Mark Fearing’s Published Work
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Brandon and the Totally Troublesome Time Machine
Brandon and the Totally Troublesome Time Machine
A fun, inventive romp of a picture book about a boy who travels back to yesterday to fix his homework but gets into a battle across time with his past and future selves, from award-winning author Seth Fishman.
Brandon built a time machine! (It wasn’t that hard.)
Now, he can visit super cool moments in world history (as well as family history). But what Brandon really wants to do with his time machine is FIX HIS HOMEWORK. (He might have done poorly because he was busy building his time machine.)
Will future Brandon be the solution to all of past Brandon’s problems? Or is not wanting to do homework a timeless dilemma?
Perfect for fans of Corinna Luyken’s The Book of Mistakes, this humorous yet heartfelt story playfully explores the importance of being on your own team and facing challenges head-on rather than fixating on the past or looking to the future. Illustrator Mark Fearing's fresh, retro art style brings wit to every page.
"This flippantly funny selection will appeal to reluctant readers, mistake makers, and homework shirkers alike. A lively lesson on the value of hard work and perseverance embedded in a wacky time travel adventure."—Kirkus
Last Exit to Feral
The exciting conclusion to all things Feral!
Welcome to Feral - out now and ready to scare you silly!
Preorder at all fine bookstores (even the really big online one...) (and the even bigger one). And use Indie Bound to find an actual indy store near you. But if you order from Green Bean Books or Annie Bloom’s in Portland, Oregon they can arrange for a personalized/signed copy and they can ship (for a shipping cost of course!). Just tell them Fearing sent you.
CASTLE GESUNDHEIT!
(That’s how you spell it.)
Written and illustrated by Mark Fearing
Candlewick Press
The Baron Von Sneeze's coughing and sniffling is keeping the village of Handkerchief awake! Will Fiona be able to help him . . . and his many cats?
The poor villagers of Handkerchief! For as long as they can remember, the Baron Von Sneeze, who lives in Castle Gesundheit, has been sniffling, wheezing, and coughing day and night, and no one can get any rest. Hoping for some sleep, a girl named Fiona finally drums up the courage to visit the castle and find out what’s ailing its noble resident. When she arrives, she discovers that the Baron Von Sneeze is the only human around, and that he’s convinced his itchy eyes and runny nose are incurable. But as Fiona walks through the many rooms amid the baron’s hundreds of cats, she has a suspicion just what (or who) might have him feeling so unwell, and she has the perfect solution! Mark Fearing’s satisfying tale about lending a helping hand will have little listeners joining in a chorus of “ahhhh-chooo!”
Fearing’s (the Middle School Bites series) broadly comic digital cartooning takes off quickly as it introduces readers to a town where everyone comically covers their ears. . . the book really hits its stride when the action moves to the castle, where bright-hued art keenly conveys the Baron’s plethora of furry, emphatically free-range friends.
—Publishers Weekly
Middle School Bites, Night of the Vam-Wolf-Zom is out! Book four in the series!
Written By: Steven Banks. Illustrated by: Mark Fearing
Tom the Vam-Wolf-Zom is back--and so is the werewolf that bit him--in this monstrously funny series about a boy who's dying to fit in.
Check out all four Middle School Bites books!
Written by: Maureen Fergus Illustrated by: Mark Fearing
Knopf Books for Young Readers
A centuries-old vampire decides to bring his crushing-and-destroying skills to the ice in this hilarious story about the newest (and oldest) member of the local peewee hockey team.
After centuries alone in his old castle, Vlad is ready to try something new. When he hears the local hockey team gushing about how they'll crush and destroy their opponents in the next game, he knows he's found the activity for him! Vlad immediately gives the game his all, but he soon realizes that super-human powers don't mean much in hockey without a mastery of the basics.
After weeks of practice, he's finally ready for the big game...but can a hundreds-of-years-old vampire really learn new tricks? This hilarious, energetic picture book encourages teamwork, perserverance, and a love of hockey that will last a lifetime, even for an immortal being.
Middle School Bites Book 2!
By Steven Banks
Illustrated By Mark Fearing
"What are you waiting for? Open this book right now!" - Tom Angleberger, New York Times best-selling author of the Origami Yoda series
Thanks to a series of unfortunate bites, eleven-year-old Tom is a triple threat: he's a Vam-Wolf-Zom. And just in time for the first day of middle school. So much for his Invisible Tom Plan. He never thought to make a What If I Turn Into A Vampire Werewolf Zombie Plan. Maybe it's time for a Run Away and Live Somewhere Else Plan?
