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Zachariah
Children’s Author & Illustrator
NYT Bestseller
Travels from: Philadelphia, PA

“Zach’s books are absolutely amazing, and his passion for art and illustration was demonstrated through his presentations.” — Candace Taylor-Weber, The KAUST School

Zachariah O’Hora is the illustrator of the New York Times best seller Wolfie the Bunny. His debut as an author, Stop Snoring Bernard! won the 2011 Society of Illustrators Founders Award and was the 2012 State of PA Dept of Ed One book. His follow up, Not Fits Nilson! was named the Huffington Post Best Children’s Book of 2013, a Kirkus Best Picture Book of 2013, a New York Public Library Book for Reading and Sharing and was given the PALA Carolyn W. Field Award. His book My Cousin Momo! was named by the Boston Globe a Best Picture Book of 2015 and was a Junior Library Guild Selection. His book The Not So Quiet Library hit shelves July 2016, and Niblet and Ralph followed in June 2018. His latest book, Sonny Says No! was released in August 2023. He was also the creator of the PBS animated series, “Carl the Collector.” He lives and works in Narberth, PA with his wife, two sons and two cats.

Zachariah's Featured Titles

Sonny Says No!

Bloomsbury Children’s Books |
Children’s

Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who are learning friendship dynamics, this volume in the sweet and funny series about Sonny and his friends covers universal kid experiences–like learning to help others!

Sonny LOVES painting, so when he finds a paint set in the garden, he gets right to work! But then Boo and Meemo ask to use the paints, too. And now Honey and Boo ask for Sonny’s help blowing balloons. Sonny just wants to paint by himself, so he says, “No!” Why can’t they see that Sonny doesn’t have time to help? But once his friends leave, Sonny realizes he forgot that something important . . . It’s Meemo’s birthday! Honey and Boo have been trying to make Meemo a birthday present. Will Sonny help them make Meemo’s big day special?

Sonny Says Sorry!

Bloomsbury Children’s Books |
Children’s

Perfect for fans of Salina Yoon, this young picture book series–featuring four adorable friends–focuses on relatable social/emotional learning topics and is brought to life by bestselling illustrator Zachariah OHora.

While playing Hide and Seek with his friends, Sonny finds a box. It has a label on it that says “Do not open.” But Sonny really wants to know what’s inside. He pokes the box. Sniffs the box. And when Boo and Meemo come along, Sonny says “Look!” He opens the box, and they peek inside. CAKE!
“Yummy!” says Boo. It looks so good, they can’t help it. They eat it.
But when Honey comes by, she sees Sonny and Meemo and Boo’s chocolatey hands and faces. “That was my cake!” she cries. What will Sonny and his friends do?

Caryl Hart and bestselling illustrator Zachariah OHora continue this sweet and funny series that covers universal kid experiences–in this case, saying sorry, and trying to make things right.

Blips on a Screen: How Ralph Baer Invented TV Video Gaming and Launched a Worldwide Obsession

Knopf Books for Young Readers |
Children’s

An engaging picture book biography based on the incredible true story of a Jewish refugee who pioneered home video games and launched a worldwide obsession.

Do you ever wonder how video gaming was invented? What came before your PlayStation or Xbox? This is the story of Ralph Baer, a refugee from Nazi Germany, who used his skills–and a lot of ingenuity and persistence–to make life a little more fun.

Television was new when Ralph returned from serving in World War II, but he didn’t settle for watching TV. He knew it could be even more fun if you could play with it. He tinkered and tested, got help and rejected, but with perseverance and skill, he made his vision come true! This is the inspiring story of a fearless inventor who made TV video games a reality.

Fuzzy, Inside and Out: A Story About Small Acts of Kindness and Big Hair

Abrams Books for Young Readers |
Children’s

From the hilarious mind of bestselling creator Zachariah OHora comes this tale about small acts of kindness, big hair, and spreading warm, fuzzy feelings

Meet Fuzzy Haskins: with unruly fur and a heart of gold, he’s fuzzy inside and out!

