A playful picture book about the transformative power of being nice
The Yowler family is always in a monstrously bad mood: Papa grumbles, Mama yells, Sara and Sonya bicker, and the baby fusses day and night. They’re so used to being grumpy that when their new neighbors smile at them, the Yowlers are puzzled and are immediately suspicious. And when the new kids ask Sara and Sonya to play? Well, that’s just plain odd. Then again, it does feel good to be treated kindly . . . and all of a sudden the sisters start acting nicer themselves, causing Mama and Papa to wonder if they’re coming down with something. But as it turns out, even the smallest acts of kindness can be powerful. The weather may have been stormy— but there is friendliness is in the forecast!
“Text full of alliteration and gentle humor. . . . A tool for social-emotional learning . . . clearly states its explicit message about kindness in terms kids will easily understand. Funny, action-filled illustrations reminiscent of Mercer Mayer’s work round out this lesson in positivity. . . . Upbeat antidote to grumpiness.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Ruttan’s monsters, with their soft charcoal outlines, horned heads, and sharp-toothed goofy expressions, would fit in adorably with the cast of Monsters Inc. The Yowlers’ misinterpretation of basic neighborly kindness is continual fodder for humor and the wordplay would make for a fun read-aloud experience. . . . There are plenty of goofy antics to keep little ones entertained by the Yowlers.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Stacy Lynn Carroll (StacyLynnCarroll.com) has written several young adult and adult novels, and The Yowlers is her picture book debut. Stacy loves chocolate cake, Dr Pepper, corgi butts, and making up stories for the amusement of her children. She and her husband live in Utah with their five kids and a small zoo of pets.
Molly Ruttan (MollyRuttan.com) grew up making art and music in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, and earned a BFA from the Cooper Union School of Art. Molly now lives in the diverse and historic neighborhood of Echo Park in Los Angeles. Molly plays drums, sings in a community choir, and has recently dabbled in learning the viola. She also loves exploring all kinds of fine art and illustration mediums, including making her own animated book trailers. Her life is full of art, music, family, friends, and various pets and urban animals. Molly’s titles include The Stray and Something Wild, which she wrote and illustrated, and I Am a Thief! and Violet and the Crumbs: A Gluten-Free Adventure, both written by Abigail Rayner.
A playful picture book about the transformative power of being nice
The Yowler family is always in a monstrously bad mood: Papa grumbles, Mama yells, Sara and Sonya bicker, and the baby fusses day and night. They’re so used to being grumpy that when their new neighbors smile at them, the Yowlers are puzzled and are immediately suspicious. And when the new kids ask Sara and Sonya to play? Well, that’s just plain odd. Then again, it does feel good to be treated kindly . . . and all of a sudden the sisters start acting nicer themselves, causing Mama and Papa to wonder if they’re coming down with something. But as it turns out, even the smallest acts of kindness can be powerful. The weather may have been stormy— but there is friendliness is in the forecast!
Praise
“Text full of alliteration and gentle humor. . . . A tool for social-emotional learning . . . clearly states its explicit message about kindness in terms kids will easily understand. Funny, action-filled illustrations reminiscent of Mercer Mayer’s work round out this lesson in positivity. . . . Upbeat antidote to grumpiness.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Ruttan’s monsters, with their soft charcoal outlines, horned heads, and sharp-toothed goofy expressions, would fit in adorably with the cast of Monsters Inc. The Yowlers’ misinterpretation of basic neighborly kindness is continual fodder for humor and the wordplay would make for a fun read-aloud experience. . . . There are plenty of goofy antics to keep little ones entertained by the Yowlers.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Author
Stacy Lynn Carroll (StacyLynnCarroll.com) has written several young adult and adult novels, and The Yowlers is her picture book debut. Stacy loves chocolate cake, Dr Pepper, corgi butts, and making up stories for the amusement of her children. She and her husband live in Utah with their five kids and a small zoo of pets.
Molly Ruttan (MollyRuttan.com) grew up making art and music in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, and earned a BFA from the Cooper Union School of Art. Molly now lives in the diverse and historic neighborhood of Echo Park in Los Angeles. Molly plays drums, sings in a community choir, and has recently dabbled in learning the viola. She also loves exploring all kinds of fine art and illustration mediums, including making her own animated book trailers. Her life is full of art, music, family, friends, and various pets and urban animals. Molly’s titles include The Stray and Something Wild, which she wrote and illustrated, and I Am a Thief! and Violet and the Crumbs: A Gluten-Free Adventure, both written by Abigail Rayner.
