Bob Shea

Two friends invent an imaginative new game in this laugh-out-loud story that captures the silliness of playtime, from award-winning author-illustrator Bob Shea When a bear suit–wearing turtle and his best friend are left to their own devices, the fun and games begin! Pass the ball, but be careful—the grass is hot lava! As “bearsketball” gets increasingly off-the-wall, the two friends compete to see who can find the biggest stick in the forest, roll down the hill without dropping the ball, and guess the number each one is thinking. Who will be the winner? And what are the rules to this game, anyway? From Bob Shea, author-illustrator of the popular Dinosaur vs. series and Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great, this charming and hilarious tale is an ode to the joy and freedom of childhood. With true-to-life kid dynamics, offbeat humor, and memorable characters, this picture book companion to Bearsuit Turtle Makes a Friend proves that everyone wins when you’re having fun.

Fall in love with a turtle wearing a bear suit—determined to prove that he’s a “for-real” bear—in this laugh-out-loud silly friendship story from the award-winning Bob Shea, author-illustrator of the popular Dinosaur VS. series and Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great 3 starred reviews! "Fresh, expressive, and wildly colorful." (Booklist starred review) When a turtle in a bear suit claims he is a “for-real” bear, he must prove himself to another turtle who just so happens to be a for-real bear expert. Hilarity ensues as Bearsuit Turtle proves he can climb trees, hibernate, and do other for-real bear stuff . . . like riding bikes, eating ice cream, and smashing pumpkins. But when Bear-Expert Turtle reveals a secret, Bearsuit Turtle has to admit a truth of his own. Whether or not these two turtles are for-real bears or experts, they just might become for-real friends. With a fabulously endearing, offbeat, and memorable new character; playful, true-to-life child dynamics; and a goofy, kid-perfect sense of humor, Bearsuit Turtle Makes a Friend is sure to charm readers everywhere. Includes a page of “for-real bear facts” at the end.

This laugh-out-loud funny sequel to breakout hit Chez Bob introduces a cutthroat competition between everyone's favorite birdseed restauranteur and his pizza-delivery rival!Look out, Bob-there's a new restaurant in town. Meet Ryan! This guy's got it all: The hippest hair! The coolest bike tricks! The wildest parties! And most awesome of all...PIZZA FOR BIRDS! Can Bob-the big cheese at the best birdseed restaurant around-cook up a recipe for disaster that'll stir the pot and push his rival to go south?In this parody of the phenomenon of online bullying, Bob's relatable flaws of jealousy, impulsive reactivity, and fear of abandonment offer a valuable lesson which will resonate in a world where lies and misinformation abound on the internet.

For anyone who has ever craved sleep – and anyone too full of energy to settle down! – a comedy from Bob Shea and Jarvis.It’s sleepy time for Lion and Penguin. Correction: it should be sleepy time for Lion and Penguin, but Lion’s eyes aren’t tired, and his ears would like a story. Penguin, however, is tired and nods off into sweet dreams … until a noise wakes him. “Oh, are you awake?” asks Lion sweetly, seated before a drum set. “Let’s have that story, then!” And so it goes, with an ever-more-disgruntled Penguin trying to nod off while an exuberant Lion innocently practices his drumming, bounces on his squeaky trampoline, and munches on his crunchy crisps… Will Penguin need to resort to extreme measures to get his friend to sleep, or has the answer been there all along?

For anyone who has ever craved sleep--and anyone too full of energy to settle down--a comedy from Bob Shea, creator of the popular Dinosaur vs. series, and singular illustrator Jarvis. It's sleepy time for Lion and Penguin. Correction: it should be sleepy time for Lion and Penguin, but Lion's eyes aren't tired, and his ears would like a story. Penguin, however, is tired and nods off into sweet candy dreams--until a noise wakes him. "Oh, are you awake?" asks Lion sweetly, seated before a drum set. "Let's have that story, then " "Not now. It is time to close your eyes and dream dreams." And so it goes, with an ever-more-disgruntled Penguin trying to nod off while an exuberant Lion innocently practices his drumming, bounces on his squeaky trampoline, and munches on his crunchy chips. Will Penguin need to resort to extreme measures to get his friend to sleep, or has the answer been there all along? Bob Shea's signature wit, delivered only in dialogue, and Jarvis's unassuming, retro art and knack for visual humor are sure to delight young readers--and their caregivers--whether at naptime, bedtime, or anytime.

