🎉 Congratulations to author & illustrator, Angel Tate! @angeltatecreates
Her book, I Rock My Hair: Pretty and Protected by the CROWN Act, was selected as a Librarian Favorite by the Children's Book Council.
Available now. Link in bio.
Angel Tate’s debut as an author-illustrator has us cheering for Kyana, a clever, spirited and determined young girl who realizes that although some people think her natural hair stands out too much to belong in certain places, it’s okay to rock her hair any way she wants to. Back matter explains to kids in straightforward, clear language what the CROWN Act is ("Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair"), and how they can help get it passed into law in every state!
#kidlit #picturebooks #booksforkids #childrensbooks #readmorebooks #teachers #teachersofinstagram #schoolteachers #prekteachers #elementaryteacher #librarians #libraries #librariansofinstagram #librarybooks #homeschool #homelibrary #homeschoolers #homeschoolersofinstagram #mustread
#bookawards #cbcbookawards @cbcbooks
We are so excited to let you know that our upcoming release, Stories by Sea: A Lighthouse Library's Journey has been selected as a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard!
Congratulations to Jessica Iwanski @jessicaiwanski and Angela C. Hawkins @angelac.hawkins for your spectacular work on this gorgeous picture book. We can't wait to share it with readers this fall.
Available for preorder now!
Link in bio.
Stories by Sea
A Lighthouse Library's Journey
Written by Jessica Iwanski
Illustrated by Angela C. Hawkins
Step back in time to explore the fascinating journey of a brass-bound case filled with books as it travels from lighthouse to lighthouse, connecting lighthouse keepers and their families to the rest of the world.
Tending a lighthouse was a lonely job, and obtaining supplies and communicating with people beyond their isolated home could be difficult. In 1876, portable libraries made up of sturdy books contained in wooden cases started circulating on lighthouse supply ships. These books provided information and entertainment for lighthouse keepers and their families. And each stop along the way became part of this innovative library’s own story. With lovely prose by debut author Jessica Iwanski and detailed illustrations by award-winning illustrator Angela C. Hawkins, Stories by Sea tells the true story of traveling library boxes and the courage and persistence of those who received them, got lost in their pages, and sent them on to the next stop.
By combining the timeless feel of Hello, Lighthouse with the unique history of lighthouse libraries, Stories by Sea will leave young readers with an appreciation for the simple pleasure of receiving the gift of a good book to read. It’s perfect for elementary school classrooms, libraries, and for history buffs - young and old - who are looking for a lyrical adventure of their own.
#JLGSelection #kidlit #picturebooks #booksforkids #childrensbooks #readmorebooks #teachers #teachersofinstagram #schoolteachers #prekteachers #elementaryteacher #librarians #libraries #librariansofinstagram #librarybooks #homeschool #homelibrary #homeschoolers #homeschoolersofinstagram #mustread
#bookawards
🎉 Congratulations to Tricia Torrible and Robert Dunn! @triciatorriblewrites@robertdunnillustration
Their book, Torrible Puns: A Punny Collection of Poems, was selected as a Teacher Favorite and Kids Favorite by the Children's Book Council.
Available now. Link in bio.
Get ready to laugh out loud at some of the most ridiculous - and hilarious - puns you’ve heard!
Packed with witty humor, this clever mix of poetry and puns features everything from animals and beloved nursery rhyme characters to outer space and favorite sports. Each poem contains at least one word or phrase with a double meaning, which will not only make children (and adults!) laugh out loud, but also provides a fun lesson on homonyms. The short poems, the lovely art, and the groan-worthy punchlines will leave readers begging for “just one more.”
#kidlit #picturebooks #booksforkids #childrensbooks #readmorebooks #teachers #teachersofinstagram #schoolteachers #prekteachers #elementaryteacher #librarians #libraries #librariansofinstagram #librarybooks #homeschool #homelibrary #homeschoolers #homeschoolersofinstagram #mustread
#bookawards #cbcbookawards @cbcbooks
Happy International Museum Day!
Take a stroll through a Mouse Museum in...
MousterWorks!
Written & Illustrated by Angela C. Hawkins
SPECIAL PRICE IN MAY TO CELEBRATE TEACHERS!
