Caldecott medalist Matthew Cordell debuts his first early reader series about two best friends who are as different from each other as can be. Cornbread LOVES planning. Poppy does not. Cornbread ADORES preparing. Poppy does not. Cornbread IS ready for winter. Poppy...is not. But Cornbread and Poppy are the best of friends, so when Poppy is left without any food for the long winter, Cornbread volunteers to help her out. Their search leads them up, up, up Holler Mountain, where these mice might find a new friend...and an old one. Celebrating both partnership and the value of what makes us individuals, young readers will find this classic odd-couple irresistible as they encounter relatable issues with humor and heart. Publishing simultaneously in hardcover and paperback. "Frog and Toad vibes are strong in this new early reader series about two mice who are best friends...Illustrated in muted pastels that reflect the season, the three short chapters pack in a lot of adventure..."-- Parents"Into the society of [Frog and Toad, George and Martha, and Bink and Gollie] we can now welcome two mice, one prudent and the other cavalier.... [Beginning] with an Aesop-like predicament...Mr. Cordell's humorous watercolor-dappled ink drawings keep things buoyant as Cornbread and Poppy bundle up and venture off--at which point their story takes a contemporary turn."-- The Wall Street Journal* "The lively ink-and-watercolor illustrations deftly create settings and clearly reveal characters' emotions. A rewarding choice for young readers."-- Booklist, starred review* "Cornbread and Poppy are endearing characters, poised to join the ranks of other memorable early reader sets of best friends old and new, including James Marshall's George and Martha."-- Bookpage, starred review* "Cordell's pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations are textured and appealing, supporting the texts and illuminating vocabulary that might be out of sight-word range for new readers building fluency."-- Horn Book, starred review* "Cordell's trademark loose artwork, rendered in pen and ink with watercolor, is energetic and wonderfully captures gray Cornbread's and tan Poppy's activities, easy camaraderie, and expressive faces.... Delightful."-- Kirkus, starred review* "Cordell's loose, Steig-like ink line makes emotions easy to read as the duo's interplay builds.... Their well-built adventure...offers exertion, discouragement, and a wonderfully improbable change of fortune."-- Publishers Weekly, starred review"Cordell's charming pen-and-ink illustrations with watercolor lend a feeling of coziness to this tale of friends who are different. Short sentences and repetition of key phrases make the story easy to follow for those transitioning to early chapter books...A perfect choice for fans of Jacqueline Davies's 'Sydney and Taylor' series, and other dynamic duos."-- School Library Journal"This sweet friendship book by Caldecott Medalist Matthew Cordell reminds me of books I loved reading with my kids when they were younger."-- Book Riot "Brimming with imagination, energy, and wit. Just right for young readers." -- Booklist"Pair of Mice Find Friendship Very Nice" -- The Florida-Times Union"...perfect for young readers ready to move beyond picture books. It captures the importance of individuality and of stepping out of your comfort zone, with a friend who understands that it can be scary sometimes. Even adults will enjoy reading along..." -- Book Trib"Cordell's scratchy illustrations seem like descendants of Edward Gorey.... A twee answer to "Frog and Toad" that will serve readers of early chapter books."-- School Library Journal"No need to visit a museum to find an exhibit of best friendship; see it on display right here."-- Kirkus "Every scene comes to life in [Cordell's] expressive pen-and-ink drawings."-- Booklist Matthew Cordell is the creator of numerous picture books including Wolf in the Snow, which was awarded the 2018 Caldecott Medal, Evergreen; Hope; Wish; Dream; Hello, Neighbor! The Kind and Caring World of Mister Rogers; and Bear Island, as well as the Cornbread & Poppy series. He has also illustrated works of poetry, novels, and picture books such as Bob, Not Bob! by Audrey Vernick and Liz Garton Scanlon and Leaps and Bounce and Rooting for You! by Susan Hood. Matthew lives in suburban Chicago with his wife, author Julie Halpern, and their two children. Target Age: 4 to 8 Little, Brown Books for Young Readers Pub Date: January 4, 2022 ISBN: 9780759554863 0.4" H x 8.3" L x 6.2" W 80 pages paperback
