Hello, my book-loving friends! Today I’m happy to introduce the first two books in a new series from Paw Prints (Baker & Taylor imprint) called BE BOLD!, authored by me. They are Sea Turtle Swims and Kangaroo Hops.
I’m guessing these books will be shelved in a library’s nonfiction section. But they straddle that fine line between fiction and nonfiction that is informational fiction. The POV is the baby animal’s as it gathers the courage to try something that is wholly instinctive, but a bit intimidating or frightening.
The entire Be Bold! concept is meant to encourage little listeners. To that end, each book opens with a note to parents that … well, here, instead of blathering, I’ll show you one:
I originally pitched this line as a series of nonfiction board books. The publisher, however, wanted to release them as 8″ x 8″ soft-cover picture books AND 6″ x 6″ board books, simultaneously. Would I want to do that? Heck, YES! The “be bold” concept was theirs, but I loved it, so I revised the text to make that work. The board book text is slightly abridged from the picture book text, but the photos are the same in both versions.
In order to give you a feel for the design/photos, here are two random spreads from the board book edition of Sea Turtle Swims:
And here are two random spreads from the picture book edition of Kangaroo Hops (try to disregard the white bar; that isn’t in the finished version):
The third book, Lion Roars, releases in July, last I heard. But since the cover isn’t yet online, I’d better not share. Suffice it to say that the lion cubs pictured throughout are so winsome and sharply focused and astoundingly realistic that you’ll be tempted to touch the pages to feel the fuzz. A Spring ’25 book will feature another cutie-patootie animal, Giraffe Runs.
Shout out to my WonderLab editor Erica, as well as designer Rachael and photo editor Annette, who get ALL the credit for the delightful look of these books.
I autographed copies of Sea Turtle Swims and Kangaroo Hops after a recent school visit, and I’m so proud of how they turned out! Fun getting my paws on them, as I haven’t yet received my author copies….
But when I do, I want to share them with you! So, I’m giving away a pair of these to TWO people; yes, each will receive both Sea Turtle Swims and Kangaroo Hops. To enter, simply leave a comment below. Winners will be chosen using a random number generator on June 14th. Good luck! U.S. mailing addresses only, please.
The WINNER of last month’s giveaway for PARROTFISH HAS A SUPERPOWER is Becky Scharnhorst! Congrats, Becky!
So fun! Thanks for sharing Jill!
This concept is so fun – such a cute way to inspire our youngest readers. And the visuals are fantastic! Thanks for the sneak peek!
What fun books! Congratulations, Jill!
Wonderful! Thank you, Jill!
Oh Jill, these look wonderful!!! Congratulations! Thank you for the chance to win them. 💕
Absolutely engaging NF for the littlest ones!
How fun for young readers. I know my youngest grandson loves to read about animals. I will recommend these to my daughter.
I love the concept of encouraging kids to be brave. Would love these for my nephew. Thanks for sharing,😀
These are great! Congratulations, Jill!
I’m interested! I adore how the books weave together nonfiction with a life lesson. I’ll be looking into the series as they come out!
Jill, these look so delightful! Congratulations!!!
Love the look & message of this new series! Congratulations!
These look so fun! Congratulations!
I couldn’t be *hoppier* to *shell-abrate* these fun books!
Congratulations Jill!
I love the parenting connection for comparing a joey to a human child that is trying new things. These books will spark many meaningful conversations.
These look so cute! Can’t wait to read them.
These books look great! What a fun way to build background knowledge for our youngest learners.
These look amazing! Congrats!!!!!
Having them published in two formats at once…how cool!
These look delightful, Jill! Thank you for sharing this series with us. Also, thank you for picking me for the last giveaway! I was so happy to hear I had won.
Congratulations on this new series! Love the concept!
Love your blog. These look like great books.
These look great, Jill!
These look great!
These look like fun books. Congratulations!
OMG, Jill! These are ADORABLE! Absolutely love this concept. Congrats!!
I love when nonfiction books are this adorable! Congratulations, Jill!