Scroll down to read more reviews of Mike's books.
Can't Sleep Without Sheep
written by Susanna Leonard Hill
Walker & Company, Coming September 2010
ISBN 978-0-8027-2066-5, Hardcover
All ages
Picture Book, 32 pages
Awards & good things
Children's Book of the Month Club Selection
Book Description
Whenever Ava can't sleep, she counts sheep. But Ava takes so long to fall asleep, it's the sheep that are getting tired - until they finally quit! The sheep promise to find a replacement that Ava can count on, but it might not be as easy as they thought...
In this hilarious take on a familiar bedtime ritual, readers will be charmed by Ava and her fluffy friends.
The Twelve Days of Christmas in Minnesota
written by Connie Van Hoven
Sterling Publishing, October 2009
ISBN 978-1-4027-6395-3, Hardcover
All ages
Picture Book, 32 pages
Book Description
Welcome to the 12 Days of Christmas in Minnesota! Ready to greet you are 5 golden hotdishes, 4 lumberjacks, 3 red stones, 2 hockey sticks...and much more from the Gopher State. Jack is so excited about the visit of his twin cousins, Sarah and Hannah, that he gives them one of these VERY unusual gifts on each of the twelve days of Christmas. Hannah writes lively letters home to tell her mom and dad all about their trip. Lucky readers are in for a wild Christmas countdown!
Reviews
"Nicely blends facts and fun."
—St. Paul Pioneer Press
Jack's House
written by Karen Magnuson Beil
Holiday House, September 2008
ISBN 978-0-8234-1913-5, Hardcover
ISBN 978-0-8234-2242-5, Paperback
Ages 2-6
Picture Book, 32 pages
Awards & good things
The Society of Illustrators Original Art Exhibition
A Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book
Scholastic Book Club Selection
Children's Book of the Month Club Selection
Book Description
"Construction-equipment loving young readers will adore this humorous twist on the classic nursery rhyme.
Someone has been doing a lot of work. Someone has been operating a cement mixer, driving a bulldozer, and using a forklift to build walls, frame windows, and nail down a roof. Someone has built a big, strong home for Jack. But is this the house that Jack built? One tired puppy dog disagrees.
Reviews
"This book was built for those youngsters with a jones for trucks and other big wheels, and it delivers in spades."
—Kirkus Reviews
"A wonderful twist on an age-old rhyme. This beguiling book will be a hit both at storytimes and in circulating collections, for those who really want to know how Jack’s house got built."
—School Library Journal
Mama's Little Duckling
written by Marjorie Blaine Parker
Dutton Children's Books, February 2008
ISBN 978-0-1424-1532-0, Paperback
Ages 2-6
Picture Book, 32 pages
Awards & good things
Korean Edition available
Children's Book of the Month Club Selection
Reviews
"This tender tale deals with a milestone every family faces: finding a balance between a child's budding independence and a parent's need for security. Wohnoutka's brightly colored acrylics feature large, up-close views of the characters, making this perfect for sharing with groups. Both Dandelion's exuberance and Mom's reluctance are clearly painted on their faces, and the two plainly exude love for one another. A delightful addition to any preschool or toddler collection."
—Kirkus Reviews
"The text is lyrical, cleverly using repetitive phrases and rhyming words without actually adhering to a strict poetic structure. Glowing with bold shades of turquoise, orange, gold, and green, the oversize illustrations vibrantly depict the ducks and pond animals–both Dandelion’s friends and enemies. Although there are many duck stories available, this one is a standout. The bright-hued artwork and rhythmic text make it a wonderful choice for toddlers and preschoolers, as well as a perfect storytime selection."
—School Library Journal
"Wohnoutka’s saturated, pastel-like paintings immediately draw in the audience—his full-bleed compositions, feel for action and exuberant characterizations bring to mind the golden age of animation. Better still, he situates readers exactly at the center of the action: for example, in some scenes he sets the surface of the pond as a sight line, forcing viewers along with Dandelion to look up to the mother duck; in another scene, he shows the pond almost as if it were an aquarium, with Dandelion’s submerged head fully visible as he blows bubbles underwater, his tail feathers bobbing, blithely oblivious to the hawk swooping toward him. Wohnoutka’s art invites readers into the protagonist’s role, where they can absorb his growing competence."
—Publisher's Weekly
Cowboy Sam and Those Confounded Secrets
written by Kitty Griffin and Kathy Combs
Clarion Books, Fall 2001
ISBN 0-618-08854-7, Hardcover
Ages 4-8
Picture Book, 32 pages
Book Description
Under Cowboy Sam's hat are more secrets than fleas on Doc Peeble's hound dog, more secrets than peppers on a chili pepper plant, and more secrets than spikes on a horny toad lizard. Just about everyone in the town of Dry Gulch wants to tell Sam a secret. But when his hat gets plum full of secrets and won't stay put on his head, Sam is bumfuzzled and bewildered. How can he keep all those secrets under wraps—and keep the townfolk from going crazy?
