Children's books
fun kids' picture books for every occasion
Little Bella’s Nighttime Wonderland
written by Joy Fernandez
illustrated by Brianna Baker
As Little Bella snuggles down for bed, she looks out her window and can’t believe what she sees! Fireflies illuminate a nighttime wonderland that unfolds right before her eyes.
Elizabeth Munk's Forest Edge Adventure
written by Faye MacFarland
illustrated by Wesley Lowe
Winter is coming, and young Elizabeth Munk is finally old enough to help her three brothers forage for the food that will get their chipmunk family through the winter. But she has very different ideas about what might be best to bring home!
Beatrice and the Sunflower Gift
written by Stephanie Parwulski
illustrated by Tania Ramírez Cuevas
Beatrice the Turtle is afraid to come out of her shell. Then, one summer day, a butterfly lands in Beatrice’s rock garden, and together, they embark on an inspiring journey through the forest. Join Beatrice in learning how a small act of kindness can change your life in a big way!
Boswell Bear Goes to School
written by Marilyn Seigle
illustrated by Maegan Penley
Boswell Bear has been patiently waiting for his first day of school! Set off on an all-day adventure with Boswell as he makes new friends, learns new things, and discovers just how fun school can be!
Short Pump Bump!
A lyrical, spherical, rhyming romp through Richmond's treasured locales
written by Angie Miles
illustrated by Scott DuBar, with photographs by Angie Miles
Just about anywhere you go in Virginia’s capital city, you find history, beauty, and interesting stories just waiting to be told. Whether you read the sweet, silly, and poignant collection of poetry on your own or share it aloud with little ones dear to you, Short Pump Bump! will entice you to play a little, smile a little, and forevermore see the place Richmonders call home in a new and endearing way.
Remember This
During this season of giving, love, and cheer, remember the reason for this special time of year.
written by Jenny Oates Riggs
illustrated by Dennis Auth
Remember this...
When the clouds open for winter's first snowflake,
When children with new toys run off to play,
When the table is set and the cookies are baked,
Remember that Jesus was born on this day.
During this season of giving, love, and cheer, remember the reason for this special time of year.
Everyone loves the festive trappings and traditions of Christmas, but the holiday’s Christian elements can sometimes become lost amid the celebration. "Remember This" encourages children to look for Jesus’ example and teachings in the traditions and joyful moments of the holiday season.
Nick, the No Good, Icky Tick
A simple way to teach children and families the importance of tick prevention and awareness
written by Karen Gloyer
illustrated by Maryana Kachmar
Abby and her favorite four-footed friend Chowser discover all kinds of creatures while walking in the wild, wild woods one day. What they don’t expect to find is Nick, a no-good, icky, black-legged tick. Find out what happens when Nick the icky tick finds them...and the lessons they learn about how to stay safe on future outdoor adventures!
Author Karen Gloyer, a Lyme disease survivor, created Nick, the No Good, Icky Tick as a simple way to teach children and families the importance of tick prevention and awareness. Gloyer knows firsthand the hardships that come with this debilitating ailment—and that prevention and awareness are key. Let Abby, Chowser, and Nick the icky tick help teach the children in your life to “Look carefully!” as they learn to keep safe outdoors. Helpful tips and an afterword by Kenneth B. Singleton, M.D., M.P.H., a leading U.S. authority on Lyme disease treatment and prevention, round out this important book.
Bunny's Busy Day
Join the Easter bunny on his delightful and very busy day!
written by Marilyn Seigle
illustrated by Maegan Penley
Easter traditions have always meant a lot to children—and children at heart. This enchanting story of an Easter morning will continue to add to that tradition.
Don't Dilly Dally, Silly Sally
Celebrate uniqueness and learn the secret to being on time.
written by Marc Ferrari
illustrated by Felipe Diaz Huarnez
Sally was always joyful, energetic, carefree...and chronically late! Despite everyone’s prods, nudges, and exasperated pleas, Sally’s procrastination always caused delays. Find out what happens one momentous day when Sally just CAN’T be late for an important event, and how she overcomes her initial disappointment to learn the secret to being on time! Told in playful rhyme, Don’t Dilly Dally, Silly Sally is a tribute to all the Silly Sallys of the world who march to the time of their own beat, and to the parents, grandparents and caregivers who love them. This delightful book celebrates uniqueness, shares a valuable lesson, and plants the seed for ultimate success!
