"A Caldecott Honor Book
An ALA Notable Book
A luminescent book that is pitch-perfect for anyone of any age who has experienced any type of loss or disappointment, from New York Times–bestselling picture book creator Brian Lies.
New York Times–bestselling author Brian Lies has created a beautiful, accessible, and deeply personal story about friendship, loss, and renewal. The Rough Patch was awarded a Caldecott Honor.
Evan and his dog do everything together, from eating ice cream to caring for their prize-winning garden, which grows big and beautiful. One day the unthinkable happens: Evan’s dog dies. Heartbroken, Evan destroys the garden and everything in it. The ground becomes overgrown with prickly weeds and thorns, and Evan embraces the chaos.
But beauty grows in the darkest of places, and when a twisting vine turns into an immense pumpkin, Evan is drawn out of his isolation and back to the county fair, where friendships—old and new—await.
A deeply hopeful and positive book, The Rough Patch was awarded a Caldecott Honor and is a story about love, loss, and hope, and the healing power of friendship and nature. “Weepy and wonderful.”—Wall Street Journal"
"'The look on our faces is easy to read: ' 'a little night music is just what we need!' A late-spring night sky fills with bats flocking to a theater, already echoing and booming with delightful sounds of music. Bat music--plunky banjoes, bat-a-tat drums, improvised instruments, country ballads, and the sweet cries of a bat with the blues. Join this one-of-a-kind music festival as the bats celebrate the rhythm of the night, and the positive power of music. Brian Lies's newest celebration of bats and their dazzling, dizzying world will lift everyone's spirits with joyous noise and cheer!"
"The New York Times best-selling author of Bats at the Beach, Brian Lies crafts heartwarming tales that allow young listeners' imaginations to soar. With infectious rhymes, Lies also packs lots of laughs into his stories about a group of young bats who are always looking for fun. Here, the crew takes to the diamond for an exciting game of baseball. It's time for the bat all-star game, and our loveable heroes are ready to cheer on their favorite players. The grass is mowed, and the scoreboard is lit up, so grab a mothdog, your best mitt and a bat-the wooden kind-and join the gang at the ballpark for an unforgettable night of strikeouts and home runs."
