Outside In and the Inside Out: A Story About Arnold Lobel

by Emmy Kastner

A thoughtful and whimsical picture book about Arnold Lobel, award-winning creator of Frog and Toad.

Arnold Lobel was many a quiet observer, an avid reader, and the kind of man who kept a gorilla suit in his closet, just in case. Above all else, Arnold was an artist and a storyteller. And he infused pieces of himself in the characters he created. This made sharing his books with the world scary sometimes—but his stories would go on to inspire and delight readers and live on in their hearts for generations.

A rare window into the life and work of Arnold Lobel, creator of the Frog and Toad series, Outside In and the Inside Out captures the iconic creator of some of the most beloved children's books of all time.

Genres: Biography, Picture Books, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published September 23, 2025

About the author

I've drawn many pictures of dogs and monsters in my life, many of which you could find on the edges of math homework and science tests. I've always been a storyteller, learning the art of exaggeration early on.

My husband and I live in Kalamazoo, Michigan with our three young kids. I’m forever looking to be surrounded by books, food and laughter (in any order). I spend my days in my studio that lives above our coffee shop, Factory Coffee.

As a former classroom teacher, I taught high school English Language Arts, Biology, and Integrated Science. I'm cofounder of Read and Write Kalamazoo (RAWK) — a literacy-focused nonprofit modeled after 826 National. RAWK is devoted to celebrating and amplifying youth voices through the cultivation of reading and writing skills, via joy, creativity, equity and access.

Find my picture book series, Nerdy Babies (Space, Ocean, Rocks and Weather; Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan Children’s Books) wherever books are sold.

Reviews

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea my heart needed this book until I read it! It is lovely, wonderful, and also somewhat magical. I adored Lobel's books growing up, and even more so as a parent and a school librarian. I am thrilled that this wonderful book will soon be in the world to share with young readers. The illustrations are a perfect match to the story of Lobel's life.

[Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful tribute to a kidlit legend. Fans of Frog and Toad will enjoy the cozy approach to his life even when it touches upon the end of his life. I appreciate the bibliography at the back of the book.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the stories of Frog and Toad, so I was eager to read this book about his life. It is said that people write stories from life experiences and this book shares those life lessons from his youth through his life. Its fun to read about how those experiences brought the stories to life.

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely biography about beloved author Arnold Lobel.

ARC from Edelweiss.

[Dolores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely and thoughtful picture book biography of Arnold Lobel.

[Dylan Teut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timely, respectful, and honest exploration of Lobel's life and works.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great picture biography! Great storytelling too, we don’t know much about Arnold but after reading this, we want to read his books.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming biography of Arnold Lobel. This book would pair nicely with The Important Thing about Margaret Wise Brown.

[Cheryl Gladfelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going into my top books of the year, this is a lovely tribute to Arnold Lobel.