Category: News

A WORK IN PROGRESS Receives a STARRED Review from Publishers Weekly!

~ Jarrett Lerner ~ 5 Comments

With A Work in Progress less than six weeks away from publication (I can hardly believe it), more reviews are rolling in, and just the other day I got a big one: a STARRED review from Publishers Weekly!

Publishers Weekly is perhaps THE go-to publication for everything BOOKS. And in case you don’t know what STARRED review means — the star is there “to denote a book of distinction or particularly high quality.” Below are a couple of my favorite portions from the review, but you can read the whole thing yourself by clicking HERE.

Using succinct and personal-feeling verse, Lerner (the Nat the Cat series) crafts an empathetic illustrated novel about one boy’s experience with body dysmorphia, disordered eating, and stigma… Lerner’s sketch-like illustrations, presented as Will’s own diary doodles, render grayscale caricatures of Will’s classmates, while his own self-portrait, depicted via stark black scribbles, slowly morphs into a monstrous version of himself that fills the page. Employing frenetic pacing and disjointed verse that conveys Will’s growing anxiety and internalized shame, Lerner cultivates a perceptive representation of recovery and self-acceptance.

Publishers Weekly review of A Work in Progress (March 20, 2023)

Thank you to Publishers Weekly for reviewing the book and for honoring it with a STAR.

And just a reminder: you can preorder A Work in Progress wherever books are sold. Click HERE to check out Simon & Schuster’s landing page about the book, where you can access links to a variety of book retailers. And click HERE to visit my local independent bookstore’s landing page for the book. If you order from the Silver Unicorn, I will sign the book, and can also personalize it if you wish.

~ Jarrett

A WORK IN PROGRESS Selected for the 2023 Global Read Aloud!

~ Jarrett Lerner ~ 8 Comments

Did you hear the news?

A Work in Progress was named the middle school selection for this year’s Global Read Aloud!

To be honest, I’m still finding a bit hard to believe it’s true.

If you know anything about the Global Read Aloud, you can probably understand why that is. If you don’t know anything about the Global Read aloud, you’re probably hoping for an explanation. Well, here you go . . .

The Global Read Aloud was created back in 2010 by the remarkable Pernille Ripp. Every year, she picks a handful of books — each for a different age group. Then, over the course of six weeks in the fall, educators all over the world read that book with their students, all while simultaneously making as many global connections as possible. There are robust, highly active online communities (on a variety of social media platforms) where educators discuss ideas and share student work and — perhaps most amazingly and importantly — make plans to connect. Far-flung classrooms communicate with one another via Zoom, Skype, Twitter, Padlet, Flipgrid, or good old-fashioned letter writing, forging incredibly productive connections, all based around the shared reading and exploration of a single book. In the thirteen years since it’s been around, the Global Read Aloud has reached millions — you read that right: multiple millions — of kids.

I mean, how cool is all of that?!

The creators of the books also often get involved — and I’m already brainstorming ways I can do so — but I feel like that’s just a bonus. The heart of this project, the beautiful, wonderful, profound result, is the global community that is created. The relationships that are formed among educators who would otherwise never meet. The connections that are made among kids, and the ways in which their voices are celebrated and their perspectives are expanded.

To learn more about the Global Read Aloud — especially if you are an educator who wants to get involved! — click HERE.

Thank you (again and again) to Pernille Ripp for selecting this deeply personal, very special book of mine for inclusion in the Global Read Aloud. And to the thousands of teachers and tens of thousands of kids who will be reading my book as part of the project this fall, thank YOU. I’m eager to see what you make of and do with my book, and hope to connect with as many of you as possible.

~ Jarrett

Kirkus Reviews’ Review of A WORK IN PROGRESS

~ Jarrett Lerner ~ 2 Comments

In case you missed it, Kirkus Reviews — one of the book industry’s top review publications — just printed its review of A Work in Progress. They said some pretty wonderful things.

I especially love how they mentioned that the book will help many readers feel seen, and that it will help others better see them. And, I mean, “very affecting,” “powerful,” “successful” — what more could an author ask for?!

Thank you, Kirkus! I’ve pasted their review in its entirety below.

And just a reminder: A Work in Progress hits shelves on May 2nd (less than two months from today!), but you can preorder RIGHT NOW wherever books are sold. Preorder from my local independent bookstore, the Silver Unicorn, if you want your copy (or copies) of the book signed (or signed and personalized). Click HERE to do that!

Thanks!

~ Jarrett

. . .

Please note: advanced review copies (or ARCs) rarely contain final artwork. This is the case for A Work in Progress. The majority of the art in the book’s ARC is outlined and unshaded. This is why, in their review, Kirkus says, “All characters appear White.” In the book’s final art, several characters have skin tones of various shades.

NAT THE CAT TAKES A BATH is Named a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!

~ Jarrett Lerner ~ 4 Comments

I’m thrilled to share that the second of my Nat the Cat early reader, Nat the Cat Takes a Bath, has been named a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection! If you’ve been following along with Nat, you may remember that his first book, Nat the Cat Takes a Nap, was also a JLG Gold Standard selection.

