by Marjorie Crosby-Fairall
44 pages • Jacketed Hardcover • Ages 4–7 • 9" x 12" • ISBN:978-1-63655-139-5 • Published by Red Comet Press • Available in the U.S. from September 30, 2025
Join Emmie, a clever inventor living in her attic kingdom, as she battles a mischievous interloper with her ingenious creations, discovering that true friendship can emerge from even the most unexpected challenges. The Rube Goldberg-meets-David Macaulay art style brings a lively energy to this comic cat-and-mouse caper
In the enchanting world of Emmie, the attic is more than just a storage space—it’s her kingdom! Surrounded by dusty forgotten treasures, Emmie is a clever inventor who transforms ordinary objects into extraordinary machines, each one a testament to her creativity and engineering prowess. But when a mischievous black-and-white cat intrudes upon her realm, Emmie must put her skills to the test. Determined to reclaim her domain, she devises increasingly inventive contraptions to outsmart her furry foe.
PRAISE FOR EMMIE BUILDS SOMETHING NEW
★ "This charming tale about unlikely friends will offer a fresh discovery with every reading."
— Foreword Reviews, starred review
"Delightful and visually inventive, . . The illustrations brim with mechanical marvels and visual riddles, and the story hints at broader ideas: that even long-held assumptions, like cats and mice being enemies, can be reimagined through curiosity, creativity, and a little kindness. Shelf Talker: Inventive, detailed, and unexpectedly tender, Emmie Builds Something New celebrates the power of imagination and the surprising places it can lead."
— Julie Danielson, Shelf Awareness
“A welcome reminder that it’s just as important to be kind as it is to be smart. . . A sweet social-emotional book that’s the cat’s (and the mouse’s) pajamas.”
— Kirkus Reviews
"Playful alliteration and repetitive prose give this plenty of storytime potential, but the intricate art, rich with visual humor and intrigue, make this just as fun . . . little viewers will appreciate the multitude of Emmie’s innovative inventions on display."
— The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books