Books by Elise Gravel

Book SynopsisWho are refugees? Why are they called that word? Why do they need to leave their country?In this simple, graphic and bold picture book for young children, author/illustrator Elise Gravel explores what it means to be a refugee. This book is the perfect tool to introduce an important and timely topic to children.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA seriously funny book all about our brains! Award-winning author-illustrator Elise Gravel celebrates the many wonderful ways humans think in a comic-style nonfiction book for curious kids.  Acclaimed creator Elise Gravel (Killer Underwear Invasion!, Olga and the Smelly Thing from Nowhere, and many more) uses her trademark humor and punchy art to explore the fascinating human brain. Though all our brains look the same, every brain works differently. This Is My Brain! shows readers that understanding how different brains feel and learn can help us connect with others . . . and keep our own brains happy! Through humorous, engaging text and brightly colored art, readers are introduced to the fundamentals of how our brains work, how our unique neurology influences how we think and act, and how the world is a better place when we understand each other’s brains and use them collectively.BRAINS ARE COOL: Whether

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisCan peanuts give you super strength? Were unicorns discovered on the moon? Did Martians really invade New Jersey? For anyone who has ever encountered outrageous stories like these and wondered whether they were true, this funny, yet informative book breaks down what fake news is, why people spread it, and how to tell what is true and what isn’t. With quirky illustrations and a humorous tone, Elise Gravel brings her kid-accessible wit to the increasingly important subject of media literacy and equips younger readers with the skills needed to interact with global news.Trade Review★— “Gravel's wacky, yet easily recognizable examples…are entertaining while still delivering a vital message for readers of any age. Killer Underwear Invasion! is a powerful resource to have in the never-ending battle against disinformation. — Shelf Awareness, starred review

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisSimple, accessible, and direct, this picture book is perfect for kids and parents or teachers to read together, opening the door to conversations about gender stereotypes and everyone''s right to be their true selves. Is it okay for boys to cry? Can girls be strong? Should girls and boys be given different toys to play with and different clothes to wear? Should we all feel free to love whoever we choose to love? In this incredibly kid-friendly and easy-to-grasp picture book, author-illustrator Elise Gravel and transgender collaborator Mykaell Blais raise these questions and others relating to gender roles, acceptance, and stereotyping.With its simple language, colorful illustrations, engaging backmatter that showcases how appropriate male and female fashion has changed through history, and even a poster kids can hang on their wall, here is the ideal tool to help in conversations about a multi-layered and important topic.

Read more less

Book SynopsisHilarious illustrated nonfiction about mosquitos perfect for beginning readers. Conversational text and silly illustrations will have you up all night reading about the most annoying bug on Earth!Fast mosquito facts:Distinctive trait: Leaving annoying itchy bitesDiet: Your blood (and nectar and plant juice)Special talent: Making a terrible whining sound in your earThe Mosquito covers habitat (mosquitos live everywhere except Antarctica and Iceland!), species (over 3,500!), history (the oldest recorded mosquito was 79 million years ago!) and much more. Although silly and off-the-wall, The Mosquito contains factual information that will both amuse and teach at the same time.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThis book will resonate with children, especially those who have yet to channel their misunderstood talents. A noteworthy addition for most collections. Fans of Gravel will get a kick out of this grouchy character. -- School Library Journal Praise for I LOVE MONSTERS: The abundance of rainbow-hued monsters suggests that Gravel probably had a grand time flinging darts at a color wheel. -- Kirkus Reviews

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn the grand finale of Elise Gravel''s graphic chapter book series that Kirkus called a charming treasure, Arlo the crow is going to be a dad! The third book in this quirky series from acclaimed author Elise Gravel is perfect for fans of Narwhal and Jelly and Castronauts.Parenting is tough—even for a genius like Arlo—but luckily he isn’t alone: his partner Marla and Uncle Pips are there to help! From building a new nest and taking care of Marla while she incubates the eggs to teaching the chicks everything they need to know, Arlo has his wings full. Join Arlo, Pips, Marla, and the new chicks as they explore this next big chapter in their lives.Snappy dialogue paired with a limited color scheme that''s perfect for newly independent readers, this final story has tons of amazing kid-pleasing bird facts.More praise for Arlo & Pips #1: King of the Crows: A New York Public Libra

