Phil's Big Day: A Groundhog's Story
by Liza Woodruff
Margaret Ferguson Books/Holiday House- 11/24
It’s the night before Groundhog Day, and Phil can’t sleep. His family’s voices fill his head: It’s a family tradition! You’ll make us so proud! We’re all counting on you, you, you! Making pancakes usually sets Phil’s mind at ease, but before he can finish making this batch his little sister, Marla, joins him in the kitchen. She can’t wait for his big day and insists on helping him practice. She even teaches him a poem to help him keep things straight.
But when Phil’s big (scary) day arrives, his nerves take over and his mind goes blank. What had Marla said? If you see your shadow does it mean an early spring? Or is that if you don’t see your shadow? His worries are all coming true until he has an idea that saves the day.
In her picture book Phil’s Big Day, Liza Woodruff warmly and reassuringly addresses the common but consuming feelings anxiety brings up, and suggests coping mechanisms useful for grown-ups and kids alike. Readers who struggle to have fun in the face of their fears will resonate with Phil’s restless thoughts and find joy as Phil takes on his challenges with a supportive sister at his side.
Fix and Stitch
by Barbara Nass,
illustrated by Liza Woodruff
Sleeping Bear Press- 8/23
Squirrel is busy running his tailoring shop, Fix and Stitch: Tailor for all Needs. He can thread a needle and mend a tear in the wink of an eye. But now that the leaves have fallen and the birds have flown south, it's time for Squirrel to close the shop. He must prepare his winter home before the snow comes. But just as Squirrel goes to collect materials for his winter home, neighbors arrive, needing his special talents and attention. And Squirrel just can't say no to someone asking for help, whether it's fixing a rip in a favorite coat to problem-solving a stinky situation. He is always there for his friends. But what happens if Squirrel doesn't take time to care of himself and what he needs to do? Who will be there to help him? This story offers a gentle reminder that while taking care of others is important, one still needs to make time for oneself.
4
Starred
Reviews!!
Once Upon a Winter Day
by Liza Woodruff
Margaret Ferguson Books/Holiday House- 12/20
★ "It's a richly narrative landscape—one that should inspire readers to venture outside and notice stories of their own."
—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
★ "Words and pictures work together to tell a taut and just-right-for-the-audience suspenseful tale. "
—The Horn Book,Starred Review
★ "Nature tells good stories if we only get outside and look around."
—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
★ "The limited text and detailed illustrations, done in mixed media, capture a wide variety of wild animals and the interplay among them as they search for food and try to survive. Superb illustrations that carry the story along make this an outstanding choice for collections seeking winter stories."—School Library Journal, Starred Review
A Quieter Storyby Liza Woodruff
Holiday House/Margaret Ferguson Books- 7/19
"Lively and amusing, this story about making stories will likely find eager listeners—and may just inspire some writing projects, too."—Kirkus
"Woodruff’s mixed-media illustrations, done in watercolor, colored pencil, pen, and ink, work well both for the quiet playroom and the wild jungle setting. Readers will love following the collaboration between the girl and her kitten in this thought- and art-provoking book."—Booklist
"The mixed media illustrations are vibrantly rich and delightfully entertaining. The spunk and charisma of the cheeky little kitten makes him an amusing and endearing character. A charming tale of 'be careful what you wish for' for young children."
—School Library Journal
Tails from the Animal Shelter
by Stephanie Shaw, illustrated by Liza Woodruff
Sleeping Bear Press- 8/20
Did you know that more than six million pets arrive annually at community animal shelters in the United States? Of that number over three million are dogs. But of course it's not just dogs and puppies that need homes. Shelters take in cats, kittens, birds, reptiles, and even domestic farm animals. And there are many reasons why these animals need to go to shelters. Some of the animals are strays and some are lost; some are rescued from natural disasters or from mistreatment. Some have been given up because their owners could no longer care for them. Using poetic back stories and informative text, Tails From the Animal Shelter shines a spotlight on the good work of community animal shelters. Ten different fictional animals, including a handicapped dog, a magician's former rabbit, and a pot-bellied pig, represent the millions of pets brought to shelters every day. Whether they're known as Humane Societies, rescue services, or other names, these organizations and their caring work remind us all of how a loving home can change the life of a vulnerable animal.
Emerson Barks
by Liza Woodruff
Macmillan/Christy Ottaviano Books- 8/16
". . . a story that may especially stand out for those who know or own—or are—a small barker."
Julie Roach, Horn Book Magazine, May/June 2016
"VERDICT Emerson’s enthusiasm and good intentions will have readers rooting for him. A fun read-aloud for storytimes and small group sharing."
Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada, School Library Journal
Readers will enjoy Emerson’s misadventure and may hope for a follow-up to see just how Emerson and the others deal with Kissy’s mewling brood.
Randall Enos, Booklist
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Twelve Days of Christmas in New England, written by Toni Buzzeo, illustrated by Liza Woodruff, Sterling Publishing, October 2015
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Super Silly School Poems, written by David Greenberg, illustrated by Liza Woodruff, Sterling Publishing, June, 2014
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Mary Had a Little Lamb, illustrated by Liza Woodruff, 2011
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How About a Kiss For Me?, written by Todd Tarpley, illustrated by Liza Woodruff, Dutton Children’s Books, June, 2010
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Jack and Jill, Illustrated by Liza Woodruff, A Child’s World, 2010
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Little Bo Peep, Illustrated by Liza Woodruff, A Child’s World, 2009
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The Biggest Pumpkin Ever!, written by Elizabeth Bennett, illustrated by Liza Woodruff, Scholastic, 2007
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Lindy Blues: The Big Scoop, written by Dorian Cirrone, illustrated by Liza Woodruff, Marshall Cavendish, October 2006
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Lindy Blues: The Missing Silver Dollar, written by Dorian Cirrone, illustrated by Liza Woodruff, Marshall Cavendish, 2006
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What Time is It?, written by Demar Reggier, illustrated by Liza Woodruff, Children’s Press, Fall 2005
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Too Tall Tina, written by Donna Marie Pittino, illustrated by Liza Woodruff, Kane Press, Spring 2005
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Deck the Halls, illustrated by Liza Woodruff, Harper Festival, Fall 2003
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Dancing with Daddy, written by Willy Welch, illustrated by Liza Woodruff, Charlesbridge, Spring 2002
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Stacks of Trouble, written by Martha Brenner, illustrated by Liza Woodruff, Kane Press, Spring 2000
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The Long Wait, written by Annie Cobb, illustrated by Liza Woodruff, Spring 2000
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Mabel Ran Away with the Toys, written by Jan Wahl, illustrated by Liza Woodruff, Charlesbridge, Spring 2000
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How to Be a Bride and a Flower Girl, Too!, written by Marielle Alison, illustrated by Liza Woodruff, Little Simon, Fall 1999
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Amanda Bean’s Amazing Dream, written by Cindy Neuschwander, illustrated by Liza Woodruff, Scholastic, Spring 1998
