Emmy Kastner is an author and illustrator of children's books. A former high school teacher, Emmy taught English and science in San Francisco. Upon moving back to Michigan, she cofounded the youth writing center Read and Write Kalamazoo (RAWK). RAWK is devoted to celebrating and amplifying youth voices through the cultivation of reading and writing skills via joy, creativity, equity, and access. Emmy lives in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with her husband and three kids, their dog, and two cats. She spends most days writing and making art in her studio above her family's coffee shop.

"Author-illustrator Kastner uses acrylic gouache, pencil, and ink to create many busy scenes of makers' activities full of details; cute, cartoonish round-faced characters are featured throughout. A delightful tall tale highlighting the importance of speaking up for oneself."--Booklist

"Read this to a group of kids who demand more of everything to show them how extreme they can get--or to remind them to check on what someone actually wants before assuming."--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Brimming with over-the-top absurdity, the story will delight young readers with each outlandish new step."--Kirkus

"It's a supersize story starting with a small miscommunication that yields an abundance of laughs."--Publishers Weekly

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Pub date: 2026-05-05

Length: 56 pages