Everywhere he goes, he spreads warm, fuzzy feelings throughout his community. There’s only one thing that can possibly dampen his spirit: the humidity! When rainy weather brings on extra fuzz and gets Fuzzy into a jam of his own, it takes the generosity of others to get him back on his feet.

With its endearing takes on friendship and small acts of kindness, this charmingly offbeat tale from the hilarious mind of Zachariah OHora will inspire readers to spread fuzziness wherever they go.

Sonny Says Mine!

Bloomsbury Children’s Books |
Children’s

Perfect for fans of Salina Yoon, this new picture book series–featuring four adorable friends–focuses on relatable social/emotional learning topics and is brought to life by bestselling illustrator Zachariah OHora.

Sonny is having a great time in the park with his friends when he finds an adorable pink stuffed bunny. Sonny loves playing with his new toy . . . until his friend Boo asks if he’s seen her favorite pink bunny. Even though Boo is upset, Sonny says, “No!” He loves the bunny and doesn’t want to give it back.

But as Boo gets more and more upset, it becomes harder and harder to lie. Can Sonny find the courage to tell the truth and apologize?

This new series by Caryl Hart and bestselling illustrator Zachariah OHora covers universal kid experiences in sweet and funny ways–in this case, sharing and saying sorry.

Dogs at Work: Good Dogs. Real Jobs.

Balzer + Bray |
Children’s

A fun and educational picture book about all the real jobs dogs can have, by popular author Margaret Cardillo (Just Being Audrey) and bestselling artist Zachariah OHora (Wolfie the Bunny). Perfect for fans of Children Make Terrible Pets, Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship, and dog lovers of all ages.

Have you ever wondered what dogs do all day when their people leave for school or their jobs?

What if they went to work, too . . . ?

This clever picture book describes all the real jobs that dogs do. From a therapy dog to a mayor dog and even a lobster-diving dog, the possibilities will surprise you!

But, of course, there is one job that dogs love more than any other: being a best friend.

Who Wet My Pants?

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers |
Children’s

In this hilarious tale of blame, compassion, and forgiveness, a very embarrassed bear is reminded that accidents can happen–but with the support of good friends, life goes on.

Reuben the bear’s got donuts for everyone in his scout troop, but his friends are all staring at something else: there’s a wet spot on Reuben’s pants, and it’s in a specific area. “WHO WET MY PANTS?” he shouts, and a blame game starts. His buddies try to reassure him there was no crime. Just an accident. It could happen to anyone! But as all the clues begin to point in Reuben’s own direction as the culprit, Reuben must come to terms with the truth.

Who Wet My Pants? isn’t a potty-training book. It’s a witty and wise story about embarrassment and anger, empathy and acceptance, and ultimately…forgiveness.

Bikes for Sale

Chronicle Books |
Children’s
“[This] gentle story celebrates the ways in which serendipity can lead to friendship and sharing.” – Booklist

Thought provoking book about the power of friendship: Maurice rides his bike to his shop every day. Lotta rides her bike to collect sticks every day. Both go about their separate routines, unaware of the friendship that awaits them just a few blocks away. But what happens when a branch and a lemon peel get in the way? Bikes for Sale is a delightful falling-in-like story from acclaimed picture book creators Carter Higgins and Zachariah O’Hora that celebrates the power of coincidence to lead us to the friends we’re meant to meet all along.

  • With easy-to-follow lyrical text and lively, bold illustrations.
  • Inspires conversation about how we make friends and the importance of friendship.
  • Carter Higgins is an elementary school librarian and the author of Everything You Need for a Treehouse and This Is Not a Valentine. Zachariah OHora is the illustrator of the New York Times bestseller Wolfie the Bunny, among many other beloved books for kids.

Fans of The Pout-Pout Fish, The Good Egg, and Dandy will love this sweet story about how changing course can lead to the friend you never knew you needed.

This sweet and boldly illustrated book about the power of friendship will be enjoyed again and again.