With the help of his irrepressible best friend, Zeke, Tom tries to accept his future. Zeke thinks being a Vam-Wolf-Zom sounds EXCELLENT! (Zeke thinks everything sounds EXCELLENT!) At least he'll be able to stand up to the sixth-grade bully. The question is will the rest of Hamilton Middle School accept the Vam-Wolf-Zom, too?
Tom's toothsome saga is illustrated with clever, cartoon-style art on every spread. Created by an Emmy-nominated writer for SpongeBob, The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, and CatDog, this new series is perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and The Last Kids on Earth. EXCELLENT!
Who hasn't misplaced something important? Readers large and small will laugh knowingly along with this relatable (and rather giant) case of forgetfulness.
Belbum is a giant. Like most giants, he is very good at stomping, napping, and losing things. One day he loses something especially important, though: his only pair of pants. After searching high and low, Belbum sets off to ask his friends whether they have any pants he can borrow. But the cyclops only wears tunics. The gnome's pants, stretchy as they may be, are far too small for Belbum. And unicorns don't even wear pants. There's only one thing left for Belbum to do: walk to the tailor in town . . . in his underwear From the author-illustrator of The Great Thanksgiving Escape comes an enchantingly silly tale about forgetting your things -- and holding your head up high.
"Illustrating in bold and brassy digital cartoons, Fearing (The Great Thanksgiving Escape) gives readers lots to laugh about, including Belbum’s friends’ unhelpful suggestions (“I don’t wear pants. You could try that,” offers Lucy the unicorn), the ways those friends make use of his spare pants (the gnomes turn them into a canopy for a picnic spot), and the contrast between the giant’s crankiness and sheepishness."
—Publishers Weekly
The Frightful Ride of Michael McMichael
Bonny Becker and Mark Fearing join forces for a deliciously spooky story — with a twist ending that’ll leave readers hungry for more.
Age Range: 4-8 years.
Picture Book. Candlewick Press.
When the Thirteen bus pulls up one dreary, stormy evening, something about it doesn’t seem quite right. The driver grins down with a mouthful of long, white teeth, and there’s barely any room to sit, but Michael McMichael is bringing his gran something very dear, so he gets on board despite his misgivings. But as they travel on and the rest of the passengers get off, Michael realizes there’s nothing normal about this bus — and the driver is getting creepier by the minute. Best-selling author Bonny Becker’s cleverly rhyming text will chill and thrill readers alongside Mark Fearing’s wonderfully funny illustrations, making this book perfect for Halloween story times — and lovers of things that go bump in the night.
Great, Now We've Got Barbarians!
Jason Carter Eaton (Author) Mark Fearing (Illustrator)
Candlewick Press (February, 2017)
An untidy kid sets off a pest invasion like no other in this boisterously fun picture book about the perils of messy habits.
Playing and having fun is a kid’s job, right? Cleaning up is a parent's job, right? Why do grown-ups make such a fuss about tidiness and cleanliness, anyway? What’s the worst that could happen? A couple of ants pass through? A lone little mouse pays a midnight call? No big deal, right? Right? Author Jason Carter Eaton and illustrator Mark Fearing are here to caution you that being a slob might in fact be a big deal—a really big deal. Maybe even a BARBARIAN-size deal! This outrageously absurd cautionary tale might just make you think twice about the cupcake crumbs in your bed and the half-eaten cheese curls behind the sofa. After all, you could end up with an infestation of barbaric proportions!
"...The story has the narrative momentum and comic beats of a cartoon short, and although Eaton’s (How to Track a Truck) text tends toward the literal, Fearing (Superhero Instruction Manual) has a broad visual repertoire when it comes to goofy, hirsute men in animal pelts and horned hats. It’s the truth served up with a good laugh, and it gives parents a new calamity to invoke the next time they’re confronted with a messy room."
— Publishers Weekly
Chicken Story Time
Sandy Asher (Author) Mark Fearing (Illustrator)
Dial Books (December, 2016)
A wonderfully silly take on library story time that’s perfect for children, chickens, and everyone in between! Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to story time at the library, of course! The children like the chicken, the chicken likes the children, and everyone loves story time. So it’s no surprise that more children (and more chickens!) get in on the fun until there are more kids and critters than the librarian knows what to do with. Luckily, she comes up with a creative solution and manages to find little R & R for herself.
Fans of Bats in the Library and Library Lion will fall in love and story time will never be the same!
"This book may make free-range storytimes de rigueur."
— Kirkus Reviews
"Asher’s poker-faced, repeating text...offers the perfect setup for Fearing’s wonderfully silly and well-choreographed cartooning."
