeth’s resourcefulness and persistence.”
Booklist

IRA CHILDREN’S CHOICE
JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION
CALIFORNIA YOUNG READER MEDAL NOMINEE

Gorgonzola

illustrated by Tim Bowers

2008

A very stinkysaurus who sends everyone running for cover.
Birdie has had enough!

“... loads of child appeal ... witty dialogue ... Palatini and Bowers have a winner in this hilarious story. ”
School Library Journal

CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE MONTH CLUB

Zak’s Lunch

illustrated by Howard Fine

1998

Zak doesn’t want to eat his “ol’ hammy ham sandwich with cheese that’s full of holes”. Who wants mustard breath? Why can’t a kid have his own place where he can eat anything he wants anytime he wants?

“A good-natured lively daydream. ”
The Horn Book Magazine

IRMA S. & JAMES H. BLACK AWARD
IRA CHILDREN’S CHOICE

Oink?

illustrated by Henry Cole

2006

Thomas and Joseph are two very sloppy, lazy, happy pigs. Their neighbors are not so happy.
Oink? Oink!

“... laugh-out-loud funny. ”
School Library Journal
“Two irresistible pigs, Thomas and Joseph, thwart their bossy farmyard neighbors a la Tom Sawyer in this amusing tale ... Fans of Piggie Pie and Palatini's other books will appreciate anew the writer's skill in playing with language; the repetition, rhythm, and alliteration will make the story a pleasure to read aloud. ”
Booklist

IRA CHILDREN’S CHOICE
CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY ‘BEST OF THE BEST’

Stinky Smelly Feet ‘A Love Story’

illustrated by Ethan Long

2004

Douglas has a stinky, smelly, knock-you-out-fall-to-the-floor Foot odor problem. Can Dolores’ love for him endure?

“Story time audiences will delight at this offering. ”
Kirkus
“Deliciously ludicrous ... a rowdy read aloud. ”
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

IRA CHILDREN’S CHOICE

No Biting, Louise

illustrated by Matthew Reinhart

2007

It’s kind of hard to remember not to bite when you’re so proud of new gleaming-white baby choppers.

“Lots of fun ... a hoot to read aloud. ”
Publishers Weekly
“Children are certain to laugh at Louise’s antics. ”
School Library Journal
“This is a great romp of a book that will delight kids and their parents. ”
The Free Library by Farlex

CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE MONTH CLUB

Shelly

illustrated by Guy Francis

2006

Shelly is just not ‘ready’ to do things on his sisters’ time.

“This is a story for all children who march to a different drummer ... humorous, playful, and tender ... witty text. ”
School Library Journal

Tub Boo Boo

illustrated by Glin Dibley

2001

Henry gets his toe caught in the bathtub faucet and causes a media sensation.

“Palatini propels the story to a fever pitch with nonstop wordplay and punchy dialogue ... outrageous account of a toe jam. ”
Publishers Weekly
“... rhythmic language ... exuberant artwork ... excellent read aloud ... a very funny book ... ”
School Library Journal

BOOKSENSE PICK

Ding Dong Ding Dong

illustrated by Howard Fine

1999

The true story of how the famous ape found his way to The Big Apple and made it to the top ... and Hollywood.

“... a whopper of a pun: an oversize gorilla who sells “Ape-On” cosmetics! ... This wordplayful tale offers jokes galore. ”
Publishers Weekly
“... story time attendees will cheer. ”
School Library Journal

Mary Had A Little Ham

illustrated by Guy Francis

2003

What a talent! What an actor! What a pig!
Stanley Snoutowski leaves the farm in hopes of making it big on Broadway.

“Palatini keep the puns and jokes coming thick and fast, even as she keeps narrative tongue in cheek. ”
Kirkus

CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE MONTH CLUB

Elf Help

illustrated by Mike Reed

1997

GRITCH THE WITCH SERIES

Gritch the Witch

illustrated by Howard Fine

1995

Gritch the Witch has a hankering for Piggie Pie, and flies off to grab some pork on Old MacDonald’s farm.

“... colorful and action-filled... a thoroughly enjoyable romp. ”
School Library Journal, starred review
“The wry, peppery dialogue is simply great ... a sardonically humorous rip-roarin’ yarn. ”
Booklist, starred review
“More fun than a rasher of bacon. ”
Kirkus, pointered review
“... memorable, high-powered language ... ”
The Horn Book Magazine

NEA EDUCATORS’ TOP 100 BOOKS
NEA CHILDREN’S TOP 100 BOOKS
ALA NOTABLE
NCTE NOTABLE
BOOKLIST EDITORS’ CHOICE
9 STATE AWARDS
15 STATE AWARD NOMINATIONS

Zoom Broom

illustrated by Howard Fine

1998

Gritch is back and looking for some hot, hip transportation.
Can she outfox the foxy salesman and fly away on a broom with zoom?