  • Great read aloud book for family or elementary story time
  • Books for kids ages 3-5
  • Picture books for preschool and kindergartners

Poe Won’t Go

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers |
Children’s

A funny, heartwarming picture book by two New York Times best selling creators about an elephant who will not move, the townspeople who really wish he would, and a young girl who teaches them an important lesson.

When Poe plants himself in the road and refuses to budge, the people of Prickly Valley try all sorts of methods to get him to go—but one thoughtful little girl works up the courage to do what no one else has done: asks him.

Balancing both hilarity and sensitivity, Poe Won’t Go has the feel of a contemporary classic, reminding readers that there is power in one, power in listening, and power in being a friend.

Niblet & Ralph

Dial Books |
Children’s

Two pet cats switch places in this comically sweet story of mistaken identity, from beloved author-illustrator Zachariah OHora.

Niblet and Ralph may look a lot alike, but they are very different. Niblet loves noshing on crunchy potato chips. Ralph loves putting on headphones and jamming to his favorite records. But both cats have one thing in common: They love being friends and waving to each other from their windows across the courtyard of the apartment building they live in.

One day, Niblet and Ralph decide it’s time to meet in person (or in cat?). But when they mistakenly end up at each other’s apartments, their owners think that Niblet is Ralph, and Ralph is Niblet! Will Niblet and Ralph be able to switch back to their proper homes, or will they be stuck listening to music (ugh) and eating chips (gross) forever? Better still, will they be able to bring their lovable (if not very observant) human families together?

With zany humor and bold, bright art, Zachariah OHora creates a purrrfect picture book for kids, adults, and pets of all ages to enjoy.

Read the Book, Lemmings!

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers |
Children’s

The team behind the New York Times bestselling Wolfie the Bunny and Horrible Bear! is back with new Arctic characters in this hilarious learning-to-read adventure!

Aboard the S.S. Cliff, First Mate Foxy reads an interesting fact: “Lemmings don’t jump off cliffs.” But Foxy can’t get the lemmings on the Cliff to read his book, too. They’re too busy jumping off.

After a chilly third rescue, exasperated Foxy and grumbly polar bear Captain PB realize their naughty nautical crew isn’t being stubborn: The lemmings (Jumper, Me Too, and Ditto) can’t read. And until Foxy patiently teaches his lemmings to read the book, he can’t return to reading it, either!

The Teacher’s Pet

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers |
Children’s

This hilarious tale by debut picturebook author Anica Morse Rissi, brilliantly illustrated by Zachariah O’Hora, will keep kids giggling page after page as the class comes together to solve one BIG problem.

When their class tadpoles are big enough, Mr. Stricter tells his students they can keep just one. The class chooses Bruno, the smallest of the bunch. But Bruno doesn’t stay that way for long. Soon, he’s grown into a giant, classroom-wrecking creature: he eats desks, he farts for show-and-tell, and he sneezes slime all over everything! With Mr. Stricter blinded by love for the pet, the students must step up and take matters into their own heroic hands.

If Your Monster Won’t Go To Bed

Knopf Books for Young Readers |
Children’s

For fans of How to Babysit a Grandpa comes a tongue-in-cheek story that is a step-by-step manual for putting your monster to bed.
 
If you have a monster that won’t go to bed, don’t bother asking your parents to help. They know a lot about putting kids to bed, but nothing about putting monsters to bed. It’s not their fault; they’re just not good at it. Read this book instead.

It will tell you what to feed your monster before bed (it’s not warm milk), and what to sing to your monster (it’s not a soothing lullaby), and what to read to your monster to send him off to dreamland in no time (the scarier, the better).

Just make sure you don’t get too good at putting monsters to bed—or you might have a BIG problem on your hands!

The Not So Quiet Library

Dial Books |
Children’s

A hilarious story that celebrates the power of books and libraries in the vein of It’s a Book

It’s Saturday, which means Oskar and Theodore get to go to the library with their dad! It means donuts for breakfast! And it means endless quiet hours lost in stories.

