The picture book debut by Katherine Hannigan, the award-winning, bestselling author of Ida B , introduces the effervescent Gwendolyn Grace, an alligator with a new sibling and only one thing on her mind—having fun! Pitch-perfect and a great choice for fans of Pete the Cat and the Pigeon books by Mo Willems. Gwendolyn Grace, a preschool alligator in a pink tutu, wants to play. But her mother insists that she pipe down, because the baby is trying to sleep. Gwendolyn Grace can't quite believe it, and in this funny call-and-response, all dialogue and action picture book, she questions her mother relentlessly about what is allowed (not much) and not allowed (a lot). It all ends happily, though, when Mom, baby, and Gwendolyn Grace play a noisy game together. Lots of drama, lots of noise, and lots of funny moments make this picture book debut an ideal choice for story times and for families with new siblings. PreS-Gr 1—Gwendolyn Grace's mother has asked her to please be quiet while the baby is sleeping. "'But do you mean….Stop making music in the kitchen?' 'YES!'" Stop sledding down the stairs (aka mountain), splashing in the tub (aka ocean), playing trains, doing doggy dress-up, and bouncing on the bed? It turns out that she means all of these things, much to the irrepressible alligator's dismay. "But Mama….when the baby is done sleeping, can we all play together? Yes." And the final page shows them all happily and loudly playing marching band. Hannigan's illustrations have plenty of white space so that children can focus on Gwendolyn Grace's cavorting and just enough details to keep them interesting. Her dog and bird join in her boisterous activities, effortlessly matching her joy and disappointment and adding a fun visual element. The image of a small bird banging away on a kitchen pot is priceless. Pair Gwendolyn Grace with any of Ian Falconer's "Olivia" book (S. & S.) for a storytime that will delight children. VERDICT A wonderful mix of relatable scenes, expert facial expressions and body language, spot-on text, and the perfect amount of whimsy.—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH “A small delight, cunningly illustrated by Hannigan’s own sweet watercolors, reminiscent of Beatrix Potter’s works.” - Booklist (starred review) “Boisterous . . . A wonderful mix of relatable scenes, expert facial expressions and body language, spot-on text, and the perfect amount of whimsy.” - School Library Journal “Gwendolyn Grace is one spunky alligator girl.” - Kirkus Reviews Praise for Gwendolyn Grace: “A wonderful mix of relatable scenes, expert facial expression and body language, spot-on text, and the perfect amount of whimsy.” - School Library Journal Praise for Ida B . . . and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the World : “Ida B is a true character in every sense of the word. . . . an unforgettable heroine with intelligence, spirit, and a unique imagination.” - School Library Journal (starred review) “An insightful, seemingly intuitive first novel.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Ida B . . . tells her story with impeccable comic timing and achingly honest emotions . . . and will touch readers long after the book’s happy ending.” - Child Magazine Praise for Emmaline and the Bunny: “With playful, alliterative, fun-to-read-aloud language and its fantastical storyline, this winning, 32-chapter novelette recalls the magical whimsy of Roald Dahl.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Gwendolyn Grace! Yes? Shhhhhh. But . . . Sweetie, the baby is sleeping. But does that mean . . . No more fun? No more laughter? No more anything good, ever? What do you think? Katherine Hannigan studied mathematics, painting, and studio art and has worked as the education coordinator for a Head Start program and, most recently, as an assistant professor of art and design. She is the author of True (. . . Sort Of) , Emmaline and the Bunny , and the national bestseller Ida B . . . and Her Plans to Maximize Fun , Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the World . She lives in Iowa with a bunch of cats and the occasional bunny or bird visitor. Her backyard hosts an additional array of creatures, including deer, raccoons, possums, and sometimes a skunk. But no alligators . . . yet!