— Publishers Weekly
Superhero Instruction Manual
Kristy Dempsey (Author) Mark Fearing (Illustrator)
Alfred A. Knopf (May, 2016)
Anyone can be a superhero and this guidebook will show you how! Join an aspiring hero as he selects a secret identity, chooses a power, and much, much more. But be warned: it isn’t easy being super. And sometimes the greatest acts of heroism need a helping hand to get off the ground. Kristy Dempsey’s rollicking text, coupled with Mark Fearing’s expressive, cartoon-style illustrations will have readers laughing all the way to infinity and beyond!
"This funny, spirited exploration of superhero culture sans violence and with an added dose of familial love is a powerful addition to any bookshelf." — Kirkus
Tommy Can't Stop
Tim Federle (Author) Mark Fearing (Illustrator)
Disney Hyperion (April 14, 2015)
What can Tommy do with all that energy?
Tommy bounces, and he leaps. Tommy clomps, and he bulldozes. Nothing tires Tommy out, and his family can't keep up! But then his sister has an idea: could tap class be just right for Tommy?
This exuberant picture book, written by Broadway dancer Tim Federle, with illustrations by Mark Fearing, stars one very energetic kid who finally finds his place in the spotlight.
"Federle has good fun with language and similes in his picture-book debut. His little tapper is a strong and sturdy boy who finds the perfect outlet for his volcanic energy. Fearing’s full-bleed artwork is full of motion, with his Tommy sporting a mop of blond hair and googly eyes. An animated line of dashes that flits around the apartment allows readers to truly appreciate Tommy’s energy spurts. An enjoyable performance for both the boisterous and the calm.. "
— Kirkus
A Very Witchy Spelling Bee
George Shannon (Author), Mark Fearing (Illustrator)
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers (July 30, 2013)
Cordelia loves to spell in every way: studying spelling and practicing spells. She especially likes to double spell, turning her C-A-T into a new C-O-A-T by zapping it with the letter O. So when she sees a sign for the Witches' Double Spelling Bee, she knows it's meant just for her.
Cordelia is determined to W-I-N—but so is the thirteen-time champion Beulah Divine, age two hundred and three. Has Cordelia studied and practiced enough to outspell the most fiendish witch at the bee?
A JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION!
"It's difficult to make a subject like spelling memorable, but Shannon's text engagingly demonstrates the relationship between words while Fearing's pencil and digital illustrations lend a Saturday-morning-cartoon quality to the characters and the comedic spell-casting action."
— The Horn Book Magazine
"Shannon and Fearing combine their considerable talents to create a most bewitching tale of self-confidence and perseverance."
— Kirkus
s
"Spelling truly is magic in Shannon's easygoing story about a purple-haired witch named Cordelia who loves spelling words and casting spells."
— Publishers Weekly
EARTHLING!
Mark Fearing (Author & Illustrator)
Published by Chronicle Books (2012)
A JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION!
"An exhilarating hoot. By the time Fearing brings 'Earthling!' in for its landing, with a bit of L. Frank Baum flourish, the entertainment experience feels remarkably complete: good art, good design, good inking, tight story. May Fearing whoosh and scree his way to the finish line of his next book soon."
— New York Times
“A high-octane space adventure starring a lovable hero kids will quickly relate to. Earthling! is the perfect book for young readers!”
— Jarrett J. Krosoczka, creator of the bestselling Lunch Lady series
When nine-year-old Bud accidentally catches the wrong bus and finds himself launched into a far-away galaxy, making friends is the least of his problems! At Cosmos Academy, Bud soon learns that Earthlings are the most feared creatures in the galaxy. But with the help of his new friend, Gort, Bud hides his true identity and even learns to play anti-gravity Zero-Ball (when he's only ever been good at watching sports). But with paranoid Principal Lepton threatening to expel any Earthlings, and nothing more than Gort's Blip-computer to determine Earth's coordinates, Bud may be lost in space forever! Both gripping and hilarious, this dynamic graphic novel is perfect for kids who crave adventure with a sense of humor.
So You Want to Catch Bigfoot?
Jamie Michalak (Author), Mark Fearing (Illustrator)
Candlewick Press (May 24, 2011)
As seen in the film "Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer."
Stink is on high alert when several sightings of Bigfoot have been made in the neighborhood. To assist him in his search for the elusive creature, Aunt Opal gives Stink a copy of So You Want to Catch Bigfoot? Now Judy Moody and Bigfoot fans alike can own a facsimile of this valuable field guide, containing everything you need to know about the furry fugitive, including tips on trapping and releasing your specimen.
"Most readers of all ages will laugh at the humorous text and illustrations which depict commonly accepted Bigfoot lore. This guide addresses skeptics' claims Bigfoot is a hoax and examines theories that Bigfoot is an alien, giant ape, or upright bear."
