From a young age Laura Wheeler Waring loved art. Growing up, she didn’t see any artists who looked like her, or even any paintings of people who looked like her. Using her family members as models, Laura painted and painted, filling the walls of her room like the walls of a gallery. Using her paints, she was fascinated by all the rich colors that combined to create the beautiful shades of brown she saw in her family members. While studying art in Paris, she was inspired by famous painters who captured the people around them. She decided she too wanted to paint who she knew best, people with beautiful brown skin that she never saw in paintings as a child. Today, Laura’s artwork hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington DC. Now everyone can admire the beautiful shades of brown she captured.

A wonderful true story of creativity and being true to one’s self, Beautiful Shades of Brown is both inspirational and educational. Beautiful Shades of Brown is written by Nancy Churnin, illustrated by Felicia Marshall, and published by Creston Books.


Laura Wheeler Waring discovered an entire rainbow within the beautiful shades of brown she painted.

Beautiful Shades of Brown

Today is the big day: George is about to start his first day of school. When he arrives with his friend Rami, there’s so much to see and do. George can barely contain his excitement. Circle Time, Storytime, Show and Tell, snacks, naps, and the playground—it’s one fun thing after another. Can George make it through the day without getting into trouble?

A fun-filled look at the wonders of early schooling, Curious George Ready for School gives young kindergarteners and preschoolers a sense of what a day at school is like—which helps them get ready for school as well. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, Curious George Ready for School is based on Margret and H. A. Rey’s timeless character. It remains true to the original watercolor and charcoal style.

George is about to start his first day of school. But with so much to see and do, can this little monkey stay out of trouble?

Curious George Ready for School

When Irving’s home is burned, his family is forced to flee to America. The trip across the ocean isn’t easy—but when Irving glimpses the Statue of Liberty, the whole boat sings her a grateful song. In New York City, Irving begins a new life. More songs begin to fill his head. Songs that sound like the clank of a railcar, shouts of laughter, the hum of a city full of life.

Come along with Irving as his creative spirit grows into something much bigger than himself. Melodies might be enough to lift his family out of poverty. One might even go on to inspire an entire country—an anthem of gratitude and hope for the land that became his new home.

Following songwriter Irving Berlin’s remarkable life, this story underscores the power of hope, hard work, and limitless creativity. Though his songs were celebrated and performed by countless talented musicians, Irving is best known for his ode to his new home, “God Bless America.” Written by Nancy Churnin and illustrated by James Rey Sanchez, Irving Berlin is published by Creston Books, LLC.


When Irving must flee his home in Russia, he starts a new life in America. What comes next begins with a song.

Irving Berlin: The Immigrant Boy Who Made America Sing

Louie is a dog. His young owner is an artist. To improve his skills, Louie’s owner paints each day—and Louie is there as his audience. But then it’s time for Louie’s owner to go to school. Louie watches him go, feeling upset. He doesn’t like to be alone.

One day, after Louie’s owner leaves for school, Louie feels inspired. After watching so many pictures come to life, maybe he could try his own paw at the canvas. Maybe Louie is an artist himself. Will Louie make a big mess of his owner’s studio? Or will he prove that anyone can capture a spark of genius—even an enthusiastic pup like Louie?

A charming tale about a child and his pet, My Dog Thinks I’m a Genius celebrates the idea that to become an artist, one must simply choose to be one. The story touches on concepts of self-confidence, self-expression, and supporting one another’s art. Written by Harriet Ziefert and illustrated by renowned artist Barroux, My Dog Thinks I’m a Genius is published by Blue Apple Books.

Every day before school, Louie’s owner paints a picture. Today, Louie might like to try his own paw at the canvas.

My Dog Thinks I'm A Genius

"Uh oh…the color’s blocked! Let’s see if we can help. Get ready to straighten out the pipes, unplug the corks, and get that color flowing again as we shake, turn, and move all around! But be careful—the color might get unclogged faster than expected! Little ones will have a blast with this interactive story as they learn primary colors in a whole new way! They’ll also discover how mixing colors makes new colors…and why you should never, ever, put too much trust in a narrator."

Color Blocked is written by Ashley Sorenson, illustrated by David Miles, and published by Familius.


Uh oh…the color’s blocked! Let’s see if we can help. But be careful—no telling what might happen!