Read more less

Book SynopsisA Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book of the Year!Meet Olga, the amazing child scientist who LOVES animals (because they are super-cute)!Trade Review"Great, kooky, monstrous fun!" -- Jim Benton, bestselling author of Franny K. Stein "An apt readalike for fans of Wimpy Kid, and Gravel deploys spot art, larger illustrations, word balloons, and chunks of text with great success in the layout." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "A visually interesting mix of illustration and story, punctuated by numerous lists, comic panels, and cartoon diagrams and led by a smart female protagonist. A bubble-gum crowd pleaser with wide audience appeal." -- Kirkus Reviews "This laugh-out-loud book is a perfect pick for transitioning readers with a penchant for silly stories, or graduates of the Fly Guy series." -- Booklist "Researching the creature she dubs Meh fills Olga's days with purpose and her notebook with hilarious quips ("He doesn't like it when I put a sock on his head... He's really scared of bananas"), which Gravel captures in her signature brand of chunky cartooning, accented with red." -- Publishers Weekly "Readers will get lots of laughs out of the steady stream of gross-out jokes, as well as Olga's misanthropic humor, though her attitude toward humans softens slightly by book's end." -- Publishers Weekly "[An] obvious sell to fans of animals, but it will also hit a humorous note with anybody who has felt a little left behind by these things we call humans." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "For fans of Dork Diaries and Captain Underpants, Olga will be a big hit. Kids will devour the toilet humor along with the quick one-liners Olga throws out." -- School Library Journal "Animal-loving Olga makes her biggest scientific discovery yet in this amusing story!" (Recommended on "The Ultimate Summer Reading List for 9- to 12-Year-Olds-2017 Edition") -- Brightly.com

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review“This second installment is just as entertaining as the first book. Kids will share much of Olga’s annoyance with her fellow humans and some of Olga’s observations are laugh-out-loud funny.” -- School Library Journal“...always smart and funny, this installment will delight those who haven’t yet met Olga and seasoned fans.” -- School Library Journal“Readers who first met Olga and her unusual and possibly alien pet, Meh, in Olga and the Smelly Thing from Nowhere (2017), will be delighted to be reunited with the quirky pair.” -- Booklist

Read more less

Book SynopsisEveryone's crowing about Arlo & Pips, with Kirkus praising book 1 as "a perfect match for newly independent readers"!

Read more less

Book SynopsisWinnie wants a monster! Some monsters smell like pirate feet and some might read your diary, but they are so darn cute! All Winnie’s friends have one. But how much do Oogly-Wumps eat? Don’t they ever sleep? Can monsters get lonely?I Want a Monster! is a humorous, energetic celebration of the responsibility and joy of owning your dream pet, perfect for fans of Peter Brown’s Children Make Terrible Pets or anyone who’s ever longed for or loved a pet of any kind.Includes a “Would You Like to Adopt a Monster?” activity at the back of the book.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review“Fun and informative! This book will FLY off the shelves!” — Ben Clanton, bestselling author of the Narwhal and Jelly series "Straightforward sentences, limited color scheme, and thick black outlines make this a perfect match for newly independent readers. Through Pips’ inquisitiveness and Arlo’s desire to prove himself, readers also learn much about the intelligence, diet, and behavior of crows. A charming treasure." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “It's an unexpected friendship story! In three short graphic chapters marked by [Gravel's] signature sly humor, facts about crows are sprinkled throughout...making the reader believe that maybe crows are truly as amazing as Arlo says.” — Horn Book (starred review) "Gravel brings the smart attitude of her Disgusting Critters series to a more fictional narrative here, and it’s just as informative and accessible in its provision of kid-pleasing facts...Aspiring birders with a flair for the dramatic may be particularly drawn to Arlo’s braggadocio." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books "This simple story of would-be friendship [has] Gravel's distinctive panels and snappy dialogue...crow facts appear throughout like cereal-box prizes" — Publishers Weekly

Read more less

Book SynopsisEveryone''s crowing about Arlo & Pips, with Kirkus praising book 1 as aperfect match for newly independent readers!Arlo is lonely and is looking for more friends in the city. This second book in the quirky graphic chapter book seriesfrom acclaimed author Elise Gravel is perfect for fans ofNarwhal and JellyandCastronauts.Crows are very social birds, and even with Pips as company, Arlo misses hanging out with other crows. One day, he and his pal Pips meet a very special crow who knows how to do all kinds of cool stuff. Despite being super-smart himself, Arlo realizes that he might still have things to learn!Has Arlo finally met his match?Elise Gravel presents a sequel full of her signature witty humor and more fascinating crow facts.An Eisner nominee for Best Publication for Early ReadersMore praise forArlo & Pips #1: King of the Crows:A New York Public Library Best Book *A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best *A Junior Library Guild Selection * An unexpected friendship story!In three short graphic chaptersmarked by [Gravel?s] signaturesly humor, facts about crows aresprinkled throughout, making thereader believe that maybe crows aretruly as amazing as Arlo says.??The Horn Book(starred review)

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn accessible picture book that oh-so-simply and graphically introduces the term refugee to curious young children to help them better understand the world in which they live.Who are refugees? Why are they called that word? Why do they need to leave their country? Why are they sometimes not welcome in their new country? In this relevant picture book for the youngest children, author-illustrator Elise Gravel explores what it means to be a refugee in bold, graphic illustrations and spare text. This is the perfect tool to introduce an important and timely topic to children.

