Books by Jan Brett

Book SynopsisA Publishers Weekly #1 bestseller, Jan Brett's heartwarming story of Hedgie the hedgehog's misadventures in the snow has become a family favorite. When Lisa's woolen stocking flies off the closeline, Hedgie can't resist poking his nose in. He tries to pull it out, but the stocking is stuck on his prickles. At first the other animals laugh at the sight of him, but when they realize they might like something to keep their heads dry and ears warm, too, even more silliness ensues.Like its companion The Mitten, The Hat is now available as a wonderful board book to share with young children. Brett's signature art introduces animal characters as endearing and expressive as those who congregated in her earlier book's expandable white mitten. —Publishers WeeklyA clever and appealing picture book. . . . The pictures, story, and subject matter make this a natural for sharing aloud. —SchoTrade Review"A clever and appealing picture book . . . . Brett's illustrations are done in her trademark style of highly detailed depictions of her characters and a creative use of borders. . . . The pictures, story, and subject matter make this a natural for sharing aloud."—School Library Journal "In a companion book to Brett's The Mitten (1989), a little girl decides to unpack her winter woolens from their decorated chest and hang them out on a line to air before winter comes. . . . The satisfying story celebrates the cozy hearth, home, and barnyard of picturesque Scandinavian country life, frozen in time. Brett's somber tones of pre-winter are enlivened by the intricate, colorful clothing; her fine, independent heroine is in charge of the story, and the inventive little hedgehog triumphs as well."—Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisA walk through the Costa Rican cloud forest provides a wonderfully lush setting for Jan Brett's beloved animal illustrations. When Carlos drops his umbrella to climb a tree for a better view of the animals, they all cram into the banana-leaf umbrella as it floats by--from the little tree frog to the baby tapir to the big jaguar and more. It gets so crowded in the umbrella that there isn't even enough room for a little hummingbird! So over the umbrella tumbles, everyone falls out, and poor Carlos comes back wondering why he didn't see any animals all day. In the spirit of Jan Brett's The Mitten and The Hat, this cheerful tale of escalation will have readers poring over every illustration for the world of details Jan packs in. With its classic story, exotic jungle setting, and brilliantly colorful menagerie, The Umbrella is sure to take its place among Jan's many family favorites.

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Book SynopsisA hertwarming tale from the beloved author of The MittenMei Mei has the six happiest hens in China. She gives them treats and fresh hay baths, and when she calls to them-gu gu gu gu gu!-they all run to her as fast as they can. But one of the hens, Daisy, is not always so happy. The other hens pick on Daisy and push her off the perch every night, knowing that she is too small to stand up to them. Then one day Daisy accidentally drifts out onto the river in a basket and must quickly learn how to survive. When Daisy finds her way home, this plucky little hen is no longer afraid. Jan Brett and her husband, Joe, traveled with their daughter-in-law, Yun, and her husband, Sean, to China, the land where Yun was born. During this trip, Jan found the inspiration for Daisy''s story.

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Book SynopsisThe African plains provide a stunning environment for Jan Brett's latest animal adventure. For as long as anyone can remember, the honeyguide bird and the African honey badger have been partners when it comes to honey:Honeyguide finds the honeycomb, Badger breaks it open, and they share the sweetness inside.But this day, Badger keeps all the honey for himself. Foolish Badger!In no time, Honeyguide leads Badger on a fast chase. Badger thinks it's for honey; but Honeyguide has a surprise waiting for her greedy friend.As they swim across a pond, push through a thicket of reeds, leap over a huge anthill, a menagerie of exotic animals passes the news along in a kind of animal Bush Telegraph. Finally Badger faces a lift-the-flap page, revealing the twist that teaches Badger a lesson. Can you guess who's under that flap?Honey . . . Honey . . . Lion! will surely become a family favorite for readers of all ages.

