Author & Illustrator Profile
Jonathan Fenske
22 Books
Jonathan Fenske is an award-winning author and illustrator of children's books, widely recognized for his engaging early readers and humorous picture books. His popular works include the Geisel Honor-winning 'A Pig, a Fox, and a Box' series, along with imaginative titles like 'A Unicorn, a Dinosaur, and a Shark Were Riding a Bicycle.' With a knack for silly scenarios and appealing artwork, Fenske creates delightful stories that encourage and entertain beginning readers.
Crabby is exhausted and ready for a good night of sleep, but Plankton is wide awake and bursting with energy. Just as Crabby closes those tired eyes, Plankton decides it is the perfect time for a bath. When that does not work, Plankton demands a bedtime story.
If you have ever tried to nap while your best friend wants to play, you will know exactly how Crabby feels. This hilarious underwater adventure brings you right into the middle of their funny bedtime battle. Plankton bounces around with endless ideas, while poor Crabby just wants some peace and quiet.
Packed with silly jokes and colorful underwater scenes, this story is perfect for early readers looking for a good laugh. Grab your blanket and get ready to find out if Crabby will ever finally get to drift off to dreamland.
6-8 Years
44 Pages
Abandoned and starting to droop after a lively birthday party, a lonely balloon needs a friend. High above the ground, a cheerful kite swoops in and invites the sad balloon on a soaring adventure through the clouds. You will follow these two unlikely companions as they flip, dip, and spin their way across the sky, discovering the joy of friendship along the way. This sweet early reader captures the simple magic of playing in the air with bright, bold illustrations that pull you right into the flight. Written with accessible language and short sentences, the story provides a warm, engaging experience for children building their independent reading skills. The tender tone and playful sky-high antics make it a delightful choice to revisit time and time again.
6-8 Years
34 Pages
A unicorn, a dinosaur, and a shark just want to take a break and relax, but the narrator of their book has other plans. You are thrown right into a hilarious battle of wills as the bossy storyteller insists these three characters must be riding a bicycle. The exhausted trio pushes back, refusing to perform the exhausting stunts the narrator demands. This clever meta-fiction story invites you to decide who really runs the show the person telling the tale or the characters living it. Filled with sharp comedic timing and highly expressive illustrations, this playful picture book breaks the fourth wall to keep you guessing. The witty banter and stubborn characters create a funny, engaging read that challenges how stories are usually told.
6-8 Years
33 Pages
Pill Bug likes to roll completely alone and is entirely convinced that he does not need a single friend. You meet this fiercely independent little bug just as he is enjoying his solitary life, completely satisfied with his own company. However, rolling around by yourself can sometimes lead to unexpected trouble, and Pill Bug suddenly rolls right into a very tight spot. Now stuck and unable to move, he has to figure out if he can escape on his own or if asking for help might not be so bad after all. This delightful early reader explores the balance between independence and teamwork with simple text and highly expressive art. The humorous situation gently shows that everyone can use a helping hand sometimes.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
An awful, terrible stench is floating through the air, and a clueless skunk is determined to track down the source. You follow this furry detective as he sniffs his way around, completely unaware that he might be the one causing the horrible smell. The skunk asks everyone he meets if they are the reason everything smells so bad, leading to a series of hilarious interactions. This silly picture book combines clever text with funny, expressive illustrations that capture the skunk's total lack of self-awareness. The simple, engaging mystery keeps you turning the pages to see if the protagonist will ever figure out the foul truth. It is a delightfully funny story that will have you holding your nose and laughing out loud from start to finish.
