Charlie the Ranch Dog

Ree Drummond (Author), Diane deGroat (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 40 pages Publisher: HarperCollins (April 26, 2011) ISBN-10: 0061996556 ISBN-13: 978-0061996559

Meet Charlie. He's a ranch dog. Breakfast is his life, especially when bacon is involved. Charlie has dangly ears, floppy skin, and big fat paws. And he loves living in the country. That's because he works like a dog...fixing fences, gardening, and helping his family out on the range. Yep, it's all work, all the time for Charlie the ranch dog. In fact, he's probably working right now... Zzzzzzz.... A ranch dog's work is never done! Come along as Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, introduces us to her beloved short-legged pioneer dog named Charlie.

New York Times #1 bestseller!

Editorial Reviews

Young readers will chuckle at the unabashed, obvious humor and will especially enjoy finding the hidden, unnamed chipmunk buddy on every page. – Kirkus Reviews

DeGroat’s cozy illustrations picture a beguiling Charlie on a comfortable ranch with appealing accoutrement. An observant chipmunk adds an extra touch of humor, and a lasagna recipe is thrown in for good measure. – Booklist

The comic irony of the text will amuse readers, and Charlie’s quirks will win many fans. – School Library Journal

“Adult readers will recognize in Charlie’s voice the understated humor that has made Drummond’s blog so successful; kids should find it irresistible. – Publishers Weekly

Selected as one of Time Magazine's Top Ten children's books for 2009!

Dogs Don't Brush Their Teeth

Diane deGroat (Collaborator), Shelley Rotner (Collaborator) Reading level:.. Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Orchard Books (August 1, 2009) ISBN-10: 0545080649 ISBN-13: 978-0545080644

Readers of all ages will howl out loud as fifteen different dogs show what they can do, and what they can't do!  The hysterical photographs and illustrations are paired with foldout fun.  Dogs make us laugh with the many things they do.  But readers will laugh out-loud when they discover what dogs can't do. website Book Trailer

April Fool! Watch Out at School!

by Diane DeGroat (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins (February 17, 2009) ISBN-10:0061430420 ISBN-13:978-0061430428

It's April Fools' Day, and Gilbert is looking forward to playing tricks on his friends. Unfortunately he's the one getting tricked by everyone else, including Mrs. Byrd! But the worst prankster is Lewis the bully. In the end Gilbert outwits Lewis with the best trick of all. Diane deGroat's delightful story and fun-filled illustrations will enchant readers of all ages, especially when they discover the surprises in many of the illustrations. The reader is getting April Fooled, too!

Editorial Reviews

The cartoon illustrations abound with visual tricks that observant viewers are sure to notice. DeGroat continues to show that she has a keen sense of classroom dynamics and the ability to connect with readers and their world. A popular choice for seasonal read-alouds.—Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. – School Library Journal

Children will find it easy to sympathize with gullible yet sometimes cagy Gilbert, appearing here in the twelfth volume of the Gilbert and Friends series. And they’ll enjoy studying the colorful illustrations for the many sight gags that go unmentioned in the text. A good picture book to share on this peculiar holiday. Preschool-Grade 2. --Carolyn Phelan, Booklist

Gilbert, the Surfer Dude (I Can Read Book )

Diane deGroat (Author, Illustrator) Reading level: Baby-Preschool Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: HarperCollins (April 2009) ISBN-10: 0061252115 ISBN-13: 978-0061252112

Here comes Surfer Dude! Gilbert and his family are going to the beach, and everyone's very excited. It seems like this is going to be a perfect day . . . until Lola is afraid of the water and Gilbert forgets his bathing suit! At the store, Gilbert finds a big bathing suit that says Surfer Dude on it. Gilbert looks cool, but he soon discovers that being a surfer dude is harder than it looks.

Lola gets her feet wet, but will Gilbert sink or swim in this fun-filled day at the beach? Join Gilbert, the beloved opossum, as he has an exciting adventure in his first I Can Read book.

