Scholastic Announces Groovy Joe Picture Books

Posted on September 29, 2015

Scholastic has announced it will publish a picture book series called Groovy Joe starting in fall 2016. Scholastic published the rights to the children's books at auction. The books are by author Eric Litwin and illustrator Tom Lichtenheld.

The series will name a music-loving dog named Groovy Joe. Joe is described as "endlessly enthusiastic and undeniably cool." Joe is playing the guitar in the illustration above by Tom Lichtenheld. A little bird is singing along with Joe.

The first book in the series, Groovy Joe: Ice Cream and Dinosaurs, will be published in fall 2016. Litwin is the bestselling author of four Pete the Cat books and Lichtenheld is the illustrator of the bestseller, Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site.

Litwin says in a statement, "Groovy Joe is a fun-loving, guitar-strumming doggy with a playful perspective. He is always ready to make a new friend and sing a cool song. I am excited to bring Groovy Joe and his musical stories to life with talented artist Tom Lichtenheld and delighted to be working with Liza Baker and Scholastic."

Lichtenheld says, "I’m thrilled to be part of the Groovy Joe team. Eric has a way of writing for children that's lyrical and speaks at their level, yet still has a strong conceptual foundation. His talent, combined with Scholastic's high standards and passionate editorial and design team, made this an irresistible project."

The Groovy Joe books will also include a free downloadable song. Scholastic says the books offer a "learning concept infused with music, movement, and a positive messages of acceptance and kindness." Joe also likes to share his wisdom and message of kindness with everyone he meets.