A funny, heartwarming picture book about a father and his child's boundless curiosity that reminds us what's important to hold onto in life.It's time to leave the house, but...where are the keys?? As Daddy rummages through the mess, he hands a water bottle to his toddler and says, "Hold, please." This accidental request turns into an adventure when the child decides holding is fun and wants to hold EVERYTHING!
Before long, the toddler has their arms full with their favorite stuffie, toy plane, even the family pet, and has set their sights on more ambitious items—the rain, a tree, and more—until it becomes too much to hold. Luckily, Daddy's always there to hold
them.
On sale: April 21, 2026
Age: 3-7 years
Grade: Preschool - 2
Page count: 40 Pages
ISBN: 9780593856987
Reading level: Lexile: AD20L | Fountas/Pinnell: G
Randy Ribay writes stories for young people. He’s the author of
Patron Saints of Nothing; Everything We Never Had; Avatar, the Last Airbender: The Reckoning of Roku; and more. He’s a two-time National Book Award nominee, a co-winner of the Michael L. Printz award, and a recipient of the Asian/Pacific Award for Literature. His books have appeared on
the New York Times, Indie, and
USA Today bestseller lists. Born in the Philippines and raised in the US, Randy currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, son, and cat-like dog.
Zeke Peña is a professional diaper changer and world renowned mac ’n’ cheese chef from El Paso, Texas. When not chasing his toddler son or picking up a pile of soggy floor snacks, he is drawing books in his tiny studio in NW Arkansas. You can find his first solo picture book,
Sundust, which was awarded a Caldecott Honor, on shelves at your local library and bookstore. Zeke was awarded the Ezra Jack Keats and the Pura Belpré Illustration Honors for
My Papi Has a Motorcycle.
Praise for Hold by Randy Ribay; Illustrated by Zeke Peña:A 2026 Publishers Weekly Summer Reads Best Books List★ “Concise and spirited text… richly lined artwork elicit[s] humor and affection. Delightfully tender.” —
Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “An ebullient picture book debut… [a] relatable family story [with] an indie comic sense of style.” —
Publishers Weekly, starred review
★“This small but lively adventure humorously honors the everyday victories.” —
The Horn Book, starred review
“funny, heartwarming, [and] charming story.” —
Booklist
“Inviting [and] fun…a high-concept, high-impact book.” —
School Library Journal
