Oink
ISBN 9781776572144
Regular price $21.99by David Elliot
A comical story about a very busy bath.
A comical story akin to Five Minutes' Peace about a very busy bath. Pig is having a lovely bath. In come Sheep, Cow, Horse....They are very noisy! What can Pig do to make them go away? Pig must think of something smart and quick.
Hardcover, 32 pages. 9.4 x 7.2 inches.
Recommended for children ages 2-5 years.
Gecko Press.
Reviews
"Can four animals share a bathtub? Not if the pig protagonist, who utters a satisfied 'Oink!" upon spotting the empty, large, white, claw-foot tub, has anything to say about it. No sooner is the pig in the water than: 'Knock! Knock!' A sheep in a frilly pink skirt enters: 'Maaa?' Is this a polite request to enter the bath? The pig doesn't answer but looks unhappy as the sheep climbs in and proceeds to splash. Another 'Knock! Knock!' and a large, horned bovine wearing a shower cap and long yellow trunks appears. The bovine says 'Moo?'; the sheep answers 'Maaa!'; the pig just glowers. How could things get worse? Well, a donkey in another outlandish bathing costume shows up with a 'Hee haw?' Soon the animal companions are talking up a storm, save for the poor pig—but in a completely wordless spread, the tables turn. With a few expressive pencil lines emanating from the water, Elliot finds a way for the pig to regain privacy. The surprised and then disgusted looks on the other animals' faces, their accusatory animal-sound questions, and then their huffy departures tell the story perfectly. The soft pencil-and-watercolor drawings are masterful in their simple details, and kids will enjoy telling the tale themselves, intoning the animal sounds in different ways to heighten the drama of the story. Told only in animal dialect and sound effects but with brilliant visual details, this story will become a bathtime favorite."—starred, Kirkus Reviews
"A little pig ('Oink!') climbs into a giant clawfoot bathtub and settles in for a soak, but then someone knocks at the bathroom door. A little sheep ('Maaa?') with a toy boat comes in. Another knock heralds the arrival of a large cow ('Moo?') with a beach ball and shower cap, and then a donkey arrives ('Hee haw?') with a life preserver. All the animals seem to take a more-the-merrier approach to bath time, except the pig, who looks comically more defeated with every page turn. Told only through small-scale art and the animal and door sounds, the story uses smart pacing and energetic line work with muted washes of color to draw out the droll humor throughout. The bath activity escalates, halting abruptly at every knock on the door, and then gets wilder still as the art takes up progressively more of the page. Just when the splashy bath scene becomes a real party, with the art expanding to fill full-bleed double-page spreads, some smelly fumes bubble up from the water. Covering their noses, the disgusted animals begin pointing hooves at one another and indignantly stalk off, one by one. Alone at last, the pig once again relaxes in the bath—and passes a little more gas for good measure. Classic bath-time antics!"—The Horn Book Magazine
All the Dear Little Animals
ISBN 9781776572892
Regular price $23.99 Sale price $21.60 Save 10%Early readers will love the dry humour and wonderfully rounded story of All the Dear Little Animals. Nilsson perfectly captures the child's perspective, balancing compassion and humour. This is a very funny story about a topic that touches all of us.
Reviews
101 Great Books for Kids — 2020 — Winner
USBBY Outstanding International Books List — 2021 — Winner
"Three children spend a day burying dead creatures in this New Zealand import originally from Sweden. This perspicacious observation of how children copy adult behavior in their play is also a hilarious spoof on the overtly pious funeral industry. Esther, her younger brother Puttie, and the unnamed narrator have 'nothing to do' one day. Finding a dead bumblebee, Esther declares they must bury it, but the narrator is leery of touching it, being afraid of death, and so instead offers to write the poem: 'A dear little life in the hand / Suddenly gone, deep in the sand.' Little Puttie, completely in the dark about death, is upset when Esther tells him he too will die when he is 'an old man.' 'But Mummy and Daddy will be so sad,' he whimpers. After the success of the bumblebee interment, Esther is enthused about burying 'all the poor dead animals,' and the children start 'Funerals Ltd.,' phoning neighbors for dead pets and scouring the bushes and byways for roadkill. The story cleverly—and tenderly—pivots near its end, giving it a touching depth (with a twist). Eriksson's keenly observed illustrations include full-page and double-page spreads as well as spots, and they are as wickedly hilarious as the text in their understated expressions and details. An abundance of soft springlike colors present a visually humorous juxtaposition to the morbid theme. The children are illustrated as white. Dark and hilarious." — Kirkus Reviews
