Watch Out for Falling Iguanas: A Children's Picture Book

by Edwidge Danticat, Rachel Moss (Illustrator)

Overview

Perfect for readers of all ages, this captivating picture book teaches children about iguanas’ unique behaviors while celebrating the bonds between generations and the wonders of the natural world. 

ON A RARE CHILLY DAY IN MIAMI, Florida, young Leila sets off for school bundled up in her bright red jacket. But this isn’t just any cold day—her grandmother, Grandma Issa, gives her an unusual warning: “Watch out for falling iguanas.” 

As Leila navigates her morning, she can’t stop thinking about Grandma’s strange words. From remembering dodging coconuts and seeing her parents’ car being held up by chickens crossing the road to admiring roaming peacocks, Leila’s day is full of curious encounters. But nothing prepares her for the moment she sees an iguana drop from a tree. 

Join Leila, her close friends, and her teacher Ms. Benoit on an unexpected adventure as they discover why these tropical creatures fall from trees during cold snaps. With charming illustrations by acclaimed Jamaican artist Rachel Moss and a truly heartwarming story, Watch Out for Falling Iguanas is a delightful tale about family, friendship, and the surprises nature can bring. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781636142333
Publisher:	Akashic Books, Ltd.
Publication date:	07/01/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	32
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

EDWIDGE DANTICAT was born in Haiti and moved to the United States when she was twelve. She is the editor of Haiti Noir, Haiti Noir 2: The Classics, and the author of several books, including Breath, Eyes, Memory (an Oprah’s Book Club selection), Krik? Krak! (a National Book Award finalist), The Farming of Bones (an American Book Award winner), and the novel-in-stories The Dew Breaker. She has also written several young adult novels, children's picture books, and a travel narrative, After the Dance: A Walk Through Carnival in Jacmel. Her memoir, Brother, I’m Dying, was a 2007 finalist for the National Book Award and a 2007 winner of a National Book Critics Circle Award for autobiography. She is a 2009 recipient of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation grant. Watch Out for Falling Iguanas is her latest children's picture book.

RACHEL MOSS is an illustrator in love with the bright colors and vibrant energy of the Caribbean. She was born in Jamaica and studied animation in England at the University for the Creative Arts. Moss now lives in Jamaica where she spends her days illustrating children’s books such as Respect with song lyrics by Otis Redding, These Boots Are Made for Walkin’ with song lyrics by Lee Hazlewood, African with song lyrics by Peter Tosh, Lean on Me with song lyrics by Bill Withers, I Am a Promise by Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce, Abigail’s Glorious Hair, and Milo & Myra Learn Manners with Mr. Mongoose. Her latest work is illustrating Edwidge Danticat's children's picture book, Watch Out for Falling Iguanas.

Editorial Reviews

"Cozy and comforting, this is an effective antidote for childhood illness or anxiety."

on My Mommy Medicine Booklist

"Skillfully written with Creole words sprinkled into the English, Mama’s Nightingale is richly illuminated by Leslie Staub’s oil paintings evoking Haitian folk art."

on Mama's Nightingale New York Times

"Children of parents who are being detained will be comforted by knowing they are not the only ones facing this challenge and might even be inspired to take action the way Saya does."

on Mama's Nightingale Horn Book