Illustrator & Author Profile
Pete Oswald
22 Books
Pete Oswald is a New York Times bestselling author, illustrator, and animator known for his vibrant and emotionally resonant children's literature. He is widely recognized for illustrating the popular Food Group series, including 'The Good Egg' and 'The Sour Grape', as well as authoring original works like 'Hike'. His work often explores themes of self-care, emotional intelligence, and the beauty of the natural world.
By
Pete Oswald
The sun is just beginning to peek over the horizon when you and your dad lace up your boots and head for the trailhead. In this nearly wordless journey, the quiet magic of the forest comes to life through every step you take. As you climb higher, you will witness the wonder of the wilderness, from tiny insects to massive mountain vistas.
This is more than just a walk in the woods; it is a day of overcoming obstacles and helping the forest thrive. By the time you reach the summit and head back home, you will feel a special kind of connection to the Earth and to each other. It is a beautiful tribute to nature and the quiet moments that become permanent parts of your family history.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Jump in
You know that feeling when your chest feels tight and your face gets hot? When two older brothers start to tease, a young boy finds himself drowning in a rainbow of overwhelming emotions. Against the backdrop of a sunny day at the beach, the waves outside match the turbulent storm brewing inside him.
Why it pulls you in
This gentle story helps you realize that big feelings don't have to be scary. By naming the noise inside, you can learn to navigate through the frustration and sadness. It is a colorful and wise look at how understanding your heart can turn a difficult afternoon into a moment of peace.
Keep it with you
Whether you are feeling a little blue or a lot of red, this book offers a roadmap for managing the ups and downs of growing up with brothers. It is a heartfelt guide to emotional intelligence that stays with you long after the beach day ends.
6-8 Years
21 Pages
Meet the good egg. He is a very, very good egg indeed! He always rescues cats, paints houses, and helps anyone in need. But trying to be so perfectly good is exhausting, especially when you live in a carton with eleven other eggs who are plain old rotten. While the rest of the dozen behave badly, the good egg tries to keep the peace, until the pressure becomes too much and his shell literally starts to crack! Deciding that enough is enough, the good egg packs his bags and sets off on a journey of self-discovery. Along the way, he learns that he does not have to be Grade A perfect all the time. This funny and charming story is a wonderful reminder about the importance of balance, taking care of yourself, and loving your friends and family even if they are a little bit rotten sometimes!
6-8 Years
40 Pages
One minute Mingo is flying with his flock, and the next, a massive storm sends him spiraling down to the snowy plains of Siberia. When he wakes up, he is completely lost. He does not remember his name, his family, or even that he is a flamingo! Is he a fancy golf club? A strange garden gnome? He has no clue.
Luckily, a group of local animals is ready to help this pink stranger find his way. Through hilarious training sessions and a lot of heart, Mingo must rediscover his strength and find the courage to fly back home. This quirky adventure is a silly and sweet reminder that even when you forget who you are, true friends can help you find your way back to where you belong.
6-8 Years
Meet the Big Cheese. He is the absolute best at everything he does, and he is definitely not shy about letting everyone know it! Whether it is sports, games, or just being awesome, the Big Cheese always expects to take home the first-place ribbon. When the annual Cheese-cathlon rolls around, he is completely prepared to win it all, just like he always does. But this year, there is a quiet new kid in town named Wedge Wedgeman. When Wedge suddenly comes out on top, the Big Cheese is shocked! What happens when the number one winner suddenly has to settle for second place? Packed with hilarious puns and expressive illustrations, this funny and empowering story serves up a great lesson about sportsmanship. Discover how a little slice of humility can help the Big Cheese realize that being a good friend is much better than always being the best!
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
Jump in
Starting first grade is a big deal and Harry is keeping track of every single moment. From the very first day jitters to the grand celebration of the 100th day you get to follow Harry as he navigates the ups and downs of his new classroom.
Why it pulls you in
You will see Harry tackle everything from learning a silent e to realizing that the class guinea pig is actually pretty cute. With 100 short chapters one for every day of school you will experience the fun of making new friends and the pride of learning something new.
An expert student
By the time you reach the end of the book you and Harry will be experts on what makes school life so special. It is a funny and relatable journey through the first half of the school year that captures exactly what it feels like to be a kid finding your way in the world.
6-8 Years
241 Pages
William is a dinosaur, and if there is one thing William knows for sure, it is that dinosaurs are meant to ROAR. He roars at the bus stop, he roars at the park, and he definitely roars at the farm. To William, every moment is a great moment for a massive, toothy shout—even if the neighbors find it a little bit much.
But then the unthinkable happens: William gets a sore throat. The doctor gives him the worst news a dinosaur could hear—no roaring for an entire week! Can a boisterous lizard like William keep his cool when his favorite thing is off-limits? This side-splitting story is a celebration of being exactly who you are, even when life tries to quiet you down. Get ready to find your own inner roar!
