​(Sterling)
Illustrated by Stephanie Laberis
Lovebird Lou
Lou is fond of the life he shares with his lovebird family and friends. But, when he travels to the other side of the island and sees the amazing abilities on display by different birds, Lou feels, well, ordinary. With his adoring parents cheering him on, Lou decides to spread his wings and see what else he can accomplish. This sweet, funny story celebrates individuality, self-discovery, and the joy of community.
Raves and Reviews:
“This entertaining picture book would be a wonderful read-aloud and discussion starter for early grade schoolers. The bright and colorful illustrations sparkle with humor, and many young readers will readily identify with Lou’s identity crisis. A funny but touching story about learning to accept who you are.” — Kirkus
”Sauer’s narrative unfolds with an appealing main character, well-paced action, and accessible humor. . . . Laberis creates expressive characters within vivid scenes that make good use of repeated shapes. A lively, colorful picture book.” — Booklist
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2023 Finalist for the Oklahoma Book Award
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* Foreign rights: South Korea
One Sheep, Two Sheep
Rooster is trying to count sheep but keeps getting interrupted by all of the animals on the farm. They’re ruffling his feathers—and they don’t look the slightest bit sheepish! Featuring bright, commercial illustrations and text perfect for read-alouds, this book is sure to make young readers giggle as they help Rooster count up to ten.
Raves and Reviews:
“Sauer’s bedtime barnyard book will work well for a nighttime read, with the caveat that Cummings’ silly cartoons will incite giggles here and there. The wide-eyed, smiling critters and the deadpan humor are a good pairing. A fine addition to the sleepy sheepy canon.”
— Kirkus Reviews
​(Abrams Appleseed)
Illustrated by Troy Cummings
​(Abrams Appleseed)
Illustrated by Troy Cummings
Not Now, Cow
Rooster and his farm friends are ready for springtime play. But not Cow, who can’t seem to dress for the weather. She's decked out in a parka and mittens as the first flowers bloom, ski-pants and a wool hat as the summer sun beats down, and a bathing suit and flip-flops when snow starts to tumble. Readers will love shouting out the catchy refrain “Not NOW, Cow!” while learning all about the seasons!
Raves and Reviews:
STARRED REVIEW: “Pure fun; readers and preschoolers will applaud both the silliness and practicalities presented.” — Kirkus Reviews
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A 2022 Redbud Read-Aloud Masterlist Book
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A Today.com Best Book for 1-year-olds
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A 2022 Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Award Nominee
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A 2022 Texas 2X2 Reading List Selection
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A 2022 Bridge to Reading Picture Book Award Nominee
2022 Finalist for the Oklahoma Book Award
The Farm That
Mac Built
It’s showtime on Old Mac Donald’s Farm! The barnyard animals are putting on a play—a farm version of "The House That Jack Built"— but some surprise performers keep taking the stage and interrupting the production.
Raves and Reviews:
“Sauer’s cumulative mashup of 'Old MacDonald Had a Farm' and 'The House That Jack Built' will delight audiences familiar with both. Urbanovic’s cartoon illustrations of (mostly) clothed animal performers elevate this nightmare production into a hilarious comedy of errors....No owls here, but this one is definitely a hoot." — Kirkus
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“Lots of word repetition and animal sound effects, combined with Urbanovic's comically expressive cartoon illustrations, make this a rollicking read-aloud that will encourage young readers to join in on the silliness.” — School Library Journal
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* 2021 Finalist for the Oklahoma Book Award
* 2021 Missouri Building Block Picture Book Award Nominee
​(Clarion, 2020)
Illustrated by Jack Urbanovic
​(Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2019)
Illustrated by Michael Slack
Nugget & Fang
Race Around the Reef
With sweet humor and simple math, Nugget and Fang race two tuna, a clown fish, and each other to see who will win the race on Reef Day. WIth a wheel to spin and pull tabs throughout the book, readers will find get to help the vegetarian Fang chomp on a seaweed snack, hide the clownfish in the sea anemone, toss the tuna in a spinning whirlpool of bubbles, and play a part in having Nugget and Fang finish the race strong. Readers will also discover how working together just might mean more than winning the race.
