THE IMAGINOODLES

While on a playdate with an outgoing new friend, a nervous hedgehog finds the courage to use his imagination, in this lively, funny picture book by a New York Times bestselling creator.

It doesn't take much for Henry, an introverted young hedgehog, to roll up into a tight ball of anxiety. And now he's on a nerve-wracking playdate with a new neighbor, a very energetic chipmunk named Chester. Chester wants to go on all kinds of imagined adventures in the backyard, but Henry much prefers the safety of experiencing adventure in the pages of a book. What's more, he's afraid that if he expresses his own creative ideas Chester will think he's silly and uncool. But with the help of a "magic" stick, a lizard who knows she's actually a dragon, and the encouragement of rambunctious Chester, Henry just might find his bravery and save the playdate! Key Selling Points: - Comic book-style storytelling: The whole book is written in graphic novel form a wonderful introduction to the genre for young kids, a very cinematic reading experience, and a terrific choice for a beginning reader. - Typical-kid anxiety: This book is for the children who are shy about expressing their own thoughts and desires and need to be encouraged to take a risk. - The joy of imagination: As in the old TV series "The Backyardigans," this yard can be anything when you imagine that it is outer space, a kingdom of trolls, an ocean full of evil giant squid, or even a land of sock monsters! - Beloved book creator: Known first for his Ordinary People Change the World artwork, Christopher Eliopoulos is also gaining a following for his own picture books, including The Yawns Are Coming, which is a state award winner in Iowa, Florida, and Texas. Chris's presentations to kids are delights that include fun drawing lessons. Christopher Eliopoulos is the author/illustrator of A Little Emotional, The Yawns Are Coming!, and The Giggles Are Coming!, and the illustrator of the New York Times bestselling Ordinary People Change the World series of picture book biographies. He has worked on thousands of comics, including his own Cosmic Commandos and Monster Mayhem graphic novels. He and his wife have identical twin sons and live in New Jersey.