“... The text fairly sings with alliteration, rhyming words, onomatopoeia, puns, allusions, and plenty of bold-text bellowing. It begs to be read aloud, at the top of your lungs. ”
School Library Journal

Broom Mates

illustrated by Howard Fine

2003

Gritch battles with her roommate, and saucy bossy sister, Mag the Hag In this ‘three-peat’ to the perennial favorite, PIGGIE PIE.
“Fans of Gritch’s previous misadventures will scream – with laughter. ”
Kirkus, starred review
“Full-throttle text. ”
Publishers Weekly
“... splendid ‘howliday treat.”
School Library Journal
CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE MONTH CLUB SELECTION

HILDA MAE HEIFER SERIES

Moo Who?

illustrated by Keith Graves

2004

Bovine diva, Hilda Mae Heifer receives a klunk on the head, and forgets she’s supposed to moo.
“This overenthusiastic, if daft bovine, is certain to become a beloved story time star. ”
BCBC, starred review
“More verbal paradiddles from the “Principessa of Puns and Wordfoolery. ”
Kirkus
“Palatini...maintains a[n]...arch and familiar tone throughout... and Graves’s...illustrations goose the jokes even more.”
Publishers Weekly
“...Palatini’s way with words and Graves’s slightly manic artwork instill the characters and setting with freshness and humor.”
School Library Journal

Boo Hoo Moo

illustrated by Keith Graves

2009

The sequel to MOO WHO?, a riotous spoof of American Idol for young music makers.

“Palatini’s prose is poetic, quirky, inventive, and just plain fun... ”
School Library Journal

BAD BOY SERIES

Bad Boys

illustrated by Henry Cole

2004

Those ‘Bad Boys’, Willy & Wally Wolf are in trouble. Again. Can the boys fleece the flock and outwit Betty Mutton and Meryl Sheep?

“... side-splitting narrative. ”
School Library Journal, starred review
“... full of punishly good humor. ”
Kirkus, starred review
“... Palatini’s flair for puns and arch repartee shine through every exchange ... a sublimely silly story ... ”
Publishers Weekly, starred review
“... wordplay flies fast and thick ... serious guffaws. ”
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

MULTI STATE AWARD WINNER and NOMINEE

Bad Boys Get Cookie

illustrated by Henry Cole

2006

Those Bad Boys are in trouble again chasing after one smart and not so sweet cookie.

“... hilarious ... rib-tickling... ”
Publishers Weekly

IRA CHILDREN’S CHOICE
MULTI STATE AWARD NOMINEE

Bad Boys Get Henpecked

illustrated by Henry Cole

2009

Those boys are still ‘bad bad really really bad”, and hankering for a chicken dinner, in this third book of the series.

“ ... fast-paced language and witty narrative ... lively alliteration and puns ... ”
School Library Journal
“Margie Palatini and Henry Cole’s mischievous bad boys once again deliver more uproarious antics! ”
The Savvy Reader
“Fans will eagerly await the Bad Boys' next deserved comeuppance. ”
Booklist

MOOSETACHE SERIES

Moosestache

illustrated by Henry Cole

1997

Moose has a problem. It grows right below his nostrils and just above his upper lip ... a MOOSETACHE!

“... the fun is unmistakable. ”
Publishers Weekly

BOOKSENSE PICK
IRA CHILDREN’S CHOICE

Mooseltoe

illustrated by Henry Cole

2000

Moose makes merry!

“... amusing ... boisterous and droll. ”
Booklist

Moosekitos

illustrated by Henry Cole

2004

The ‘buzz’ on Moose’s family reunion.

“A ‘perfectly perfect’ reunion. ”
Kirkus

BOOKSENSE PICK

GOLDIE SERIES

Good As Goldie

illustrated by Margie Palatini

2000

Goldie Is Mad

illustrated by Margie Palatini

2001

“... an endearing protagonist with plenty of chutzpah.”
School Library Journal

IRA CHILDREN’S CHOICE

MID-GRADE NOVELS

Geek Chic

illustrations by Margie Palatini

2008

It’s a story about a girl named Zoey.

“Snappy prose coupled with graphic-novel styling holds appeal for savvy readers. ”
Kirkus
“... brisk hilarious commentary and confessions will draw tweens into the contemporary Cinderella story. ”
Booklist
“Charming. It’s so perfect for the age group and the message it sends to girls is wonderful. ”
Joan Kindig, Children’s Literature Specialist

LAB COAT GIRL SERIES

Something strange happens whenever Trudie and Benjamin get together, not just strange – really, truly, AMAZINGLY strange! Is he really the only person on the planet who IS what he eats?
CAUTION: NO EATING BANANAS, CRACKERS or SHRIMP!

Lab Coat Girl: The Amazing Benjamin Bone

1999

Lab Coat Girl: Cool Fuel

1999

Lab Coat Girl: My Triple Decker Hero

2000

The Wonder Worm Wars

1997

Elliot is a worm. Not just a garden variety, but a weaselly, wily Wonder Worm extraordinaire. Is the ‘Worm’ down for the count, or can he wiggle free and battle worm warfare against his nemesis, Corinne Morrisey?