Rainbows and Hot Air Balloons: A True Story
A story about simple, everyday adventures
written by Jennifer Cooke
illustrated by Craig Cameron
Rainbows and Hot Air Balloons is a story about the simple, everyday adventures of Jennifer Lynn and her Nanny and Pop-Pop. This children’s picture book celebrates the joy and uniqueness of being raised by grandparents, and teaches children important lessons about how family love comes in many forms.
The Gift of Time
Every day is a treasure, every life is a journey, and the gift of time can take you anywhere!
written by Missy Balusek
illustrated by Natalia Elmore
In a world full of schedules and plans, life can seem to go by much too fast. But as surely as Mother Nature moves from summer to fall without worry or regret, you can live in the moment and make the most of it if you try. The Gift of Time sends a positive, mindful message to young readers, reminding them that every day is a treasure, that every life is a special journey, and that with the gift of time and the courage to be yourself in this moment, your dreams can take you anywhere!
Pea Soup and the Seafood Feast
Learn to value and sustain the environment with gratitude for life's little gifts.
written by Anna Burger
illustrated by Laura Craig
When his mother tells him they're having pea soup for dinner, Jack wonders how he'll survive. Then he comes up with a plan: he'll catch his own seafood feast instead! Relying on skills learned from his grandfather, the resourceful boy embarks on a seaside adventure, casting for fish, digging for clams, and setting traps for blue crabs. In the process he learns that the only thing better than a basket full of crabs or a bucket full of clams is a heart full of appreciation for the natural wonders of the bay. With playful prose and vivid watercolor illustrations, Pea Soup and the Seafood Feast teaches readers to value and sustain their environment with gratitude for life's little gifts.
Dogs Do NOT Love Holiday Cards!
The family’s all ready to be in the shot, except for the four-legged star…who is NOT.
written by Caley Cantrell
illustrated by Sarah Berkheimer
The holidays are coming! It’s that time of year.
Time to send cards full of tidings and cheer.
We’ll need a family photo. Everyone gather ’round.
Now, wait just a minute, we’re missing the hound!
The family’s all ready to be in the shot,
except for the four-legged star…who is NOT.
Dressed to Smile
Learn your colors and discover the magic of personal style as one cool girl dresses to smile.
written by Tansill Johnson
illustrated by Andrea Pinter
What’s more important—dressing to impress or dressing to smile? Learn your colors and discover the magic of personal style as one independent little girl gets dressed for her first day of preschool!
You're Bringing Me A Baby?!
A new baby's coming, and changes abound! Will there be enough love left for the hound?
written by Caley Cantrell
illustrated by Sarah Berkheimer
A new baby's coming, and changes abound! Will there be enough love left for the hound? Expectant parents, dog lovers, and big-siblings-to-be will delight in the worrywart dog who finds out that while he's not the baby anymore, that just might be a good thing!
I Just Met a Dinosaur!
A book of dinosaur rhymes about creatures from long-ago times!
written by Helen L. Williamson
illustrated by Nancy Taylor Atkins
If you met a dinosaur, what would you do?
Play hide-and-seek or go to the zoo?
Who knows if their skin was pink, purple, or blue?
Or if they squawked, roared, or mooed?
Did they polish their nails and feathers and scales,
And sharpen their teeth with the ends of their tails?
When you open this book of dinosaur rhymes,
You’ll meet some of those creatures from long-ago times!
ABCs By Jesus and Me
An educational book for young readers to teach them that Christ is in everything from A-Z
written by Elizabeth Grapes
illustrated by Elizabeth Scolero
A is for Amen. B is for Bible. C is for Christ. In this spiritual journey through the alphabet, children are invited to join in and celebrate the wisdom and teachings of God. ABCs By Jesus and Me guides young readers through each letter, imparting Christ’s love and lessons along the way. Author Elizabeth Grapes weaves powerful meaning into simple, easy-to-understand definitions for kids and parents to explore, while Elizabeth Scolaro’s vibrant illustrations accompany every letter and deepen the experience from the first page to the last. An invaluable way for families to spend time together in the Word, ABCs By Jesus and Me seeks to educate young readers that Christ truly is everything from A to Z.
