Carter Goodrich

Celebrated artist and lead character designer of Brave, Ratatouille, and Despicable Me, Carter Goodrich, shows that sometimes, even the prickliest people--or the crankiest cacti--need a little love. Hank is the prickliest cactus in the entire world. He sits in a pot in a window that faces the empty desert, which is just how he likes it. So, when all manner of creatures--from tumbleweed to lizard to owl--come to disturb his peace, Hank is annoyed. He doesn't like noise, he doesn't like rowdiness, and definitely does not like hugs. But the thing is, no one is offering one. Who would want to hug a plant so mean? Hank is beginning to discover that being alone can be, well, lonely. So he comes up with a plan to get the one thing he thought he would never need: a hug from a friend.

The importance of imaginary friends is very real in this picture book adventure from the author of Say Hello to Zorro and lead character designer for Despicable Me, Finding Nemo, and Monsters, Inc. Phillip and Brock are best friends. Everyone can see Phillip, but only Phillip can see Brock. A night at the Big Fair is all fun and games until Phillip gets sleepy, heads home, and forgets Brock Brock misses Phillip. And Phillip misses Brock. Will they reunite? With the help of another pair of pals, they just might. Because even imaginary friends get lost sometimes. Finding them is part of the adventure.

Phillip and Brock are best friends. Everyone can see Phillip, but only Phillip can see Brock. A night at the Big Fair is all fun and games until Phillip gets sleepy, heads home, and forgets Brock! Brock misses Phillip. And Phillip misses Brock. Will they reunite? With the help of another pair of pals, they just might. Because even imaginary friends get lost sometimes. Finding them is part of the adventure.

In this next addition to an adventure Booklist called “a treat for dog lovers young and old,” canine pals Mister Bud and Zorro encounter…the cone. Mister Bud and Zorro learned how to get along in Say Hello to Zorro! They made it through Zorro’s new wardrobe in Zorro Gets an Outfit. But how will they handle Mister Bud’s latest predicament? Because he has to wear...the cone. Carter Goodrich, who is “brilliant at depicting doggy emotions” (School Library Journal), cleverly portrays this relatable tale of misplaced shame and the love that surpasses it.

Mister Bud is a dog of routine. He has wake up time, nap time, rest time, dinner time, etc. And everyone knows to follow his schedule. Then disaster strikes. A stranger comes home at "make a fuss time" and throws everything off! Zorro is little bit bossy and Mister Bud wants nothing to do with him. But when the dogs discover they like the same things (like chasing the cat and napping), everything becomes more fun. As long as everyone follows the schedule.