The perfect introduction to art history and art appreciation!
When young mice, Cosette and Pépin, join their Grand-mère on a visit to a mouse-sized museum, they cannot help but notice details, ask questions, and think creatively. As they move from gallery to gallery featuring the MOUSTERWORKS of famous master artists, their senses are awakened to spark their imaginations. From the dribble, dribble of milk splashing out of a pail to the pitter pat of toddeling feet on a stone floor, Cosette and Pepin are inspired to create their own mouster-pieces, using items and events found in their everyday lives, including a hunk of delicious cheese!
Filled with lovely representations of famous works of art, this delightful story engages the senses and will leave readers filled with wonder and inspiration to create their own works of art. It's another beautiful book by award-winning author-illustrator Angela C. Hawkins (illustrator of Gnome Road's Nancy Bess had a Dress)!
Available now! Links in bio.
#kidlit #picturebooks #booksforkids #childrensbooks #readmorebooks #teachers #teachersofinstagram #schoolteachers #prekteachers #elementaryteacher #librarians #libraries #librariansofinstagram #librarybooks #homeschool #homelibrary #homeschoolers #homeschoolersofinstagram #mustread #internationalmuseumday #internationalmuseumday2026 #museumday
@angelac.hawkins
Celebrate World Baking Day with a reading of...
Emily Snook, the World's Smallest Cook
Written by Laura Bower
Illustrated by Rekha Salin
Emily Snook is a whiz in the kitchen. But when she enters an international cooking contest and meets the competition, her hopes of winning deflate like a botched soufflé. Everyone is older, taller and in serious doubt of her cooking capabilities!
A classic underdog story, Emily Snook: The World's Smallest Cook reminds readers of the power of determination and a willingness to take risks. With the encouragement and support of her favorite sous chef - her grandpa - Emily tackles each cooking catastrophe that threatens her chance of winning. From utensils that are too big to counters too high, Emily Snook takes on the challenges of being the tiniest contestant, proving to everyone that being small doesn't mean you can't do it all.
Told with rhythmic rhyme and incorporating vibrant, kid-friendly illustrations, this story will delight young readers who enjoy crafting culinary creations of their own. It's a great choice for story-time at the library or for enhancing classroom discussions about perseverance and positivity, and of course, for reading with grandparents throughout the year.
Available now. Link in bio.
#worldbakingday #worldbakingday2026 #kidlit #picturebooks #booksforkids #childrensbooks #readmorebooks #teachers #teachersofinstagram #schoolteachers #prekteachers #elementaryteacher #librarians #libraries #librariansofinstagram #librarybooks #homeschool #homelibrary #homeschoolers #homeschoolersofinstagram #mustread
@laurabowerwrites@illustrate_daily
Happy National Love A Tree Day!
We have two picture book recommendations for tree lovers like you!
Trunk Goes Thunk! A Woodland Tale of Opposites
Written by Heather Morris
Illustrated by Chantelle and Burgen Thorne
Whoosh! Crash! Thunk! Follow along as the LOUD sounds of a falling tree signal the transformation of a QUIET area of the forest into a flourishing center of activity.
This lyrical nonfiction story uses word opposites such as small and large, dark and light, high and low, and fast and slow to introduce young readers to the natural recycling of fallen timber into log bridges. From bears, porcupines and racoons to eagles, mice and deer, a host of forest animals repurpose a fallen tree, connecting two sides of a stream together throughout the seasons.
The Sorry Seeds
Written by Tina Shepardson
Illustrated by Bong Hyun Shin
Saying the words “I'm sorry” isn't always easy and sometimes words alone don't feel like enough. But with a courageous heart, finding a way to ask for forgiveness can make even rotten feelings grow into something sweet.
This uplifting story explores the feelings that come with making mistakes, owning them, and learning how to ask others for forgiveness. When first-grader Courtney is caught taking an apple from her neighbor's tree without permission, she wonders how she can make things right again and apologize in a way that shows how she feels in her heart. And since her neighbor is also her teacher, she will have to figure it out by morning. Tossing and turning throughout the night, Courtney realizes it's not always easy to find a way to authentically say she's sorry to someone she cares about.