Finn Finds Fun
Finn has the power to turn the worst day around if he chooses to find fun in everything he does!
written by Graham Gardner
illustrated by Nancy LeBlanc
How can Finn turn an absolutely no-good, horribly bad day into one of the BEST DAYS EVER? Is it really possible for Finn to become positively positive? After one especially un-fun day, Finn’s clever mother lets him in on the best secret in the world: Finn has the power to turn the worst day around, if he chooses to find fun in everything he does!
Come along! Join Finn as he sets out to discover all of the positives hiding in a seemingly no-fun awful day. Don’t forget your special arm-band reminder, so you can find fun in your day, too!
The Santa Beacon
It’s Ava’s first Christmas away. How will Santa know where to find her?
Written by Graham Gardner
Illustrated by Nancy LeBlanc
Can Santa find you this Christmas?
It's Ava's first Christmas away from home and she's excited to spend it with her Grandmart and Pop Pop and all her fun cousins. But how will Santa know where to find her? Ava knows her younger brothers will be sad if they wake up and there are no presents under the tree, so she sets out to save Christmas. Ava soon learns, though, that Santa has a way of finding every good little boy and girl, simply by following their hearts.
Kindle ebook available here ($5.99)
What Happened to the Tooth Fairy?
Oliver lost his tooth, but the tooth fairy didn’t come!
written by Graham Gardner
illustrated by Nancy LeBlanc
Oliver is excited to lose his big front tooth. It means a visit from the tooth fairy! But when Oliver wakes up, he discovers something awful: the tooth fairy never came! What could have happened to her? How could she forget to visit? To solve the mystery, Oliver comes up with a plan: he'll build a fairy trap and ask the tooth fairy herself!
Because You Are Polite at the Dining Table
A playful reminder of the dos and don'ts of dining with others for young readers.
written and illustrated by Ginger Johnston Philbrick
Because you’re polite, you know that the table is not where your elbows should rest.
Just suppose that your elbow feels warm and you see that it’s in the cream soup of a guest!
Because You Are Polite at the Dining Table is a playful reminder of the dos and don'ts of dining with others. From practicing patience to being gracious about trying new foods, the advice of etiquette guide Ginger Philbrick is relevant to dinner guests of all ages. Find out how good manners can open doors to new friendships and inspire new experiences!
A Cup of Pretend
When it’s too cold to play outside, an afternoon of make-believe will brighten your spirit!
written by Tansill Johnson
illustrated by Susan Emery
When it’s too cold to play outside, a cup of pretend is just the thing to warm your heart and spirit! Join a little girl named Rainbow and her grandmother for an afternoon of make-believe. You’ll discover that a little imagination goes a long way, and that you’re never too old to be a kid at heart!
Who is Mooma?
Grandmothers come with all kinds of names. Fun and funny names. Colorful and wonderful names.
Written by Tansill Johnson
Illustrated by Susan Emery
Who is Mooma? is inspired by real names…and really special grandmothers! Grandmothers come with all kinds of names. Fun and funny names. Colorful and wonderful names. But one thing’s the same: Grandmothers are special people, and we love them for it! In Who Is Mooma? you’ll meet lots of loving grandmas and grandkids and read about all the fun they have together. You can even add the names and pictures of your own grandmothers. Whatever you call your grandmother, you’re sure to agree, Who Is Mooma? is a heartwarming tribute to the wonder of grandmothers everywhere!
Mooma and the Mouse
Mooma found a mouse in her house, which she now has to try to oust!
Written by Tansill Johnson
Illustrated by Kate Johnson
A tiny visitor can be a BIG problem...
When Mooma goes downstairs one morning, what does she find? A mouse living in her house! Oh, what to do? Join Mooma and PaPa as they try to oust their clever little guest, who doesn't know he's not welcome!
Albert
The story of a mischievous, fun-loving, special mouse who shares kindness and sweet surprises.
written and illustrated by Beth Roberts
Albert is the story of a mouse—a mischievous, fun-loving and very special mouse. There have been many stories about adventurous, talking mice, but there’s never been a story about a mouse who bakes delicious treats with love and sunshine and delivers them to your doorstep all wrapped in red bows. This is a story about how Albert came to live with Bob and Franny, and how he learned to share love, kindness, and sweet surprises with everyone just to make them merry.