6-8 Years
21 Pages
Angelo the angel fish has the most perfect, awesome fish tank, and every single thing inside it belongs strictly to him. You plunge into Angelo's underwater world, where he fiercely guards his cozy cave, his terrific treasure chest, and his bubbly bubble man. His peaceful, solitary life is entirely disrupted when a brand new fish is suddenly dropped right into his pristine water. Now, Angelo is faced with his worst nightmare having to share his precious belongings with a complete stranger. This hilarious picture book captures the big emotions and intense frustration of navigating new roommates and learning how to compromise. Through comical illustrations and a highly relatable conflict, you discover that sharing your favorite things might actually be more fun when you have a friend by your side.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Plankton just wants to have a conversation, but Mister Mussel refuses to say a single word back to him. You dive into this underwater standoff as Plankton tries absolutely everything to get the quiet mussel to open up and return a simple greeting. As the silence stretches on, Plankton grows increasingly frustrated and becomes very pushy, demanding a response from his shell-bound neighbor. This laugh-out-loud ocean story captures the humor of a completely one-sided friendship and the sheer annoyance of being ignored. The bold, simple illustrations highlight the hilarious contrast between the energetic plankton and the completely still mussel. When Mussel finally does decide to open his mouth, the surprising result teaches Plankton a very tough lesson about personal space and patience.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
A very stubborn mop is completely tired of cleaning up sticky slop and decides to make a bold escape. You are pulled into a fast-paced, hilarious chase as the rebellious mop sprints away from its chores, challenging anyone to try and catch it. The runaway cleaning tool zips across the pages, leaving a trail of chaos while avoiding everyone who tries to slow it down. This dynamic early reader uses lively, rhyming text to build reading confidence while keeping the action moving at top speed. The simple vocabulary and clear picture clues make it easy for you to follow the wild pursuit from start to finish. With expressive artwork and a deeply silly premise, this story delivers a highly entertaining adventure for new readers.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
A tiny bug is resting quietly in a murky bog, completely unaware that a hungry frog is watching from a nearby log. You are placed right in the middle of this tense, swampy standoff, waiting to see if the frog will snatch up the unsuspecting insect for a quick snack. The simple, rhythmic text builds anticipation with every page, asking whether the bug will become the frog's next meal. This funny early reader uses short, highly decodable sentences and repetition to help you build reading fluency and confidence. The bold illustrations clearly match the action, making it easy to follow the muddy drama unfolding in the bog. Just when you think you know exactly how the food chain works, a hilarious twist ending flips the entire story upside down.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
The narrator is completely certain that this is the best story ever written, but the characters inside the book strongly disagree. You step right into a hilarious conflict when a unicorn, a dinosaur, and a shark refuse to play their assigned roles and cooperate with the bossy storyteller. Unimpressed by the plot and tired of taking directions, the three famous creatures decide they would rather do their own thing. This clever meta-fiction picture book breaks all the rules of traditional storytelling as the narrator desperately tries to keep the cast from walking right off the page. The witty dialogue and highly expressive illustrations capture the mounting frustration of the storyteller and the stubborn independence of the characters. It is a wildly funny battle of wills that proves writing a book is much harder than it looks.
6-8 Years
19 Pages
Crabby is in a terribly grumpy mood, and his energetic friend Plankton is determined to fix it with a game. You watch the relentless Plankton pitch idea after idea, trying to drag the scowling crab into playing Simon Says, Tag, and Hide-and-Seek. Crabby firmly refuses every single suggestion, wanting nothing more than to be left completely alone in his bad mood. This hilarious early reader perfectly captures the dynamic between an overly enthusiastic friend and a deeply stubborn grump. The short chapters, simple dialogue bubbles, and highly expressive artwork provide a highly accessible reading experience for children transitioning to independent reading. You will find yourself laughing at Plankton's endless persistence and waiting to see if the cheerful little sea creature can finally break through Crabby's tough shell.
6-8 Years
44 Pages
Book-It Bunny is fast, confident, and challenging you to a high-speed race straight to the very last page. You are thrown instantly into the competition as the speedy rabbit bursts through the fourth wall, daring you to read faster than she can run. Along the track, she throws out clever distractions and sneaky tricks to slow you down and secure her victory. This highly interactive early reader turns the act of reading into an exciting, competitive game that keeps you turning pages as quickly as possible. The simple text and lively illustrations ensure the pace stays fast while helping you build independent reading fluency. The fierce but funny competition provides an engaging way to boost reading confidence while sharing a ton of laughs with a very competitive bunny.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
The sun is too bright, the salt is in his teeth, and there is irritating sand stuck deep inside his shell. You meet Crabby on a remarkably bad day, completely consumed by his grumpy mood and unwilling to look on the bright side. His relentless friend Plankton swoops in, totally determined to turn Crabby's terrible frown upside down using a series of hilarious antics. This engaging early reader explores the stubbornness of a bad mood and the comedy of an overly cheerful best friend. The story is told through accessible comic-style speech bubbles and short, punchy sentences that help you build reading confidence. The bright artwork perfectly highlights the hilarious contrast between the miserable crab and his eternally optimistic neighbor as you wait to see if Crabby will ever actually crack a smile.
6-8 Years
48 Pages
Fox is ready to play another hilarious trick on his friend Pig, and this time, the prank involves a very smelly box. Dropping right into the mischief, this early reader story follows Fox as he gifts Pig a pair of terribly stinky socks. But as always in this comical friendship, the trick quickly backfires, leaving Fox to deal with his own smelly mess. You will find yourself laughing out loud at the silly antics and expressive art as these two familiar characters go back and forth. With simple language, short sentences, and a playful three-part story structure, this funny school-age book builds reading confidence while delivering big laughs. Perfect for children who are just starting to read on their own, the rhythmic text and clear picture clues make decoding the story as fun as the prank itself.
