That Maria Gianferrari sure has a way with words! We got to know her in her debut picture book, PENNY & JELLY: THE SCHOOL SHOW, which came out this summer. And we're beside ourselves awaiting her gorgeous non-fiction books COYOTE MOON (being illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline) and HIGHWAY HAWKS (being illustrated by Brian Floca), both forthcoming from Roaring Brook Press.

Now, returning to her first love of non-fiction, I'm thrilled to introduce a brand new picture book on the horizon for Maria. This one is called WHOOO-KU, and is the gorgeously written story of a day in the life of a great horned owl.—But there's a twist. Can you guess? The text is written entirely in haiku!

Mixing poetry and nature, what could be better? This stellar text sold at auction, and I'm delighted to announce that it was acquired by Arianne Lewin at Putnam!

Keep an eye out for this wonderful story in the years to come—it's one you won't want to miss. Congratulations, Maria!

- Joan