Piece Out - by Alex Willan (Hardcover)

About the Book

"The unthinkable has happened! Red is alone on the living room floor, far from the safety of the game closet and best pal, Yellow. After almost being devoured by a ravenous robot (a.k.a. the vacuum cleaner), Red embarks on the dangerous journey home. There will be perils--a transparent cliffside to climb, hanging forests to conquer, and the beastly Lady Flufferton (a.k.a the family dog) to escape. And there will be setbacks--as when Red is found and carelessly tossed into the junk drawer. But in this action-packed, humorous story, Red learns from mistakes and discovers that with perseverance and resourcefulness nothing is impossible."--

Book Synopsis

A Good Housekeeping Best Kids' Book of 2025
A Bank Street Best Book

Toy Story meets Traction Man Is Here in this picture book that offers a fresh spin on a universal premise: the secret action-adventure story of a toy.

When Red, a game piece, is accidentally left out of the game box, nothing--not a hungry robot nor the ferocious family dog Lady Flufferton--will stop them from reaching home.

The unthinkable has happened! Red is alone on the living room floor, far from the safety of the game closet and best pal, Yellow. After almost being devoured by a ravenous robot (a.k.a. the vacuum cleaner), Red embarks on the dangerous journey home. There will be perils--a transparent cliffside to climb, hanging forests to conquer, and the beastly Lady Flufferton (a.k.a. the family dog) to escape. And there will be setbacks--as when Red is found and carelessly tossed into the junk drawer. But in this action-packed, humorous story, Red learns from mistakes and discovers that with perseverance and resourcefulness nothing is impossible.

Review Quotes

A Good Housekeeping Best Kids' Book of 2025!

"A fugitive game board piece undertakes the scary trek back to the storage box--all the way across the house... (a) rousing Toy Story-style odyssey.."--Kirkus Reviews

"Bright, humorous cartoon illustrations will draw readers' interest immediately, and Willan clearly understands how to appeal to his young audience... is a sequel in the works?"--Booklist

"Piece Out is a fun and funny picture book that's perfect for a family game night read-aloud! Willan's vibrant illustrations flawlessly complement the text, bringing Red (game piece) and his adventures to life! This was a delightful experience from cover to cover."--Carmichael's Bookstore, Louisville, KY

About the Author

ALEX WILLAN's love of drawing led him to earn a BFA in illustration from Savannah College of Art and Design. Alex has exhibited in art galleries and has painted murals, theater sets, and squirmy kids' faces. He is the author-illustrator of the Jasper & Ollie series and The Worst! series.