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Book SynopsisA charming friendship story that celebrates animals, spring, and kittens!When Annie's cat disappears one winter morning, the lonely little girl tries to befriend the woodland animals behind her home. But instead of finding companionship, a giant moose, a grumpy bear and others show up to eat her corn cakes until they are all gone. Then they leave, and to Annie's surprise, out of the woods comes Taffy—with three new kittens! Now she has more soft and cuddly friends than she'd ever imagined.A lively tale sure to be loved by fans of The Mitten.

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Book SynopsisThe bestselling modern classic, in an oversized board book edition perfect for sharing, makes the coziest famliy gift.When Nicki drops his white mitten in the snow, he goes on without realizing that it is missing. One by one, woodland animals find it and crawl in; first, a curious mole, then a rabbit, a badger and others, each one larger than the last. Finally, a big brown bear is followed in by a tiny brown mouse and what happens next makes for a wonderfully funny climax. As the story of the animals in the mitten unfolds, the reader can see Nicki in the borders of each page, walking through the woods unaware of what is going on.In her distinctive style, Jan Brett brings the animals to life with warmth and humor, and her illustrations are full of visual delights and details faithful to the Ukrainian tradition from which the story comes.Jan Brett is also the creator of such wintery classics as The Hat, The Snowy Nap, The Three Sno

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Book SynopsisIn a rollicking, cumulative tale, a badger family and their friends-Hedgie, Mr. Ram and Vanya, the horse-struggle to pull up a giant turnip. A cocky rooster steps in and pulls, sending him into the air, holding onto the turnip. No one knows that a mother bear in her underground den has kicked the turnip up through the soil to give the family room to sleep through the winter.    Once again Jan Brett brings an original twist to a favorite folktale. Snow covers the farm in rural Russia as badgers and friends in old-fashioned clothes, and bears marching through bright-colored borders,  send young readers laughing from page to page.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review★ "In this dazzling remix, Brett sets 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears' under the sea. The bears turn into octopuses, dressed in the straw hats and indigo-dyed coats of rural Japan, and Goldilocks becomes Kiniro, a mermaid with black hair and golden scales (“kin-iro” is Japanese for gold). . . Brett’s brightly colored, highly detailed art shines in this aquatic setting as she embellishes the octopuses’ dwelling with shells, coral, and tropical fish that swim in and out of the windows. . . Brett’s fans will rejoice, and she’ll make new ones, too."—Publishers Weekly, starred review"In an aquatic version of 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears,' Kiniro, the beautiful mermaid, is intrigued by the mystique and beauty of [a] little seashell house. . . Not only is this fractured fairy tale a delight to read, there is also an adorable side story skillfully told in the border art as only Brett can. Set in the waters off of the coast of Okinawa, this colorful picture book is exquisite."—School Library Journal"Sure to please Brett's fans."—Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisIn this instant winter classic, Jan Brett's Hedgie tries to stay awake so he doesn't miss out on all the snowy fun his friends are having.A chill is in the air, and as Hedgie trundles around the farm all his friends tell him of the winter-time fun he will miss as he hibernates: Icicles decorating the chicken coop! Lisa making snowmen! The pond turned to slippery ice! It sounds so amazing that Hedgie decides to stay awake instead of going to his burrow. But then, a snowstorm starts. Luckily, Lisa finds him and brings him to her home, so Hedgie gets to see the wonders of winter from inside the cozy house.From the creator of winter classics like The Mitten, The Animals' Santa, and The Three Snow Bears comes another seasonal adventure that is sure to warm the heart.Trade ReviewA New York Times Bestseller“Brett's watercolor-and-gouache illustrations feature both soft and bright colors, with fine lines and copious textures to peruse. . . Between the opulent farmhouse with decorative plates on the walls, the sleigh with sleigh bells, and the lack of adults, combined with a comfortably heated interior, this is a winter idyll.” --Kirkus Reviews“[A] fetching companion to The Hat. . . Brett’s trademark patterned borders both supplement and forecast the action playing out in meticulously detailed scenarios.” --Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisJan Brett reimagines a powerful Middle Eastern folk tale that celebrates hard work and appreciating your roots.Set in India, this gorgeous reimagining of the classic Middle Eastern folk tale Abu Kassem's Slippers features a poor tiger cub who is a very hard worker. His mother weaves him slippers to protect his feet from stones and thorns, and they allowed him to prosper--first making bricks, then building houses, and eventually becoming very wealthy. He continues to wear them until someone questions why such a prominent person would wear such worn shoes. Feeling embarrassed, Tiger tries to get rid of the slippers, but fate keeps bringing them back.Finally, Tiger sends them to his uncle, who weeps with pride when he sees the slippers his sister made and his nephew used to accomplish so much. He sets off right away to visit them, bringing the slippers along. Tiger can't believe the slippers are back again, but his little cub gives him an idea: honor the slippers byTrade Review"Graphically sumptuous . . . A richly imagined tale of love, diligence, and kindness rewarded." --Publishers Weekly“The lavish textiles and swooping architecture of ancient India look fantastic in this illustrator’s finely drawn style . . . Brett continues to be one of the most revered retellers of classic tales.” --School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisAn exciting tale of adventure in prehistoric times, set against a spectacular Ice Age landscape.Kip the cave boy bounds along the trail home with a sack of warm and tasty Woolly Rhino ribs. If he could only get rid of pesky Paleowolf, who follows him, hoping for a taste of those delicious ribs! But Paleowolf’s presence turns out to be useful: His warnings save Kip from the Cave Bear, the Mighty Mammoth, and the frightening Saber-Toothed Cat. So Kip offers to share his food—if Paleowolf will use his keen nose, fine ears, and sharp eyes to keep Kip from being eaten up. With a bark and a wag of his tail, Paleowolf agrees to this bargain, and Kip christens his new friend “Dog.” In this exciting tale of adventure in prehistoric times, Jan Brett creates a spectacular Ice Age landscape populated with the massive animals of the time and bordered with images inspired by cave paintings and Ice Age artifacts. She convincingly portrays the growth of the warm bond between man and animal that must, long, long ago, have resulted in the first domesticated dog.

