BECAUSE YOUR . . .
Because Your Daddy Loves You
A Bank Street Children’s Book of the Year, 2006
“Give this child’s-eye view of a day at the beach with an attentive father high marks for coziness.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Sure to enjoy a long life as a gift book and a bedtime story.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Because Your Mommy Loves You
“Sure to connect with children in many ways—the adventure of camping, learning how to do things all by oneself and conquering initial anxieties.” —Kirkus Reviews
“With tenderness and gentle humor, Alley’s light-filled ink, watercolor, and acrylic illustrations capture the bond between mother and son.” —Publishers Weekly
Because Your Grandparents Love You
“Clements’s gentle, knowing writing and Alley’s friendly characterizations readily capture the joy of making memories with grandparents.” —Publishers Weekly
Enzo
by Garth Stein / with Zoë B. Alley & R.W. Alley /
illustrated by R.W. Alley
Harper / HarperCollins Publishers
Enzo Races in the Rain
The first of four picture books by Garth Stein, following the adventures of Enzo, the speedy canine hero of his NY Times best-selling novel, “The Art of Racing in the Rain”.
Enzo the puppy’s action-packed adventure begins when he makes the journey from the farm to the city (bark twice for faster!), discovers just how big the world is, and finds the family that was meant to be his.
For this picture book introduction to Enzo, I drew the pictures, as you might expect. And, with Garth’s direction, the charming author Zoë B. Alley and I collaborated with him to bring his Enzo to the picture book crowd.
Enzo and the Fourth of July Races
For Enzo, the Fourth of July means fireworks, family and car races! Denny is racing as usual, but, yipee, this year Zoë is old enough to compete in the Kids’ Kart Challenge. Enzo’s been barking along with Zoë’s practice runs. He knows how fast she can go. Just like her dad. Enzo knows Zoë can win.
But, when one of the boys at the track says girls aren’t ever fast drivers, Zoë gets nervous and withdraws from the race! Denny is disappointed and starts losing time in his own practice runs. Some Fourth of July, right?
Enzo knows it’s up to him to help his family regain the confidence to compete on the big day. Did I mention there were fireworks?
Enzo's Very Scary Halloween
Boo! Halloween is here — the spookiest night of the year! And Enzo’s been warned by Zoë about the mischief that’s to come.
Soon, every child in the neighborhood has been changed into some kind of creature — witches and werewolves and ghosts. Even Zoë’s been transformed into a fairy princess. Enzo’s worried they’ve been put under some kind of spell. As he prepares to lead the Halloween parade, Zoë needs to help him learn there’s really nothing to be afraid of at all.
Enzo and the Christmas Tree Hunt
Sparkly ornaments are brought out, the neighborhood glitters with lights, and snow is in the air. When Zoë tells Enzo that they are going on a hunt for the perfect Christmas tree, Enzo isn’t so sure. Why would they put a tree inside the house? Enzo knows he’s in for an adventure.
As Zoë and Enzo go on the ultimate hunt, Zoë loses her way. But discovers that her family is never far behind.
JIGSAW JONES
by James Preller / illustrated by R.W. Alley
Feiwel and Friends
THE CASE FROM OUTER SPACE & THE CASE OF THE HAT BURGLAR
Jigsaw Jones is back and better than ever in TWO brand-new chapter book mysteries!
“Fans . . . can count on the series for likable characters and a bit of a challenge here and there. . . . With short sentences, bits of humor, and engaging illustrations, the latest early chapter book in Preller’s long-running Jigsaw Jones Mystery series has plenty of appeal for young independent readers.” – Booklist
“Those who enjoy Preller’s works for younger readers will welcome the return of Jigsaw Jones. Highly recommended, especially for devotees of series such as David A. Adler’s “Cam Jansen,” Ron Roy’s “A to Z Mysteries” and “Calendar Mysteries,” and, of course, Marjorie Weinman Sharmat’s “Nate the Great.” – School Library Journal
The Case from Outer Space
When Joey and Danika find a mysterious note tucked inside a book, all signs point to a visitor … from outer space. Yikes! Are aliens coming to Earth? Jigsaw and friends have a clue, but is there really life in outer space?
Someone’s been stealing from the lost and found. But the strangest part of this mystery is what they’ve been stealing. Not mittens, or books, or water bottles―only hats! Will this be the first case Jigsaw and Mila can’t solve?
Find out more about Jigsaw on author James Preller’s blog.