6-8 Years
35 Pages
The big talent show is finally here, and the Good Egg cannot wait to watch! There is just one small problem: he does not actually have a talent to perform. While all the other foods are practicing their amazing routines, the Good Egg decides he will just sit quietly in the audience and cheer them on. But when the show begins, things start to go wrong on stage. Suddenly, his friends really need some help! The Good Egg jumps into action to save the performances. Along the way, you will see how stepping up to help others might just be the greatest talent of all. This fun, easy-to-read story shows that you do not need a flashy act to be a star. Sometimes, simply being a kind and helpful friend deserves the biggest applause.
6-8 Years
35 Pages
The Bad Seed is actually having a really great day! He just visited the library and checked out the most amazing book ever written. He loves reading it so much that he reads it over and over again. But then he gets some terrible news. His library time is up, and he has to bring the book back so another seed can read it. The Bad Seed does not want to share. He wants to keep his new favorite story forever! Will he return to his sneaky, bad habits and hide the book? Or will he do the right thing and share the joy of reading? Join this famously grumpy seed as he wrestles with a very tough choice. This delightful story helps you explore why sharing can be hard, but returning library books is always the smart thing to do.
6-8 Years
35 Pages
Meet a sweet little cookie who has never really felt like a smart cookie. No matter how hard she tries at school, she always feels a step behind the clever cupcakes and the brilliant rolls in the bakery. While everyone else seems to have all the right answers, she struggles to find her place. But when her teacher gives the class a special assignment to create something completely original, this cookie is forced to think outside the jar! With a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of newfound confidence, she discovers that getting perfect scores is not the only way to be intelligent. You will cheer for this lovable treat as she learns that everyone has their own unique talents waiting to be uncovered. This funny and heartwarming story proves that true brilliance comes in all shapes, sizes, and flavors!
6-8 Years
Blue Bison is usually the neatest animal on the plains, but lately, he has a hairy situation. The barbershops are closed, and his once-tidy mane is growing into a wild, shaggy mess. He is frustrated, he is grumpy, and he is ready to ram his favorite rock just to let off some steam.
His parents try to tell him that waiting is just part of life, but Blue Bison is tired of being patient. He wants a haircut, and he wants it now! Just when it seems like he might wallow forever, his little sister, Bubblegum Bison, steps in with a surprising idea. This hilarious tale explores how hard it can be to wait for what you want and shows that sometimes, the best solutions come from the most unexpected members of the family.
6-8 Years
41 Pages
Rita and Ralph are best friends who live on two little hills and meet every single day to play under their favorite apple tree. But today, everything goes wrong. A silly accident turns into a big argument, and suddenly, two best friends are two very angry neighbors.
Saying I am sorry turns out to be much harder than running down the hill. As the day gets sleepier and the frowns get deeper, Rita and Ralph have to figure out how to bridge the gap between their two houses. This comforting and rhythmic story perfectly captures the feeling of a bad day and the beautiful relief of making things right again. It is a must-read for anyone who has ever had a rocky moment with a best friend.
6-8 Years
56 Pages
Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the Other Side, of course! In this spooky and punny twist on the classic joke, a little spring chicken meets an unfortunate end under a passing truck. Now, this flattened fowl discovers that being a ghost comes with a very loud and unwanted job: scaring people.
There is just one big problem for our feathery friend. This chicken knows deep down that frightening folks is simply not a nice thing to do. Instead of being a terrifying phantom, the chicken decides to break the barnyard rules and figure out how to be a friendly ghost.
You will love this hilarious and slightly ghoulish adventure filled with laughs and shivers. With ghastly funny artwork, this Halloween treat is packed with silly surprises. Do not worry, no actual chickens were harmed in the making of this spooky tale!
6-8 Years
33 Pages
Flat Cat was born flat as a pancake, and he likes it just like that. He can slide under doors, hide in the skinniest cracks, and roam wherever he wants without being seen. He is the coolest, flattest feline in town—until a trip into the washing machine changes everything.
When he comes out of the dryer, Flat Cat is no longer flat. He is incredibly, ridiculously puffy! Now, he is not sure he fits in anywhere, literally or figuratively. This irreverent and funny story follows one very stylish cat as he learns to roll with the punches and embrace a whole new side of himself. Whether he is flat or fluffy, Flat Cat is about to find out that being yourself is the coolest thing of all.
6-8 Years
21 Pages
Have you ever noticed how a dog lives every moment to the fullest? From the second they wake up with a big stretch to the final wag of the day, dogs know the secret to being happy. This interactive story invites you to join a child and their furry best friend as they explore the world using all five senses.