Editorial Reviews

This I Can Read Book in the Gilbert and Friends series does its job. It’s short, amusing, and will keep kids reading. Gilbert and family are on their way to the beach when Gilbert remembers that he forgot something—his bathing suit. He insists on wearing his new trunks that say Surfer Dude, even though they’re too big. Surfing and oversize trunks can only lead to one thing. Adults will see it coming, but new readers probably won’t. They’ll enjoy looking at the seaside doings in the friendly art while they sharpen their reading skills. Grades K-2. --Ilene Cooper, Booklist

[Readers will] enjoy looking at the seaside doings in the friendly art while they sharpen their reading skills. – ALA Booklist

Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire

Diane deGroat (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Edition: Hardcover  32 pages Publisher: SeaStar Books; (February 2003) ISBN: 1587172143

When Mrs. Byrd tells Gilbert’s class that they’re going to be doing plays about famous people, Gilbert’s heart sinks. Plays make him nervous – what if he forgets his lines? So when he lands the role of George Washington in a play about the cherry tree, he’s determined to do it without any mistakes. But when his most important prop goes missing right before the show, Gilbert loses his cool and looks to blame anyone but himself.

The seventh story about this most beloved opossum is a wise and funny tale of truth and lies – and butterflies! – that’s a perfect tie-in for President’s Day, Independence Day, and school units on biography.

Editorial Reviews

Okay, so the story of George Washington's cutting down the cherry tree has been proven more hagiography than biography, but this story, in which Gilbert the opossum plays Washington in the familiar incident, is so much fun allowances can be made. Gilbert isn't crazy about his role; he would prefer to be the tree so he doesn't blow any lines. Against the rules, he brings his Washington hat home to better practice his part, but he goes overboard with the story's signature line, as when his mother feeds him a new soup: "I cannot tell a lie. I don't like it." The next day he forgets to bring the hat back, and he implies Philip took it. He then gets a good lesson in the importance of telling the truth (and another in forgiveness, from Philip) that brings the story full circle. Fans of previous books about Gilbert, such as Trick or Treat, Smell My Feet (1998), will appreciate Gilbert's return, and new readers will be drawn right in by the humorous text, the sprightly art with its all-animal cast, and the message that peeks through the fun. Ilene Cooper. Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved – Booklist

Gus & Gertie and the Lucky Charms

Joan Lowery Nixon, Diane deGroat (Illustrator), Reading level: Ages 4-8 Edition: Paperback 48 pages Publisher: SeaStar Books; (October 2002) ISBN: 1587171589

The slapstick sequel to Gus & Gertie and the Missing Pearl is now available in paperback! Gus and Gertie arrive at the Animals’ Winter Olympics with dreams of winning gold as Antarctica’s first synchronized swimming team. But first they find out that swimming isn’t even an event at the winter games, and then Gertie’s good-luck pin gets stolen-along with the other athletes’ lucky charms. Can readers find the clues hidden in Gus’s snapshots and help solve the crime?

Editorial Reviews

While the characters mimic human life, they retain some natural traits, from the prickly hedgehog official to the tiny information mouse. This story is fun and offers a challenge to sift through many details. deGroat's bright watercolor illustrations reflect the bustling winter scenes, with animals that convey lots of emotion as they mimic human activity, reinforcing the text with charm and pizzazz. Let Gus and Gertie join the ranks of Pinky and Rex and Cam Jansen as a bridge from easy-readers to chapter books. Laura Scott, Baldwin Public Library, Birmingham, MI Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc..– School Library Journal

... the story moves along at just the right pace for readers making a transition to longer chapter books, and there's plenty of humor to match the suspense. The expressive, silly animal athletes in deGroat's color illustrations will help keep new readers engaged in this light but appealing offering that is just in time for the 2002 Olympics. Gillian Engberg Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved. – Booklist

Good Night, Sleep Tight, Don’t Let The Bedbugs Bite

by Diane deGroat, Reading level: Ages 4-8. Hardcover: 32 pages; (May 2002) Publisher: Seastar Books;  ISBN: 1587171287

Gilbert's day camp is going on an overnight trip, and Gilbert expects nothing but fun. But when loudmouthed Lewis tells him about the Camp Hi-Dee-Ho ghost, he can't help but feel a little nervous. And when he has to go outside in the middle of the night, it looks like he may have to confront his fears face-to-face! Perfect for anyone who has every been afraid of the dark or who has dreaded that first night away from home, Diane deGroat's sixth book about Gilbert proves that we can be brave, even in the most unexpected places.

