Hello, Sun!: A Seuss Studios Book

by Lala Watkins

Inspired by never-before-seen sketches by Dr. Seuss, creator Lala Watkins builds a bright and playful story about a worm in this brand-new beginning reader that is the first in the Seuss Studios line of Beginner Books.

If you could play with the sun, what would you do? Would you sing? Dance? Play hide-and-seek?

Join Norbit the Worm, his friends, and the sun itself as they spend a day doing everything they can think of, from swimming and hiking to blowing bubbles and watching the clouds drift by! By encouraging imaginative play, Hello, Sun! keeps kids entertained as they learn to read.

Seuss Studios is a new line of Beginner Books with original stories and art from emerging authors and illustrators. Every Seuss Studios story was inspired by never-before seen sketches from the Dr. Seuss archives, which you can find in the back of each book! Launched by Dr. Seuss in 1957 with the publication of The Cat in the Hat, Beginner Books make learning to read FUN!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

48 pages, Library Binding

First published January 7, 2025

About the author

Lala Watkins is an Afro-Latina (Black American and Puerto Rican) author-illustrator and designer who lives in sunny Florida and is a self-proclaimed connoisseur of good vibes. Since graduating with a BFA in Graphic Design and Interactive Communications from Ringling College of Art & Design, she has worked as a product designer, product developer, Illustrator, and graphic designer at Sanrio, Paper Culture, and Cartoon Network.

She is a pro at doing what makes her heart emote, the heart-eyed emoji, and encourages others to do the same.

Reviews

[Kennedy Elder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was adorable!!

[Mrs Mommy Booknerd http://mrsmommybooknerd.blogspot.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello, Sun! is a delightful and imaginative new addition to the Dr. Seuss legacy, inspired by never-before-seen sketches and brought to life by Lala Watkins. This book introduces young readers to Norbit the Worm and his friends as they explore all the fun things they can do with the sun, from playing hide-and-seek to watching clouds drift by.

The story is filled with playful energy, encouraging creativity and outdoor adventure while keeping early readers engaged with simple, rhythmic text. The bright, whimsical illustrations complement the Seussian spirit perfectly, making it a visually joyful experience. The inclusion of original Dr. Seuss sketches at the back of the book adds a special touch for fans of his work.

As the first in the Seuss Studios line of Beginner Books, Hello, Sun! sets a strong foundation for a new generation of stories that honor Dr. Seuss’s playful approach to reading. With its fun storyline, engaging illustrations, and easy-to-follow text, this book is a fantastic choice for early readers and a wonderful way to inspire a love of books.

[Read Ribbet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new book written and illustrated by Lala Watkins is produced from Seuss Studies as a I Can Read All By Myself Cat in the Hat Beginner Book. With minimal text on each page, the story shows how a group of friends have fun doing different activities in the sun (jumping, spinning, dancing, singing, playing hide and seek, blowing bubbles, sliding, swinging, playing catch, cloud watching, picnicking, and hiking). They don't even let a little rain slow them down. When the sun says goodbye, the moon shows up and the book suggests activities will continue during the night. The books in this series are inspired from sketches from the Seuss collection. The text embeds sound effect words along the way. It actually provides young readers with ideas of what they can do outdoors with their friends.

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hello, Sun! by Lala Watkins is a Seuss Studios book. Inside you'll find out more about Seuss Studios and the inspiration behind the story.

Hello, Sun! uses childlike drawings and characters to show different activities to do with the sun. The book is a bit nonsensical, but not in a Dr. Seuss way in a it's kind of boring way. The words don't really flow the way I'd expect them to, and the illustrations while bright and inviting almost appear blurry on some pages. Cute, but passable.

Thank you Random House Kids for the gifted copy.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely review early readers, but I was curious about this one and found it too delightful to not comment. It will do the good work of developing an emerging reader's skills, and it will prove fun and cute visually. I was charmed.

the rhythm of the book was the wonderfully unexpected surprise. the movement of the text/story, the refrain like games of hide/seek. great reiteration and repetitions of concepts/words.

just really smart and really appealing.

[Nicole Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.

       After a wintery season, everyone (even me!) look forward to being outside in the sun. This sweet little book is about all the things even little can do when they have a sunny day to go out and play. A great beginning reader book that highlights all the little things littles can do.

[Presley Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hello, Sun! by Layla Watkins is a gentle and uplifting picture book that celebrates the beauty of nature and the joy of a new day. With lyrical text and warm, glowing illustrations, the story follows a young child as they greet the morning sun and explore the world around them—listening to birds, feeling the breeze, and appreciating the small wonders of the day.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually really very good? My expectations for early readers aren't always the highest -- I think it is hard to have good illustrations and good text that is also developmentally relevant for kids this age. But this one keeps the moving parts working together really well.

[Shalaka.S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about the sun and how it brightens the day. The story is simple and cheerful, making it enjoyable for young children. The illustrations are colorful and attractive. It helps kids learn about nature in a fun way.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the concept of Seuss Studios books, as well as the specific inspiration for this book. It’s a bright, fun, engaging book for emerging readers.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gentle and enthusiastic, with cute, childlike drawings, this is a happy read for the youngest listeners.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a simple, colorful, and fun early reader!

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was absolutely adorable and a great read for an emerging reader.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are cute, but there's no real story here, just a list of activities that gets boring before the end.

[Norshakila Makmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

great for my 5 year old learning to read.

[Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I read this a lot! And what I liked a lot was that I could read a lot of it and I hope I can find others to read too. 🌞🌘” - Luke