— Children's Literature
The Thing with No Head
Mark Fearing (Author, Illustrator)
eBook available at Apple's iBooks Store
NO LONGER AVAILABLE
A gothic hororr tale reminiscient of the works of Edward Gorey and Tim Burton.
The story, told in verse, is accompoaned by striking pen and ink style illustrations.
The Thing with No Head is a dark fairytale that follows the adventures of one little boy who learns that friends, even odd ones, can illuminate a new point of view on the world and create possibilities never imagined.
This ebook is an expanded version of The Thing with No Head animated short which aired on Nicktoons in 2004. It's the first volume in a series of ebooks published under the Fantastical Tales of Occasional Oddness imprint which will publish stories with page counts not usually seen in traditional publishing. Part picture book, part graphic novel, Fantastical Tales of Occasional Oddness will create unique visual experiences that create a handcrafted look to conuter the mostly bland experience of looking at an ebook.
Eleanor Roosevelt’s in My Garage!
In this hilarious follow-up to BEN FRANKLIN'S IN MY BATHROOM!, history and hijinks collide once more when Eleanor Roosevelt accidentally time travels to a ten-year-old's home in 21st-century America!
Age Range- 7-10 years.
Novel/Graphic novel. Schwartz & Wade.
When Eleanor Roosevelt time travels to Nolan and Olive's house in modern-day Illinois, the kids don't know who she is at first. After all, she's old and wearing a hairnet. But the First Lady of the United States--some 80 years ago, that is-- isn't a mystery for long when she starts spouting things like "You must do the things you think you cannot do." Fresh off a visit from Ben Franklin, Nolan and Olive know what they're in for with this latest guest: an adventure. From drawing on ideals of civil protest to save the town park, to (almost) doing a loop-de-loop in a single-engine plane, to avoiding that know-it-all snoop Tommy Tuttle, there's one laugh after the next in this second book in the History Pals series. Fun back matter expands the story and unpacks the amazing life of Eleanor Roosevelt.
Ben Franklin's in My Bathroom!
Candace Fleming (Author) Mark Fearing (Illustrator)
Schwartz & Wade (September, 2017)
Nolan is a typical kid living in a typical 21st century American town. Ben Franklin is, well, Ben Franklin—Founding Father, inventor of the lightning rod and bifocals, and more. When, through a bizarre set of circumstances, Nolan and his little sister, Olive, find Ben in their house, chaos isn't far behind.
From introducing him to the toaster to taking him to the public library (another Ben invention) to preventing a nosy neighbor from blowing Ben's cover, Nolan does his best to be Ben's tour guide to the new world he helped form.
With tons of funny illustrations throughout—plus graphic novel-style sections interspersed—readers will love adventuring alongside this awesome threesome.
“What a smart, funny, action-adventure! This is bursting with great heart, fascinating history, and Ben Franklin’s stinky feet. I want more, more, more of this series.” —Jon Scieszka, author of the Frank Einstein series
“This book is absolutely electric—inventive, funny, and fascinating! Ben Franklin himself would approve!” —Lincoln Peirce, author of the New York Times bestselling Big Nate series
Dilly Dally Daisy
Mark Fearing (Author & Illustrator)
Dial Books (July, 2015)
"I'll be right there!"
Get ready with Daisy the dawdler as she tries (really!) to get it together in this very real, very funny spin on dilly dallying. Daisy Marsha Martin is always late. For good reasons, of course. She’s busy saving the world, or teaching her stuffed animals to dance, or finding the perfect shirt to wear. But if Daisy is late one more time, then it’s no more mermaid swim class for her! This is the perfect story for fans of everyday silliness and for every kid who has been told to stop dawdling.
"...With wide, comic eyes and frenzied energy, Daisy is a humorous visual foil to her heavy-lidded, exasperated mom. Fearing’s expressive strokes can barely contain the epic messes left in Daisy’s wake. An ode to young daydreamers—and tempting distractions—everywhere."
— Kirkus
Superhero Instruction Manual
Kristy Dempsey (Author) Mark Fearing (Illustrator)
Alfred A. Knopf (Spanish edition June, 2016)
¿Tienes lo que hace falta para ser un héroe?
The Great Thanksgiving Escape
Mark Fearing (Author & Illustrator)
Candlewick Press (September 9, 2014)
It's another Thanksgiving at Grandma's.
Gavin is ready for a day of boredom, but his cousin Rhonda has a different idea: escape from the kids’ room and head for the swing set in the backyard!
