“Grishaverse” Author Leigh Bardugo and Award-Winning Artist John Picacio Team Up for New Children's Book (Exclusive)

'The Invisible Parade' is "the Wizard of Oz set in a graveyard" and depicts a beautiful path through grief for families

Leigh Bardugo and John Picacio are writing a picture book!

The bestselling Grishaverse author and the award-winning artist have written their debut picture book, The Invisible Parade, which dives into grief as it intersects with love, loss and courage in surprising locales — of course, alongside beautiful visuals that will captivate kids' imaginations.

The story is for anyone who has felt loss or lost a loved one, set against the backdrop of Día de Muertos.

Related: Leigh Bardugo's The Familiar Lives Up to Its Name: 'It's My Own Family's History' (Exclusive)

"There’s a party tonight, but Cala doesn’t want to go," a synopsis teases. "While her family prepares for the celebration, Cala grieves her grandfather and tries to pretend she’s not afraid. But when she is separated from her family at the cemetery, Cala encounters four mysterious riders who will show her she is actually quite brave after all."

Bardugo is best known for her Shadow and Bone trilogy, which was recently adapted into a Netflix show. Acclaimed illustrator Picacio is known for his art in works by George R.R. Martin, author of smash hit Game of Thrones series and is also the founder of the Mexicanx Initiative. This book marks his debut into writing and illustrating the same work.

Picacio and Bardugo's process has been marked by complete confidence in each other.

“Back in 2016, John pitched me this idea with a single line: ‘It's the Wizard of Oz set in a graveyard,’” said Bardugo, adding, "We wanted to find a way for families to reframe the way they talk about grief and fear. I knew he was going to take readers someplace extraordinary."

Picacio said he and Bardugo have a strong bond, which is what drove him to want to write and create alongside her.

"I've discovered the only thing better than reading a Leigh Bardugo book is conjuring one with her, and I look forward to sharing Cala's journey with story lovers everywhere," he said. "This book is Leigh's heart and my soul."

Related: Chasten Buttigieg Announces Debut Picture Book: ‘I Wanted My Kids to See Themselves’ (Exclusive)

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The Invisible Parade is out Sept. 2, 2025 and available for preorder now, wherever books are sold.

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