Joseph Kuefler is the author-illustrator of the Digger series, Beyond the Pond, Rulers of the Playground, Pillow Places, and Bigger Than a Bumblebee and the illustrator of Night Is for Darkness by Jonathan Stutzman. He lives in Minnesota with his wife and children. You can visit him online at josephkuefler.com.Joseph Kuefler is the author-illustrator of the Digger series, Beyond the Pond, Rulers of the Playground, Pillow Places, and Bigger Than a Bumblebee and the illustrator of Night Is for Darkness by Jonathan Stutzman. He lives in Minnesota with his wife and children. You can visit him online at josephkuefler.com.

“The image of the clunky piece of construction equipment tenderly caring for the fragile plant gives the story charm, and so do its strong, simple images.” — Publishers Weekly“Kuefler’s simply written and beautifully illustrated tale has a powerful message about the importance of the environment...A wonderful, inspiring tale, perfect for read-alouds.”— School Library Journal (starred review)Praise for RULERS OF THE PLAYGROUND: “Children struggling with tyrants (or the impulse to dictate) will find both laughter and comfort in Kuefler’s playground, full of recognizable experiences, faces, and feelings....winning satire for the jungle-gym set.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)Praise for RULERS OF THE PLAYGROUND: “[A] playful lesson in camaraderie and social etiquette” — BooklistPraise for BEYOND THE POND: “A witty, auspicious debut…[with] echoes of Jon Klassen and Wes Anderson.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)Praise for BEYOND THE POND: “[A] tale of transformation and wonder…reminiscent of Sendak’s Max and his Wild Things.” — School Library JournalPraise for BEYOND THE POND: “This lovely picture book is a tribute to imagination and the wonder in everyday spaces…will resonate with young readers.” — Booklist“Kuefler imbues the text with the heart and soul of the best storytime fare… One couldn’t hope for a better tale of rebirth and regeneration” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)