A laugh-out-loud illustrated picture book about a mischievous pet lizard, a messy kitchen, and one boy’s courageous decision to tell the truth.
Pizza sauce footprints on the kitchen counter?
Up the wall?
And all over the ceiling?Oh my—who got loose in the kitchen?
Meet Lenny, a clever little pet lizard who escapes his terrarium and turns an ordinary morning into a laugh-out-loud adventure. As Lenny scampers through the house, his best friend Tim and his family work together to track him down, clean up the chaos, and make things right.
The Day Lenny the Lizard Got Loose is a playful, child-centered story that celebrates curiosity, family problem-solving, and responsibility—along with the courage it takes for Tim to tell the truth when he’s late for school. With humor, heart, and a reassuring ending, this illustrated tale reminds young readers that even when things get messy, everyone—including a mischievous pet lizard—can make it through just fine.
Perfect for bedtime or shared reading, this lively story invites children and parents to laugh together before settling in for a good night’s sleep.
Educational Value
- Encourages truth-telling and accountability
- Reinforces family teamwork and problem-solving
- Builds early literacy engagement through humor
📚 Comparable Titles (Positioning)
- What Pet Should I Get? (Dr. Seuss)
- I Want My Hat Back (Jon Klassen)
- If You Give a Mouse a Cookie (Numeroff)
AUTHOR BIO:
Before writing for children, Molly McPatrick worked with diverse populations as a primary teacher, curriculum writer, conference presenter, and university educator. Through years of experience in classrooms and academic settings, she developed a passion for stories that support young readers as they grow in confidence and character.
After a series of life-changing events, Molly felt called to begin authoring books for children and families to enjoy together. She believes shared reading experiences are powerful opportunities to introduce responsibility, kindness, and problem-solving in compassionate and humorous ways. Molly is dedicated to creating family-oriented stories with universal themes that bring people together—especially during the important early years of learning to read.
ILLUSTRATOR BIO:
Matthew Bohan is a talented illustrator and artist who holds a degree from the Parsons School of Design in New York City. His creative vision is rooted in exploring artistic possibilities through a wide range of techniques and media, which brings energy, texture, and personality to his illustrations.
Matthew enjoys experimenting with different styles while creating expressive artwork and portraits that spark imagination. He currently lives and works in Germany, where he continues to develop his craft and create art that delights audiences of all ages.
CATEGORIES:
JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Reptiles & Amphibians
JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Parents
JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Responsibility
JUVENILE FICTION / Humorous Stories
KEY WORDS:
children’s illustrated book; lizard picture book; funny animal story for kids; bedtime story for families; pet responsibility for children; books about telling the truth; early reader picture book; family problem solving story; humorous children’s fiction; animal adventure picture book; story about pets for kids; parent child read aloud book; children’s book about honesty; funny bedtime book ages 4–8
