Picture Books |
|
|
The Kissing Hand
Written by Audrey Penn
iIllustrated by Ruth E. Harper & Nancy M. Leak
Picture book (Ages 3-8), 32 pages, includes stickers
1-933718-00-5, 978-1-9337180-0-2 (ISBN-13), hardcover, $16.95
School is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease Chester's fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called The Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary. Since its first publication in 1993, this heartwarming book has become a children's classic that touches the lives of millions of children and their parents, especially at times of separation, whether starting school, entering daycare, going to camp. It is widely used by kindergarten teachers on the first day of school. Stickers at the back will help children and their parents keep their Kissing Hand alive.
Audrey Penn takes her one-woman educational program, the Writing Penn, into schools, libraries, and children's hospitals where she shapes and refines her story ideas in partnership with kids. She is also highly sought after as a conference keynote speaker by groups of teachers and other professionals who work with children. Visit Audrey Penn's website. Listen to Audrey Penn's Book Expo America Podcast.
Maryland artist Nancy Leak is a specialist in printmaking. She works and exhibits with a group of seven women called Printmakers Plus, as well as with other local and national organizations. Her hand-pulled original etchings, many of them miniatures, have won recognition all over the United States.
Ruth Harper, born in England, is a descendent of Sir Christopher Wren. Essentially a self-taught artist, The Kissing Hand was her first painting venture As a teen newly arrived in the USA, Ruth apprenticed as a graphic artist and became the art director of an advertising agency. She has been an art teacher, where she wrote an accredited art curriculum, presented seminars on art education, been a guest illustrator at elementary schools, and has donated many works to fund-raising events. Ruth now lives in Michigan with her two children, and actively exhibits and sells her award-winning watercolors in local galleries/shops. Visit Ruth's website at www.ruth-harper.com.
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
Click here to download a hi-resolution jpeg of the book jacket. |
See pages 18-19.
See pages 30-31.
|
Click here to see what kids think about the book!
|
|
Beauty Day
Formerly In Style with Grandma Antoinette
Written and illustrated by Judith Caseley
Picture book (Ages 4-8), 32 pages
0-9749303-4-3, 978-0-9749303-4-3 (ISBN-13)
hardcover with dustjacket, $15.95
Rosie doesn't think spending the day at work with Grandma will be any fun at all. But Rosie has the time of her life as she is initiated into the exotic and adventure-filled world of a hair salon. Girls will love reading about Rosie's adventures at the action-packed salon, from a home hair color gone wrong, to the mystery of a lost boy and a missing wig! Readers get to share in Rosie's fun by picking out their own shades of nail polish, hair styles, and lipstick color and other items shown in the colorful illustrations throughout the book. This story by beloved author and illustrator Judith Caseley will delight girls and their fashionable grandmas everywhere!
Beauty Day is Judith Caseley's thirty-second book for children and youth. Her previously published books include award-winning titles Witch Mama, Mr. Green Peas, Apple Pie and Onions, Three Happy Birthdays, and When Grandpa Came to Stay. Ms. Caseley currently resides with her two children in Glen Head, NY. Visit Judith's website at www.judithcaseley.com.
Reviews
"Caseley's detail-rich, colorful illustrations help advance the story. Useful for units highlighting employment and careers, this is also a novel twist on intergenerational picture books."— School Library Journal
"Frivolous but fun, this delivers a tantalizing, humorous exhibition of the ups and downs of this secret world of glamour."— Kirkus Reviews
"The simple color illustrations of a cool, hard-working grandmother and her precocious granddaughter add the perfect touch to this whimsical and joyful story."— Midwest Book Review
"I found this book to be fun-filled and most importantly a celebration of quality time between a grandmother and her special granddaughter… The story is fun and the illustrations are bright and bold and ever so inviting."— Armchairinterviews.com
|
|
|
|
The Mice of Bistrot des Sept Frères
by Marie LeTourneau with Danielle Reed-Baty
Picture book (Ages 4-8), 32 pages
0-9749303-6-9, 978-0-9749303-6-7 (ISBN-13), hardcover with dustjacket, $15.95
Available in September - paperback edition - $7.95 - ISBN 978-1-933718-18-7
This story serves up a delightful recipe for a children's book: take one
adorable tale of Parisian mice who want to win the prize for the best
cheese soup in France, add a full serving of the whimsical illustrations
of Marie LeTourneau, mix in a dash of French language and a sprinkling of
Parisian café culture, and voilà! We have The Mice of Bistrot des Sept
Frères (Bistro of Seven Brothers).
With many basic French words cleverly woven into the story, readers will absorb the language without even realizing it.