DETECTIVE DINOSAUR
by James Skofield / pictures by R.W. Alley
HarperCollins / I Can Read Books
Detective Dinosaur Undercover
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Book Award
“Detective Dinosaur, showcased in his third entry in the I Can Read! series, is the same charming numbskull readers have come to love. Enhancing the narrative is a cast of funky characters, such as Ricky Raptor and Cadet Kitty, illustrated in bright cavorting watercolors. Readers will smirk at being smarter than the detective and giggle at his goof-ups.” — Kirkus
“The dino’s genial expressions projected in colorful pen-and-ink and watercolor cartoons follow the action. His innocent confusion creates entertaining problems with simple solutions. Solid additions to easy-reader collections.” —School Library Journal
Detective Dinosaur Lost and Found
Detective Dinosaur and Officer Pterodactyl search for a lost baby and find a home for a stray kitten. But when Detective Dinosaur loses his way in a dark park, will he himself be found at a loss?
“Skofield and Alley team up for the second book featuring the bungling Detective Dinosaur and clever Officer Pterodactyl. The watercolor-and-ink illustrations add visual interest and the humor is right on target for beginning readers.” — School Library Journal
Detective Dinosaur
First, Detective Dinosaur solves the mystery of the missing hat. Then he cracks the case of the squeaky shoe. Then he goes on night patrol, and spots a scary shadow in a dark alley. Can it be a monster? Help Detective Dinosaur follow the clues and find out!
“An appealing, if somewhat bungling, detective is introduced in this easy reader. Three short chapters each present a separate case. In ‘The Case of the Missing Hat,’ Detective Dinosaur’s derby is on his head the whole time, although cleverly hidden from sight in each picture. In ‘Night Patrol,’ the detective is frightened by a noise. Alley’s watercolor-and-ink cartoons include plenty of visual interest and some sideline humor.” — School Library Journal
WHEN DADS DON’T GROW UP
by Marjorie Blain Parker / illustrated by R. W. Alley
Dial Books for Young Readers
When Dads Don't Grow Up
A Bank Street Best Book of the Year
This playful book follows four father-child pairs as they spend happy, silly times together, popping bubble wrap and watching cartoons and taking part in shopping cart races. These are dads who aren’t worried about looking goofy or getting their hair wet – dads who still remember what it’s like to be little.
“Here is an unabashed celebration of dads who enthusiastically embrace their inner children. Alley uses pen and ink, watercolors and colored pencil to show an abundance of humorous details in a series of vignettes that greatly extend the text.” — Kirkus
PEARL AND WAGNER
by Kate McMullan / illustrated by R.W. Alley
Penguin Young Readers: Easy to Read, ages 9-10
Check out the classroom adventures of best friends Pearl, a thoughtful rabbit, and Wagner, an impulsive mouse, in this award-winning series of five titles.
One Funny Day
- 2010 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book
- New Jersey Garden State Children’s Book Award Nominee, 2012
- ALA Notable Book for Children, 2010
- a Bank Street Best Book of the Year, 2010
- Junior Library Guild Selection, 2010
“McMullan’s exquisitely crafted story has an endearing blend of humor, humiliation, friendship, and familiar school scenarios. Done in pen and ink, watercolor, and colored pencil, Alley’s distinguished illustrations feature a variety of expressive animal characters whose kinesthetic expressions cheerfully depict many of the happenings.” — School Library Journal – Starred
Two Good Friends
- Junior Library Guild Selection, 2004
- New Jersey Garden State Children’s Book Award Nominee, 2006
“From the first page, the audience will feel like they’re enrolled in Ms. Star’s class, deciding what to make for the science fair. Alley’s illustrations enhance this effect with their knee-level or just-at-the-next-desk perspectives. McMullan moves the story forward with simple, authentic dialogue. “I’m going to make a robot,” says Pearl while Wagner dreams, “I’m going to win a prize.” — Publisher’s Weekly
Three Secrets
- Capitol Choices Master List (Washington, DC), 2005
- Booklist Top Ten Easy Reader, 2004
- Junior Library Guild Selection, 2004 Berkeley Public Library (CA) Reading List, 2012
“The appealing rabbit-and-mouse duo are back. When Wagner tries very hard to keep a classmate’s confidence from Pearl, they both learn that secrets can strain a relationship. Done in pen and ink, watercolor, and colored pencils, the vibrant illustrations complement the text–the animal characters have unique personalities that are clearly conveyed through their expressions.” — School Library Journal – Starred
Four Eyes
