It’s a happy day when two of my favorite things come together: 1) seeing a story I wrote become an actual book, and 2) giving away a copy to one of our fellow picture book lovers! This time it’s the third book in my and illustrator Bob Shea’s informational fiction series featuring animals with superpowers (the first two of which were featured here and here), published by Putnam. This one, Polecat Has a Superpower, stars a spotted skunk and his porcupine pal as the skunk fills us in on all things polecat — teasing out the details until finally revealing his superpower.
Here’s a portion of the book’s Kirkus review: “…. The latest in Esbaum and Shea’s effective series … is another winner. Polecat’s introductory statements and its conversation with Porcupine carry all the information. The dialogue bubbles are distinctive in color and shape, making things easier for fledgling readers. Both the narrative and the colorful cartoon illustrations brim with appealing humor. These animals have plenty of personality….”
Emphasis above mine, because of course those are my favorite comments! As you’ll see by Bob’s gorgeously lush color palette, this one begins at sunset and follows these nocturnal buds into the night. I thought it would be fun to show you a few random interior spreads, just to give you a feel for his lively artwork and the personalities I so enjoy fiddling with.
Polecat’s actual superpower may be one you already know. But if not, I won’t give it away here. As with the other books, there’s backmatter filled with more NF info.
This series now consists of books about a bird, a fish, and a mammal, in three different habitats. So, what’s next? A reptile in a desert habitat. But we’ll have to wait until next summer for that one. Oh, writer friends, isn’t waiting our favorite thing?
As with the other titles, curriculum materials will soon be completed for Polecat and featured free on my website. They are amazingly great, so be sure to check them out.
If you haven’t yet seen these books, know that we work hard to make them upbeat, informative, and most of all, fun for kids to experience. A bit of news: The initial title, Stinkbird Has a Superpower, recently WON Ohio’s kid-chosen Buckeye Children’s Book Award (2024, Grades 2-4), and last year’s Parrotfish Has a Superpower is currently on four state lists. Knowing that this series is connecting with real kids is as good as it gets for us creators.
Polecat Has a Superpower hits shelves July 15th, but I hope you’ll preorder or ask your libraries to do so!
Meanwhile, simply leave a comment below by Friday, July 11th, for your chance to win a copy of your own for the little in your life! I’ll draw a name randomly from all commenters on that day and let you know if YOUR name pops up. Continental U.S. mailing addresses only, please.
Congratulations, Jill, on what’s sure to be another state-list-deserving title! These books are so great, and I hand sell them every chance I get. Can’t wait to read POLECAT!
Thanks, Jody! They’re certainly a blast to write. 🙂
❤️That cover! ❤️That title! ❤️ Those colors! I can only image how I’ll adore the text!
That’s about what I said when I got my first look, Joyce! LOVE those purply shades.
I love the other two, so I can’t wait to read POLECAT! I love the combination in these books of science and humor; plus, how often do polecats get the limelight???
Ha. NEVER, right? I wasn’t even sure what a polecat was until a few years ago. Thanks for reading, Laura!
Congrats! It looks like another amazing book!
Thank you, Debra! Fingers crossed kids go for it….
I love this series, Jill! Congrats on Polecat, which I can’t wait to check out! I hope the book gets into the hands of many readers.
Thank you, Robin! Me, too!
This looks like a blast, and informative to boot! Who knew a polecat could look so adorable? Congrats!
I had no idea they were so much smaller than striped skunks. Pretty cute. If you’re careful. 😉
Who doesn’t love a stinky story? This one looks like a lot of fun!
I seem to have found a niche of sorts, Q. 🙂
I love this one. Can’t wait to add it in to my skunk theme story time.
It’s dedicated to one of my granddaughters. Can’t wait to drop in on her preschool class! 🙂
I just love this series!!
I just love that you do! 🙂 So good to see you in Marion, Katie!
Congratulations, Jill, on this book and more in the series & getting onto state lists! I’d love to win this for my kindergarten class!
Thanks, Tina! Hope the kiddos like it!
Can’t wait to read this! My library system has ordered 13 copies and I’m 7th in line. 🙂
WOW, Cheryl! That’s encouraging to learn. THANKS for letting me know!
Congratulations, Jill! Another fun read! I’m promising myself I won’t Google polecat’s super power so I can be surprised when I read this! 😂
Haha. Hope you’re surprised, Stefanie! 🙂
Completely adorable AND informative! Just right for inquisitive children and their caregivers. Once again, well done, Jill and Bob.
Thank you, Ann! Can’t wait to hang with you again.
