GIANNA MARINO​​

Author & Illustrator
of Picture Books

When a thriving forest is swallowed by wildfire the animals brace themselves, then look to new beginnings​

At first, they didn’t notice the spark flying above the dry treetops. But then the smoke blew from the north, and the flames began to grow…

Gianna Marino explores the bitter-sweet cycle of burning and rebirth in the forest. Readers follow a lone deer as it sees its only home scorched by flame.

A Northern California resident herself, Gianna witnessed the 2017 Sonoma wildfire firsthand. 

Published by Neal Porter Books
Sep 01, 2020 | 40 Pages | 4-8 years | ISBN 9780823446995

★ The poetic text is powerful and effective at building tension and then providing hope. ...It is a potent combination.
School Library Journal, Starred Review

★ Marino’s story poignantly describes a forest fire from the perspective of a deer living in the woodlands. . ..

Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
 
★ Inspired by her own experiences in the 2017 fires in California, Marino tells this story in the nostalgic but also hopeful voice of one of the forest-dwellers . . .  Reassurance about the resilience of the natural world.

Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

★ "... the writing is spare, precise, and evocative." —Booklist, Starred Review

[T]imely and striking . . . Marino’s driving text is filled with descriptive verbs—the fire snaps and swallows—and her taut sentences pack a punch.

—The Horn Book

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New York Times bestselling illustrator Gianna Marino helps little ones find their courage to face their fears and explore the world around them.

Earl likes the inside and likes feeling safe. He also likes his friends to be safe and is quick to point out the many dangers of the outside, where his friends are determined to explore. No matter how hard they try to convince Earl to come outside to play, he won’t change his mind.

But…what if Earl needs to go outside? What will it take for his friends to convince him? What will it take for Earl to feel safe on the outside?

In this stunningly illustrated book about friendship, facing your fears, and finding the courage to push past what’s comfortable, Gianna Marino once again uses endearing animals to give young readers a voice.


Published by Viking Books for Young Readers
June 4, 2024 | 40 Pages | 4-8 years | ISBN 0593528778

RELEASE DATE June 2024 

Reviews coming soon!

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​​​​​★Marino’s gorgeous artwork is on full display in this sweet book narrated by a baby emperor penguin . . . perfect for repeated readings, one-on-one and during story time.
- School Library Journal, starred review

​​​​​​...a tenderhearted feel to the scientific information communicated about penguin family dynamics.
- Publishers Weekly






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"When everyone is sleeping, all I can hear is Papa’s heart. Boom-Boom-Boom. My papa loves me.”

It’s deep winter in the Antarctic and a little penguin baby waits in the cold and snow for its mama to return from her long journey to find food. But all the while, the baby is protected and kept warm by its papa, until Mama returns with food . . . and love.

With stunning illustrations and a spare but powerful story, Gianna Marino captures the icy beauty of Antarctica and the wonders of a penguin family that thrives there.

Published by Viking Books for Young Readers
March 29, 2022 | 40 Pages | 3-7 years | ISBN 9780425290705

Something’s out there in the dark!

First Possum hears it. Then Skunk. Then Wolf comes running.
“What could it possibly be?” asks Bat.
“Night Animals!” the animals declare.
“But you ARE night animals,” Bat informs this not-so-smart crew.

Children will love the oh-so-funny animals in this twist on a cozy bedtime book.

Published by Viking Books for Young Readers
Jul 14, 2015 | 40 Pages | 3-5 years | ISBN 9780451469540

​​​★Truly remarkable illustrations …This eye-catching, slapstick foray into the worrisome night will light up the room with smiles. – Booklist, starred review

​★Every page is visually funny, with hilarious close-ups and slapstick animal postures…A giggle-inducing new gem for the night-fears bookshelf. – Kirkus Reviews, starred review

A good title to share with children who may be afraid of the dark to help them see the lighter side of fear.– School Library Journal
 
I
n Marino’s sweet-tempered nocturnal comedy, large, scary animals flee from the threat of still larger and scarier animals…Bonus visual subplots involves Skunk’s stench and Possum’s tendency to... play possum. The spreads are polished, the story moves fast, and the laughs keep coming. 