A hilariously deadpan look at new parenthood – from a baby’s point of view.I am not sleepy.I am not sleepy because I am a baby.Mummy is sleepy.Mummy is sleepy because I am a baby.With humour and sympathy, Bob Shea looks at the chaos of life with a baby as amiably narrated by the new arrival. Repeating the mantra (and blithe explanation) “because I am a baby,” the tiny narrator leads us through scenes of exhaustion, grumpiness, squishy nappies, spilled milk, cowering kittens and chubby overfed pups (oopsie!). Playing against the simple, matter-of-fact text are freewheeling illustrations of mess and mayhem, in which the grown-ups’ exaggerated body language is sure to send older children into fits of giggles. With its endearing, unabashedly self-pleased star, I Am a Baby will find a place at showers, in nurseries, on parents’ shelves and in the hands of appreciative big siblings, as it celebrates the changes a little one brings, at once challenging and full of love.

Cute Pups! Big Trucks! These three puppies must swap their beloved trucks in this original board book that's perfect for toddlers with big building dreams.Dig Dug, Puddles, and Cheddar have some very important work to do . . . but it seems absolutely impossible to drive some-puppy else’s truck instead of their own beloved truck, but with a lot of teamwork, these pups just might be able to finish their task before snack time.

Dig Doug, Puddles, and Cheddar are ready for a big day at puppy school. Today they have an extra big project - using their construction trucks to dig a swimming pool! Dig Doug is so happy because Dig Doug LOVES to dig. But when he digs a bit too deep, his puppy friends must figure out a plan to save him.

Introducing an irresistible new board book series filled with cute pups, big construction trucks, and laugh-out-loud humor!It’s the first day of puppy school and Dig Doug, Puddles, and Cheddar can’t wait to start digging, building, and loading in their trucks. But when their teacher, Miss Polly, gets stuck under some rocks, they’ll have to come together and use teamwork to get her free! Closing their eyes to make the rocks disappear doesn’t work . . . so which of Miss Polly’s lessons can Dig Doug, Puddles, and Cheddar save her? Beloved children’s book author Bob Shea and illustrator Brian Won have created an endearing new board book series with the cutest construction workers around.

From the creator of the mega-popular Dinosaur vs. series comes a hilariously deadpan look at new parenthood--from a baby's point of view. I am not sleepy.I am not sleepy because I am a baby.Mommy is sleepy.Mommy is sleepy because I am a baby. With humor and sympathy, Bob Shea looks at the chaos of life with a baby as amiably narrated by the new arrival. Repeating the mantra (and blithe explanation) "because I am a baby," the tiny narrator leads us through scenes of exhaustion, grumpiness, squishy diapers, spilled milk, cowering kittens, and chubby overfed pups (oopsie ). Playing against the simple, matter-of-fact text are freewheeling illustrations of mess and mayhem, in which the grown-ups' exaggerated body language is sure to send older children into fits of giggles. With its endearing, unabashedly self-pleased star, I Am a Baby will find a place at showers, in nurseries, on parents' shelves, and in the hands of appreciative big siblings, as it celebrates the changes a little one brings, at once challenging and full of love.

Welcome to Chez Bob, which seems like a real restaurant...until you realize...it's on an alligator's NOSE! Bob's got a hidden plan for his customers: "Birds will come to eat, but I will eat the birds!" As they fly in from all over the world to dine on Bob's face, something starts to happen that takes the lazy, hungry reptile by surprise -- the birds stay. "More yummy birds!" he rejoices -- he'll want for nothing! But when the time is right, will Bob make the right choice?Comic genius Bob Shea cooks up a tasty tale that proves anyone, even hungry alligators, can have a change of heart and learn to be a good friend.

Mr. McMonkey is your host, and your contestants are America's favorite stunt clam, Action Clam...and a cow! These unlikely daredevils face off in a zany sequence of challenges--and readers get to guess the outcome of all the wacky stunts. Winner gets a Golden Banana!Readers will be laughing, cheering, and giving themselves a round of applause as they play the game over and over again. Bob Shea, creator of many favorite funny books, including Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Greatand the Ballet Cat series, provides endless storytime fun with high-energy audience participation.

In this hilarious tale of blame, compassion, and forgiveness, a very embarrassed bear is reminded that accidents can happen--but with the support of good friends, life goes on.Reuben the bear's got donuts for everyone in his scout troop but his friends are all staring at something else: there's a wet spot on Reuben's pants and it's in a specific area. "WHO WET MY PANTS?" he shouts, and a blame game starts. His buddies try to reassure him there was no crime. Just an accident. It could happen to anyone! But as all the clues begin to point in Reuben's own direction as the culprit, Reuben must come to terms with the truth.Who Wet My Pants? isn't a potty-training book. It's a witty and wise story about embarrassment and anger, empathy and acceptance and ultimately...forgiveness.