Available now. Links in bio.
#kidlit #picturebooks #booksforkids #childrensbooks #readmorebooks #teachers #teachersofinstagram #schoolteachers #prekteachers #elementaryteacher #librarians #libraries #librariansofinstagram #librarybooks #homeschool #homelibrary #homeschoolers #homeschoolersofinstagram #mustread
#nationalloveatreeday #nationalloveatreeday2026 #loveatreeday #loveatreeday2026 @morr_writing@thelilleaderspodcast@chantelle_burgen@bonghyunshin77
Happy National Pun Day!
Like puns? Then you will LOVE...
Torrible Puns
A Collection of Punny Poems
Written by Tricia Torrible
Illustrated by Robert Dunn
SPECIAL MAY PRICE TO CELEBRATE TEACHERS!
A 2026 Children's Literature Assembly Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts Award winner!
A California Reading Association 2025 EUREKA! Nonfiction Children's Book Award Winner - Silver!
A 2026 Children's Book Council Kids Favorite Award Winner!
A 2026-2027 PA Mountain Laurel Book Award Nominee
A 2026 Children's Book Council Teacher Favorite Award Winner!
Get ready to laugh out loud at some of the most ridiculous - and hilarious - puns you’ve heard!
Packed with witty humor, this clever mix of poetry and puns features everything from animals and beloved nursery rhyme characters to outer space and favorite sports. Each poem contains at least one word or phrase with a double meaning, which will not only make children (and adults!) laugh out loud, but also provides a fun lesson on homonyms. The short poems, the lovely art, and the groan-worthy punchlines will leave readers begging for “just one more.”
This collection has something for everyone, with more than thirty poems featuring pitch-perfect rhyme and varying length. With its additional information about puns along with its vibrant illustrations, Torrible Puns will be a book that children, teachers, librarians and parents reach for over and over again.
AVAILABLE NOW! Link in bio.
#nationalpunday #nationalpunday2026 #pun #puns #kidlit #picturebooks #booksforkids #childrensbooks #readmorebooks #teachers #teachersofinstagram #schoolteachers #prekteachers #elementaryteacher #librarians #libraries #librariansofinstagram #librarybooks #homeschool #homelibrary #homeschoolers #homeschoolersofinstagram #mustread
@triciatorriblewrites@robertdunnillustration
Shake your tail feathers! It's Dance like a chicken day!
How to Hatch a Writer & How to Hatch a Reader
Written by Kari Ann Gonzalez
Illustrated by Rachel Suzanne
Reading, writing and chickens! What more could you ask for? The “How to Hatch a . . . ” series by author Kari Ann Gonzalez combines laugh-out-loud text with bright and cheerful illustrations by Rachel Suzanne. This series is perfect for classrooms, homeschooling families, or libraries and is certain to prompt a flurry of stories as super and silly as this one!
Available now! Links in bio.
#kidlit #picturebooks #booksforkids #childrensbooks #readmorebooks #teachers #teachersofinstagram #schoolteachers #prekteachers #elementaryteacher #librarians #libraries #librariansofinstagram #librarybooks #homeschool #damncelikeachickenday#homelibrary #homeschoolers #homeschoolersofinstagram #mustread #dancelikeachickenday #dancelikeachickenday2026 #happydancelikeachickenday #chickendanceday #chickendance @kari_gonzalez_writes@rachelsuzanneillustration
Happy National Apple Pie Day!
Love apples, so does Courtney, but once they got her into a little bit of trouble. Find out what happens in...
The Sorry Seeds
Written by Tina Shepardson
Illustrated by Bong Hyun Shin
SPECIAL MAY PRICE TO CELEBRATE TEACHERS!
Children's Book Council 2025 Teachers' Favorite Award Winner!
Saying the words “I'm sorry” isn't always easy and sometimes words alone don't feel like enough. But with a courageous heart, finding a way to ask for forgiveness can make even rotten feelings grow into something sweet.
