• Age: 4 to 8
• Grade: p to 3

From debut author-illustrator Hala Tahboub comes a seriously silly story for fans of Oliver Jeffers, social-emotional adventures, and strawberry donuts.

When Kevin and his friends find a mysterious ladder, it sparks a big debate over what it might lead to . . . and who should go first.

When eager Kevin starts climbing before a decision is agreed upon, he discovers a BIG surprise that might be better shared with friends.

Hala Tahboub started her creative journey as an architect and interior designer, before seeing a mysterious ladder that led her to explore writing and illustrating children’s books. Hala believes in kindness, coffee, chocolate, and the immense power of stories. Born in Jordan, she now lives in Montreal, Canada, with her family and many imaginary friends. This is her first picture book. Visit her at halatahboub.com.

Hala Tahboub's profile page

A zany take on competitiveness, with subtle lessons in sequencing cleverly embedded. — Booklist

[This] story successfully underscores the importance of being thoughtful and treating your friends as equals. — Kirkus Reviews

Children will love discussing the different roles selected by Kevin’s friends and thinking about Kevin’s experiences . . . through the plot to its very funny and very just end. This book offers much food for thought in how we work together and take turns in different roles. — School Library Journal