As you bark, sniff, and play along, you will discover the simple joy of being present in the moment. With gentle cues and a calm pace, the book teaches you how to breathe, listen, and wag your way to a peaceful mind. It is a beautiful introduction to mindfulness that encourages you to slow down and appreciate the wonderful world right under your nose.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Sleepy Sheepy has a name that sounds very tired, but don't let that fool you. Even though the clock says it is bedtime, Sleepy Sheepy is wide-awake and ready to go! He would much rather build a giant tower of blocks or knit a new pair of socks than settle down for the night.
Ma and Pa Sheepy have their hands full as their little lamb bounces, plays, and insists he is NOT tired at all. Will the bedtime battle ever end, or will Sleepy Sheepy stay up until the sun comes back? This hilarious, rhyming read-aloud is perfect for every kid who has ever tried to negotiate for five more minutes of playtime. It is a new bedtime classic that will have both parents and children laughing all the way to sleep.
6-8 Years
21 Pages
Meet the Couch Potato. He has the absolute perfect life set up right in his living room. His incredibly comfortable couch cushion has everything he could ever need just an arm's reach away. With a wall of glowing screens and all his favorite snacks, he never actually has to stand up. But one day, disaster strikes: the power completely goes out! Suddenly, the Couch Potato is forced to peel himself off his beloved cushions and venture out into the scary, bright outdoors. As he steps out into the sunshine, you will join him on an unexpected adventure through the neighborhood. This hilarious story will show you that while watching your favorite shows is great, stepping outside to feel the fresh air and hear the birds singing might be even better.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
The Humble Pie is perfectly happy staying in the shadows. While others love the spotlight, this pie prefers to say, Aw, shucks! and let everyone else take the credit. But when a big school project pairs the Humble Pie with the boisterous Jake the Cake, things start to get a little messy.
Being quiet is fine, but the Humble Pie soon learns that if you don't speak up, your best ideas might never be heard. This witty and empowering tale from the Food Group series shows that finding your voice is just as important as being modest. Through laughs and lessons, you will see how letting yourself shine can be the sweetest treat of all. It is time for the Humble Pie to step up and take the cake!
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
43 Pages
Cole has finally landed his dream job: Assistant Knight to the legendary Sir Percival! He is busy learning how to ride, swing a sword, and bandage up boo-boos. Sir Percival is the bravest knight in the land, but he has one secret, silly fear. He is absolutely terrified that an Underwear Dragon will attack the kingdom.
When the unthinkable happens and a dragon actually shows up, the great knights are nowhere to be found. Now, it is up to Cole—just an assistant—to save the day. Can a pint-sized hero use his training to face a fire-breathing beast in giant briefs? This hilarious adventure proves that you don't have to be the biggest knight to be the bravest, and sometimes a little underwear mishap is exactly what you need to win.
6-8 Years
41 Pages
Sir Cole is the hero of the kingdom, having already faced the Underwear Dragon. But he has just made a startling discovery: the dragon wasn't trying to be a villain; he just couldn't read the signs telling him to stay away! Instead of picking up his sword, Sir Cole decides to pick up a book.
Now comes the hardest quest yet: teaching a fire-breathing dragon to read. It is not easy when your pupil accidentally sets every page on fire! Through patience and a lot of laughs, Cole helps his former enemy discover the magic of the alphabet. This triumphant sequel celebrates the power of literacy and proves that the best way to handle a problem is with a little understanding and a very large pair of alphabet underwear.
6-8 Years
23 Pages
Jump in
Once there was a tiny, honest fact who simply could not tell a lie. He was a small truth in a world that didn't want to hear him. When the Authorities decide that the fact is too inconvenient, they lock him away in a dark place with all the other facts they want to hide.
Why it pulls you in
Without facts, the world starts to get very dark and confusing. But facts are stubborn things! With the help of some brave fact-finders, the truth plots a daring escape to bring light back to everyone. It is a fast-paced, clever story about why honesty matters more than anything else.
Keep it with you
This modern-day parable reminds you that a fact is a fact, no matter how much people try to ignore it. It is a funny and important story that will help you value the truth and give you the courage to stand up for what is real.
6-8 Years
41 Pages
Have you ever held a grudge? The Sour Grape sure has! In fact, this grape holds grudges against everyone for everything. If you show up late, you get a grudge. If you do not return a library book, you get a grudge. But when a friend accidentally does something that makes the Sour Grape realize what it feels like to be on the receiving end of a grudge, everything changes. Suddenly, life does not seem so sweet when you are always mad. Can a little bit of forgiveness and a lot of gratitude turn this sour fruit into a sweet friend? Jump into this hilarious and heartwarming story to find out how letting go of anger can make your whole world brighter.
6-8 Years