There is a pronunciation guide at the front of the book, and directions in the back to this website for the famous cheese soup recipe!
Marie LeTourneau is a full-time illustrator and graphic artist, with a BA in Fine Arts from Hofstra University's New College on Long Island. Marie illustrated Is A Worry Worrying You? published by Tanglewood Press in 2005. The Mice of Bistrot des Sept Frères is her first picture book as both author and illustrator. She and her husband Marc live in New York with their two children, Alexander and Hannah, two dogs, Ike and Maddie, and a hamster named Jack-Jack. Visit Marie's website at www.marieletourneau.com.
Danielle Reed-Baty is a New York City based journalist who has written for the Wall Street Journal, the New York Daily News, and the New York Observer. She is a former resident of Paris and is married to French furniture maker Jean-Philippe Baty. They live in New York with their daughter, Julie.
Reviews
"The illustrations are wonderful, the reader will pick up a few words of French, and there is a feminist-mouse (femousenist?) point made."— Books Worth Giving By Daniel Pinkwater, Wondertime Magazine
"With fanciful illustrations, an amusing gastronomical story and everyday French words and phrases effortlessly incorporated into a primarily English text, this is an engaging introduction to French culture and language. There’s even a pronunciation guide and, on the publisher’s website, a recipe for Chef Marcel’s delicious cheese soup. Ooh la la!"— 50 Must Read Books for Kids, Atlanta Parent
"Budding foodies will salivate, and the Gallic touches add a droll flavor."— Kirkus Reviews
"With her lively text and expressive illustrations, Marie LeTourneau has created the recipe for a winning picture book, liberally spiced with French phrases and sprinkled with a helpful pronunciation guide."— Washington Parent
"The Mice of Bistrot des Sept Freres is a delightful picture book with charming illustrations. French words (and their English translations) are interspersed throughout the story. The illustations are whimsical and child-friendly — the mice just look so appealing."— WandsandWorlds.com
|
| |
|
|
Carmen's Sticky Scab
Written by Ginger Churchill and illustrated by Barry Gott
Picture book (Ages 4-8), 32 pages
978-1-933718-13-2, cloth, $15.95
In this hilarious, quick-paced story, Carmen has a scab, one
that's impossible to leave alone, even though everyone tells her
to. "Don't pick it," her dad says, "it will scar." But Carmen
constantly picks until a friend reminds her that if she bleeds,
sharks will eat her up. Carmen does everything to keep her scab
intact-from thinking of other things to pasting it down-after
all, she's going swimming soon. But one boy actually urges her
to pick it, "Scabs are delicious," he says. When the boy corners
Carmen on the bus, he rips off the scab with one quick grab and
uncovers. . . the end of the story!
Ginger Churchill lives in Provo, Utah, far away from sharks. Visit Ginger on her website at www.gingerchurchill.com.
Visit the website of illustrator Barry Gott.
|
|
|
Is a Worry Worrying You?
Written by Ferida Wolff and Harriet May Savitz
Illustrated by Marie LeTourneau
Picture book (Ages 4-8), 32 pages
978-1-933718-05-7, paperback, $7.95
Suppose, just suppose, one hundred elephants come to tea and you discover you don't have any tea bags.
Uh, oh. What will you do with a herd of thirsty elephants?
Now that's a worry!
But you can get rid of that worry by offering the elephants lemonade instead.
Adults think of childhood as a carefree time, but the truth is that children worry, and worry a lot, especially in our highly pressurized era. This book addresses children's worries with humor and imagination, as hilarious scenarios teach kids the use of perspective and the art of creative problem-solving.
Ferida Wolff is the author of sixteen children's books, including Pink Slippers, Bat Mitzvah, and resides in Cherry Hill, NJ, near Philadelphia. Visit Ferida's website at www.feridawolff.com. Harriet May Savitz is the author of Run, Don't Walk and The Lionhearted among many others and lives in Bradley Beach, NJ. Visit Harriet's website at www.harrietmaysavitz.com.
Marie LeTourneau is a classically trained fine artist, illustrator, and graphic designer, working for a range of clients nationwide. She lives with her husband and two children in East Hampton, NY. Visit her website at www.marieletourneau.com.
