GrishaverseAuthor Leigh Bardugo and Award-Winning Artist John Picacio Team Up for New Children's Book (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Leigh Bardugo, The Invisible Parade and John Picacio.Photo:Travis Cook

Travis Cook

Leigh Bardugoand John Picacio are writing a picture book!

The bestsellingGrishaverseauthor and the award-winning artist have written their debut picture book,The Invisible Parade, whichdives into grief as it intersects with love, loss and courage in surprising locales — of course, alongside beautiful visuals that will captivate kids' imaginations.

The story is for anyone who has felt loss or lost a loved one, set against the backdrop of Día de Muertos.

The Invisible Parade.

“There’s a party tonight, but Cala doesn’t want to go,” a synopsis teases. “While her family prepares for the celebration, Cala grieves her grandfather and tries to pretend she’s not afraid. But when she is separated from her family at the cemetery, Cala encounters four mysterious riders who will show her she is actually quite brave after all.”

Leigh Bardugo.Travis Cook

“Back in 2016, John pitched me this idea with a single line: ‘It’s theWizard of Ozset in a graveyard,’” said Bardugo, adding, “We wanted to find a way for families to reframe the way they talk about grief and fear. I knew he was going to take readers someplace extraordinary.”

Picacio said he and Bardugo have a strong bond, which is what drove him to want to write and create alongside her.

John Picacio.

“I’ve discovered the only thing better than reading a Leigh Bardugo book is conjuring one with her, and I look forward to sharing Cala’s journey with story lovers everywhere,” he said. “This book is Leigh’s heart and my soul.”

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The Invisible Paradeis out Sept. 2, 2025 and available for preorder now, wherever books are sold.

source: people.com