Illustrator & Author Profile
Barbara Cooney
13 Books
Barbara Cooney was a highly regarded American author and illustrator of over one hundred children's books, honored twice with the prestigious Caldecott Medal. She is celebrated for both her original stories, such as "Island Boy," and her exquisite illustrations for folk tales and works by other authors, including "Ox-Cart Man." Her meticulous, folk-art style paintings beautifully captured historical settings and the serene beauty of the natural world.
Step right up and meet the little juggler! You will travel back in time to discover a classic holiday legend about finding the perfect present. The little juggler has a big heart but no money to buy a fancy gift for the Christ Child and the Blessed Mother. He wonders what he can possibly give to show his devotion.
Instead of gold or jewels, he decides to offer the one thing he does best. He uses his amazing juggling skills! This heartwarming story shows you that the most meaningful gifts do not come from a store. They come straight from your heart. Beautiful pictures will guide you through this timeless tale of faith, kindness, and sharing your special talents with the world.
6-8 Years
Feel the salty ocean breeze and hear the waves crashing against Tibbets Island. You are about to meet Matthias, the youngest and quietest of twelve children growing up on a beautiful New England island. While others might dream of loud cities, Matthias loves learning the quiet secrets of his coastal home.
As you read, you will watch Matthias grow from a small boy exploring the shores into a grandfather sharing his wisdom. Even when he sails away to visit faraway places, his heart always pulls him back to the island he loves. This gentle, beautifully painted story shows you how strong family ties can be and how special it feels to find a place where you truly belong. It is a wonderful celebration of nature, family, and the simple joys of everyday life.
6-8 Years
45 Pages
Alice Rumphius has three very big wishes for her life. She wants to travel to faraway places, live in a cozy house by the sea, and most importantly, do something to make the world more beautiful. You will follow her amazing journey as she grows up, explores the globe, and finally settles down on the rocky coast of Maine.
But how will she complete her final and hardest wish? The answer lies in a handful of tiny seeds. As the Lupine Lady, she finds a wonderful way to spread colorful flowers everywhere she goes. This award-winning story will inspire you to think about how you can add beauty to your own neighborhood. It is a lovely tale about following your dreams and leaving a colorful mark on the world.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Before she became one of the most famous First Ladies of the United States, Eleanor Roosevelt was a shy and lonely little girl. You will step back in time to discover the true childhood story of a great humanitarian. Growing up was not easy for Eleanor, but she discovered ways to build her own courage and find her voice.
You will see how her early experiences shaped her kind heart and strong spirit. As she learns to help others and stand up for what is right, you will understand how she grew into an inspiring leader who changed history. This beautifully illustrated biography brings the past to life, showing you that even quiet children can grow up to make a massive difference in the world.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
44 Pages
Listen closely to the crashing ocean waves. A young girl named Hattie leaves the busy streets of Brooklyn, New York, to spend a magical summer at the beach. While others enjoy fancy parties, Hattie prefers a quieter, more creative life by the shore.
With a paintbrush in her hand, she spends her days capturing the beauty of the sandy beaches, bright skies, and the wild, rolling ocean. You will discover how Hattie listens to the natural world to find her true calling as an artist. This beautiful story encourages you to follow your own unique path, listen to your heart, and paint the world exactly as you see it.
6-8 Years
44 Pages
Grab a stick, hop on your imaginary horse, and ride into the magic of Roxaboxen! To grown-ups, it might look like a plain, rocky hill covered in sand and cactus across the street. But Marian and her friends know the truth. It is a sparkling city made entirely of imagination.
You will join the children as they build jeweled homes from desert glass, outline perfect streets with white stones, and even run two bustling ice cream shops out of old wooden boxes. Once you visit this special desert land, you will see how a little creativity can turn an empty lot into the greatest playground in the world. Get ready to discover the power of friendship and pretend play!
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Step quietly into a yellow house in Massachusetts and meet a very mysterious neighbor. For twenty long years, the woman who lives across the street has not left her home. But a young girl is about to discover the beautiful secret of the famous American poet, Emily Dickinson.