Gavin isn’t so sure, especially when they encounter vicious guard dogs, a hallway full of aunts, and, worse yet, the great wall of butts! Will they manage to avoid the obstacles and find some fun before turkey time, or will they be captured before they’ve had a taste of freedom? A hilarious, kid-friendly take on Thanksgiving — full of family, food, and lots of fun!
"Fearing’s first solo picture book, based on his memories of Thanksgivings past, is a hoot for all ages. Kids will identify, and parents will reminisce. The digitally manipulated colored-pencil illustrations from a kid’s-eye view layer the humor on an exaggeratedly goofy text. A holiday offering that definitely makes a fun all its own."
— Kirkus
How Martha Saved Her Parents from Green Beans
David LaRochelle (Author), Mark Fearing (Illustrator)
Published by Dial (April 18, 2013)
Martha HATES green beans.
When some mean, green bandits stroll into town, anyone who ever said "Eat your green beans" is in big trouble. But when the beans kidnap Martha's parents, Martha is forced to take action. She can think of only one way to stop the villainous veggies from taking over her town, and it’s not pretty...or tasty.
Featuring absurdly funny text and illustrations with attitude, this is a hilarious read for everyone – even the pickiest of eaters. (From the publisher)
"David LaRochelle has written a truly funny story that kids will completely understand and buy into. What really will make this book fly off the shelves and come home with kids are the laugh-out-loud illustrations that are the perfect complement to a great, silly story. This is a winner."
— Tulsa Book Review
"Despicably delightful. The expressions on Martha’s dog’s face, alone, are worth the read."
— Library Media Connection
"Dramatically comic illustrations rely on bold colors as well as exaggerated gestures and facial expressions to heighten the absurd...a must for picky eaters."
— Kirkus Reviews
The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot
Margaret McNamara (Author), Mark Fearing (Illustrator)
Published by Schwartz & Wade (September 27, 2011)
GREEP BOINK MEEP! The three little aliens are happily settling into their new homes when the Big Bad Robot flies in to crack and smack and whack their houses down! A chase across the solar system follows in this out-of-this-world version of the classic Three Little Pigs tale.
Margaret McNamara (How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin?) and Mark Fearing (The Book that Eats People) have created a humorous and visually stunning story that kids will adore—and that will introduce them to the planets and the solar system. The endpapers even include a labeled diagram of all the planets. (From the publisher)
"This strikingly illustrated book features three tiny green aliens, each with a distinctive, expressive look and personality -- and one giant, menacing Big Bad Robot, set against black, starry space."
— CommonSenseMedia.org
"The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot is an adorable space version of The Three Little Pigs. Adults can use this book as a great learning tool about the pros and cons of places to live in space, as well as the importance of putting safety first."
— The National Space Society
The Book That Eats People
John Perry (Author), Mark Fearing (Illustrator)
Tricycle Press (October 13, 2009)
Legend has it there exists a book that eats people. This is that book!
"From the grim warning on the first page (CAUTION! This is a book that eats people) to the advice at the end (Never read this book with syrupy fingers. Never read it with cookies in your pocket. Never turn your back on it), Perry's debut soldiers on with a Lemony Snicket–like straight face. Fearing draws the book-within-a-book with blood-red covers, heavy-lidded eyes and a mouthful of fangs, packing his collage spreads with torn and crumpled papers (which take on an especially gruesome vibe in this context). It's all irresistible. Read it. Carefully. All ages."
— Publishers Weekly
"This hilariously dark story is illustrated with collage elements using Photoshop in a jazzy, jangly style that is part noir and part graphic novel. Big-eyed characters are stalked by a wonderfully sinister and pointy-toothed tome. Readers who love monsters and a good scare while still delighting in silly proceedings will definitely want to brave this tale."
— School Library Journal
"Perfect for sharing with susceptible younger sibs or as a gift item for frenemies."
— Kirkus
The Boy Who Was Swallowed By A Tiger
Mark Fearing (Author, Illustrator)
eBook available at Apple's iBooks Store
NO LONGER AVAILABLE
A gothic tale reminiscient of the works of Edward Gorey and Tim Burton. Accompanied by striking pen and ink style illustrations. 22 pages.
A young boy dares to meander in the jungle and is swallowed by a tiger! But his life does not develop as you might suppose. Told in prose with a folktale feel the story is accented by lively pen and ink style illustrations.
Book 2 in the Fantastical Tales of Occasional Oddness Library. The Fantastical Tales of Occasional Oddness Library features stories dedicated to taking the road less traveled, even if it leads to quicksand, anacondas and deadly Moroccan Sand Spiders. These unique ebooks feature designs that recall dead tree books of old.