Rudy's Lullaby

by Alexandra Boiger, Alexandra Boiger (Illustrator)

Overview

A funny and poignant picture book about working parents, babysitters, love, and the power of music by the #1 New York Times bestselling artist of the She Persisted series.

Two raccoons live at the bottom of a tree where a mama bird and her family of chicks move in. Rudy the raccoon is not impressed at all—not by Mama Bird, not by her chicks, and certainly not by the singing school she starts in the hollow of the tree. But when Mama Bird's work at the singing school sends her on a business trip to another forest, Rudy must step up and care for the chicks. When he does, he learns a thing or two about love . . . and the power of music.

From the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of the She Persisted series, this gorgeously illustrated book is a must-read for all kids who spend time with babysitters while their parents are away.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780399165917
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	09/16/2025
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.38(w) x 11.25(h) x 0.32(d)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Alexandra Boiger has illustrated many picture books, including the She Persisted books by Chelsea Clinton; All of Us by Kathryn Erskine; the Max and Marla books, and Lola’s Heart, which she also wrote. Originally from Munich, Germany, she now lives outside of San Francisco, California, with her husband, Andrea; daughter, Vanessa; Winter the cat, and a very loving dog called Bear. Raccoons and crows roam through her backyard. You can visit her online at AlexandraBoiger.com or follow her on Instagram @Alexandra_Boiger.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for Rudy's Lullaby:

"Rudy’s expanding circle of care unfolds with a light touch as an important truth shines through: companionship can yield unexpected rewards." —Publisher's Weekly

"Boiger delivers a balanced message about honoring one’s feelings while remaining open to the possibility of change. Featuring characters striking dynamic poses, her swirling, soft watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil illustrations in pastel hues create a mellow atmosphere and help move the story along. Whimsical fun with an optimistic message." —Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

2025-05-16
A forest dweller learns to relax and have fun with his noisy new upstairs neighbors.

Rudy and his BFF and fellow raccoon Bruno live a quiet life at the base of a tree in the woods. A bird named Mama Charlie, her five chicks, and her Lullaby School of music have recently moved into the tree’s branches. Bruno doesn’t mind the constant singing, and he enjoys playing with the chicks when Mama Charlie and her students are invited to perform with the Giant Redwood Forest Symphony. But Rudy is frustrated; he hasn’t been able to sleep since the Lullaby School moved in, and babysitting doesn’t come as naturally to him. Eventually, though, Bruno needs a break, and Rudy finds himself solely responsible for the chicks, which will require him to think fast—and rely on his musical talents—when one of them goes missing. As Rudy gradually warms toward the little ones, Boiger delivers a balanced message about honoring one’s feelings while remaining open to the possibility of change. Featuring characters striking dynamic poses, her swirling, soft watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil illustrations in pastel hues create a mellow atmosphere and help move the story along.

Whimsical fun with an optimistic message.(Picture book. 3-6)

Kirkus Reviews