Cornbread is a mouse who likes to be prepared. In anticipation of winter, he has foraged and stocked his cupboards with food to sustain him through the cold days. His best friend Poppy, though, is a procrastinator. As the first snow begins to fall, she arrives at Cornbread’s house to begin foraging. But it’s much too late for that; all the food is gone! The only place left to forage is on the dreaded, owl-infested Holler Mountain. The only mouse brave enough to climb Holler Mountain, Ms. Ruthie, never returned. But the friends have no choice; wagon in tow, they set off together. Holler Mountain turns out to be nothing like they expect: They do meet an owl, but he’s friendly. In fact, he knows a place with food and is willing to give Cornbread and Poppy a lift. To their delight and surprise, when they arrive at a small cabin, it’s none other than the vanished Ms. Ruthie who opens the door and welcomes them in. She does have food, and, fortunately for Poppy, she’s happy to share; in return she asks only that Poppy and Cornbread return for a future visit. Lovable protagonists, gentle humor, and Cordell’s signature expressive illustrations make this a satisfying and entertaining spin on “The Ant and the Grasshopper” for emerging readers. (Ages 4-8)

An IndieBound Bestseller • An Amazon Best Book of the Year • A 2022 Kirkus Best Children's Book

★ "A rewarding choice for young readers."—Booklist, starred review

★"Cornbread and Poppy are endearing characters, poised to join the ranks of other memorable early reader sets of best friends old and new, including James Marshall's George and Martha."—Bookpage, starred review

★ "Delightful."—Kirkus, starred review
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Caldecott medalist Matthew Cordell debuts his first early reader series about two best friends who are as different from each other as can be.

Cornbread LOVES planning. Poppy does not. Cornbread ADORES preparing. Poppy does not. Cornbread IS ready for winter. Poppy...is not. But Cornbread and Poppy are the best of friends, so when Poppy is left without any food for the long winter, Cornbread volunteers to help her out. Their search leads them up, up, up Holler Mountain, where these mice might find a new friend...and an old one. Celebrating both partnership and the value of what makes us individuals, young readers will find this classic odd-couple irresistible as they encounter relatable issues with humor and heart. 

Publishing simultaneously in hardcover and paperback.