"One quiet day, when a boy (the narrator) and his friend Esther have nothing to do, they find a dead bumblebee. Esther takes the lead, grabbing a shovel and burying the bee in a cigar-box coffin, while the boy recites a little poem over the grave. They're so moved that they decide to look for more dead things to bury, with help from Esther's little brother. Next, they find a dead mouse and give him a solemn burial, thinking, 'We were the nicest people in the world.' Soon they start an animal funeral business, burying a pet hamster, a rooster, a blackbird, and even roadkill: a hedgehog and a hare. Along the way, the children talk about death itself. The narrative concludes, 'The next day we did something else. Something completely different.' First published in Sweden, the book has a childlike tone that is reverent, winsome, and matter-of-fact. The kids' attitudes toward death differ realistically according to their ages and personalities. Sometimes amusing and sometimes moving, Nilsson's simply written text is always satisfying. Eriksson's sensitive, beguiling pencil drawings with color washes brighten every double-page spread. Like Margaret Wise Brown's The Dead Bird (1958, 2016), this pitch-perfect book shows children dealing with death in their own ways and then moving on." — Booklist
"Nilsson and Eriksson bring a whiff of Scandinavian noir to this lengthy, small-format picture book. After an encounter with 'something sad and tragic'—a dead bee—Esther buries the insect, then makes a pronouncement. 'Someone unselfish must make sure all these dead things get buried,' she tells the narrator, a boy in a plaid shirt. So they start a business, Funerals Ltd. The boy is a reluctant undertaker but a good writer ('There are lots of words inside me'), and he contributes a short poem for each funeral ('Farewell Harold, wee Harold so bold'). Esther solicits new business, sometimes with startling cynicism—'We will never forget him. That's what we're paid for!' Deftly translated by Marshall, the text laces honest consideration of a difficult subject with winningly mordant humor. Lindgren Award–winner Eriksson's (My Heart Is Laughing) lightly penned images of the children burying animals are the visual equivalent of Nilsson's offhand tone. It's only after the children tackle logistical matters—touching corpses, how to explain death to Esther's little brother, whether the gravestones need proper names—that a moment of real tenderness occurs: they witness a blackbird's sudden death, and even brusque Esther is moved. A sly, thoughtful, many-layered story." — Publishers Weekly
"'One day we had nothing to do. We wanted some fun. Then Esther found a bumblebee.' This illustrated early chapter book is a darkly comedic exploration of life and death. Three bored children begin holding funerals for dead animals they happen upon, beginning with the bumblebee. Flowers, poetry, tears, and a cigar-box coffin make the first funeral such a success that they start a business, Funerals Ltd. Among other creatures, that day they bury a pet hamster, a rooster, and three dead fish Esther finds in the fridge. Busy and self-righteous in their work ('We were very kind and good, looking after the dead animals. We were the nicest people in the world'), they enjoy great satisfaction and become greedy for larger creatures to buy. Then, at dusk, a blackbird flies into a window and dies before their eyes. The suddenness of the transition unsettles the three children, and this final funeral, though still melodramatic, feels more personal and less like a game. 'The next day we found something else to do. Something completely different.' Honest and uncomfortable humor within the soft, pale vignettes and full-page and double-page-spread art captures the book's spirit, with a final spread showing the graveyard the trio created, with wooden crosses and stones labeled with names (including 'A fish,' and 'One more fish') commemorating all the creatures whose lives were honored that day." — The Horn Book Magazine
Waiting for Goliath
ISBN 9781776571413
Regular price $21.99 Sale price $19.80 Save 10%Written by Antje Damm. Translated by Sally-Ann Spencer.
A warm and surprising picture book for children about waiting for a friend.
Bear has been sitting and waiting since dawn. "I'm waiting for Goliath. He's my best friend." At last the bus pulls up, but no one gets out. "He'll definitely show up. You'll see!" The robins fly south and the first snow falls. When Bear wakes from a long sleep, he hears a noise like a hand sliding slowly across paper. Goliath is coming!
But Goliath's identity is a big surprise.
This is a warm and surprising story with depth and humour and luminous illustrations.
Recommended by the publisher for Ages 3 - 5 years. We ourselves find it lovely for even grade school children or adults. A timeless, universally touching book.
Hardcover, 32 pages. 10 x 7.8 inches.
Gecko Press, 2017.
About the Author:
Antje Damm is a celebrated children's writer and illustrator who lives in Germany. Her book Ask Me! has been translated into twelve languages and sold more than 170,0000 copies around the world.
Can You Whistle, Johanna?