Calling all daredevils! It's time to play CRASH, SPLASH, OR MOO! in this boisterous picture book with all the excitement of a game show.Mr. McMonkey is your host, and your contestants are America's favorite stunt clam, Action Clam...and a cow! These unlikely daredevils face off in a zany sequence of challenges--and readers get to guess the outcome of all the wacky stunts. Winner gets a Golden Banana!Readers will be laughing, cheering, and giving themselves a round of applause as they play the game over and over again. Bob Shea, creator of many favorite funny books, including Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great and the Ballet Cat series, provides endless storytime fun with high-energy audience participation.

Reader beware This is the scariest book ever Or so claims its melodramatic ghost narrator. You can go ahead and turn the page, but don't expect him to come with you. Anything might pop out of that black hole in the middle of the forest. What do you mean it's just a bunny? Well, it's probably a bunny with big fangs. Watch out, it's--picking pumpkins with its friends, you say? Actually, despite the ghost's scare-mongering, none of the animal characters in the illustrations seem scary at all. . . . What's up with that? Many delights, such as surprises after the page turn, an alarmist narrator, and punch lines to anticipate make this book a scream for both kids and parents.

Dinosaur is spending the day with Mommy. ROAR He helps her wake up, go shopping, sort laundry, and more--his way, that is. By bedtime, it looks like Mommy is down for the count. Is one little red dinosaur just too much for her, or will Mommy win? Chock full of the bold graphics and exuberance that has made the Dinosaur vs. series so popular, this book will tickle toddlers and mommies on Mother's Day and every day thereafter. Praise for Dinosaur vs. Mommy *"Shea's buoyant, emotive artwork and sharp comic timing make Dinosaur's sixth] story feel as fresh and funny as his first one." -Publishers Weekly (starred review) "The emphatic text and bold illustrations reflect Dinosaur's exuberance; with its lively colors and expressive lines, the art also makes the most of the humorous situations. . .This take on the mother/toddler dynamic will have both sides of the battle roaring with laughter." -Horn Book Praise for Dinosaur vs. Bedtime*"Kids will be only too happy to capitulate to this irresistible package." -Publishers Weekly (starred review) Praise for Dinosaur vs. the Potty *"Shea's bold collages are as in-your-face charming as his energetic hero, whose exuberance and stubborn avoidance of the potty will elicit both empathy and laughter." -Publishers Weekly (starred review) Praise for Dinosuar vs. the Library "Story time may have conquered Dinosaur, but with boisterous noise and boundless energy, Shea's Dinosaur titles will never fail to be read-aloud hits." -Kirkus Reviews Praise for Dinosaur vs. Santa "Dinosaur's unbridled energy is as infectious as ever." -Publishers Weekly Praise for Dinosaur vs. School*"Shea's illustrations are as unruly and imaginative as ever in this pitch-perfect, egocentric take on living (school) life to the max." -Publishers Weekly (starred review) Praise for Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great "Shea's cleverly written tale makes this a standout, but there's substance here, too. The grass may always seem greener, but the message comes across that everybody has special strengths, and togetherness can often maximize them. This tale of discovered friendship will delight unicorn fans and perhaps create new fans for goats."-Booklist (starred review) "Shea examines a universal struggle that readers of all ages face: The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. Unicorn may seem like he has it all...but that doesn't mean he's content. Even unicorns want to eat something besides glitter now and then. Brilliant in execution and hysterical in dialogue; Shea's pretty great, too."-Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Ballet Cat and her cousin Goat are preparing a show for Grandma. Each is trying to outdo the other--Ballet Cat with an elaborate dance routine (of course), and Goat with his amazing (amazingly lame, that is) magic tricks. Neither act goes off quite as planned, but it doesn't matter . . . because Grandma falls asleep during the performance Oh well, at least Ballet Cat and Goat learn how to cooperate. (But Ballet Cat cooperates better )Praise for THE TOTALLY SECRET SECRET: *"This early reader has simple, vivacious cartoon artwork done in inks with digital enhancements. Shea's signature style and bright bold colors add to the fun. Although the text is somewhat sophisticated and the dialogue is entirely in word balloons, the humor and theme of friendship and sharing will have broad appeal beyond the beginning reader set. VERDICT Move over Elephant and Piggie " --School Library Journal (starred review) *"Tapping into the same barely restrained exuberance and visual energy that characterizes much of his previous work, Shea introduces Ballet Cat, a pearl-and-tutu-wearing feline who loves to dance as much as the author's Dinosaur and Cheetah characters love winning. Like Mo Willems's Elephant and Piggie, these two are a contemporary comic duo with staying power; Shea mines Ballet Cat's dialed-up enthusiasm and Sparkle's hangdog expressions for everything they are worth. Boldly contrasting backgrounds heighten the strong emotions at play and, luckily, after Sparkles reveals his 'secret secret' about dancing, this friendship is undiminished." --Publishers Weekly (starred review)An ALA Notable Book