Read more less

Book SynopsisSimple, accessible, and direct, this picture book is perfect for kids and parents or teachers to read together, opening the door to conversations about gender stereotypes and everyone's right to be their true selves. Is it okay for boys to cry? Can girls be strong? Should girls and boys be given different toys to play with and different clothes to wear? Should we all feel free to love whoever we choose to love? In this incredibly kid-friendly and easy-to-grasp picture book, author-illustrator Elise Gravel and transgender collaborator Mykaell Blais raise these questions and others relating to gender roles, acceptance, and stereotyping.With its simple language, colorful illustrations, engaging backmatter that showcases how appropriate male and female fashion has changed through history, and even a poster kids can hang on their wall, here is the ideal tool to help in conversations about a multi-layered and important topic.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisHilarious illustrated nonfiction about mosquitos perfect for beginning readers. Conversational text and silly illustrations will have you up all night reading about the most annoying bug on Earth!Fast mosquito facts:Distinctive trait: Leaving annoying itchy bitesDiet: Your blood (and nectar and plant juice)Special talent: Making a terrible whining sound in your earThe Mosquito covers habitat (mosquitos live everywhere except Antarctica and Iceland!), species (over 3,500!), history (the oldest recorded mosquito was 79 million years ago!) and much more. Although silly and off-the-wall, The Mosquito contains factual information that will both amuse and teach at the same time.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe first in a series of humorous books about disgusting creatures, The Fly is a look at the common housefly. It covers such topics as the hair on the fly's body (requires a lot of shaving), its ability to walk on the ceiling (it's pretty cool, but it's hard to play soccer up there), and its really disgusting food tastes (garbage juice soup followed by dirty diaper with rotten tomato sauce, for example). Although silly and off-the-wall, The Fly contains factual information that will both amuse and teach at the same time.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisPart of a series of hilarious non-fiction books about disgusting creatures, this book examines head lice. It covers such topics as head lice habitats (human heads only, dogs are gross), anatomy (his body is slightly see through, so he can always see what he ate for lunch), and parenting practice (the female louse sticks eggs to human hair and uses the leftover glue for her model airplanes). Although silly and off-the-wall, Head Lice contains factual information that will both amuse and teach at the same time.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThird in the laugh-out-loud cartoon novel series about animal-scientist Olga and her alien pet, MEH.When Olga opens her fridge to find that her beloved alien pet MEH has become mum to SEVEN baby olgamuses, she has a whole new experiment on her hands. CARING FOR BABIES IS NOT A TASK FOR WIMPS, particularly when there are seven of them at once. They may looks like tiny cute pink spring rolls, but soon the septuplets are wailing all night, trashing the house and playing trampoline on Olga's face first thing in the morning. Can Olga and MEH keep the brood fed? Who will clean up all that rainbow poo? And is it even possible to be a GENIUS scientist and Nanny to seven crazy babies?Trade ReviewOriginal and hilarious, with outstanding cartoon-style illustrations. Ideal for fans of Dogman and Captain Underpants, or children who need a little more encouragement to read. Long live Olga. * Irish Independent *

Read more less

Book SynopsisOlga, the animal-loving girl scientist returns in a second laugh-out-loud adventure for fans of Tom Gates, Barry Loser and Timmy Failure.Olga's trip to outer space is postponed when her possibly-alien but definitely-cute pet, Meh, comes down with a case of the Pink-Pox. Meh is acting weird. She won't eat olives. She sleeps for 12 hours at a time. She'd rather pee on the rug than go for a walk in the park. And she smells bad REALLY bad worse than usual! But the vet is a silly human, and Olga does NOT trust humans. Can she solve Meh's mystery illness herself? Girl power, wacky jokes, kooky science facts and an adorable furry pink alien blob resist if you can!Trade ReviewOriginal and hilarious, with outstanding cartoon-style illustrations. Ideal for fans of Dogman and Captain Underpants, or children who need a little more encouragement to read. Long live Olga. -- Independent IE * Independent IE *There are so many appealing things in this book. It has a part-comic book format, very much in the vein of Tom Gates and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. * York Press *

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Great Antonio weighed as much as a horse, wrestled a bear, fought two trucks at onceAND HE WAS REAL!

