I am so excited to finally share some wonderful news…

The Whys Get in Trouble is officially headed to the printer and will be released on September 1!

This book has been close to my heart for a long time. As a first-grade teacher, school librarian, and children’s author, I’ve spent years watching children ask incredible questions about the world around them. Somewhere along the way, many begin to wonder if asking “Why?” is a problem instead of a strength.

I wanted to write a story that celebrates those questions.

A Picture Book About Curiosity, Wonder, and Asking “Why?”

In The Whys Get in Trouble, you’ll meet Naomi, a child whose Whys seem to appear everywhere. They pop up in the classroom, at home, and in the middle of everyday moments, always encouraging her to wonder just a little bit more.

But when those Whys begin to disappear, Naomi discovers something important: curiosity isn’t something to hide—it’s something to protect.

Filled with playful language, heart, and humor, The Whys Get in Trouble celebrates curiosity while encouraging children to ask questions, embrace wonder, and discover that learning begins with “Why?”

Whether you’re a teacher, librarian, parent, or caregiver, I hope this story sparks meaningful conversations about curiosity, creativity, emotional growth, and the joy of learning together.

Introducing Wonder Week!

To celebrate the launch, I’m creating Wonder Week—a free week of back-to-school activities designed to help teachers build classrooms where curiosity is celebrated from day one.

Throughout Wonder Week you’ll find simple, engaging activities that encourage students to:

  • Ask thoughtful questions
  • Notice the world around them
  • Practice observation
  • Record ideas and discoveries
  • Share their thinking
  • Celebrate curiosity together

My hope is that Wonder Week helps set the tone for a school year filled with wonder, inquiry, creativity, and joyful learning.

Free Wonder Journals for Your Entire Class

I also have a special thank-you for teachers.

Teachers who join my newsletter by September 1 will receive an exclusive preorder code.

Use that code when you preorder The Whys Get in Trouble, and you’ll receive:

  • A FREE printable class set of Wonder Journals
  • A full week of Wonder Week classroom activities
  • Additional classroom resources to extend the conversations from the book

The Wonder Journals are designed to become a place where students can collect questions, sketch observations, reflect on their learning, record nature discoveries, gather story ideas, and celebrate the habit of wondering.

Why Wonder Matters

Children are naturally curious.

They ask questions because they’re trying to understand the world, make connections, and discover new possibilities.

Sometimes the most powerful thing adults can do isn’t provide another answer—it’s create space for another question.

That’s the heart of The Whys Get in Trouble.

If this book helps even one child keep asking “Why?” just a little longer, it will have done exactly what I hoped.

Join the Wonder!

The Whys Get in Trouble releases September 1.

Teachers: Join my newsletter before September 1 to receive your exclusive preorder code for a FREE printable class set of Wonder Journals and the complete Wonder Week activity pack.

Sign up here: www.inbalalon.com

Here’s to a school year filled with curiosity, questions, imagination, and wonder.