The Outside

Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3

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.

About the Author

Gianna Marino was born in San Francisco and spent her early years galloping horses through Golden Gate Park. Her explorations expanded to some of the farthest places she could find, including Ethiopia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Bhutan, and many small villages in faraway mountains. When not wandering the great OUTSIDE, Gianna writes and illustrates full-time from her home in Southern Colorado, where prairie dogs peek from their burrows. Gianna has written and illustrated many highly acclaimed picture books, including Night Animals, Too Tall Houses, and Don’t Let Them Disappear by Chelsea Clinton. 

You can visit Gianna Marino at GiannaMarino.com or follow her on Instagram @GiannaMarinoBooks and on Facebook at Facebook.com/GiannaMarino.

Author Residence: Sonoma, California

Author Hometown: San Francisco, California