But on this not so quiet Saturday, Oskar and Teddy get a rude surprise when they’re interrupted by a five-headed, hangry monster! Will Oskar ever get to finish his book in peace? Will Teddy ever get to gorge on his donuts? Or might both of them hold the secret weapons to taming the beast?

O’Hora brings his signature humor and quirkiness to a story with evergreen appeal. This laugh-out-loud picture book is perfect for story time.

Horrible Bear!

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers |
Children’s

The New York Times-bestselling duo behind Wolfie the Bunny presents a hilarious read-aloud about accidents, outbursts, manners…and the power of saying “I’m sorry.”
Bear didn’t mean to break a little girl’s kite, but she’s upset anyway–upset enough to shout “HORRIBLE BEAR!” Bear can’t believe it. He’s not horrible! But now he’s upset, too–upset enough to come up with a truly Horrible Bear idea. In this charming but goofy picture book, readers will learn all about tempers, forgiveness, and friendship as Bear prepares to live up to his formerly undeserved reputation while the little girl realizes that maybe–just maybe–Bear isn’t as horrible as she thought.

My Cousin Momo

Dial Books |
Children’s

Zachariah OHora’s distinctive retro art and kid-friendly humor take the stage in this story about accepting and celebrating differences.

Momo is coming to visit, and his cousins are SO excited! But even though Momo is a flying squirrel, he won’t fly for his cousin’s friends. Plus, his games are weird. He can’t even play hide and seek right! But when Momo’s cousins give his strange ways a chance, they realize that doing things differently can be fun…almost as much fun as making a new friend.

Fans of Peter Brown and Bob Shea will fall in love with Zachariah OHora’s bold artwork and hilarious characters.

Wolfie the Bunny

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers |
Children’s

Families of all kinds will delight in this sweet tale of new babies, sibling rivalry, bravery, unconditional love…and veggies!

The Bunny family has adopted a wolf son, and daughter Dot is the only one who realizes Wolfie can–and might–eat them all up! Dot tries to get through to her parents, but they are too smitten to listen. A new brother takes getting used to, and when (in a twist of fate) it’s Wolfie who’s threatened, can Dot save the day?

No Fits, Nilson!

Dial Books |
Children’s

Nilson and Amelia do everything together. But if one little thing goes wrong, Nilson throws the biggest, most house shaking-est fit ever! Amelia helps Nilson control his gorilla-sized temper by promising him banana ice cream and letting him play with her froggy coin purse. But, sometimes, Amelia needs to be calmed down, too.

Inspired by Ohora’s own “negotiations” with his two sons, No Fits, Nilson! is a hilarious preschool pick for kids and parents navigating the treacherous tantrum phase.

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Interactive Read Aloud

Lively, detailed, endearing, and bold, the images and text create an unforgettable reading experience for book digesters everywhere!

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Author Presentation to Adult Educators

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Author Presentation to Adult Educators

A tailored for each age group school presentation. 35-40 minutes for Pre K-K and 50 minutes for 1-5th graders.

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Keeping it Weird

In-depth discussion of personal references and influences with a focus on character inspiration, and an emphasis on embracing the slightly different, the odd, the cult, and straight-up weirdo elements that are the DNA of Fuzzytown.

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Outsider (Or How I Realized I Owe My Career in Kid Lit to the Devil)

About OHora’s love and lifelong allegiance to public libraries.

Zach’s Portfolio

Zach’s FAQs

Honors, Awards & Recognition

NYT Bestseller
Junior Library Guild Selection
2011 Society of Illustrators Founders Award
2012 State of Pennsylvania Department of Education One Book
Huffington Post Best Children’s Book of 2013
Kirkus Best Picture Book of 2013
Boston Globe Best Picture Book of 2015
PALA Carolyn W. Field Award
2018 State of Pennsylvania Department of Education One Book
North Carolina Children’s Book Award Picture Book Award, 2019
Tulsa Library Books to Treasure Illustrator for 2020

Media Kit

By clicking the link below you will be directed to a Google Docs Folder
where you can download author photos and cover images.

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