Awards
Nominated for the 2002-2003 Buckaroo Award
Reviews
“Rootin’-tootin’ boot-scootin’ fun, beginning to end.”
—Publisher's Weekly, 
Starred Review
“This playful picture book brings home a strong message for children-the importance of keeping friends’ secrets. The illustrations are both effective and enchanting as they capture the true western flavor.”
—Library Talk
“The Western landscape and theme are wonderfully captured by Wohnoutka's cartoon representations of the town and its inhabitants. A pleasing, humorous read for young cowboy fans.”
—School Library Journal
“Colorful acrylic illustrations illuminate this lighthearted tale.”
—Children's Literature
Davey's Blue-Eyed Frog
written by Patricia Harrison Easton
Clarion Books, Spring 2003
ISBN 0-618-18185-7, Hardcover
Ages 6 to 11
Chapter Book, 92 pages
Book Description
Davey doesn’t believe in spells and fairy tales—until the day a strange blue-eyed frog named Amelia turns up in his pond. Amelia is really a princess, and in order to break the spell she’s under, she needs a kiss before two cycles of the moon pass. It looks as though Davey is the only boy who can help her. But he doesn’t want to kiss the frog until he’s had a chance to show her off to his friends. Can the princess convince Davey to do the right thing, or is she doomed to stay a frog forever?
Awards & good things
Winner of the 2006 Beverly Cleary Children's Choice
Award
Texas Library Association Pick of the Decade
for Grades K-8 1997-2007
New Jersey Library Association Pick of the Decade
for 4th Grade 1995-2005
NYSRA Charlotte Award Committee’s Primary Suggested
Reading List
Reviews
“Terrific tale...pencil illustrations add to the charm and comedy of this romp through the pond.”
—Crescent Blues Book Views
“Delightful chaos ensues, hilariously depicted by Wohnoutka's black and white illustrations. Perfect for reluctant readers, this fast-paced chapter book is filled with humor, action and true-blue friendship.”
—Children’s Book Council
“Modern spin on a traditional tale...fun, snappy dialogue...drawings are equally engaging. A strong selection for early chapter-book readers.”
—School Library Journal
“. . . pencil illustrations keep the story hopping along.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Full of humor, the story still deals with the moral dilemma of being accepted by your peers or doing the right thing. ”
—Children’s Literature
“Davey’s struggle with his conscience is surprisingly complex, and the humor is enhanced by amusing pencil drawings.”
—The Horn Book
“Wohnoutka's illustrations, sympathetic and often amusing depictions of the characters, enhance the story's child appeal. For children reading short, illustrated chapter books, this light fantasy provides good fun.”
—Booklist
The Foot-Stomping Adventures
of Clementine Sweet
written by Kitty Griffin and Kathy Combs
Clarion Books, Spring 2004
ISBN: 0618247467, Hardcover
Ages 4-8
Picture Book, 32 pages
Book Description
This here's the story of the meanest, most ornery and pugnacious, pigtail-wearing, pint-sized person in the whole entire Texas Hill Country, and how she saved the town of Lovett from getting blown clear off the map. But most of all, this is a story about a little gal who just got plumb tired of being forgotten about, and how she finally discovered a way to get noticed that made her happy instead of mad...and how she made other people happy, too. Clementine Sweet's frustrations and triumphs will enthrall little cowgirls and cowboys everywhere.
Awards
A Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book
Reviews
“...a rollicking original tall tale.”
—Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College of Education
“...a tale that will make them smile.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“The book makes for a great read-aloud as the text features lots of alliteration and hyperbole. The full-color illustrations add to the humor of the story, bringing the kooky characters to life. The book has no big moral or lesson to learn and is just plain old fun. ”
—Children’s Literature
“...the humor and spirit of a modern-day tall tale. Wohnoutka's acrylic illustrations provide a sunny landscape and a pugnacious heroine seen from a variety of amusing perspectives. Used as an introduction to the tall-tale genre or for just plain fun, this will be an energetic addition to storytimes.”
—School Library Journal
“...this has the allure of a tall tale, and Wohnoutka's boisterous, oversize artwork has a comic look, especially when he uses unusual perspectives (with feet often in the forefront). Children looking for a heroine who takes matters into her own hands--make that feet, too—will find her here.”
—Booklist
“The illustrations are drawn in a unique perspective and are colorful and lively. The illustrations and text will entertain young children each time they open this book. ”
—Oneota Reading Journal
Johnny Appleseed: My Story
written by David L. Harrison
Random House, Fall 2001
ISBN 0-375-81247-4, Paperback
Grades 1-3
Step into Reading Series, Step 3, 48 pages
Scholastic Book Club Selection
Book Description
Johnny Appleseed was an important historical figure, well known for planting apple orchards across the new frontier. But he was also a master storyteller. In his own folksy voice, Johnny Appleseed tells his story to a couple of entranced children. Readers learn how he started planting apple trees and about some of the myths and true stories of his life.