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Raves and Reviews:
“"The illustrations are colorful, the characters appealing, and sliding and turning elements add a hands-on aspect kids will love."—Kirkus
​(Clarion, 2019)
Illustrated by Michael Slack
Nugget & Fang
Go to School
When Fang the shark is invited by his friends to attend Mini Minnows Elementary, he thinks it's a great idea! But then his first day of school arrives . . . and suddenly, he's not so sure. He's not very good at reading or math. He doesn't exactly fit in with his classmates. And the teacher looks crabby! Can Fang's best friend, Nugget, and the other minnows turn things around and prove to him that school really is fang-tastic?
Raves and Reviews:
“Readers will no doubt feel empathetic. Yes, Fang, you’ll be fine with your fishy friend by your side.”—Kirkus
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“Sauer and Slack keep up the laughs, and the reassurance.”—New York Times Book Review
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* A 2019 Today.com Best Children's Book to Calm Back-to-School Jitters
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* 2020 Finalist for the Oklahoma Book Award
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* A 2021 Redbud Read-Aloud Masterlist Book
​(Doubleday, 2019)
Illustrated by Dave Mottram
Wordy Birdy
Meets Mr. Cougarpants
Wordy Birdy and her pals are heading on a camping trip, and our favorite chatty bird is all ready for a big night under the stars. But the friends soon find themselves in hot water when the dastardly Mr. Cougarpants stalks their campsite. Can Wordy Birdy talk them all out of this pickle? Grab your pack, grill up a s'more, and find out!
Raves and Reviews:
“Happily, Sauer once again breaks the fourth wall with these friends. ...everyone can share a laugh.”—Kirkus
“A sequel to Wordy Birdy (2018), this picture book offers both comedy and drama as events unfold for this memorable bird and her pals. Sauer creates a story that’s fun for reading aloud to young children.”—Booklist
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* A Read Brightly Best Book of February 2019
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* Scholastic Reading Clubs Selection
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* 2020 Children’s Choices Reading List
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* A 2020-2021 Arkansas Diamond Primary Award Nominee
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​* A 2021-2022 3 Apples Book Award for Young Readers
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* Amazon Teachers’ Pick
* Amazon Editors’ Pick
A Little Chicken
Dot is scared of lots of things: wolves, bears, the occasional lawn ornament. But when one of her mother’s eggs rolls out of the nest, this nervous chick must find the courage to save the day—and her new sibling! So she bravely ventures down the steep hill, into the deep pond, and into the dark woods. This story proves that sometimes a big hero...is just a little chicken.
Raves and Reviews:
“ . . . the effortless prose rises above, as it is concise, well-timed, and entertaining. A gently humorous take on conquering fear that’s also a fine read-aloud.”—Kirkus
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“The illustrations wonderfully depict the contrast between the cozy, retro farm with its cartoonish animals and the surrounding landscapes, awash with deep color and naturalistic detail. Amusing wordplay prevents what might otherwise be a didactic ending: “Sometimes a big hero is just a little chicken.” The story delivers reassurance and inspiration along with its shining sense of humor.”—Booklist
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* 2020 Finalist for the Oklahoma Book Award
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* Scholastic Reading Clubs Selection
​(Sterling, 2019)
Illustrated by Dan Taylor
​(HarperCollins, 2018)
Illustrated by Alison Friend
Making A Friend
Beaver is good at making just about anything--except for friends. No matter how hard he tries, he just can't get it right. Then one winter day, Beaver tries to make a friend out of snow and unexpectedly makes a real friend along the way.
Raves and Reviews:
"A sure recipe for making a friend...real or snow." — Kirkus
" . . . Sauer brings a loopy wit to her dialogue that gives it fresh humor, and the point that making is a shared activity that brings people--and raccoons and beavers--closer together is a wise one. This will offer particular entertainment as a lively readaloud for storytime or other friendly occassions." — BCCB Reviews
"This title frames a friendship in the making as it first grows undiscovered, awareness of a true friendship arrives unexpectedly, and the relationship suddenly blossoms. Clever text, dialogue, and easily identifiable emotions of its characters make it a welcome addition to materials for social emotional learning." — School Library Journal
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*A Best Children's Book of 2018, According to Librarians
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* Winter 2018 CBC Helping Hands Showcase
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​* Scholastic Book Fairs Selection