Albert is about loving, baking, and giving. And inside, you’ll find recipes, labels, and inspiration for finding the Albert in your own heart.
Kindle ebook available here ($4.99)
The Incredible Cam Man!
2017 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist, “Children’s Picture Book (0-5 years)”
written by Natalie Chase
illustrated by Maegan Penley
When you have autism, life is full of challenges. But a little boy named Cameron is here to show you that every challenge is an opportunity to be incredibly amazing!
A Chookamook Came Over for Breakfast
Join Lizzie in Breakfastland, where she learns that breakfast isn’t so bad after all!
written by Cliff Davis
illustrated by Heidi Gibson
Lizzie Lewis hates breakfast. She’d rather eat candy and other sweet treats. But then Mama brings home a new box of cereal for Lizzie to try—magic cereal. With one bite, she finds herself shrunk down to a few inches high and entering the world of Breakfastland, where mountains are made of marshmallows and palaces are made of pancakes. There she meets the Chookamooks, tiny mouse-like creatures that help make breakfasts for the whole world. Can the Chookamooks teach Lizzie that breakfast isn’t so bad? Can she help save Breakfastland from the evil Dr. Darktooth?
To learn more about Cliff Davis and Heidi Gibson, click here.
Morgan
Morgan the porcupine goes on an adventure to make friends!
written by Harry Holmes
illustrated by Maryana Kachmar
Meet Morgan, a misunderstood porcupine with a big heart…and a very special dream. At first glance, Morgan seems to be a porcupine like any other. His sharp quills protect him from predators that roam the forested mountain where he lives. In fact, most of the other animals on the mountain avoid him, too. They’re afraid to get too close to his quills. Morgan’s only friend, Beav, lives a very different life, and Morgan cannot see him often. Misunderstood and lonely, Morgan longs for a friend to share a hug with him in spite of his quills.
After a chance encounter with a bear, Morgan finally makes up his mind: he must leave the forest and find a friend who won’t be frightened of him. Nervous, but full of curiosity, Morgan decides to follow his dream and go on a journey to make friends with a human. As he leaves his mountain home, he faces new obstacles and dangers, like powerful waterfalls, noisy roads, and speedy cars. At times, he thinks of turning back and giving up on his dream, but Morgan is no quitter. His courage is strong, and he’s determined to find a friend and make a new life outside the forest. Soon, he finds himself nearing human civilization. When he hears the cries of a young girl in trouble, will Morgan be able to help her—and finally make a human friend?
Silly Dog and a Cat
Cosmos goes on a quest to become the happiest dog ever!
written by Larry Caylor
illustrated by Cody Bowerman
Ever since the Johnsons took him in, Cosmo has led a normal life. Playing fetch and chasing Chloe, the neighbor’s cat, have kept him quite busy. But one day, Cosmo begins thinking about his happiness. Is he truly as happy as he could be? And so, Cosmo begins a quest to become the happiest dog ever! At the end of his adventure, will Cosmo find that he is happier than when he started, or will he discover that his true happiness was right in front of him all along?
How Do I Feel Today?
Processing emotions can be tough, but this book helps kids learn to work through it!
written by Krystal "Kay" D. Allyn
illustrated by Jen Williamson
Children often struggle to fully understand their feelings. Anger, sadness, fear, embarrassment, nervousness are complicated, and for many children these emotions are new and unfamiliar. Often, behavioral and emotional challenges occur when children simply do not know how to appropriately respond to these new feelings. Written in a rhyming and fun tone for young readers, How Do I Feel Today? is designed to help adults talk with the special children in their lives to help them understand, identify, and appropriately respond to their feelings. This furthers a child’s ability to self-regulate their emotions and actions, and deal with their feelings in the best way.
Vanished!
Come with Kristen on this fantastical journey to discover what it means to be a true friend.
written by Steven Vaitonis
illustrated by Lindsay Wallen
When Kristen’s beloved Bear vanishes, she’s willing to do anything to find him. Looking under her bed for Bear, she finds a mysterious hole in the floor full of glowing light. Before she knows what’s happening, she’s falling into another world! She lands in West Wind, the place where all broken and unwanted toys live. And now, to find Bear, she must face explosions, magic teapots, forest mazes, flying furniture, talking boats, and a building that loves to play Monopoly. Along the way, she meets Cymryn the Tinker, serendipitous Stanley the talking toy, a wise teddy bear named Granther, and Mr. Benjamin, Recorder of Things Important and Trivial. Come along with Kristen on this fantastical journey as she discovers what it means to be a true friend!
