Skip to Main Content

The Newbies

with audio recording

Illustrated by Peter Catalanotto

About The Book

Luke finds out that family can be fantastic just the way it is in this witty picture book from the author-illustrator of Matthew ABCs and Question Boy Meets Little Miss Know-It-All.

Luke is used to having Mom and Dad all to himself, to play soccer and build forts with. But now that they are expecting a new baby, they always are too tired or too busy to play. So Luke dreams of having new parents to play with—the newbies!

His new parents have all the time in the world for Luke, but some things just aren’t quite right...like the way new Dad’s pancakes are different, and how new Mom doesn’t cut sandwiches into triangles. Getting all the attention is wonderful, but Luke wonders if perhaps his original parents are still the best parents for him!

About The Author

Photograph courtesy of the author

Peter Catalanotto has written seventeen books for children, including Monkey & Robot, More of Monkey & Robot, The Newbies, Question Boy Meets Little Miss Know-It-All, Ivan the Terrier, Matthew A.B.C., and Emily’s Art, of which School Library Journal said in a starred review, “whether viewed from afar or up close, this creative and heartfelt book is a masterpiece.” In 2008, First Lady Laura Bush commissioned Peter to illustrate the White House holiday brochure. He currently teaches the first children’s book writing course offered by both Columbia University and Pratt Institute. Peter has illustrated more than thirty books for other writers including George Ella Lyon, Cynthia Rylant, Mary Pope Osborne, Joanne Ryder, Robert Burleigh, and Megan McDonald. 

About The Illustrator

Photograph courtesy of the author

Peter Catalanotto has written seventeen books for children, including Monkey & Robot, More of Monkey & Robot, The Newbies, Question Boy Meets Little Miss Know-It-All, Ivan the Terrier, Matthew A.B.C., and Emily’s Art, of which School Library Journal said in a starred review, “whether viewed from afar or up close, this creative and heartfelt book is a masterpiece.” In 2008, First Lady Laura Bush commissioned Peter to illustrate the White House holiday brochure. He currently teaches the first children’s book writing course offered by both Columbia University and Pratt Institute. Peter has illustrated more than thirty books for other writers including George Ella Lyon, Cynthia Rylant, Mary Pope Osborne, Joanne Ryder, Robert Burleigh, and Megan McDonald. 

Product Details

  • Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (July 14, 2015)
  • Length: 40 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781481418935
  • Ages: 4 - 8

Browse Related Books

Resources and Downloads

High Resolution Images

More books from this author: Peter Catalanotto