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Idea Jar

Illustrated by Deb Pilutti
LIST PRICE $18.99

About The Book

“Seems destined to help jump-start classroom writing assignments.” —Publishers Weekly
"A good starting point for creativity in various forms.” —School Library Journal
“This imaginative book is likely to inspire more Idea Jars in classrooms.” —Booklist

From the author of Warning: Do Not Open This Book comes a lively story about a teacher’s special jar where her students keep their story ideas—but watch out when those ideas go on the loose!


The idea jar is where students keep their ideas—anything from a Viking to a space robot to a giant dragon. These ideas can be combined to make new exciting stories. But watch out when the ideas escape the jar—they might get a little rowdy! Adam Lehrhaupt’s newest picture book is sure to inspire creativity, imagination, and adventure.

About The Author

Photograph by Steffen Thalemann

Adam Lehrhaupt’s first picture book, Warning: Do Not Open This Book!, received the E.B. White Read Aloud Honor Award, was an ALA Notable Book, and a HuffPost Notable Book. School Library Journal called it, “More fun than a barrel of monkeys.” He is also the author of Please, Open This Book!, which was named a Wanda Gag Comstock Read Aloud Honor Book, and Idea Jar. Adam has traveled to six continents, performed on Broadway, and lived on a communal farm. He currently lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with his wife, sons, and two bizarre dogs. Visit him online at AdamLehrhaupt.com.

About The Illustrator

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Deb Pilutti is the author and illustrator of several books for children and has worked as a design partner at Oliebollen.com, where she designs toys and products for kids. Her design and illustration work has earned her many awards and has been published in several magazines including Step Inside Design, HOW Magazine’s Best Digital Designs issue, and Print magazine. She enjoys spending time in the woods near her home in Michigan. Visit her at DebPilutti.com.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books (February 6, 2018)
  • Length: 40 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781481451666
  • Grades: P - 3
  • Ages: 4 - 8
  • Lexile ® AD350L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®

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Raves and Reviews

"Seems destined to help jump-start classroom writing assignments." -- Publishers Weekly

– Publishers Weekly, November 20, 2017

"An engaging read-aloud that also serves as a good starting point for creativity in various forms. Kids (and their teachers) will be inspired to start their own idea jars!" --School Library Journal

– School Library Journal, December 1, 2017

"The humorous text provides plenty of useful writing tips and models for the multiethnic group of children and, in consideration of varied learning styles, mentions that stories can come in written, drawn, or spoken form....This imaginative book is likely to inspire more Idea Jars in classrooms." — Booklist

– Booklist, Dec 15, 2017

Resources and Downloads

High Resolution Images

More books from this author: Adam Lehrhaupt

More books from this illustrator: Deb Pilutti