– Publishers Weekly

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Daytime brings a whole new set of problems and adventures to the crew of Night Animals Need Sleep Too!

It's daytime and night animals are all sleeping soundly. Well, all except for Possum. Skunk tries to be helpful, pointing out a cave, then a tree, then a den. But the more places Possum tries to sleep, the more night animals he wakes up. Will Bear, Wolf, Skunk, and Possum ever find a good day's rest? The stars of Gianna Marino's Night Animals know what makes kids laugh in this hilarious spin on the bedtime book.

Published by Viking Books for Young Readers
Feb 25, 2020 | 40 Pages | 3-5 years | ISBN 9780425290651

Marino’s cumulative tale is a satisfying slapstick romp...- Booklist

Marino's illustrations...are hilarious and endearing... – Kirkus

Emerging readers will love the accessibility of this picture book as they increase their independence, while still in the arms of their parents. - School Library Journal

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An entertaining and moving tribute to big brothers 

Continuing her picture book stories about family relationships, Gianna Marino introduces Little Giraffe, who adores her big brother.

Set in a stunning African landscape, the story begins with a game of hide-and-seek as Little Giraffe looks for her big brother, who’s just out of her sight, but always safely nearby.

As she asks the many animals she encounters on her search if they’ve seen him, it’s evident how much she admires him. He’s taller and faster and braver than her, she tells them. But as the search continues, the other animals insist that Little Giraffe is tall, and fast, and brave, too . . . and best of all, she has a wonderful older brother who looks out for her!

Published by Viking Books for Young Readers
Apr 30, 2019 | 40 Pages | 3-5 years | ISBN 9780425290606

★A humorous, satisfying surprise . . . Brilliant fun. - Kirkus, Starred Review

This reassuring story of new-found confidence will resonate with growing youngsters who are discovering their own capabilities. And they will relish being in on secrets withheld from the young protagonist. –School Library Journal

A lovely addition to Marino's comforting, thoughtful work and a great book to add to your storytime rotation. -The Library and Reading Journal of Jennifer, Librarian

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The world is filled with millions of animal species, and all of them are unique and special. Many are on the path to extinction

In this book, Chelsea Clinton introduces young readers to a selection of endangered animals, sharing what makes them special, and also what threatens them. Don’t Let Them Disappear talks about rhinos, tigers, whales, pandas and more, and provides helpful tips on what we all can do to help prevent these animals from disappearing from our world entirely.

With warm and engaging art by Gianna Marino, this book is the perfect read for animal-lovers and anyone who cares about our planet.

Published by Viking Books for Young Readers
Apr 02, 2019 | 40 Pages | 4-8 years | ISBN 9780525514329

A winning heads up for younger readers just becoming aware of the wider natural world. -Kirkus Reviews

An inviting . . . appeal to care for the planet and its most vulnerable creatures. 

- Publishers Weekly

NYT Best Seller
Wall Street Journal Best Seller
USA Today Best Seller
​Indie Best Seller

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The story of a girl imagining what life would be like with a horse

"If I had a horse, he might be shy, like me. But if I stayed quiet, he'd learn to be my friend. I would have to tame him. I would have to be strong, like him. And he would have to be gentle, like me. And together, we could do anything."

Marino's vibrant, silhouetted art brings to life this picture book about understanding, stepping beyond boundaries, and bravery.

Published by Neal Porter Books for Roaring Brook Press
Jan 30, 2018 | 40 Pages | 2-5 years | ISBN 978-1626729087

★...Readers will almost feel the wind in their hair and hear the thunder of hooves as they are inspired to pursue their dreams. Beautiful.
-Kirkus, starred

...Marino’s silhouettes should make it easy for readers to imagine themselves in the story, a contemplative tribute to children’s deeply felt desires for a pet and how one’s imagination can almost bring those fantasies to life.
- Publishers Weekly

...An invigorating opportunity for individuals or groups to participate in a glorious moment—inside out..
- School Library Journal

...the girl transforms from a timid child to a confident one...This idyllic picture-book reverie will captivate children who dream of horses.
- Booklist

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A heartwarming love story between mother and child

When Mama Elephant must leave Little One to ask the skies for rain, the young elephant is worried. Who will care for Little One? Who will sing Mama's special songs? When will she return?