This uplifting story explores the feelings that come with making mistakes, owning them, and learning how to ask others for forgiveness. When first-grader Courtney is caught taking an apple from her neighbor's tree without permission, she wonders how she can make things right again and apologize in a way that shows how she feels in her heart. And since her neighbor is also her teacher, she will have to figure it out by morning. Tossing and turning throughout the night, Courtney realizes it's not always easy to find a way to authentically say she's sorry to someone she cares about. Fortunately, an idea takes root and gives Courtney the courage to bring an apology to fruition.
With illustrations that reflect the warmth and emotional depth of the story, young readers will look to this book as a reminder of the power within themselves to make positive choices even when it feels hard to do so. It's an excellent tool for caregivers and educators to open a discussion on making mistakes and asking for forgiveness, and will be a welcome addition to any library or classroom collection.
Available now! Link in bio.
#applepieday #nationalapplepieday #nationalapplepieday2026 #kidlit #picturebooks #booksforkids #childrensbooks #readmorebooks #teachers #teachersofinstagram #schoolteachers #prekteachers #elementaryteacher #librarians #libraries #librariansofinstagram #librarybooks #homeschool #homelibrary #homeschoolers #homeschoolersofinstagram #mustread
@bonghyunshin77@thelilleaderspodcast
It's get caught reading month!
We caught someone reading ...
Alpacas Make Terrible Librarians
Written by Kristi Mahoney
Illustrated by Chantelle and Burgen Thorne
The last thing you expect when you go to the library is to see your librarian replaced with an alpaca. BEWARE! Alpacas make terrible librarians!
Prepare for laughs and learning in this humorous exploration of what might happen when an alpaca fills in for a librarian. You'll learn all sorts of things about alpacas that you never knew you wanted to know! From surprise haircuts and sun-bathing storytime to a communal dung pile and impromptu games of tag, this trip to the library is like no other. And when rules are broken, WATCH OUT! When alpacas get angry . . . things can get messy. But just as you're about to tip-toe out the door, the real librarian returns and you can breathe a sigh of relief (and check out books on any animal you like … not just alpacas)!
With a zany cast of characters brought to life by the award-winning illustration team of Chantelle and Burgen Thorne, this hilarious and informative story will leave readers with a good understanding of alpacas and a renewed appreciation for the librarians in their lives. It's perfect for any library, classroom or at-home collection!
Be sure to check out the sequel: OWLS MAKE TERRIBLE TEACHERS!
Available now. Link in bio.
#getcaughtreading #getcaughtreadingmonth #getcaughtreadingmonth2026 #getcaughtreadingchallenge #kidlit #picturebooks #booksforkids #childrensbooks #readmorebooks #teachers #teachersofinstagram #schoolteachers #prekteachers #elementaryteacher #librarians #libraries #librariansofinstagram #librarybooks #homeschool #homelibrary #homeschoolers #homeschoolersofinstagram #mustread @kristimahoneybooks@chantelle_burgen
It's National Train Day! Ride the rails with Finley, the moose!
Finley: A Moose on The Caboose
Written by Candace Spizzirri
Illustrated by Chantelle & Burgen Thorne
“Rules are rules” and wild animals aren’t allowed on trains . . . or so says Conductor Jones.
Young adventurers will fall in love with Finley, a friendly moose with a toothy grin who wants nothing more than to ride the rails across Alaska and beyond. Prepare for giggles when Finley finds a costume shop and tries to pass for anything but wild, only to have Conductor Jones see right through these disguises. Fortunately, Finley has something Conductor Jones doesn’t see coming - heart and determination – showing us all that there are some rules in life that are meant to be changed.
With illustrations that capture both the essence of Finley’s spirit and the magic of an Alaskan railway adventure, Finley: A Moose on the Caboose is certain to be loved by anyone who dreams of making what seems impossible, possible.
Also, check out the sequel, Finley: A Moose in Chartreuse!
Available now. Links in bio.
#mationaltrainday #mationaltrainday2026 #kidlit #picturebooks #booksforkids #childrensbooks #readmorebooks #teachers #teachersofinstagram #schoolteachers #prekteachers #elementaryteacher #librarians #libraries #librariansofinstagram #librarybooks #homeschool #homelibrary #homeschoolers #homeschoolersofinstagram #mustread
@ccspizzirri@chantelle_burgen