ISBN 9781776573257
Regular price $24.99 Sale price $22.49 Save 10%Why doesn't Berra have a grandfather? And how can he get one? Ulf suggests that there are plenty of old men at the retirement home. Berra and Ulf go there together to find one—ideally one who eats pig's trotters, invites you to tea, and can teach you to whistle.
A funny, sensitive, illustrated chapter book about a friendship across generations. Stark's writing covers every emotion, sometimes in the same sentence. Please see the Kirkus Review below for a more in depth description of the storyline, including sensitive information.
Hardcover, 80 pages. 5.7 x 8 inches.
Gecko Press.
Read the first chapter from the publisher's website here.
Excerpt:
"We looked out over the world and spat our cherry stones on the ground. And Grandpa Ned didn't want to leave. 'Here we are sitting, just like in heaven,' he said, taking the last red cherry out of his hat."
From the publisher, Gecko Press:
"Our first release for 2021 is one of the world's perfect stories: Can You Whistle, Johanna? by Ulf Stark and illustrated by Anna Höglund.
This is the first book we bought English-language rights for, 15 years ago—still fresh, resonant and funny—available in a beautiful new edition for its first release in North America this spring.
Can You Whistle, Johanna? has all the things we look for in the books we publish at Gecko Press: drama, humour, human behaviour, character, plot, emotion and warmth. There are many layers and connections that make it a satisfying and lasting read. It is the kind of book that stays with you for life."
Reviews:
"When his friend Ulf describes the fun he has with his grandfather, Berra wishes for his own grandfather. To find him one, Ulf brings Berra to an old folks home, where they meet Ned, and Berra introduces himself as his grandson. Ned is lonely, so he willingly accepts the relationship. They have tea with the other residents, to whom Ned proudly introduces his newly acquired grandson. At first, recalling Ulf's tales, Berra asks Ned for money, which he gladly gives. After several more visits, Ned takes them to the park, where Ned builds a kite made from sticks and his wife's silk scarf while speaking lovingly about his wife, Johanna, and whistling the pretty tune that is also the title of this book. Berra's relationship with Ned grows deeper. He tries to whistle just like Ned and plans a birthday surprise for him that pleases and delights the old man. Ned tires easily and gets confused and lost, but the 7-year-olds don't really see the ramifications. Berra waits until he can whistle before his next visit but discovers that Ned has died. In a tribute to his adopted grandfather, he whistles his favorite song for him at his funeral. In this Swedish import, the author's namesake Ulf, who is observer, participant, and good friend, narrates the tale in a direct, matter-of-fact tone. Höglund's deceptively simple, colorful cartoons beautifully capture the characters' emotions and actions. Characters present white. A sweet, tender, never maudlin evocation of an intergenerational friendship." ~ starred, Kirkus Reviews
"5+. One of those rare perfect ones." ~ Youth Services Book Review
About the Author & Illustrator:
Ulf Stark (1944-2017) is one of the world's great writers. He is author of more than 30 books for children and has won many prizes for his stellar work. He was shortlisted for the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2018.
Anna Höglund is one of Sweden's foremost illustrators, who has written her own books as well as illustrating the work of other leading authors, and received many international awards.
The Tale of the Tiny Man
ISBN 9781776574094
Regular price $24.99 Sale price $22.50 Save 10%by Barbro Lindgren; illustrated by Eva Eriksson
Translated by Julia Marshall
A classic picture book from Sweden with a very happy ending about feeling lonely and finding friends. It is possible, after all, to have more than one friend!
There was once a tiny man. One day, at the first sign of Spring, he decided to pin a note to a tree that said FRIEND WANTED. Then he sat down on the step to wait.
After ten days, he woke to find a cold nose in his hand. Beside him was a big dog with a beautiful curve in its tail. The tiny man had made a friend at last.
They play and walk and laugh every day. But then the girl in the polka dot dress comes to the step. The little man watches as the dog put his soft muzzle into the girl’s hand and worries that he has lost his only friend.
A touching picture book that explores learning how to make and share friends, feelings of being left out and discovering group dynamics. Packed full of emotion, this hardback picture book also teaches young children about self-esteem and empathy. A perfect story to read aloud with preschoolers or for young children just starting out at reading by themself.
A much-loved classic children’s story in Sweden, this celebratory edition features new illustrations from Eva Eriksson, illustrator of the My Happy Life series. It has also been made into a successful theatre show.
Barbro Lindgren is a pioneering children’s author from Sweden. She has won many international awards, including the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award.
Eva Eriksson is one of the best-loved illustrators in Sweden, whose awards include the Astrid Lindgren prize and the August award.
Click here to see a short look inside video of The Tale of the Tiny Man
Recommended for young readers ages 4-7 years.
Hardcover, 23 x 19.5 cm.
