Dave Eggers will bring young readers back to the world of his Newbery Medal–winning The Eyes & the Impossible in a sequel coming later this year.
Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers will publish Eggers’ The Eyes, the Fire & the Avalanche Kingdom, illustrated by Shawn Harris,in the fall, the press announced in a news release.
The Eyes & the Impossible, also illustrated by Harris, was published by Knopf in 2023. The book told the story of Johannes, a dog-coyote hybrid who lives in a seaside park and serves as the eyes for the three bison, the park’s elders. In a starred review, a critic for Kirkus wrote of the book, “One remarkable creature vividly shows readers that ‘there is so, so much to see.’” The book won the Newbery Medal in 2024.
The new book will bring back Johannes as he embarks on a boat trip with his friends, a goat named Helene and a seagull named Bertrand. They arrive at a wilderness featuring bears, eagles, and wolves who are interested in the newcomers—as food.
Melanie Nolan, publisher of Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, said in a statement, “I was sure The Eyes & the Impossible was a once in a lifetime book. So I was very, very happy to be proven wrong when Dave hinted that Johannes and Bertrand had more adventures in store, and that opossums might somehow be involved. The result is a delightful, hilarious, and at times profound book that celebrates the meaning of freedom—a worthy reminder for readers of all ages, and in all times.”
The Eyes, the Fire & the Avalanche Kingdom is slated for publication on Nov. 18.
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
