​(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.
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
​(Sterling, 2019)
Illustrated by Dan Taylor
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
​(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
​(Clarion, 2018)
Illustrated by Arthur Howard
Quiet Wyatt
Wyatt likes quiet. And being quiet works for Wyatt. But when Wyatt is paired with noisy Noreen on a class field trip, his quiet world is shattered. She's a know-it-all who is just too loud! So loud, in fact, that she might unintentionally cause some alarming problems.... Can Wyatt overcome his shyness and speak up in time to save the day?
Raves and Reviews:
"Finding humor in the juxtaposition of extremes, this picture book makes an amusing read-aloud choice." — Booklist
"A humorous friendship story with a little bit of an ironic twist." — Kirkus
"A fantastic addition to library collections, either as a read-aloud or a one-on-one selection."— School Library Journal
* 2019 Bank Street College Best Book of the Year
​(HarperCollins, 2018)
Illustrated by Zoe Waring
Go Fish!
Goose and friends are off to the pond to fish. They have their rods, the perfect bait, and fishing gear—but when they cast their lines and GO FISH, there are NO FISH to be found! Maybe ONE FISH . . . but he’s awfully big!
Raves and Reviews:
"Sauer's minimalist wordplay and Waring's rotund, cheery friends brighten up a favorite pastime. A fun summertime romp—hook, line, and sinker."
— Kirkus Reviews
Knock Knock
Knock Knock is a fresh and innovative method of humorous storytelling that uses knock-knock jokes to tell the story of a bear named Harry and his woodland friends as Bear settles in for hibernation, but his friends have other ideas.
Raves and Reviews:
" . . . a nice bedtime read-aloud, particularly for little readers who may be resisting the end of the day, even as the giant, red 'KNOCK KNOCK's encourage raucous storytime participation. An amusing and lively read that celebrates a venerable literary form." — Kirkus Reviews​
"Saturated colors, animated characters, and silly jokes will ensure repeated readers. An appealing read-aloud choice on hibernation and friendship."
— School Library Journal
​* Scholastic Book Fairs and Reading Clubs Selection
* 2019 Bridge to Reading Picture Book Award Nominee
* 2020 Beehive Award Nominee
* A 2020 Redbud Read-Aloud Masterlist Book
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​(Scholastic Press, 2018)
Illustrated by Guy Francis