Monica Arnaldo – illustratör

A Kids' Indie Next List pick! Laugh-out-loud humor and a tender friendship blossom in author-illustrator Monica Arnaldo’s charming picture book about a lonely raccoon and a glowing seed, and the world’s most important question: Can this seed grow cheeseburgers? Grub is a lonely racoon. Rumbling in the trash. Looking for food.Seed is, well, a seed! Patiently waiting in the trash. Hoping someone will plant it. When the two finally meet, they realize they might be able to help each other! Grub has just one big question first: What will Seed grow? Could Seed grow Grub’s favorite food, mouthwatering cheeseburgers? Seed isn’t sure what a cheeseburger is exactly, but . . . maybe!And so begins a hilarious friendship following two unlikely strangers learning more about the other and discovering the pressure that comes with fulfilling expectations. Author-illustrator Monica Arnaldo will leave readers giggling and clamoring for more in this charming story that celebrates the unexpected—and how the most special friendships bloom only when we are unapologetically ourselves.

Prepare for plenty of giggles as a kindergarten class arrives for their first day of school but can't find their teacher—only a delicious-looking sandwich and the words "Mr. S" scribbled on the chalkboard. Chaos ensues as the kids argue whether the sandwich must be their teacher. A comical first-day-of-school book of mayhem and chaos by Monica Arnaldo, perfect for fans of Miss Nelson Is Missing.“This might be the funniest first-day-of-school book I’ve ever read." —Adam Rex, New York Times bestselling author of School’s First Day of SchoolIt was the first day of school.But even the kindergarteners of room 2B could tell something was seriously wrong. . . . Where was the teacher? Who left this sandwich on the desk?The only clue, written on the chalkboard, were three simple letters: Mr. SPraise for Mr. S: "Confusion, mystery, and laughs are on the menu in Arnaldo’s deliciously goofy back-to-school tale." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)"The tale's genuinely absurd situation, the mystery of the teacher's identity, and the deadpan storytelling make this a memorable read-aloud choice." —ALA Booklist (starred review)"Mysteries for young readers are few and far between and this one is fun and entertaining." —School Library Journal (starred review)An Amazon Best Book of the Month * A Junior Library Guild Selection * Indigo Staff Pick of the Month * Governor General's Literary Award Finalist * Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year * Indigo Best Book of the Year * Chicago Public Library Best of the Best List * New York Public Library Best Book of the Year * School Library Journal Best Book of the Year * Booklist Editor's Choice

Calling upon only the BRAVEST detectives with the STRONGEST noses—do you dare to scratch 'n' sniff and help solve this foul mystery?! There’s been a robbery at the Museum of Very Bad Smells! Somebody stole the world-famous rotten egg . . . and everybody is a suspect. It’s up to YOU to help sniff out the culprit and bring the prized exhibit back before the museum’s grand opening. From award-winning creator Monica Arnaldo comes a hilarious and interactive mystery about a robbery at the Museum of Very Bad Smells, with five stinky scratch elements in this hilarious picture book that encourages kids to scratch, smell, and—of course—pass it along to a friend.

Marta is finally old enough for her own slice of the special, sneaky dessert she loves so much-la Rosca de Reyes.The colourful crown of sweet bread is so tempting, but Marta knows the truth-there's a baby hiding in the dessert: el Niño Dios. Marta can't help but wonder what will happen if she accidentally eats the little figurine of baby Jesus. Suddenly, Marta will do whatever it takes to avoid picking the last slice of la rosca-no matter how badly she wants a bite!This humorous story of one girl's journey to overcome her fears explores the traditions of Three Kings Day and the importance of family and faith.

A sharp and heartfelt picture book about a young soccer-loving girl who’s an interpreter for her Spanish-speaking parents.Some kids have one job: to be a kid! Cecilia has two. When she isn't on the soccer field scoring goals, she's accompanying her parents to all kinds of grown-up places, like the DMV, the accountant's office, and the auto shop. She helps them translate from Spanish to English and from English to Spanish. It’s an important job, and it can even be fun. It’s also hard work. Sometimes Cecilia's second job is so much responsibility, it feels like she'll split in two! Is it time for Cecilia to blow her whistle and call for a time-out?Olivia Abtahi’s clever text and Monica Arnaldo’s charming illustrations capture a common aspect of life for immigrant and bilingual families while offering a model for teamwork that helps everyone feel understood.

A rip-roaring, action-packed story about two fierce rivals and the competitive spirit that launches them on a trip around the world!Sheep and Goat know right away they are rivals. From their first encounter, they each do what they can to best the other by climbing on stuff! And they don't just climb--they LEAP! Higher and higher, from buses to statues to mountaintops. But when they reach the highest point in the world, they get stuck! What do they do now? It's hasta la vista for their rivalry, as they discover that sometimes, working together is the only way out.Join Sheep and Goat on this action-packed, zany journey, where they'll learn that friendship can be even more exciting than winning! Get ready for heart-pounding action, hilarious moments, and the ultimate twist in the climb of a lifetime.