Gecko Press.
Reviews:
"A poignant ode to fidelity and the simplicity of true friendship. Its appeal relies on powerfully defined characters, the main one being a tiny man in lieu of a child which means adults sharing this story with younger readers will enjoy its relatability as much as children." ~ Dimity Powell
"Beyond being a beautiful story that is in no way didactic, this would be perfect for use in the classroom as an invitation to explore ideas such as: making friends, how to be a friend, empathy, jealousy, loneliness, and self-esteem." ~ My Kids Read the World
"And o! The drama! The pathos! The desolation! The joy! It’s ALL THE FEELINGS. And if the children in your life ask you to read it to them over and over and then some more, don’t be surprised." ~ Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast
"It made me feel sadness and happiness and you pick up something of friendship and loneliness along the way too. Another winning book from Gecko Press that’s for sure." ~ Radio Southland – The Book Show
"A timeless classic that is just as relevant today as it was when it was first written over 40 years ago." ~ Outside in the World
"The prose has a delicate poetry that you find in the most satisfying of picture books. For me this would make a perfect story to read aloud, all is resolved and yet readers are left to consider the plight of those who are left out, the beauty of friendship, and to empathise with those around them." ~ Just Imagine
"Thought-provoking and evocative with atmospheric illustrations, this is a memorable picture book story of friendship, understanding and acceptance that will resonate with younger readers." ~ School Reading List
"Themes of respect for others, consideration for the elderly and friendship fill the pages of this gorgeously illustrated story." ~ Scope for Imagination
"A charming children’s story about a friendless man who looks like Mr Magoo. Eva Eriksson’s illustrations are excellent at conveying the story’s changing moods." ~ The Book Beat bookstore
"Book of the Day. Audiences will also be “pleased as punch” over the tiny man’s turn in fortunes." ~ Foreword Reviews
"A sensitive, atmospheric story depicting the fragility and rewards of friendship." ~ Kirkus Reviews
"A precious tale of a lonely man’s friendship with a dog." ~ The Listener
"This is a very emotional read, beautifully written and very delicately and softly illustrated." ~ the Kids Bookstagrammer
"This beautifully told and illustrated story looks at various emotions including empathy, loneliness and prejudice. Whether read alone or aloud, there’s much to think about and one hopes, talk about with family members and/or classmates." ~ Red Reading Hub
"The sentences are as sweet as honey, even on the gloomiest page. The illustrations are warm and alive and captivating." ~ Poetry Box
"Gently exploring social prejudice and discrimination, this emotional story will tug at the heartstrings. Featuring classic illustrations, The Tale of the Tiny Man is a sweet story about loneliness and finding the perfect friend that will resonate with readers of all ages." ~ A Word About Books
"A story parents will want to choose for read-aloud interest and for discussions about friendship, loneliness, and making connections." ~ Donovan’s Literary Services
A Case for Buffy (early reader, 4th of 5)
ISBN 978-1-77657-178-9
Regular price $21.99Written by Ulf Nilsson and illustrated by Gitte Spee. Translated by Julia Marshall.
The final story in this big-hearted series takes on the most important case ever investigated in Detective Gordon’s forest—where is Buffy’s mother? Gordon faces his old nemesis, the fox, in an investigation that leads to the edges of the forest.
- Interest Level: Kindergarten -> Grade 5
- Reading Level: Grade 2
Hardcover, 108 pages. 5.8 x 8 inches.
Gecko Press.
About the Detective Gordon series:
Detective Gordon is a friendly, philosophical, humorous, and thoughtful detective series following the adventures of the rather tired—and often hungry—Detective Gordon and his chirpy assistant, Buffy.
Detective Gordon is something of a humanist, and keeps an eye out for the weaker inhabitants of his woods. The books are full of warm, witty wisdom from one of Sweden’s foremost children’s authors, Ulf Nilsson. The text is affectionately and generously illustrated in watercolor and pencil by acclaimed Dutch illustrator, Gitte Spee. This is a detective series with depth—ideal for elementary school, perfect for reading alone, wonderful for reading aloud.
A Case in Any Case (early reader, 3rd of 5)
ISBN 978-1-77657-108-6
Regular price $21.99Written by Ulf Nilsson and illustrated by Gitte Spee. Translated by Julia Marshall.
Gordon is on vacation, and Buffy is the sole detective at the small police station in the forest. It is not easy for a police officer to be alone. Especially when there are strange noises outside the station at night. Buffy decides to seek out Gordon in his little cottage by the lake to ask for help. After all, two police think twice as well as one. Two police are twice as brave!