6-8 Years
33 Pages
A classic, perfectly ordinary toy figure feels completely out of place when surrounded by a crew of wild, modern characters. You follow this plain, retro figure as he compares himself to the extraordinary new toys, who boast elaborate vehicles, highly colorful clothes, and incredibly flashy accessories. Overwhelmed by their super-duper chunky styles, he becomes convinced that his simple, vanilla design means he is no fun at all. This vibrant picture book tackles feelings of inadequacy and the pressure to stand out in a crowd. Through engaging illustrations and highly relatable humor, you watch the classic character slowly realize his own unique value with the help of his new friends. It is a heartwarming and funny reminder that what actually makes you special has nothing to do with flashy accessories.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Fox has found a brand new way to mess with his friend Pig, and this time he is using a very sneaky decoy. You jump right into the mischief as Fox sets up a doll that looks exactly like him, plotting the perfect prank to confuse his larger friend. Confident in his brilliant scheme, Fox waits for the hilarious trick to unfold, but his clever plans rarely work out the way he expects. This highly entertaining early reader delivers three interconnected stories full of silly physical comedy and backfiring practical jokes. The simple, rhythmic text and clear vocabulary are perfectly designed to help you sound out new words and build independent reading skills. The expressive comic art captures every funny twist, ensuring you will be rolling with laughter as Fox inevitably becomes the victim of his own shenanigans.
6-8 Years
34 Pages
The most overlooked Halloween candies are completely tired of being forgotten on the shelf the moment October ends. You join a determined batch of candy corn as they boldly invade the winter season, eager to spread their own sugary version of holiday cheer. However, the established Christmas treats, like squeaking sugarplums and peppermint sticks, firmly believe that these yellow and orange visitors do not belong in their magical winter wonderland. This wildly sweet picture book mashes up two favorite holidays, delivering a fast-paced, humorous adventure about breaking the rules. The bouncy, rhyming text and vibrant illustrations make it a joy to read aloud as the candy corn fights for a spot under the tree. It is a highly entertaining holiday story that gently proves festive joy can be shared by absolutely everyone.
6-8 Years
21 Pages
Two very full squirrels have made a terrible mistake and are now completely sick of their favorite food. You drop right into their nutty nightmare, where they are forced to slurp nuts in milkshakes, chew nuts in thick stew, and even eat nuts hidden inside their pancakes. Desperate for a change of menu, the overwhelmed animals must figure out how to get rid of their massive, overflowing stash before they burst. This hilarious early reader breaks the fourth wall, allowing the frantic squirrels to speak directly to you as they beg for help. The comic-style illustrations and clever, simple text make the fast-paced story highly accessible for young children building their reading skills. You will find yourself laughing out loud as the silly creatures try to pawn off their endless supply of snacks.
6-8 Years
19 Pages
A very tiny squirrel is absolutely convinced that he and his friend do not have nearly enough food. You join the frantic counting adventure as the small, energetic squirrel begins tossing acorn after acorn directly into the much larger squirrel's open mouth. With every number you count, the bigger animal's cheeks bulge wider and wider, stretching to a truly ridiculous size. This giggle-inducing early reader combines simple numbers with hilarious physical comedy to help you practice counting in the most entertaining way possible. The highly expressive, comic-like artwork perfectly captures the escalating absurdity as the nuts pile up. The short sentences and clear layout build reading confidence while delivering a very funny lesson about having way too much of a good thing.
6-8 Years
33 Pages
A mighty dinosaur has been strictly told to put away the drama and get properly dressed for bed. You watch this massive, scaly creature romp wildly around the house, completely refusing to put on his pajamas because human clothes are simply too small. From stretched-out shirts to ripped trousers, every attempt to get dressed ends in a hilarious, fabric-tearing disaster. This funny, rhyming early reader follows the silly dinosaur as he searches the entire house for something, absolutely anything, that will cover his giant frame. The rhythmic text and simple vocabulary make the story highly accessible, helping you build independent reading skills while laughing at the escalating wardrobe malfunctions. The highly energetic artwork brings the bedtime chaos to life, leaving you to wonder what on earth actually fits a dinosaur.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Stuck tightly to the underside of a wooden pier, a small barnacle is completely and utterly bored out of his mind. You experience the crushing monotony of his daily routine as the tide rolls in to make him wet, and then slowly rolls back out to dry him off again. Desperate for any kind of thrill, the frustrated barnacle enviously watches a brightly colored fish swim freely through the water, wishing he could have such an exciting life. This playful picture book perfectly captures the intense, dramatic feelings of childhood boredom with sharp humor and expressive illustrations. The simple, repetitive text highlights the dullness of the barnacle's world right up until a shocking, fast-paced twist arrives. You will quickly discover that sometimes having an ordinary, boring life is actually much safer than an exciting one.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Can a healthy vegetable and a sweet dessert really become best pals? Cookie and Carrot are an absolutely unstoppable duo who love doing everything together. Carrot shows Cookie the perfect way to dip into a bowl of hummus, and Cookie teaches Carrot the absolute best technique for dunking into a cold glass of milk.
But their perfect partnership hits a bump when the other food groups start making fun of them. Their friends simply do not understand how two things that are so completely different can hang out. Suddenly, Cookie and Carrot start to wonder if they belong in separate aisles after all.
Packed with clever food puns and tons of laughs, this sweet story is all about standing up for the people you care about. You will learn that true friendship does not care about rules, and the most unlikely pairings often turn out to be the most satisfying combinations of all.
6-8 Years
33 Pages
