I want your smile, Crocodile.
Kids love your pointy chin.
If it were mine,
they’d stand in line,
and wait for me to grin.

Would life for a spunky meerkat pup be better with polar bear hair? Porcupine spines? A crocodile smile? As Jack the meerkat covets all the things his zoo friends have, he creates calamity and discovers contentment in this humorous tale celebrating God's perfect, purposeful design. Written by critically acclaimed author Denette Fretz and illustrated by New York Times bestselling artist Jackie Urbanovic, this comical story of self-acceptance will have readers giggling through the pages.

  Check out the trailer for I Want Your Smile, Crocodile!

“It’s plain fun! The quick moving and rhyming story keeps Splatypus moving among different groups of animals, trying to fit in. He’s trying to find his place and a group of friends he can keep up with. He moves from trying to play in a tree with the possums, jumping with kangaroos, and running with dingoes…Children’s book enthusiasts will also recognize the illustration style of Jackie Urbanovic, The New York Times bestselling creator of Duck books.

This will be a hit in every primary classroom. The animals are unique, the story is catchy, and the words on the page move with the action. When Splatypus falls from the tree, the words on the page fall with him… Teachers will love the book because of the message it delivers: you should always be yourself and try new things.”.
—Jessica on the Literary Fusions Blog

Teachers! I’m adding this link to the blog because Jessica also gives some ideas for integrating the story and animals into your curriculum. LINK

Click to read an excerpt
of the book!

Who came first: the frog or the prince?
Hopper is not your ordinary frog; the pond denizens all consider him a bit of an oddball. Then a wise old turtle–cum-storyteller shares the story of a “prince who was turned into a frog.” Maybe that’s why Hopper is so peculiar. Hopper believes that he has all the correct physical attributes for frogginess—but might he actually be a prince? Following the requirements of the tale, he sets off on a quest to find a kissing princess. Alas, the quest is a downer. Not a woodpecker nor a smelly skunk nor a hungry fox fills the bill. Then, happily, Hopper meets a perfectly named dog who saves him from the fox, and immediately they become BFFs, singing, kicking balls and kissing. Hopper is still green, goggle-eyed and webbed, but he now understands the true meaning of nobility—all thanks to his new friend. Urbanovic has crafted an entertaining tale that is a twist on an old favorite. Her splashy blues and greens along with very expressive animal faces heighten the spirit of fun amid the animal antics. Speech bubbles for dialogue and a page design that varies between full-page art and sequential panels add to the entertaining narrative.
—Kirkus Review
Fairy-tale fun for frog fans. (Picture book. 3-6)

My first grade students LOVED hearing this story.
Prince of a Frog is a book that gave me goose bumps! Certainly, not all children's books can do that! It is the story of a frog who is a little bit lost in his own skin. He begins a search for a princess to see if he should really be a PRINCE and not a frog. It is the twist in the plot that gave me goosebumps! My first grade students LOVED hearing this story, so I would say this book is appropriate for PreK - First or Second grade. I have both the kindle and book versions. I will say the real book is a better format for young readers. I was captivated by Jackie Urbanovic's picture of the wise old turtle. He is beautiful. If you read stories out loud to children, this is a book you need on your shelf!
—Mrs. S

HEAR Prince of a Frog read to you
on Storytime with Erin 
HEAR Prince of a Frog read to you on
Wooldridge’s Weekly Read Aloud

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“This collection of more than 100 new poems from the nation’s first children’s poet laureate is steeped in frisky typography, absurdity and appropriately juvenile humor…Black and white illustrations by Urbanovic cry out for full color, though they fittingly embody Prelutsky’s zany spirit…”
—New York Times Book Review

“Urbanovic’s blithe pen and ink illustrations offer playfully literal interpretations of clever hybrids like a “Spellican”…pictured with a craw full of letters and an “Elephantom”, rising from a gravestone…”  
—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Urbanovic’s black-and-white artwork displays a comfortably free hand, roving between loose and scrunched as it depicts Prelutsky’s vast company of players…”
—Kirkus,

“…Urbanovic’s black-and-white ink cartoons increase the laugh factor and add a touch of whimsy. Impeccable rhyme and snappy rhythm make these poems ideal for reading aloud or to use during a poetry unit. Don’t miss this one.”
—School Library Journal, starred review

“Sure to be a storytime staple, with many requests for repeat performances.”
— SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

Click on the book cover to read an excerpt from If You’re Hoppy, by April Pulley Sayre

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Jackie Urbanovic has dazzled picture book enthusiasts with her amazing illustrations in Duck Soup and Duck at the Door. When you see the cover of Glamsters, you won’t be able to resist picking up this fabulous picture book. Urbanovic has illustrated this charming story by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel.
— Lori Calabrese, examiner.com

"Kimmel makes the most of her silly premise, going just enough over the top to create a satisfyingly goofy heroine before bringing her back to reality, though much of the fashion satire will likely sail over readers’ heads. Urbanovic’s heavy outlines give her hamsters a wide range of comical expressions, but young kids who love to dress up may not see any problem with Harriet’s makeover. For sophisticated readers with enough emotional distance, it’s a hoot and a half."
— Kirkus

Click on the book cover to read an excerpt from Glamsters by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel, illustrated by Jackie Urbanovic.

Buy Now @
Amazon   |   Indiebound

Buy Now @
Amazon   |   Indiebound

Buy Now @
Amazon   |   Indiebound

"...The story has a good, zippy tempo and the waggish art makes it all seem possible, capturing Eddie in his cool, maverick glory."
—Kirkus reviews

PreSchool -G r.2 
A kid's devotion to his favorite food is taken to dizzying heights and unusual purposes… This tale is a bit odd, but it's enhanced by terrific pictures. Urbanovic uses thick black lines and curves and angles to delineate shapes and surfaces; her faces are mobile and exaggerated. Best of all, she captures the thick, red essence of spaghetti sauce, which covers Eddie's fingers and every strand of his useful pasta.
For larger collections.
—From Booklist, GraceAnne DeCandido

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