Editorial Reviews

DeGroat's latest clever caper starring Gilbert the opossum (Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink) finds the fellow on an overnight trip to Camp Hi-Dee-Ho. He stoically refuses to pack his teddy ("Sleep-away camp is for big kids") and puts up a brave front when big-mouth fellow camper Lewis trots out some typical camp-related taunts, announcing that a ghost haunts Hi-Dee-Ho and calling the lemonade "bug juice." Around the campfire, after an older kid relates the tale of the alleged ghost, Lewis sneaks up on Gilbert and scares him with a loud "BOO!" In the cabin after lights-out, the hero tightly hugs his teddy (which his mother has slipped into his sleeping bag). DeGroat suspense fully prolongs a nighttime trip to the outdoor bathroom along a dark path lined with threatening-looking trees and, in a signature twist, Gilbert gets a chance to give Lewis his comeuppance. Numerous droll particulars, including Gilbert's Martian-and-spaceship-patterned pajamas and the likable lad's hyperbolic facial expressions will keep readers coming back for more. Those anticipating with or without some anxiety an inaugural camp experience especially will revel in this realistic yet reassuring visit to Hi-Dee-Ho. Ages 5-8. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. – Publishers Weekly

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Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink

Diane deGroat Reading level: Ages 4-8 Library Binding (February 1996) William Morrow & Co Reading level: Ages 4-8, ISBN: 0688136052

When Gilbert writes two not-so-nice valentines to his classmates, his prank quickly turns into pandemonium. But there's always time for a change of heart of Valentine's Day. This warm and funny book about a favorite holiday also provides a subtle message about forgiveness and being a good friend. Ages 5 up.

Editorial Reviews

The winning touch here is deGroat's characteristically buoyant watercolor art, which features an amiable crew of assorted animals, many festively clad in Valentine's Day -- appropriate reds and pinks. – Publishers Weekly

A sympathetic look at the small hurts in life and the importance of second chances. – Kirkus Reviews

There's often a little drizzle on much-anticipated holiday parades: this cozy and reassuring story understands that but knows that holidays and friendships are still worth celebrating. – Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Human foibles humorously yet accurately revealed are given practical, realistic non-didactic solutions. – School Library Journal

Gilbert, a chipmunkish critter, has to write valentine poems for each of his classmates because his teacher says that Valentine's Day is about liking each other. He enjoys writing the cards for his friends, but for two mean kids in his class, Lewis and Margaret, he writes the worst cards he can ("Roses are red, you wet your bed, I think that you have rocks in your head"). After the initial uproar, the hostility is finally turned around with good humor and with lots of nonsense and forgiveness. The rabbit, skunk, bear, and porcupine characters display droll, very human classroom behavior. Kids will enjoy all the rhymes, and they'll want to make up their own playful parodies, both mushy and mean. Hazel Rochman Copyright 1996, American Library Association. All rights reserved  – Booklist

On Valentine's Day, Gilbert gets even with a pair of troublesome classmates by writing mean-spirited messages on their cards. When he is ostracized, he makes amends by creating nicer cards in time for the Valentine's party. The light tone is matched by the amusing illustrations of Gilbert and his schoolmates, who are portrayed as anthropomorphized animals. -- Copyright 1996 The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved. – Horn Book

Trick or Treat, Smell My Feet

Diane deGroat, Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover - 32 pages (September 1998) Morrow Junior; ISBN: 0688157661

Editorial Reviews

deGroat's Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink! (1996) is a funny classroom romp about Valentine's Day. The holiday this time is Halloween. Chipmunk Gilbert and his little sister, Lola, prepare their costumes. She's a ballerina, but she wants to be just like him, a space pilot. By mistake he takes the bag with her ballerina costume to school for the parade. He's appalled, but when he discovers that most of his classmates are space pilots, he makes the most of being different, and he twirls triumphantly in his pink tutu to the refreshment table. Of course, then Lulu wants her costume back. deGroat's funny watercolor pictures capture the various animal creatures' very human expressions and body language; and the parade of pig, owl, penguin, duck, rabbit, bear, etc., in outlandish garb captures the dressing-up farce of the holiday. Hazel Rochman, Copyright 1998, American Library Association. All rights reserved – Booklist

Gilbert's good-natured blunderings make for a kid-appealing Halloween treat. -- Copyright 1998 The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved. – Horn Book

Jingle Bells, Homework Smells

Diane deGroat Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover - 32 pages (October 2000) HarperCollins Juvenile Books; ISBN: 0688175430

It's almost Christmas, and Gilbert finds it hard to pay attention in school. When Mrs. Byrd gives the class homework for the weekend, Gilbert just can't seem to find the time to do it. After all, this is a busy season. He has to help his mother and sister bake Christmas cookies. He also has to make time to go ice-skating with his friends. And the tree has to be decorated too!