Reviews
"Is a Worry Worrying You?...offers a lighthearted way for kids to confront, and then get past, their anxieties."— Teacher Magazine
"Mixing serious and silly examples, the authors define 'worries' and suggest some coping stategies. This doesn't stray all that far from everyday situations, and may provide some anxiety-ridden children with something to think about."— Kirkus Reviews
"Highly fun and thought-provoking, this worry-less book is a must for today's overstressed kids."— Copley News Service
"Whether the worries are big or small, real or silly, the central message of this book shines through: that things seem less worrisome when put into perspective, and a little creative thinking can solve most problems. The Worry figure, lurking somewhere in every illustration, brings an element of humor that will entertain kids while providing them with lessons of coping that will last a lifetime."— Patty Aubrye, President, Chicken Soup for the Soul
|
|
|
|
It All Began With a Bean
Written by Katie McKy and illustrated by Tracy Hill
Picture book (Ages 4-8), 32 pages
0-9749303-0-X, 978-0-9749303-0-5 (ISBN-13), cloth, $14.95
What happens when, one day, a dropped bean is devoured by ten flies, and hundreds of dogs eat cheese fallen from a truck, and thousands of runners begin gulping air, and all the people at home that morning have eggs for breakfast, and then they all fart at once? This hilarious book answers that intriguing question, as readers learn the after-effects of the world's biggest fart on the poor town where it happens, from poodles' curls going limp to elephants plugging their trunks with bananas. This unique picture book, with lighthearted illustrations, will entertain children and parents alike.
Katie McKy is a former teacher and full-time writer living in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Visit Katie's website at www.katiemcky.com.
Tracy Hill is a full-time illustrator living in Phoenix, Arizona.
Reviews
"The right audience is sure to get a laugh."— School Library Journal
"If there is one subject that reduces all children to giggles, it is farting. In this imaginative picture book, inspired by a second grader's question, McKy explores what would happen if everyone and everything farted at once...McKy's book focuses on a topic that adults usually find embarrassing, annoying or try to ignore. For a child however, little is as amusing as that sound. While this may not have universal appeal, for a reluctant reader (in particular the boys) this may be just the right choice. Tracy Hill's full page, colorful and cartoon-like illustrations are just perfect for the story."— Barnes and Noble Children's Literature, Sharon Oliver
|
|
|
|
You Can't Milk a Dancing Cow
Written by Tom Dunsmuir and illustrated by Brian T. Jones
Picture book (Ages 4-8), 32 pages
0-9749303-3-4, 978-0-9749303-3-6 (ISBN-13)
hardcover with dustjacket, $15.95
Poor Farmer Picket! Since Mrs. Picket made the cows raincoats and galoshes with her new sewing machine, they won't come into the barn to be milked. The chickens are too busy promenading around the barnyard in their new bonnets to lay eggs. And how is a rooster supposed to wake up early when he is so cozy in his new robe and cap? Children will love Mrs. Picket's very contemporary solution for these and the other dilemmas Farmer Picket faces when his wife begins creating animal fashion.
Tom Dunsmuir, a former television writer for Sesame Street and Electric Company, currently resides in Pacific Palisades, CA.
Brian T. Jones is a graduate of Kenyon College with a BA in studio art and of Otis College of Art and Design with a BFA in illustration. He is currently working as an illustrator while living in Playa del Rey, CA with his wife Jenny.
Reviews
"This is just so silly it is irresistible. By the way, have you ever seen a llama in a tennis outfit? You will in this book!"— Bookviews.com
"The illustrations are bright, fun, witty. The painterly art has a gentle goofiness. The colors are vibrant and there is a great deal of attention to the fine detail in the clothes the animals are wearing. In addition each page has a lot going on. Highly recommended."— Preschoolentertainment.com
"I love silly picture books. The more they make my daughter laugh, the more I love them. You Can't Milk A Dancing Cow was a three giggler in our house...There are absolutely no life lessons in this one, but plenty of laughs; it's a great book to share with a group. Once you've seen cows and horses dance, you'll never be the same."— MyShelf.com
"Low-key droll humor resonates throughout this wacky tale about a farmer's wife who clothes the farm's animals. Boldly genius illustrations capture the perfectly frustrated moods of Farmer Picket and the wild freedom of the animals - all in the oversized eyes. Dunsmuir's highly imaginative story begs repeated readings."— Copley News Service
"(The) dilemmas Mrs. Picket creates for Farmer Picket when she begins creating animal fashions will leave children laughing out loud! . . . Enhanced with Brian Jones' energetic and memorable illustrations, this original and highly recommended picture book story will be read over and over again by generations of new and appreciative young readers."— Midwest Book Review
"This is a fun and silly look at farm life and farm animals. The illustrations are whimsical, colorful, and inviting. Laugh with your children as you read about barnyard animals dressing up in You Can't Milk a Dancing Cow. I did."— ArmchairInterviews.com
"The illustrations are wonderfully silly. This story is full of creative ingenuity."— WeeOnesmag.com
|
|
|
|