What does this mean?

The Junior Library Guild is a hugely popular, highly influential subscription service that is used by tons of librarians. It’s been around for more than 90 years, and is known as “the librarian’s secret.” The Guild is basically a highly knowledgeable editorial team that reads pretty much EVERY SINGLE children’s book before it gets published. Books that are deemed essential additions to school libraries are given the Guild’s seal of approval, and that Gold Standard stamp means they really like it.

What happens next?

The Guild buys up a bunch of copies of their selected books and ships them out to subscribing libraries who have noted their interest in titles like it. So, when it comes to Nat the Cat Takes a Bath, librarians that have said they are looking to add more early readers to their collections are likely to receive copies right around the book’s release date.

One more pretty awesome thing about the Guild: nearly 95% of their selections go on to win awards, honors, starred reviews, and industry accolades. So not only does this honor mean that Nat the Cat Takes a Bath will end up in the hands of more readers than it otherwise might have, it means that it bodes well for its chances to receive favorable feedback from other sectors of the industry. All good news for Nat!

You can learn more about the Junior Library Guild by clicking HERE. And just a reminder: Nat the Cat Takes a Bath hits shelves on May 2nd, but can be preordered TODAY wherever books are sold (and if you haven’t already checked out the first book in Nat’s series, Nat the Cat Takes a Nap, you can do so today wherever books are able to be borrowed or bought). If you want your copies of either of Nat’s books signed by me, you can, as always, order/preorder from the Silver Unicorn. Click HERE to access my page at the Silver Unicorn site. And also as always: THANKS!

~ Jarrett

NAT THE CAT TAKES A NAP pub day!

~ Jarrett Lerner ~ 2 Comments

Today’s the day! Nat the Cat Takes a Nap, my very first early reader, is officially OUT. Starting now, you’ll be able to find the book on shelves near you.

I’ve been a fan of Ready-to-Read books for a long time, and creating them is an absolute blast. Because they are so explicitly aimed at helping turn kids into readers, each level of the Ready-to-Read program has its own set of “rules” or “restrictions,” and creating within these parameters often feels like solving an elaborate puzzle. I sometimes think of it as being put in a sandbox with a limited number of toys and tools. But when these creative limits are thoughtful and purposeful, they don’t actually feel limiting at all. Paradoxically, they are liberating. I think they allow you to tap into your creativity in a different sort of way than when you’ve got nothing holding you back. I wouldn’t want to ONLY work this way — but I truly love it, and plan to continue to. So, in addition to all my other books, keep an eye out for even more early readers from me. 🙂

And if you enjoy Nat’s first book — which, in case you missed it, was recently named a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection — you can already preorder his second, Nat the Cat Takes a Bath, which hits shelves in just a few months, on May 2nd. As always, if you preorder the book from my local independent bookstore, the Silver Unicorn, your copy (or copies!) of the book will be signed (or signed AND personalized, if you wish). Click HERE to head to my page at the Silver Unicorn’s site, where you can order and/or preorder all of my books.

Thanks!

~ Jarrett

UPDATE: A Work in Progress Preorder Giveaway!

~ Jarrett Lerner ~ 1 Comment

Have you preordered A Work In Progress yet? If so, make sure to enter the Preorder Giveaway by sending proof of your preorder to AWIPpreorder@gmail.com. And if you HAVEN’T preordered yet . . .

What are you waiting for?!

The Ask Me What I’m Reading stickers I was giving away to the book’s first batch of preorderers are now all gone. BUT, if you preorder now, you will still be entered to win a FREE virtual visit with me. Also, starting this month, the amount of money donated to the First Book for each preorder has been upped to FIVE BUCKS! In the hands of the wonderful, brilliant people at First Book, just THAT can do a tremendous amount of good.

So, if you’re planning on getting yourself a copy of A Work in Progress at some point, put in a preorder now — it’s not only the best way to support me and my work, but it will help First Book get all sorts of books into the hands of kids who need them most.

Click HERE to find a whole bunch of preorder links for the book.

And if you want your copy or copies of A Work in Progress signed (or signed and personalized) by me, make sure to preorder from my awesome local indie, the Silver Unicorn. Click HERE to do that!

And as always: THANKS!

~ Jarrett

NAT THE CAT TAKES A NAP is Named a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!

~ Jarrett Lerner ~ 1 Comment

Did you hear?! Nat the Cat Takes a Nap, my first early reader, was recently named a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection!

Learning this, you might have some questions…

What’s the Junior Library Guild? It’s a hugely popular, highly influential subscription service that is used by tons of librarians. It’s been around for more than 90 years, and is known as “the librarian’s secret.” The Guild is basically a highly knowledgeable editorial team that reads pretty much EVERY SINGLE children’s book before it gets published. Books that are deemed essential additions to school libraries are given the Guild’s seal of approval, and that Gold Standard stamp means they really like it.