Congratulations, Jill! This story sounds fun and informative! I can’t wait to read it!
Thanks, Kim! Hope you like it.
I love this series, Jill!! Your fabulous humor paired with Bob’s equally fabulous illustrations make learning fun. Congratulations to you both!!
I hope, Judy! Great to hear from you!
This looks wonderful! Congrats on your new book. It will bring joy to a lot of kiddos!
Thanks, Sandra!
What a fun and informative book. Congrats on your new book and series.
Thank you, Bettie!
So excited for a new SUPER book from Jill and Bob! Hooray!
Thanks, Cathy!
Can’t wait to read your latest. We are huge fans of your Super Powers books!
Great to hear, Claire! Thanks!
Congratulations, Jill, not only on this gem of a book with its fun style and popping pictures, but also on the success of the others in winning readers’ hearts and writers’ awards!
Thanks so much, Colleen!
I love how you manage to educate in such a funny and kid-friendly way. Rolling those caterpillars around on the ground so they lose their fuzz. Who knew? Congratulations, Jill!!
Oh, and Spanky pretty much sums up my attitude daily.
I know…so gross! Yick. Thanks for reading, Linda.
Book looks so cute and funny! I think my twins would love it!
Hope so, Zachary!
What a fun book!
The illustrations and text are fantastic!
I enjoyed seeing the interior spreads.
Congratulations!
Thanks, Mark. I’m always astounded by the personality Bob brings to my characters.
I love this series Jill! I already purchased Stinkbird Has A Superpower at the Marvelous Midwest Conference. Now I am going to have to continue with the rest of the collection.
Looks so fun! Can’t wait to read Polecat Has a Superpower!
THANK YOU, Deb! I appreciate it.
Congratulations Jill! You and Bob have created another fun, informative “superpower” book! I love the first two. I can’t wait to find out Polecat’s superpower!
It’s probably not what you think. 🙂 Thanks, Judy!
I love this series and I can’t wait to read the newest book. Congratulations, Jill!
Thanks, Becky! (I can’t wait to see YOURS)
Congratulations on another terrific book in this series, Jill! You and Bob make such a great team. I’m looking forward to sharing this one (and learning that secret polecat power . . .) And I’m so glad there’s another one in the queue!
Me, too! Thanks, Sue!
This looks so FUN! Would love to donate it to my school’s library!
I’d LOVE that! Thanks, Sheri!
This book sounds fun to read as all your books are. I find when I’m having fun, I learn more and retain the information. Your books always give me that experience. Congratulations on another great book for me to share with nieces and nephews.
Me, too, Danielle! And THANKS so much. Hope your nieces and nephews like this one. 🙂
Congratulations, Jill! This looks like a great addition to the series.
Thanks, Cathy!
Oh, Jill! This is wonderful! Each one is a gem. My grands love them all. I can’t wait to add this one to grandma’s library-I’m preordering tonight! Congratulations!
Thanks, friend! Those preorders are always APPRECIATED!
As an author and a teacher, I’m a huge fan of all of your books, both fiction and nonfiction. Polecat Has a Superpower sounds adorable and would make a nice addition to my Pre-K library.
You are too kind, Alicia! I’d love to add it to your library. 🙂
Hi, Jill!
Polecat is sure a cutie! Congratulations on another stellar book…fun and educational at the same time.
Thanks, Kathy!
I just requested this from my library. Looks fascinating
Thanks for doing that, Svapna!
Yay POLECAT, Jill & Bob. Live how this series combines humor, info, and habitats! Ohio kiddos know good books. Huzzah for Stinkbird, too. I used to be on the Buckeye Children’s Book Award Committee.
Thanks, Kathy! I remember you mentioning that. Must’ve been a fun gig!
This looks super special. And the nocturnal illustrations amazing!
Yes, those colors! Makes me want to step right into the scenes.
Hooray! I don’t know enough about pole cats! Need to read this book! Congratulations, Jill!
Who knew they were so special? Hope you like the book, Angie!
I can’t believe I haven’t seen the earlier books. I will find them shortly. This new book looks amazing and love the illustrations.
Hope you like them, Angela!
Clearly “Jill & Bob Have Superpowers!”😄
Congratulations on your continuing cool creative collaboration! 📚💛
Thank you, Michael!
This looks so engaging! Skunks are cool. You have inspired me to seek a home for my skunk manuscript with a totally different focus.
That’s great news, Sherry! Fingers crossed for you!
I never knew what a polecat was. It’s so cute. A Pruple sheen! He looks like a ferret. And what a fun way to teach kids about this cute animal.