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Book SynopsisRambunctious reindeer have a lot to learn before Santa's big night!Teeka has an important job training the reindeer in time for their Christmas Eve ride. The animals are spirited and mischievous, but kindness wins the day just in time.For two decades, readers have loved this classic Christmas story, which was one of the first children's books to hit the New York Times bestseller list. Now, this beautiful 20th anniversary edition, with a foil cover and a heartfelt note from Jan herself, makes a perfect introduction for new fans to this cherished yuletide story.Featuring the wintry northern setting and the border illustrations that have become a hallmark of Jan's work, readers will love watching Teeka's humorous attempts to control the reindeer and their energetic antics.

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Book SynopsisA Reading Rainbow Feature TitleZum, zum, buzz.... zum, zum, buzz...What's that strange buzz coming from the double bass? Berlioz has no time to investigate, because he and his bear orchestra are due at the gala ball in the village square at eight. But Berlioz is so worried about his buzzing bass that he steers the mule and his bandwagon full of magicians into a hole in the road and gets stuck.Time is running out, and if a rooster, a cat, a billy goat, a plow horse, and an ox can't rescue the bandwagon, who can?As the suspense mounts, intricate borders reveal the village animals making their way to the square one by one. When the clock chimes eight, the animals, ready to dance, have filled the square-but there's no sign of Berlioz.Jan Brett's glorious illustrations invite the eye to linger over exquisite details and humorous nuances that enhance the story. This delightful cumulative tale is one that will be looked at again and again.

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Book SynopsisTrolls sure know how to make trouble, but Treva is too smart and wily to fall for their tricks!Treva''s trouble with trolls begins when she climbs Mount Baldy with her dog Tuffi. The trolls who live there long for a dog, and they try to kidnap him. But Treva is brave and quick-thinking. She outwits one troll after another until she reaches the very top of the mountain, where five trolls are waiting--and they want her dog! From underground to mountain peak, Jan Brett''s story is filled with adventure and eye-catching detail.