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn the outrageously amusing If Found , Elise Gravel offers readers a sneak peek into her sketchbook, where colourful monsters, imaginary friends, a grumpy things reign supreme. Meet Donald, who sings off-key; Francine, who likes to eat stones; and Mar- vin, the man with lots of stuff in his beard. Mixing the real with the fantastical, Elise s drawings exude curiosity, as microbes and mushrooms share the page with speckled pepper pops, gloppers, and floofs. Filled to the brim with vibrant felt marker illustrations, If Found is not just an exhibition of Gravel s work, but a challenge to young artists to keep a daily sketchbook. She reveals her top tips to becoming a successful illustrator practice! practice! practice! while empowering young artists to face their fears of making ugly drawings. Stop worrying about what makes a drawing good or bad Elise draws anything and everything and you can too!

Read more less

Book SynopsisAppeared on Best of 2018 lists from Quill & Quire and the Globe and Mail!Although the fungi are anthropomorphized with cartoon eyes and goofy grins, the research behind the book is real.The Globe & Mail 100 Best Books of 2018Gravel turns adventures in mushroom hunting into scintillating reading material.Quill & Quire Best Kids' Books of 2018Elise Gravel is back with a whimsical look at one of her family's most beloved pastimes: mushroom hunting! Combining her love of exploring nature with her talent for anthropomorphizing everything, she takes us on a magical tour of the forest floor and examines a handful of her favorite alien specimens up close. While the beautiful coral mushroom looks like it belongs under the sea, the peculiar Lactarius indigo may be better suited for outer space. From the fun-to-stomp puffballs to the prince of the stinkersthe stinkhorn mushroomand the musically inclined chanterelles, Gravel shares

Read more less

Book SynopsisDon t take the title as a metaphor: it really is the worst book ever. The winner of the Governor General Literary Award and children s book author and illustrator Elise Gravel takes readers on an unexpected journey through the world s most boring book in The Worst Book Ever. The characters and omniscient readers alike quickly become annoyed by the author s bland imagination and rebel against her tired tropes and stale choices, spouting sass in an attempt to get her attention and steer the narrative in a more interesting direction. After all, you don t even have to buy the book, but the characters? They re stuck in there for an eternity, and they re going to do their best to make the most of it, or at least have a little fun when they can. As the charming and bizarre true nature of the characters overpowers the dry attributes given to them by the author, this once blase story quickly picks up speed, transforming into something much more unique than originally promised. With Gravel s signature goofy characters behind the wheel, no silly twist or rude body function is off the table.

Read more less

Book SynopsisJoin acclaimed author Elise Gravel on a dazzling and revelatory tour of the insect world!In The Bug Club, Elise Gravel shares all of her favourite and most interesting facts about these marvelous creatures, some of which are so unique and strange, you could almost imagine them living in outer space!Most people know that spiders have eight eyes, but what about the caterpillar? These little critters have them beat with a whopping twelve! Did you know mosquitoes are attracted to smelly feet? That the honey bee has hair on her eyeballs? That butterfly feet double as noses? And grasshoppers have ears on their bellies? These are just some of the many things about bugs that make them endlessly enchanting. Elise's inquisitiveness and charm pop off the page as she takes us on a walk through her mindand the awe-inspiring natural wonders that exist right outside our doorsteps.If you're curious what the inside of a slug looks like, The Bug Club has g

Read more less

Book SynopsisIt''s a germ's world. We're just living in it!In Club Microbe, Elise Gravel teaches young readers that germs live all around usand even inside of us! Guided by Gravel in this formidable introduction to the fascinating world of microorganisms, we learn that some microbes get a bad rep for making us sick, but that most are helpful creatures that allow us to digest food, make cheese, and even enable snowflakes to form in winter.In her signature colorful cartoon style, Gravel describes the invisible work of microorganisms that aid in creating our food, producing oxygen, and keeping our planet alive. She gives us a tour of the heroes and the villains of the microbe world, stopping to marvel at their unique names and wondrous shapes.Following the perennial success of The Mushroom Fan Club and The Bug Club, this latest installment of the hit science-focused collection will deepen readers' curiosity for all aspects of the natural world. A

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisOne in a series of humorous books about disgusting creatures, The Rat is a look at the black rat. It covers such topics as the rat's long, agile tail (it's good for balancing and picking noses), long teeth (they can chew through anything, including books) and disgusting taste in food (delicious electrical wires in tomato sauce, anyone?). Although silly and off-the-wall, The Rat contains factual information that will both amuse and teach at the same time.

Read more less

Book SynopsisPart of a series of hilarious nonfiction books about disgusting creatures, this book examines head lice. It covers such topics as head lice habitats (human heads only, dogs are gross) anatomy (his body is slightly see through, so he can always see what he ate for lunch), and parenting practice (the female louse sticks eggs to human hair and uses the leftover glue for her model airplanes). Although silly and off-the-wall, Head Lice contains factual information that will both amuse and teach at the same time.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less