Thank you to HarperCollins for sponsoring this post and prizes. All thoughts and opinions are my own. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
My son is in 2nd grade and a pretty advanced reader, but it’s still a challenge to make that jump from single storybooks to more lengthy chapter books. I’ve found a really good transition for kids like him is to find chapter books that have lots of pictures to break up the text. I’ve partnered with HarperCollins to introduce you to two of their latest releases that he LOVES and have us both totally cracking up!
Olga and the Smelly Thing from Nowhere
Olga and the Smelly Thing from Nowhere is seriously hilarious. As an adult I’m cracking up reading this! It’s perfect for animal lovers, too.
Olga finds a creature in her garbage can one day, and all it says is “MEH!”
It won’t eat, it won’t sleep, it snores, it stinks, and Olga studies it like mad. She adores it and eventually names it after herself–an OLGAMUS. A trip to the library reveals little, while a trip to the local shop proves successful when Olga discovers Meh’s favorite food is olives! These episodes take place over a few days in Olga’s never-dull life, and she manages to reveal a great amount of information not only about herself, but about everything from the scientific method and Jane Goodall and some of her favorite odd creatures to the ins and outs of friendship and every human’s use for living in a community.
Perfect for fans of Dear Dumb Diary and My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish, and great preparation for El Deafo, Roller Girl, and Smile.
DIY: Drawing Animals with Elise Gravel | OLGA AND THE SMELLY THING FROM NO WHERE
Stick Cat: A Tail of Two Kitties
My son really likes this book, Stick Cat: A Tale of Two Kitties. It’s funny and entertaining, which keeps him flipping pages and reading for long periods of time!
Perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Big Nate, and animal lovers everywhere – meet Stick Cat! A heavily illustrated young reader series, from the author of Stick Dog – Tom Watson!
In the first adventure (available now), it’s a big day in the big city for Stick Cat and his best friend, Edith. There are treasures to hunt, songs to sing, pigeons to catch, and naps to take. But way up on the 23rd floor, danger lurks just around the corner. Terrible noises and violent crashes trap a desperate man in the building across the alley. Stick Cat will need to navigate his way across the alley—and around Edith’s peculiar ways—to attempt a rescue.
The next adventure, Stick Cat: Cats in the City, arrives on April 25th!
Learn How To Draw Stick Cat
Learn More
Check out Olga and the Smelly Thing from Nowhere and Stick Cat: A Tail of Two Kitties. You can also follow HarperCollins Childrens on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The Giveaway
Have fun with a doodle-rific combo of middle-grade reads! One winner receives this OODLES OF DOODLES Prize Pack:
- Copies of Stick Cat: A Tail of Two Kitties and Olga and the Smelly Thing from Nowhere
- Art prints from each book’s creators
- Plus notebook and colored pencil set.
This giveaway is open to US addresses only, ages 18+. It will end at 11:59pm ET on May 8, 2017. Good luck!

Jessica To says
I would give these to my son.
Kris I. says
I would give these books to my daughter; I think she would really enjoy them
April taylor says
My 11 year old. He is dyslexic these would be great
Mary W says
I would give these to the Grandkids who are avid readers.
Shelley Joy P says
I’d love to share these books with my niece.
shirley says
I would love to give this to our granddaughter, she would love it.
Janet W. says
I would love to give this prize to my grandson! He would love these books and loves to draw/color.
Audrey Stewart says
I would gift these to my young Samantha, who loves to draw.
Lauren says
I would give these to my kids.
beth says
I would love to give these to my niece.
Jeanna says
My daughter would love these books!
Maralea says
My granddaughter would love it!
Nannypanpan says
I’d like them for my son
Fiona N says
I would love to win these beautiful books for my nieces and son
Thank You for the chance!
Edye says
This would be for my cousin!
Teresa A Thompson says
I would give these to my oldest granddaughter.
KENNETH OHL says
these would go to my little niece
D Schmidt says
If I were the lucky winner then i would give them to my son, thanks for the chance.
LaTanya says
I would love to give them to my son
Kelly D says
I would give these to my daughter.
Cynthia R says
I would love to give these books to my niece. She loves to read and draw.
Tabathia B says
I would give these books to my older daughter
nickie says
I’d like them for my son
Steph says
I would give these to my kids. Both love that style of books.
Hanna D. says
I would give these books to my nephew.
rickl bart says
i would give this to my mg author wife!
Laurie Emerson says
I would love to give these books to my daughter.
Susan Christy says
My nieces and nephews are huge bookworms and would love these books!
Deanna Turner says
My best friends daughter.
Janice B says
I would give these to my youngest son. I am sure he would like the books plus he likes to draw so he would love the notebook and colored pencils.
ReggieMann says
I would love to give these books to my niece 🙂
Leela says
I’d love it for my kids.
Cynthia C says
I would like to give the books to my nieces.
Stephanie Liske says
I would love to give these books to my daughter.
Mary Cloud says
I would probably give these to my daughter.
beth says
im not sure at the moment but they are cool books
Stephanie MacDonald says
I’d love to share these books with my niece.
Breanna Pollard says
I WOULD GIVE THESE TO MY NIECE.
Linda G. says
I would love to give these books to my niece, I think she would really enjoy reading them
Charlene S. says
I would love to give these to my oldest niece. She would enjoy them the most.
Donna Clifford says
yes, I would love to give these books to my daughter and some of her friends.