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Book SynopsisMost armadillos are happy scratching sand and eating, but Bo longs for adventure. And adventure Bo gets, the day Harmony Jean breaks in her brand-new chili-pepper-red cowboy boots by the banks of Can Creek.Peering out across the creek bed, Bo is sure he's spotted a rip-roarin', rootin'-tootin', shiny red armadillo! Bo's off and running after his new friend--right down to the Curly H Rodeo.There Bo gets to do all the things he's dreamed of doing: he rides a bronc, eats red-hot chili peppers, and even tries the two-step. Bo is ready to follow his pal off into the sunset, but he is about to discover his new friend is no ordinary armadillo.Jan Brett turns her considerable storytelling talents toward the Texas countryside in this warm and funny story of an armadillo on his own. Luckily, Ma Armadillo and her boys are searching for Bo in the borders to bring him back home.

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Book SynopsisLike all cats, Comet knew he had been born with nine lives. But he''d never thought much about it until the day he lost life number one in a flower garden on Nantucket. He''d spent lazy days wandering all over the island, not calling any one place home. Now he knows it is time to settle down. But Comet''s lives begin to disappear all too quickly, as he gets into one humorous predicament after another. Then comes the day of the big hurricane....Beautiful island scenes--sandy beaches, hillside flower gardens, seaside trails, villages, and the sea itself are set within exquisite shell borders. Once again Jan Brett brings her originality and charm to a familiar setting as she inhabits her Nantucket with colorful canine residents, among them a shaggy sheepdog captain who travels through the story and into the borders looking for a friend to live with him and his lighthouse cat.

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Book SynopsisA delightfully original companion book to Jan Brett's bestseller The Mitten.When Lisa's woolen stocking flies off the clothesline, Hedgie finds it and pokes his nose in. He tries to pull it out, but the stocking gets stuck on his prickles -- and the fun begins.A mother hen comes by, then a noisy goose, a talkative barn cat, a playful farm dog, a mama pig and her piglets, and a pony. They all laugh at Hedgie, especially when he pretends he's wearing a new hat. But in the end, it is clever Hedgie who has the last laugh.And where is Lisa when all of this is going on? She's in Jan Brett's signature borders, getting ready for winter, until she realizes her stocking is missing and she enters the story to look for it.Luminous paintings of a Scandinavian farm and the forest around it are bathed in northern light, as the snow begins to fall and the adventure unfolds.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"The illustrations are exquisite . . . a charming lap book to be pored over again and again." —School Library Journal"Readers will sit back and suspend belief and welcome this tall tale from the Ukrainian tradition." —Publishers Weekly"Grandmother knits snow-white mittens that Nikki takes on an adventure. Readers will enjoy the charm and humor in the portrayal of the animals as they make room for each newcomer in the mitten and sprawl in the snow after the big sneeze." -The Horn Book

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Book SynopsisJan Brett''s Gingerbread Baby is not about to get eaten in this delicious twist on a favorite Christmastime tale! It all begins when Matti opens the oven too soon and out jumps a cheeky little Gingerbread Bay. He leads Matti''s mother and father, the dog and the cat, and a whole colorful cast of characters on a rollicking chase through the village and into the forest, staying just out of reach, daring them to catch him along the way.But Matti''s not with them. He''s at home in the borders making what turns out to be a gingerbread house into which the Gingerbread Baby runs. Only Matti knows he is safely inside. And readers will too when they look under the lift-the-flap gingerbread house at the end of the story, and there he is!

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Book SynopsisEvery year, trolls knock down Kyri's door and gobble up her Christmas feast. But this year, the trolls are in for a surprise: a boy and his pet ice bear on their way to Oslo have come in from the cold. And once the ice bear is finished with the trolls, you can bet they won't come knocking next Christmas Eve!Once again, Jan Brett creates an original Christmas story full of warmth and magic. Featuring beautiful borders, intricate illustrations, and a stunning display of the Northern Lights, Who's That Knocking on Christmas Eve? will rightfully take its place among Jan's Christmas favorites with the whole family.