When the girl and her mother are invited inside, you will go along with them to explore Emily's quiet, extraordinary world. They share a special exchange of gifts that shows how friendship can bloom in unexpected places. This gentle and moving story celebrates the magic of poetry, the power of words, and the joy of connecting with someone who sees the world differently.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Meet Chanticleer, the proudest rooster in the entire barnyard! He loves to strut around all day and show off his magnificent feathers. But trouble arrives when a sneaky, hungry fox bursts into his kingdom. The clever fox uses smooth words and flattery to trick the proud rooster.
Before he knows it, Chanticleer is caught in a tight grip, and he is in serious danger. Now, the king of the barnyard has to do some incredibly quick thinking to save himself and protect his friends. You will be on the edge of your seat reading this classic fable about outsmarting tricky villains and learning why you should never let someone puff up your pride.
6-8 Years
44 Pages
Look out for the leaning tower of dirty plates! You will laugh out loud at the hilarious problem facing a little old man who lives all by himself. He cooks delicious dinners every single night, but he has one very bad habit. He simply refuses to wash his dishes!
At first, he just uses another clean plate. But soon, he runs out of plates and starts using bowls, cups, and even flowerpots to eat his meals. The dirty dishes pile up higher and higher until he cannot even find a place to sit down. You will have to read to find out how he finally solves his massive, messy problem and learns a very important lesson about cleaning up.
6-8 Years
31 Pages
By
Barbara Cooney
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Translated by
Margot C. Griego, Betsy L. Bucks, Sharon S. Gilbert, and Laurel H. Kimball
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Collected by
Margot C. Griego, Betsy L. Bucks, Sharon S. Gilbert, and Laurel H. Kimball
Get ready to clap your hands and sing along! You are invited to enjoy a wonderful collection of traditional nursery rhymes that have been shared by families across the Americas for generations. Every single poem and song is written in both English and Spanish, so you can practice reading and speaking in two languages.
Along with the beautiful words, you will find fun instructions for finger plays and hand games to do while you read. Whether you are patting out imaginary tortillas or playing peek-a-boo, these interactive rhymes are perfect for sharing with your friends and family. It is a fantastic way to celebrate culture, learn new words, and have a great time playing together.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
By
Edward Lear
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Pictures by
Lorinda Bryan Cauley, Craig Thompson, Barbara Cooney, O. Wood, James Marshall, and Maurice Sendak
Set sail on a beautifully silly journey across the sea! When the elegant Owl and the lovely Pussycat step into their beautiful pea-green boat, they are ready for the adventure of a lifetime. With a guitar by his side and a boat filled with sweet fruit, the Owl serenades his true love under the glowing stars. Their romantic voyage lasts for a year and a day, taking them to magical lands where the Bong-Tree grows. Along the way, they must find a special ring so they can finally be married by the turkey who lives on the hill. This classic nonsense poem is filled with delightful rhymes, musical language, and whimsical charm. You will be swept away by the playful romance and the unforgettable cast of characters in this timeless, joyful adventure.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Have you ever wondered what life was like a long, long time ago? Meet the Ox-Cart Man, a busy farmer in old New England. Each autumn, his family works together to prepare for a special journey. His wife spins wool, his daughter knits mittens, and his son carves brooms. They gather all the things they’ve made and grown throughout the year, from soft wool to fresh goose feathers, and load them carefully onto the ox cart.
Then, the Ox-Cart Man sets off, traveling over hills and through valleys to the bustling Portsmouth Market. He sells everything, piece by piece, even his loyal ox! With his pockets full of coins, he buys all the new supplies his family will need for the winter ahead.
After a long journey, he returns home, ready for the next year to begin. This beautiful story shows how a family works together through the changing seasons, making sure they have what they need in a simple, gentle world. It's a wonderful look at a timeless yearly tradition.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Two sisters live in a cozy cottage at the edge of a deep, enchanted woods. Snow-White is quiet and gentle, while Rose-Red is playful and loves to run through the sunny meadows. Even though they are completely different, they are the very best of friends.
One cold winter night, a giant brown bear knocks on their door, looking for a warm place to rest by the fire. The girls are frightened at first, but they soon learn that the bear is kind and gentle. What they do not know is that their furry new friend holds a magical secret, and he is searching for a wicked dwarf who stole his treasure.
Step into a timeless tale of kindness, magic, and bravery. You will journey alongside Snow-White and Rose-Red as they help their enchanted bear friend break a dark spell. This beautiful story proves that true goodness is always rewarded in the end.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
47 Pages
