The newest Brian Lies book is just on the horizon—LITTLE BAT IN NIGHT SCHOOL releases at the end of June, and I am beyond excited!

While we wait, I am very happy to share some happy news: For several years, Brian Lies has told me how much he’d like to do a book with Carmen Agra Deedy, and recently, Margaret Quinlan of Peachtree reached out with a Carmen Agra Deedy picture book manuscript and a wish that Brian illustrate it! So now we have a brand-new Brian Lies project to celebrate.

Inspired by the 2019 Australian bushfire tragedy as well as Deedy's own experience as a refugee, WOMBAT SAYS COME IN  follows a kindhearted wombat who sacrifices personal space and comfort to shelter a series of animals escaping a wildfire. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022.

I’ve already seen Brian’s sketches, and they will slay you, they’re so wonderful—as is Carmen’s text, of course. This is really a dream team!

Congratulations, Brian!

—Erin