Mama is very reassuring - Little One will hear her song on the wind and feel her love in the warmth of the sun, and, after the rains come, they will meet where the moon sets.

Published by Viking Books for Young Readers
Mar 29, 2012 | 40 Pages | 2-5 years | ISBN 9780670013135

★Marino’s breathtaking panoramas make an already powerful story sing.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

Marino’s cumulative tale is a satisfying slapstick romp...- Booklist​​

★Marino's illustrations...are hilarious and endearing... – Kirkus


Emerging readers will love the accessibility of this picture book as they increase their independence, while still in the arms of their parents. - School Library Journal

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Filled with the wonders of the ocean and the comfort of a father’s presence

As two whales swim together through the big ocean, Little Blue has many questions for Papa, especially ones about the long migration. 

What could be down below, where they can’t see?

Little Blue is quiet and listens for Papa’s song.

Published by Viking Books for Young Readers
Apr 03, 2014 | 40 Pages | 3-5 years | ISBN 9780670013159

​​★…exuberant and gorgeous… 
-Publishers Weekly, starred review

★…a heartwarming reminder of how children learn to trust and listen for papas’ songs in our lives.

-School Library Journal, starred review

★This beautifully executed book about the bond between father and child that can be as deep as the darkest sea and powerful enough to help navigate in times of trouble will resonate with readers both young and old.  -Kirkus, starred review

A gorgeous, comforting book that provides a lovely counterpoint to Marino’s Meet Me at the Moon (2012). -Booklist

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Good friends learn a small but important lesson

Owl and Rabbit are good friends and live in two small houses next to each other. They are perfectly happy . . . until Rabbit’s garden gets in the way of Owl’s view. So Owl builds his house a little taller. Only that blocks the sun from Rabbit’s vegetables. So Rabbit builds his house taller. And soon it’s a house-building frenzy and the two now not-so-good friends have the two tallest houses in the world!

All it takes is a gust of wind to remind them that maybe living smaller and together is a much better way to remain friends.

Published by Viking Books for Young Readers
Sep 27, 2012 | 40 Pages | 3-5 years | ISBN 978067001314

★The animals are full of heartfelt emotions, from anger and frustration to happy contentment…This story about friendship and togetherness contains a great lesson without being didactic or moralizing and should be welcome in most collections. 
-School Library Journal, starred review

★The well-turned, dialogue-rich narrative complements the sunny visuals, making this an excellent choice for one-on-one or group read-alouds…Another winner for rising star Marino.  -Kirkus, starred review

…a story of friendship that youngsters can understand and relate to. 

-Library Media Connection

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​An unsuspecting boy, his dead pet fish, and his well-intentioned mother...the question is, when it comes to this family, who is protecting whom?

Splotch was meant to be in his bowl when his boy got home from school–but he isn’t there! There’s only one conclusion: he must have run away. But when he mysteriously returns, all is well again. Except…Splotch’s distinctive spot has moved and the only explanation is that he has been CHANGED BY ALIENS! When the spot moves yet again, it’s clear something fishy is going on. 


Published by Viking Books for Young Readers
May 02, 2017 | 40 Pages |  4-6 years | ISBN 9780698155282

This isn’t about grief; it’s about anxious, humane, funny attempts to protect loved ones from sadness.
-Kirkus Reviews

Marino has created an interesting game of “Who’s kidding whom?” between parent and child, a situation more common than most parents might think. As a story that hinges on visual discernment, “Splotch” is appropriately light on text and strong on visual storytelling.
-NYT 

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There was never a ball the boy wouldn't throw.

Luckily, there was never a ball that his dog couldn't catch.

When a new kind of ball (a balloon) floats into the picture, both boy and dog try to find a way to play with it, and they become separated. Will they find their way back to each other and finish their game?

