
Illustrated by Matthew Cordell
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan
This book is dedicated – to my editor, Neal Porter, and my agent, Karen Grencik, who brought me back into the circle.
The Story Behind The Story
Most of my other books have a story behind the story. Perhaps they were inspired by growing up with Ayrshire cows on my father’s farm or by my daughter’s love of beautiful pink hairbows. But Lost. Found. was different. The story came to me in the early morning hours as a few images, including a bear in a wintry landscape wearing a red scarf.
I’m especially thrilled that the illustrator of Lost. Found., Matthew Cordell, won the 2018 Caldecott Medal for his book, Wolf In The Snow. A Caldecott winner illustrated my book! Congratulations to Matthew and all his wondrous books.

Awards and Honors
- Selection for Winterkids’ of Maine 2019 Storywalk
- 3 Starred Reviews – Publisher’s Weekly, School Library Journal, Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
- Firefly Scholastic Book Club
- 2015 Nerdy Book Club Award
- Junior Library Guild Selection 2015
- Bank Street Best Children’s Books of 2016
- L. L. Beans’ Northern Lights’ Celebration Storywalk
Reviews
Publisher’s Weekly, Starred Review
“half nature documentary, half Marx Brothers.”
School Library Journal, Starred Review
“The attention to detail and the expressions displayed on the animals’ faces are superb. A fun addition to any picture book collection.”
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, Starred Review
“Cordell’s scribbly, rapid lines have a Quentin Blake flair, and they imbue his simple landscapes (a few green watercolor trees and earth-toned animals are enough to make a winter wonderland against which the red scarf stands out brilliantly) with a frantic energy suitable to the tale of overexcited and forgetful critters.
Kirkus
“Just two words (and many amusing sound effects) form the text of this visually driven story about conflict resolution, resourcefulness, community – and a red scarf.”
The Horn Book
“This book invites participation, and young listeners will quickly catch on to the narrative pattern.”
Richie’s Picks
“Lost. Found. is a delightful, high-energy, animal-character picture book…” I really like that Lost. Found. will prompt audiences to imagine many creative and wacky things that one can do with a simple scarf. But what I especially appreciate about the story is how it contrasts with our throwaway society. Everyone has a use for this piece of used clothing. Then, when the scarf comes unraveled, it’s fixed instead of being tossed in the trash. Matthew Cordell does a superb job of bringing to life a whimsical, expressive cast of characters. I’m really glad to have found this one.
Lost. Found. Around The Web
- A Book with Two Words Inspires Storytelling from Judy Newman at Scholastic
- A Universe In Your Backyard from Nerdy Book Club
- Unraveling aka A Frenzy in the Forest from KidLitFrenzy
- 5,4,3,2,1 Interview from Sharpread
- Blog Tour Lost and Found from Read, Write, Reflect
- The Last Stop on the Lost. Found Blog Tour from Watch. Connect. Read.
- A Trio of “Ones-That-Got-Away from Unpacking Picture Book Power
- Sal’s Fiction Addiction
- Knitting with Lost. Found.
- Author Spotlight at Kidlit 411