What happens next?

The Guild buys up a bunch of copies of their selected books and ships them out to subscribing libraries who have noted their interest in titles like it. So, when it comes to Nat the Cat Takes a Nap, librarians that have said they are looking to add more early readers to their collections are likely to receive copies right around the book’s release date.

One more pretty awesome thing about the Guild: nearly 95% of their selections go on to win awards, honors, starred reviews, and industry accolades. So not only does this honor mean that Nat the Cat Takes a Nap will end up in the hands of more readers than it otherwise might have, it means that it bodes well for its chances to receive favorable feedback from other sectors of the industry. All good news for Nat!

You can learn more about the Junior Library Guild by clicking HERE. And just a reminder: Nat the Cat Takes a Nap hits shelves on January 17th, 2023, but can be preordered TODAY wherever books are sold (as can the second book in Nat’s series, Nat the Cat Takes a Bath, which comes out on May 2nd, 2023). If you want your copies signed by me, you can, as always, preorder from the Silver Unicorn. Click HERE to access my page at the Silver Unicorn site. And also as always: THANKS!

~ Jarrett

COVER REVEAL: Nat the Cat Takes a Bath

~ Jarrett Lerner ~ 4 Comments

If you’ve been following along, you know that, in January, I’ll be launching my first early reader series as part of Simon & Schuster’s Ready-to-Read line. I’ve already shared the cover of the series’ first book, Nat the Cat Takes a Nap, and yesterday, I got to share the cover of the second, Nat the Cat Takes a Bath. Check it out!

Nat’s first adventure, Nat the Cat Takes a Nap, hits shelves on January 17th, 2023, and this second installment of the series comes out just three and a half months later, on May 2nd, 2023! You can learn more about each of the books below. Preorders, as always, are HUGELY appreciated — they are one of the best ways to support creators and their work. Also as always: copies preordered and/or purchased from my local indie, the Silver Unicorn, will be signed. Click HERE to check out my page at the Silver Unicorn’s online shop.

~ Jarrett

Nat the Cat Takes a Nap

From Jarrett Lerner, the powerhouse creator behind the EngiNerds, Geeger the Robot, and Hunger Heroes series, comes a hilarious new Pre-Level 1 Ready-to-Read series about a grumpy cat and a long-suffering narrator!

Nat the Cat is taking a nap. Or he would be…if only the narrator would stop interrupting his sleep! This witty story, where Nat’s words keep getting turned upside down and inside out, is sure to make readers laugh out loud.

Nat the Cat Takes a Bath

It’s bath time for Nat the Cat in this second book in the hilarious, fourth wall–breaking Pre-Level 1 Ready-to-Read series about a grumpy cat and a long-suffering narrator from powerhouse creator Jarrett Lerner!

Nat the Cat must take a bath. But first, he wants his toys. Then he won’t get in the tub without bubbles. And of course, he’ll need a towel. As Nat the Cat keeps coming up with excuses to not get in the bath, the narrator can’t help but wonder if he’s hiding something—like a fear of water.

THE HUNGER HEROES: SNACK CABINET SABOTAGE pub day!

~ Jarrett Lerner ~ 2 Comments

Finally, at long last, after multiple delays due to supply chain and shipping issues, Snack Cabinet Sabotage — the second volume of my Hunger Heroes series of graphic novel chapter books — has arrived! If you preordered a copy, it should be landing on your doorstep (or the doorstep of your local independent bookstore) very soon, if it hasn’t already. And if you didn’t preorder the book, you can now find a copy wherever books are sold — or, in the case of libraries, loaned. As always, if you order copies of the book (and/or any of my others) from MY local independent bookstore, the Silver Unicorn, I’ll sign them for you and, if you want, personalize them, too. Click HERE to get to my books’ page at the Silver Unicorn site.

If you want to learn more about the book and see some of its interior, go and find me on social media (@Jarrett_Lerner on both Twitter and Instagram). I’ll be sharing more about and from the book there in the coming days.

Now excuse me while I go celebrate my superheroic crew with a taco or two!

~ Jarrett

Cover Reveal: GEEGER THE ROBOT GOES FOR GOLD!

~ Jarrett Lerner ~ 1 Comment

Eager for more Geeger?!

Don’t give yourself a fever!

Take a breather — and check out this cover reveal-er!

Geeger the Robot Goes for Gold, the fifth book in my Geeger the Robot early chapter book series, hits shelves April 11, 2023, but is available for preorder now wherever books are sold!

As usual, if you want YOUR copies of Geeger the Robot Goes for Gold to be signed by me, place your orders through my local independent bookstore, the Silver Unicorn. Click HERE to visit the store’s page for Geeger the Robot Goes for Gold.

And, of course, if you ever want copies of any other of my books signed, you can order those through the Silver Unicorn, too. Want them personalized? Make sure to include a note with instructions (at the very least, a to-be-signed-to name) along with your order, and the fine booksellers at the Silver Unicorn will make sure I see it. Thanks!

~ Jarrett