Fall 2025

Taking the Long Way Home

  • Interest Level: Preschool - Grade 3
  • Reading Level: Grade 2

When Uncle Jerome picks up Zarah and her brother from school, suggesting that they take “the long way home,” Zarah groans. She hates long walks! But this walk turns into something completely different . . .

Uncle Jerome’s imagination and sense of fun soon transport the children into a wild adventure. Using their five senses to conjure up a world of fun and imagination, birds become pterodactyls, ripples in the water become crocodiles. Zarah and her brother soon realize that the best adventures only happen on the long way home!

Jake Hope and Brian Fitzgerald have created an irresistible and engrossing picture book that is simply wonderful to read aloud.

Format Your Price Add
978-1-83630-015-1
On pre-order until 08/05/2025
$18.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on library bound hardcovers and all eBook and eBook with Audio editions when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Preschool - Grade 3
Reading Level Grade 2
Genre Picture Books
Category SEL: B Self-Management, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2026
Publisher Scallywag Press
Imprint Scallywag Press
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2025-08-05
Text Type Fiction
BISACS JUV051000, JUV029000, JUV009050
Dewey [E]
Dimensions 10.875 x 9.5
Features Activities, Note to educators, Original artwork, Reviewed, and eSource

Author: Jake Hope

Jake Hope is a reading development and children’s book consultant. Alongside delivering training and public speaking on books and reading, Jake is an active reviewer and a passionate advocate for libraries.

Illustrator: Brian Fitzgerald

Brian Fitzgerald is an award-winning Irish illustrator who lives and works near Dublin.

Reviews

Kirkus Reviews

“[A]n ideal read-aloud . . . . A playful reminder to find joy in the mundane.”—Kirkus Reviews