Published by Neal Porter Books
Jun 21, 2016 | 40 Pages |  2-5 years | ISBN 1626722870

A glad frolic, perfect for a windy day.
- Kirkus Reviews

A lovely book to pore over, with engaging art. - School Library Journal

Marino (Night Animals) evokes an experience that’s growing rarer―one in which child and animal share deep intimacy, and have time to share that’s all their own.

- Publishers Weekly

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How ridiculous a big ego can be...

Here is a timely tale of a mouse who thinks he’s a lot braver and better than anyone around him. 

Undaunted by extreme heights, wild animals, or angry birds, this mouse is determined to conquer every obstacle in his path. He climbs, dives, and does all that he can to prove how brave he is. “I am the mountain mouse!” he shouts when he summits his first not-quite-mountain. And this is usually the warning for his minions to take cover . . . because what they see and what Mountain Mouse sees are never quite the same!

Published by Viking Books for Young Readers
Sep 13, 2016 | 40 Pages |  3-5 years | ISBN 9780451469557

A rib-tickling addition to the mouse-adventure genre.
–Kirkus Reviews

Children will enjoy predicting what [this] narcissistic mouse will be doing next. A wonderful storytime read.

-School Library Journal

Kids [will] be tickled by Mountain Mouse’s reliable comeuppance but also be cheered by his happy resilience.-

BCCB

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This story, about widening your horizons and making new friends, shows how all it takes is one special friend to change your world

Water Buffalo and Crane's field is dry, empty, and hot--so hot that they can barely think of anything else. Every day is the same . . .
Until one day, they hear something new.
"How do you do?"
When Goat dances into their lives, Water Buffalo and Crane can't help but join in. Suddenly their field doesn't seem dry, empty, and hot at all. 

Published by Viking Books for Young Readers
Mar 29, 2012 | 40 Pages |  2-5 years | ISBN 9780670013135

The story is serious about its shift from glum to optimistic, but the background colors and the animals' humorous expressions keep it light throughout--anyone who's needed this kind of intervention will relate.
 - Kirkus Reviews

The point is well taken: new acquaintances can help 'the world feel not so-hot . . . Nor so small.
- Publishers Weekly

Joyful. . . . Join to titles like Karen Hesse's Come On, Rain! (1999) or Nina Crews' One Hot Summer Day (1995) for a storytime heat wave.” ―Booklist
“Great for sharing one-on-one or in a storytime on how to make friends.
-School Library Journal

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See if you can find all of the animals of the alphabet!

Open the pages of this lively book and discover a bowl of animal alphabet soup sure to spark children's imaginations.

From the tiny ant on the front endpapers to the exuberant zebra in the final spread, children will delight in the mischievous menagerie that bursts onto the table, while at the same time learning their letters and animals. Filled with imaginative details, it is a visual feast from start to finish.

Published by Chonicle Books
Aug 11, 2005 | 40 Pages |  2-5 years | ISBN 978-0811847896

The best ABC books make you think, and the wordless ZOOPA: AN ANIMAL ALPHABET, by first-time children's book author Gianna Marino, asks a great deal of its readers.
 -The New York Times Book Review

In this lively, engaging debut, an alphabetical menagerie, drawn naturalistically but with big, expressive eyes and mobile features, gathers around (or, sometimes, in) a bowl of tomato-colored alphabet soup...A great choice for self-starters or small groups.
 -Kirkus Reviews

A lively choice for group or one-on-one sharing. -School Library Journal
This frisky hodgepodge is sure to have the whole herd roaring with laughter and pouring over the pages for hours.

In this boisterous barnyard, the fun grows with each turn of the page. One bouncing flea is joined by two cows, then three horses, and so on, all the way up to twelve swooping bats. Children will delight in following the shimmering path of the flea, counting each bounce along the way to find the new arrival. Older readers can take the challenge further, counting all the animals on the page, or hunting for their favorite. And a surprise ending reveals which animal is just one too many! 

Published by Chonicle Books
Mar 24, 2010 | 40 Pages |  2-5 years | ISBN 0811869083

Similar in concept but more sophisticated than the author-illustrator's Zoopa
- Booklist

Young readers will find much to discover as they revisit the book time after time.

 - School Library Journal