Editorial Reviews

...Gilbert's dilemma is a common one and most readers will appreciate his last-minute attempt to appease his teacher... – School Library Journal

Happy Birthday to You, You Belong in a Zoo

Diane deGroat, author and illustrator, Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover - 32 pages (August 1999) Morrow Junior; ISBN: 0688165443

Gilbert can't believe that Lewis, the class meanie, has invited him to his birthday party. Could they be friends after all? When Lewis proves to be just as rotten as ever, Gilbert plots to give Lewis a present he really deserves-but an even bigger surprise is in store for Gilbert! This follow-up to the first two hits starring everyone's favorite opossum addresses issues of friendship and generosity with deGroat's renowned honesty and child-pleasing humor.

Editorial Reviews

Gilbert, a young possum, is invited to a birthday party. That would normally be good news, but the party is for Lewis, a tough kid at school who isn't very nice to Gilbert. Shopping with his mother, Gilbert realizes he doesn't want to get anything nice for Lewis, so he tells his mother to purchase a frying pan as a gift. At the party, Gilbert has fun and feels guilty about giving Lewis a substandard present. However, when Lewis opens Gilbert's present, it's a cool Martian spaceship with flashing lights and rocket noises. Mom has saved the day, subtly teaching Gilbert a lesson about being sensitive and kind. Both story and watercolor pictures excel at capturing the anguish that children often feel as they try to learn the social game. Gilbert can also be seen in Trick or Treat, Smell My Feet (1998) and Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink (1996). Kathy Broderick Copyright 1999, American Library Association. All rights reserved. – Booklist

We Gather Together...Now Please Get Lost!

Diane deGroat Reading level: Ages 4-8  - 32 pages (August 2001) Seastar Books; Hardcover ISBN: 1587170957

Editorial Reviews

It's Thanksgiving time in this fifth book featuring Gilbert, the hapless porcupine. He's excited about his class visit to Pilgrim Town, but on the day of the field trip, he gets up late and he has to partner with the only kid left--goony Philip. Pilgrim Town is a neat place, but Gilbert spends most of his time trying to ditch Philip, who is a tattletale as well as a nerd ("I'm telling Mrs. Byrd that you called me a tattle-tale"). Gilbert hides out in the bathroom, only to get locked in. Will the partner he's been avoiding all day try to find him? As in Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink (1996) and the other books about Gilbert and his multispecies class, deGroat captures the ups and downs of school life. Much of the humor in the art comes from the kids; gangly Philip, a goose-boy, dressed like an adult in a trench coat, is a case in point. At the end, Philip does go searching for Gilbert and saves the day. The last scene, in which the classmates, dressed as pilgrims, enjoy a thankful lunch, will resonate with children. Ilene Cooper Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved. – Booklist

...this low-key story captures the emotions and behavior of early elementary students. deGroat's watercolor illustrations add charm and humor to the straightforward text. The home and school environments are cozy and familiar, while details of the park scenes offer potential topics for further discussion. Teachers and librarians in search of a fun read-aloud for Thanksgiving (a rare bird indeed) will welcome this title. Lisa Dennis, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc. – School Library Journal

Pots and Pans

Patricia Hubbell, Diane deGroat (Illustrator), Reading level: Baby-Preschool Paperback - 24 pages (June 1998) HarperCollins Juvenile Books; ISBN: 0694010723

Editorial Reviews

This boisterous picture book, a kindred spirit to Eve Merriam's Bam Bam Bam (1995), is a rollicking salute to the utter chaos created by a curious tot let loose in the kitchen. Skillfully epitomizing the boundless inquisitiveness of toddlers, Hubbell describes the exuberant explorations of one mischievous child. Bouncy rhymes crescendo with the growing excitement of a baby as it experiments with different objects: hitting, slamming, and banging them together, creating a cacophony of sound. Children will enjoy “reading'' the sound effects, set in a bold typeface that stands out from the rest of the text. DeGroat's colorful illustrations humorously depict the antics of a cat, a dog, and a baby as they revel in this lively impromptu performance. (Board book. 1-3) -- Copyright 1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. – Kirkus Reviews