Today’s Picture Book Postcard is from Ted of Tidy Ted Meets Jess the Mess.
A story about embracing differences and finding friendship in unexpected places. For children ages 4 years and up, who might find that letting go and loosening up can lead to wonderful discoveries.
Ted loves order. He likes to arrange his things in neat, tidy rows. On the first day of school, he meets Jess. She loves chaos. She messes up all of his tidy rows. Ted can’t stand it! Surely, a neatnik like him can’t be friends with a messy girl like her. Or can he?
Tidy Ted Meets Jess the Mess
Author: Joanna McIntyre
Illustrator: Nina Podlesnyak
Publisher: Clavis Publishing
Publication Date: April 21, 2026
The character of Ted came to me ten years ago, inspired by my own finnicky tendencies, but his story kept falling flat. It wasn’t until I had my own kids that it came together. My kids each had things they were “just so” about, but each kid was also so wrapped up in their own world they often smashed right through another kid’s (or parent’s, ahem) particular thing, often without even noticing. And thus, Jess was born, which was just what Ted needed.
– Author Joanna McIntyre
About Author Joanna McIntyre
Joanna McIntyre lives on Vancouver Island, Canada, with her husband and three kids who, like their mom, will drop everything for a good storytime. She has spent countless hours with her nose in a book, or her pen on a page, before eventually combining these two loves by writing for children. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys getting her hands dirty in the garden, walking in the woods with her dog, and spending time with her family.
Find out more about this author at www.joannamcwrites.com.
About Illustrator Nina Podlesnyak
Nina Podlesnyak was born in Yekaterinburg, Russia. After graduating from Ural State University with a degree in math, she worked for several years as a software engineer, before she returned to her childhood passion: drawing. Nina currently lives in Seattle, Washington with her husband and children, where she spends her time illustrating children’s books.
Find out more about this illustrator at www.ninapodlesnyak.com.
Calling All Picture Book Authors
Do you have a picture book releasing soon? Would you like your new book featured on Picture Book Postcards? Learn more here: Picture Book Postcards Submission Info