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Book SynopsisMore than anything Hedgie wants to be an astronaut and travel into space. He gets his chance the day the geyser, Big Sparkler, starts to sputter and fade, disappointing all the alien tourists, who fly to the tiny planet of Mikkop to throw coins into Big Sparkler and look at the strange flowers that survive on its sparkles.Because only Hedgie can fit into a small space ship, he flies to Mikkop, where he not only finds out what is clogging up Big Sparkler, but fixes the problem in a most unusual way. He returns home a hero amid cheers from the aliens and the scientists back at the Star Lab.With an amazing gatefold illustration of Hedgie bursting out of Big Sparkler this is not only one of Jan Brett''s most inventive books, but it''s one of the funniest. Fans will love the unusual setting as they laugh along with a wild cast of characters, including comic aliens, canine scientists and bird reporters.So jump on a spaceship and take a ride to Big Sparkler. You''ll be glad y

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Book SynopsisThis Gingerbread Baby is looking for friends and finds an adventure he'll never forget.The Gingerbread Baby is lonely and decides to do something about it. At a bakery, he dances and prances in front of a sugar cookie girl, trying to make friends. But she just stares and doesn?t say a word, like all the other sweet treats he tries to meet.Discouraged, the Gingerbread Baby runs home, chased by a long line of hungry creatures, where Mattie has a fantastic surprise for him--gingerbread friends that fill a giant fold-out page.Irresistible images inside the confectionery and outside in the snowy Swiss countryside will delight Jan Brett fans.

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Book SynopsisJan Brett's New York Times bestselling picture book The Umbrella has all the rollicking fun of the woodland animals that crowd into a mitten in the snow in The Mitten. Only this time it's in a lush cloud forest as one by one, tree frog, toucan, kinkajou, baby tapir, quetzal, monkey, and jaguar crowd into an open, upside down banana umbrella until a tiny hummingbird lands and they all fall out. A shortened text for toddlers and simple Spanish phrases like Hola! add to the fun of reading aloud this lively board book.

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Book SynopsisOriginally published in 1989, this luminous reissue of an all-time favorite fairy tale will attract an even wider audience with its romantic new jacket and a shortened text. Exquisite illustrations of Beauty and her mysterious suitor, the Beast, are set in a magical castle where animals dressed in period costumes serve them. Woven into glorious tapestries throughout are hidden clues hinting at the Beast's secrets, setting Brett's version apart from others.