“After a vision screening at school, Wagner learns that he needs glasses. Pearl puts a decidedly positive spin on his perceived misfortunes… with glasses, he can look like a rock star, a scientist, or an actor. Not only will readers find a genuine tale of friendship and a respect for uniqueness in these pages, but also the anatomy of a pair of glasses and tips for glasses wearers. With its solid story line; controlled vocabulary; and detailed ink, watercolor, and colored-pencil illustrations, this book is an essential addition to the series.” — School Library Journal
Five Days Till Summer
ABC BOOKS
Alphabet Letter Sounds by Barbara deRubertis / illustrated by R. W. Alley
Ages 3-8 / Astra Young Readers
Animal Antics (26 Titles)
Begin at the beginning with to PURCHASE these books with ALEXANDER ANTEATER’S AMAZING ACT
- Teachers’ Choice Award 2011 for Children’s Books
- Teachers’ Choice Award 2012 for the Family
- Reading Rainbow Selection
“Each animal character and related adventure represents a letter of the alphabet. Eddie Elephant helps egg-sit for the Emu family. Frances Frog and Felicity Fox are friends even though they are opposites in many ways. And Gertie Gorilla drops her glorious birthday gift for Goat into the gulch. Kids will enjoy hearing each story as the alphaphonemic sounds are introduced. Alley’s pen-and-ink drawings with soft watercolors capture the animals and their human characteristics in full-page illustrations, making the stories a delightful experience.” —K-Gr 2, School Library Journal
“Full of action and humor, Alley’s expressive artwork adds considerably to the story’s appeal.” – Booklist
- ALEXANDER ANTEATER’S AMAZING ACT
- BOBBY BABOON’S BANANA BE-BOP
- CORKY CUB’S CRAZY CAPS
- DILLY DOG’S DIZZY DANCING
- EDDIE ELEPHANT’S EXCITING EGG-SITTING
- FRANCES FROG’S FOREVER FRIEND
- GERTIE GORILLA’S GLORIOUS GIFT
- HANNA HIPPO’S HORRIBLE HICCUPS
- IZZY IMPALA’S IMAGINARY ILLNESSES
- JEREMY JACKRABBIT’S JUMPING JOURNEY
- KYLIE KANGAROO’S KARATE KICKERS
- LANA LLAMA’S LITTLE LAMB
- MAXWELL MOOSE’S MOUNTAIN MONSTER
- NINA NANDU’S NERVOUS NOGGIN
- OLIVER OTTER’S OWN OFFICE
- POLLY PORCUPINE’S PAINTING PRIZES
- QUENTIN QUOKKA’S QUICK QUESTIONS
- ROSIE RACCOON’S ROCK AND ROLL RAFT
- SAMMY SKUNK’S SUPER SNIFFER
- TESSA TIGER’S TEMPER TANTRUMS
- UMMA UNGKA’S UNUSUAL UMBRELLA
- VICTOR VICUNA’S VOLCANO VACATION
- WALTER WARTHOG’S WONDERFUL WAGON
- XAVIER OX’S XYLOPHONE EXPERIMENT
- YOKO YAK’S YAKETY YAKKING
- ZACHARY ZEBRA’S ZIPPITY ZOOMING
TIGER BOOKS
by S.J. Fore / illustrated by R.W. Alley
Penguin Young Readers Group
Tiger Can't Sleep
How is a boy supposed to sleep with a noisy tiger in his closet?
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library selection
“Both Fore and Alley have masterfully created an atmosphere completely absent of the normal childhood fear of “something” in the closet.” — Kirkus
Read to Tiger
Tiger Wants to Play — But This Little Boy Just Wants to Read His Book!
It’s a quiet evening, and a little boy curls up on his couch, getting ready to read his favorite book. But as soon as he switches on the reading lamp and opens his book to the first page, he hears a “chomp, chomp, chomping” from behind the couch. There’s a tiger back there, and he’s loudly chewing gum. It’s not until the tiger looks over the boy’s shoulder and sees a picture of a tiger in the book that the problem is solved. He curls up beside the boy, who reads the story aloud.
With lots of enjoyable sounds in the text, like “grrrr,” “hi-yaaa,” “choo-choo-choo,” and “tooooot,” this book is great fun to read aloud. It’s a wonderful celebration of the joys of reading — alone or with a friend!
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library selection
“Fore and Alley play with sound effects and comic expressions, which will please a read-aloud audience [and] will find fans in children who enjoy energetic tales.” — School Library Journal
SATURDAY IS DADURDAY
by Robin Pulver / illustrated by R.W. Alley
Walker Books for Young Readers
Saturday is Dadurday
Mimi and Dad’s favorite day came after Friday . . . they called it DADURDAY.
For Mimi, the best day of the week is always Saturday, because she gets to spend it with just her Dad. Every “Dadurday” begins the same way–Mimi and Dad make silly-shaped pancakes, read the comics section of the newspaper and make lists of fun things to do together. But when Dad gets a new work schedule, “Dadurday” is ruined. Can Mimi find a way to still make it a special day for her and dad?
A Junior Library Guild selection
“Detailed watercolor, watercolor pencil, gouache, and pen-and-ink illustrations are filled with energy, emotion, and warmth. Entertaining, easy to read, and reassuring.” — School Library Journal
Pulver’s well-crafted story touches upon an all-too-common situation—parents’ work encroaching on family time. Alley combines watercolor, watercolor pencil, pen and ink to deftly portray Mimi as she grapples with her feelings about something beyond her control. — Kirkus