Paperback available here ($12.95)
Kindle ebook available here ($4.99)
Max Brinkley's Military BRAT Mysteries: The Case of the DIng-Dong Ditcher
Can Max solve the case to clear his friend’s name and uncover the identity of the ding-dong-ditcher?
written by Kim Roedl
illustrated by Mindy J. B. Whitten
Eleven-year-old Army BRAT Max Brinkley is less than thrilled about his family’s latest military move—a move that will once again take him away from the people and places he has grown to love. Max feels like his world is already complicated enough as he deals with his father’s deployments and surviving middle school.
Things soon get interesting in the Brinkleys’ new small South Carolina town when a cunning ding-dong ditcher targets their quiet neighborhood. When his friend Finn Harper is named the culprit, it is up to Max and his genius seven-year-old brother Knox to figure out who’s really behind the pranks. And to do it, they’ll need the help of the cranky and mysterious war widow next door, Mrs. Needlemeyer. Can Max and his team solve the case to clear his friend’s name?
Eli Brown's Big Surprise!
Eli comes up with a plan to make his race car dreams come true!
written and illustrated by Deanna Cox
For as long as Eli Brown can remember, he’s wanted to be a race car driver like his dad. His dad tells Eli he can drive race cars when he’s older. But that’s an awful long time for a creative little boy to wait. So Eli comes up with a plan to make his race car dreams come true!
The Christmas Spider
A little-known story about a spider’s important role on the very first Christmas Day!
written and illustrated by Beth W. Roberts
A Christmas long ago . . .
On the first Christmas morning, a sleepy spider awakes to a flurry of activity in the manger below. Coming down from the rafters, she sees the animals preparing the manger for some very special visitors. What can a tiny spider do on such an important day? Find out as she spins and twirls and weaves her way to becoming the one and only Christmas Spider! A special Christmas craft is included so that readers can make their own Christmas message.
Kindle ebook available here ($5.99)
Edison the Christmas Elf and the Imperfect Perfect Toy
Edison the Christmas Elf dreams of making the perfect holiday toy.
written by Papa V
illustrated by Melissa Blue
Edison the Christmas Elf dreams of making the perfect holiday toy. He’s full of imaginative ideas, but they’re often disastrous! Every year Santa Claus waits for Edison to reveal his new idea, and every year Santa worries: just what enormous, tremendous, monstrous problem will Edison build next? Can the elf create the perfect toy, or will he destroy the workshop trying? Join Santa and find out!
Kindle ebook available here ($5.99)
iBook ebook available here ($5.99)
Edison the Christmas Elf and the Imperfect Perfect Toy
Edison the Christmas Elf dreams of making the perfect holiday toy.
written by Papa V
iIllustrated by Melissa Blue
Edison the Christmas Elf dreams of making the perfect holiday toy. He’s full of imaginative ideas, but they’re often disastrous! Every year Santa Claus waits for Edison to reveal his new idea, and every year Santa worries: just what enormous, tremendous, monstrous problem will Edison build next? Can the elf create the perfect toy, or will he destroy the workshop trying? Join Santa and find out!
Kindle ebook available here ($5.99)
iBook ebook available here ($5.99)
What Happens at School When You're Not There?
Amazing visitors turn the schoolrooms topsy-turvy when nobody’s there!
written and illustrated by Edward J. Denecke
Do you want to know what janitors see
when children are gone? Then listen to me.
I’ll tell you right now what happens past three,
when teachers go home and students run free . . .
Longtime elementary-school janitor Edward Denecke knows the secret of what unfolds in the magical hours between last and first bell. Now, he’s excited to share it in this imaginative story about the amazing visitors that turn schoolrooms topsy-turvy when nobody’s there to see it. Nobody, that is, except the night crew of custodians who are the guardians of this whimsical world.
What happens at school? It’s time that you knew!
Kindle ebook available here ($5.99)