102, by Matthew Cordell, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, April 14, 2026, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 6-8)
A young boy sets out on an adventure in a miniature world beyond his bedroom walls in 102, a picture book by Matthew Cordell.
Sent home from school earlier in the day with a fever, George awakens in the middle of the night to discover a cricket beckoning him on an adventure and soon finds himself shrunken down in size. He follows the insect guide through a crack in his bedroom wall, through the moonlit yard, and into the home of a family of mice at the base of an oak tree. There, in a tiny, cozy kitchen, George discovers the meaning of his quest: he must help the Mama mouse complete her special 102-bean soup for her sick young son. —Synopsis provided by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
102 is an imaginative story built around the number 102. This magical bedtime tale starts with a moment all kids can relate to: getting sick. From there, the story builds into a tiny but grand adventure.
Matthew Cordell’s conversational tone is warm and inviting. But it’s his ballpoint pen illustrations that take 102 to new heights. The swirls of pen add a feeling of movement, and Cordell’s attention to detail is spectacular. Kids will love trying to figure out how Cordell created his work. 102 is a tender read that’s sure to spark many sessions of creative play.
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