Author
Kara Lareau
Associated Country
United States
Kara LaReau is an American author and editor best known for her imaginative and humorous books for children. She studied at Brown University before beginning a career in publishing, where she worked as an editor at Candlewick Press, Scholastic, and HarperCollins. Her experience editing children's literature helped shape her distinctive storytelling style, which combines wit, warmth, and a deep understanding of young readers.
LaReau is the author of numerous acclaimed picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade novels. She is best known for creating The Infamous Ratsos series, illustrated by Matt Myers, and The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters, an illustrated middle-grade adventure series. Her books often feature quirky characters, clever humor, and themes of friendship, kindness, and finding confidence in unexpected ways. She has also written picture books including Ugly Fish, Otis and Will Discover the Deep, and The King Snake.
Recognized for her playful voice and inventive storytelling, LaReau has become a respected figure in contemporary children's literature. Her books have received numerous honors, including Geisel Honor recognition, and continue to delight readers with their blend of humor, adventure, and heartfelt life lessons.
LaReau is the author of numerous acclaimed picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade novels. She is best known for creating The Infamous Ratsos series, illustrated by Matt Myers, and The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters, an illustrated middle-grade adventure series. Her books often feature quirky characters, clever humor, and themes of friendship, kindness, and finding confidence in unexpected ways. She has also written picture books including Ugly Fish, Otis and Will Discover the Deep, and The King Snake.
Recognized for her playful voice and inventive storytelling, LaReau has become a respected figure in contemporary children's literature. Her books have received numerous honors, including Geisel Honor recognition, and continue to delight readers with their blend of humor, adventure, and heartfelt life lessons.
Books
Full Moon Magic 2026
Witchycakes, Book 4
In a magical bakery called Witchycakes there's a young witch-to-be named Blue. Blue's Mama bakes with magic and Blue makes the deliveries! It's a full moon at the most magical time of year --...
Licorice 2026
A young and frightened kitten is brought starry-eyed into a new household. A boy named Max is trying desperately to get over the loss of his former beloved pet. But ghosts don’t always enjoy being...
Puddles and Potions 2026
Witchycakes, Book 3
In a magical bakery called Witchycakes there's a young witch-to-be named Blue. Blue's Mama bakes with magic and Blue makes the deliveries! Blue is good at problem-solving but they want everything to...
Sweet Magic 2025
Witchycakes, Book 1
In a magical bakery called Witchycakes there's a young witch-to-be named Blue. Blue's Mama bakes with magic and Blue makes the deliveries! They ride their bike all over town with their basket filled...
Changing Magic 2025
Witchycakes, Book 2
In a magical bakery called Witchycakes there's a young witch-to-be named Blue. It's Fallnow but Blue doesn't want to let go of the sunshine from summer. Does everything have tochange? Then, Blue...
The Infamous Ratsos, Book 6
When Louie and Ralphie Ratso see their friends singing and dancing in the run-down band shell in the Big City Park, Louie gets one of his big ideas. They’ll put on a concert to raise money to improve...
The Infamous Ratsos, Book 5
Sid and Kurt have been picking on Ralphie’s friend Tiny, and when Ralphie tells them to stop, the two boys get sent to the principal’s office. Now Sid and Kurt are out to get Ralphie! They upend...
The Infamous Ratsos, Book 4
Ralphie and Louie Ratso and the rest of the Big City Scouts are leaving the city to go camping for the first time. And they have a special guide: Grandpa Ratso! He was Scoutmaster when Ralphie and...
Fasten your seat belts for some unexpected turbulence ahead, as Jaundice and Kale Bland are back for their final unintentional adventure! Now that they’ve returned from the Uncanny Valley to find...
The Infamous Ratsos, Book 3
Chuck Wood is the most popular kid in school, and Louie Ratso can’t believe that Chuck has asked him for help! Chuck likes Louie’s friend Fluffy Rabbitski, and he wants Louie to help him get Fluffy to...
The Uncanny Express 2018
Jaundice and Kale are back from their adventure on the high seas, and they are settling back into a quiet life in Dullsville, just the way they like it. The tea is tepid, the oatmeal is tasteless, and...
The Infamous Ratsos, Book 2
Louie and Ralphie Ratso have a genius idea: if they clear out the lot down the street, they can use all the junk lying around to build makeshift games for a Big City FunTime Arcade! With their friends...
The Jolly Regina 2017
This new series features the blandest sisters who ever embarked on a rollicking, swashbuckling, and entirely unintentional adventure
In the spirit of A Series of Unfortunate Events and the...
The Infamous Ratsos 2016
The Infamous Ratsos, Book 1
Louie and Ralphie Ratso’s dad, Big Lou, always says that there are two kinds of people: those who are tough and those who are soft. Louie and Ralphie are tough, tough, tough, just like Big Lou, and...