Reviews
“...the narration is direct and engaging, and the accompanying art is colorful and appealing.”
—Children's Literature
“This briskly told, cheerful story features Johnny Appleseed...Wohnoutka contributes a series of buoyant paintings that capture the beauty of the landscape, the innocent goodness of the people, and the slightly larger-than-life persona of Johnny Appleseed.”
—Booklist
My Dad Can Do Anything
written by Stephen Krensky
Random House, Spring 2004
ISBN: 0375826270, Paperback
Ages 2-6
Pictureback Book, 24 pages
Book Description
What can your dad do? Can he climb the highest mountain? Or swim to the bottom of the sea? In this heartwarming story about how dads are strong, brave, and all around great, dads can do anything.
Reviews
“There is humor in the art and the artist's interpretation of the story. Pleasant enough for anytime, but especially Father's Day.”
—Children's Literature
Look What the Cat Dragged In!
written by Gary Hogg
Dutton Children's Books, Fall 2005
ISBN: 0-525-46984-2, Hardcover
Ages 4-8
Picture Book, 32 pages
Book Description
Deep in the woods, in the middle of winter, the last thing the Lazybones family wants to do is step outside their cabin. When they complain about being chilly, it’s up to the cat to go out and get them some firewood. “Look what the cat dragged in!” they exclaim. Still the Lazybones refuse to move a muscle, so the little cat has to take care of their hunger and boredom too. Finally the kitty gets fed up with their selfish whining, and he drags the Lazybones into the middle of trouble—earning himself some well-deserved peace and quiet at last.
Reviews
"The animated scenes put the right spin on the absurdity, with vivid hues of orange and blue cranking up the energy and a perspective that cleverly places the cat in the forefront of all the raucous action. Silly, entertaining feline fun."
—Booklist
"A silly and clever tale to be read aloud."
—Square Books, Jr.
...illustrations explode off the pages...
—School Library Journal
"Wohnoutka mixes milieus in his comic country scenes, setting the Lazybones down in a rustic log cabin, but surrounding them, ultimately, with empty pizza and Chinese takeout boxes, along with Twister, Mr. Potato Head and like amusements. Readers weary of endless variations on 'Little Red Hen' might give this a try."
—Kirkus Reviews
"Kids will deeply empathize with the cat, who expresses the keen sense of unfairness children often feel."
—Los Angeles Daily News
When the Wizzy Foot Goes Walking
written by Roni Schotter
Dutton Children's Books, August 2007
ISBN 978-0-525-47791-4, Hardcover
Ages 2-6
Picture Book, 32 pages
Book Description
Early every morning, the Wizzy Foot rises and goes walking. Floors shake, buildings quake. Soon, like it or not, the whole family’s awake! Whether jumping into its parents’ bed, stomping into the kitchen for breakfast, or splashing outside, the Wizzy Foot is busy making noise and having fun all the day long! From award- winning author Roni Schotter and acclaimed illustrator Mike Wohnoutka comes a rollicking picture book.
Reviews
"...perfect for read-alouds or library programs in which children can act out the parts. The artwork is truly inspired. Wohnoutka's exuberant child parades through the text, his actions huge and filling up the brightly colored pages. The facial expressions are spot-on, from the dismay of the parents who are attempting to get some work done, to their obvious joy in playing with their children. This is a loving tribute to the wild WIZZY FOOT in every child, sure to bring a smile to parents' lips . . . as long as their own is safely tucked into bed."
—Kirkus Reviews
"The bold palette of the illustrations energizes the story, making it a multi-sensory experience. This book would be a good addition to a preschool, an early elementary reading program or a lesson based on learning parts of the body."
—Children's Literature
"Wohnoutka's boldly painted illustrations are full of motion and fit the story well. A mix of full-bleed spreads and spot illustrations adds movement to the plot and encourages page turns."
—School Library Journal
Ask for Mike's books at your local bookstore or order online:
Counting Sheep
written by Julie Glass
Random House, Fall 2000
Sorry, Out of Print
Scholastic Book Club Selection
Book Description
What do you do if you can't sleep? Count sheep! That's what the restless hero of this rollicking tale does. And when sheep don't work, he counts kangaroos by twos and monkeys by threes. But when he gets to bees by fours, the animals run amok! Then it's a countdown to dream time.
Reviews
“Wohnoutka’s illustrations, pleasing paintings that ably balance fantasy and humor, group the animals cleverly for ease in counting. Good fun as well as good practice for math and reading skills.
—Booklist
“...charming illustrations of plump, smiling animals are depicted in warm, glowing colors, just right for the lamp-lighted nighttime setting.”
—Children's Literature
“This is an easy reader that preschoolers will enjoy while being introduced to counting and numbers. A young boy counts sheep and other animals when he can't sleep. The illustrations and rhyming text will delight!”
—Parent Council