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Book SynopsisThis modern Christmas classic highlights how animals are just as curious as kids about their own Santa.When Big Snowshoe tells Little Snow that the animals’ Santa is coming with presents for everyone, Little Snow wants to know who he is. The animals say they have never seen him.  Maybe he’s a badger, a moose, a polar bear, or a wolf, they tell him. But this spunky little rabbit thinks they are just fooling him.On Christmas Eve, Big Snowshoe finds a way to see the animals' Santa and a Snowy Owl in a red cap swoops down with a pack full of presents. Never again will an excited Little Snow doubt that there is an animals' Santa.Jan Brett's love of animals, winter, and all things Christmas is on grand display in this original holiday story.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Brett presents the Goldilocks story in simple prose, altering it only slightly to accommodate the Arctic setting. The stunning watercolor-and-gouache illustrations, however, provide the sense of place that the words do not. Brett creates a strikingly beautiful blue-and-gray–toned world of ice populated with thickly furred creatures and accented with Inuit motifs. The intricately detailed, multi-paneled spreads depict the snow bears rescuing Aloo-ki’s dogs while Aloo-ki explores their igloo. Children and adults alike will pore over each page, relishing the richness of Brett’s artwork." —Kirkus Reviews"Set against a background rendered as chilly blocks of ice, Brett’s trademark border panels unfold the simultaneous story of the bears, who rescue the stranded dog team even as Aloo-ki makes free with their breakfast and home comforts. Kids will enjoy the variations on a nursery room standard, although the main draw is, as usual, Brett’s characteristically detailed art. She pays loving attention to folkways, attiring the bears and other animals in furry parkas with geometric Inuit designs and furnishing the igloo with implements crafted in a native style." —Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisAdd some kindness to your Easter baskets with Jan Brett's beloved Easter tale If Hoppi can make the best Easter egg, he will get to help the Easter Bunny with his deliveries on Easter morning. But it is not so easy. Discouraged, he goes into the woods to think when a blue robin’s egg tumbles out of its nest. Hoppi keeps it safe and warm until the baby bird hatches. When the Easter Bunny arrives and Hoppi presents the empty blue eggshell, the Easter Bunny declares it the very best one to reward Hoppi for his kindness. Spring is everywhere in gorgeous illustrations framed with pussy willows, flowering vines and flowers. Side borders feature busy rabbits making their unusual eggs and, in a border above, the Robin’s family drama unfolds. Jan Brett's lovable bunny hero and her remarkable Easter Bunny will enchant young readers.Trade Review"Brett's finely detailed watercolor and gouache art is a showstopper, spotlighting lifelike--though nattily clad--rabbits. . . . Borders of twigs, pussy willows, daffodils, and ferns add greatly to the warm, visually sumptuous setting of this gentle spring story."--Publishers Weekly, starred review"Intricately colored spreads follow a dizzying variety of rabbits as they prepare for Easter morning. . . Hidden details in the busy scenes invite close study, like a framing device of pussy willows that suddenly blossom into a dozen more floppy-eared bunnies, who hop away."--The New York Times Book Review"Brett's large watercolors include a few visual puns and lots of woodland detail. . . A satisfying, gentle tale whose text and images can be enjoyed multiple times over."--Booklist"Brett's story offers substance to the somewhat slim mythology on the world of the Easter Bunny . . . . the generous helpings of softly furry bunnies will certainly appeal to fans of the small and fuzzy."--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"Whimsical, fanciful, detailed, gentle and colorful."--The Dallas Morning News"Predicted to become as popular as [Jan's] classic The Mitten."--The Winston-Salem Journal"Jan Brett never ceases to amaze. . . . Intricate drawings paired with a sweet and relatable story will hold young readers' attention time and time again. If you purchase just one book for Easter this year, The Easter Egg should be it."--Deseret News

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Book SynopsisA delightfully original companion book to Jan Brett's bestseller The Mitten.When Lisa's woolen stocking flies off the clothesline, Hedgie finds it and pokes his nose in. He tries to pull it out, but the stocking gets stuck on his prickles -- and the fun begins.A mother hen comes by, then a noisy goose, a talkative barn cat, a playful farm dog, a mama pig and her piglets, and a pony. They all laugh at Hedgie, especially when he pretends he's wearing a new hat. But in the end, it is clever Hedgie who has the last laugh.And where is Lisa when all of this is going on? She's in Jan Brett's signature borders, getting ready for winter, until she realizes her stocking is missing and she enters the story to look for it.Luminous paintings of a Scandinavian farm and the forest around it are bathed in northern light, as the snow begins to fall and the adventure unfolds.Trade Review"A clever and appealing picture book . . . . Brett's illustrations are done in her trademark style of highly detailed depictions of her characters and a creative use of borders. . . . The pictures, story, and subject matter make this a natural for sharing aloud."—School Library Journal "In a companion book to Brett's The Mitten (1989), a little girl decides to unpack her winter woolens from their decorated chest and hang them out on a line to air before winter comes. . . . The satisfying story celebrates the cozy hearth, home, and barnyard of picturesque Scandinavian country life, frozen in time. Brett's somber tones of pre-winter are enlivened by the intricate, colorful clothing; her fine, independent heroine is in charge of the story, and the inventive little hedgehog triumphs as well."—Kirkus Reviews

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