- Interest Level: Kindergarten -> Grade 5
- Reading Level: Grade 2
Hardcover, 108 pages. 5.8 x 8 inches.
Gecko Press.
About the Detective Gordon series:
Detective Gordon is a friendly, philosophical, humorous, and thoughtful detective series following the adventures of the rather tired—and often hungry—Detective Gordon and his chirpy assistant, Buffy.
Detective Gordon is something of a humanist, and keeps an eye out for the weaker inhabitants of his woods. The books are full of warm, witty wisdom from one of Sweden’s foremost children’s authors, Ulf Nilsson. The text is affectionately and generously illustrated in watercolor and pencil by acclaimed Dutch illustrator, Gitte Spee. This is a detective series with depth—ideal for elementary school, perfect for reading alone, wonderful for reading aloud.
The First Case (early reader, 1st of 5)
ISBN 9781927271490
Regular price $21.99Someone’s stealing nuts from the forest, and it’s up to Detective Gordon to catch the thief!
Unfortunately, solving this crime means standing in the snow and waiting for a long time… If only he had an assistant—someone small, fast, and clever—to help solve this terrible case. Then Detective Gordon would be able to go back to doing what he’s best at: thinking, eating cakes, drinking tea, and stamping important papers.
A brilliant detective story by Ulf Nilsson, one of Sweden’s top children’s writers and illustrated by Gitte Spee in full colour throughout. A book to read alone or aloud!
Translated by Julia Marshall.
Hardcover, 96 pages. 5.8 x 8 inches.
Gecko Press.
Ideal for children 6-9 years old.
About the Detective Gordon series:
Detective Gordon is a friendly, philosophical, humorous, and thoughtful detective series following the adventures of the rather tired—and often hungry—Detective Gordon and his chirpy assistant, Buffy.
Detective Gordon is something of a humanist, and keeps an eye out for the weaker inhabitants of his woods. The books are full of warm, witty wisdom from one of Sweden’s foremost children’s authors, Ulf Nilsson. The text is affectionately and generously illustrated in watercolor and pencil by acclaimed Dutch illustrator, Gitte Spee. This is a detective series with depth—ideal for elementary school, perfect for reading alone, wonderful for reading aloud.
A Case with a Bang (early reader, 5th of 5)
ISBN 9781776574872
Regular price $24.99Illustrated in full colour and packed with character and humour, this is the fifth whodunnit mystery in the award-winning Detective Gordon series, fun to read alone or aloud.
A Case with a Bang is the final book in the series of funny detective stories for early readers set in a friendly forest in which two determinedly fair police — retired-toad Gordon and the indefatigable mouse Buffy — solve the mystery and stop regularly to eat cake.
Night brings a horrible humming, scraping sound in the forest. Someone has wrecked the badger’s trash can. Later, three large creatures are spotted up on the mountain.
Detective Buffy discovers this seemingly small case really is a dangerous mystery — she comes back from her first investigation flat as a gingerbread, rolled over by something huge and terrifying.
Back at the station, retired Detective Gordon is training a new young police assistant, and the cakes have run out in the forest bakery!
While all the animals cower at the police station, Buffy remembers Gordon’s stories about trolls. Is it possible they do exist? Taking Gordon’s advice about how everyone thinks differently, she finds a way to communicate with the giant creatures — perhaps not so terrifying after all.
The book leaves readers with a memorable Gordon message: Everyone thinks differently, strangers are welcome, cakes for everybody!
This final instalment in the award-winning Detective Gordon series is a multi-layered philosophical story about good detective work involving all, kindness to newcomers and doing the right thing.
Winner of multiple awards and accolades, Detective Gordon is a mystery series with depth — perfect for reading alone for emerging readers, wonderful for reading aloud together as a chapter book.
A brilliant detective story by Ulf Nilsson, one of Sweden’s top children’s writers and illustrated by Gitte Spee in full colour throughout. A book to read alone or aloud!
Available in either Softcover, 20.4 x 14.4 cm, or Hardcover.
Gecko Press.
Ideal for children 6-9 years old.
About the Detective Gordon series:
Detective Gordon is a friendly, philosophical, humorous, and thoughtful detective series following the adventures of the rather tired—and often hungry—Detective Gordon and his chirpy assistant, Buffy.
Detective Gordon is something of a humanist, and keeps an eye out for the weaker inhabitants of his woods. The books are full of warm, witty wisdom from one of Sweden’s foremost children’s authors, Ulf Nilsson. The text is affectionately and generously illustrated in watercolor and pencil by acclaimed Dutch illustrator, Gitte Spee. This is a detective series with depth—ideal for elementary school, perfect for reading alone, wonderful for reading aloud.