Color Blocked

An incredible true story of determination, hard work and big dreams, Sweet Dreams, Sarah tells the inspirational story of Sarah E. Goode—entrepreneur, inventor and among the first African-American women to be awarded a US patent. Sarah grew up a slave and dreamed of so much more. After the abolition of slavery, Sarah moved to Chicago to build a life for herself and her family. She built furniture and opened a shop to serve her local community. Sarah listened to her customers, and soon realized they needed something brand new: a piece of furniture that was innovative and space saving. Through grit and determination Sarah achieved things she previously had only dreamed of—sweet dreams that became a reality.

Sweet Dreams, Sarah is written by Vivian Kirkfield, illustrated by Chris Ewald and published by Creston Books. 


The true story of Sarah E Goode, who was among the first African-American women awarded a US patent.

Sweet Dreams, Sarah

"And the People Stayed Home tells the story of the global Coronavirus pandemic, from a very different point of view. In a time of uncertainty and fear, this thought provoking story focuses instead on hope and beauty. This thoughtful poem about the pandemic, quarantine, and the future suggests there is meaning to be found in our shared experience of the Coronavirus. It also joyfully conveys an optimistic message about the possibility of profound healing for people and the planet.

And the People Stayed Home is the uplifting poem that swept the world during the global Coronavirus pandemic. Written by Kitty O’Meara in March of 2020, the poem immediately went viral. In a time where millions of people were undergoing quarantine, many feeling distant and unsure, O’Meara’s interesting perspective helped many see a brighter side. The poem has been so widely shared through social media, news media, and by influencers such as Deepak Chopra, Kate Winslet, O, The Oprah Magazine, and many others, that O’Meara, a former teacher and chaplain and currently a spiritual director, has been called “the poet laureate of the pandemic.”

And the People Stayed Home is written by Kitty O’Meara and voiced by Kate Winslet. The best selling book is illustrated by Stephano Di Cristofaro and Paul Pereda, and published by Tra Publishing."

In a time of uncertainty, this story focuses on the hope and beauty of our shared experiences.

And the People Stayed Home

Meet Allegro, a young boy who can’t stand practicing the piano. It’s hard and frustrating and he is ready to give up—until the music itself suddenly whisks him away on a magical adventure!Classical music comes to life like never before in this magical journey through 11 timeless compositions. Follow along as Allegro is carried through a range of emotive landscapes, each accompanied by a famous classical theme. Little ones will appreciate music in a whole new way as they discover that becoming a great musician (or anything for that matter) is only possible with patience and practice.

This wondrous story comes from family focused publisher, Familius. Allegro is masterfully written by David Miles and beautifully illustrated by Anita Barghigiani.

Music comes to life in this magical journey through 11 classical masterpieces!

Allegro

Lines are everywhere you look. Some are short, some are long. Some are wavy, some are straight. There are lines that curve and lines that bend. Everywhere around us there are lines to discover! 

Follow the lines that run all through this book, and see what interesting shapes they make! With clever rhymes and of course lots of wiggly lines, Lines That Wiggle is as creative as it is fun. This adorable introduction to lines, shapes, and form is written by Candace Whitman, illustrated by Steve Wilson, and published by Blue Apple Books.

Lines are everywhere you look. Short, long, wavy, straight; see if you can follow them all!

Lines That Wiggle

There are billions of people on the planet. Yet even with all those people, the world still needs a boy like you. A boy who gets that being “strong” can mean making sure everyone gets a turn—and that being “smart” can mean asking for help. A boy who understands how to play hard yet play fair. A boy who would rather pursue what he loves than pretend to be someone he’s not. 

In the end, what does being a “boy” really mean? And how can you “be yourself,” regardless of your gender? The truth is, we’re all on a journey to answer these questions—and this book just might help you along the way.

A touching love letter to the ideals of boyhood, A Boy Like You explores the assumptions and possibilities of who we grow up to be while celebrating the wonderful things we already are. Written by Frank Murphy and illustrated by Kayla Harren, A Boy Like You is published by Sleeping Bear Press.

Is there more to being a boy than playing sports and acting tough? And if so, what does it mean to be “a boy” like you?

A Boy Like You

When he wakes up in the morning, George finds a surprise: a new flag at the foot of his bed. Today is Parade Day! To prepare, George begins by baking an apple pie for him and the man with the yellow hat to share at the park. Counting kites and trees during their picnic—playing Frisbee and hoops and hopscotch—spinning on the merry-go-round—a day like today is never dull when a monkey is around.

But when the parade begins, something goes wrong. George accidentally spooks a horse, and the Lady Liberty float is ruined. Will George be able to fix things before the fireworks start? Or will Parade Day turn into a big disaster?

Celebrating festivities and fun-filled traditions, Curious George Parade Day is a lighthearted story about participating in—and taking responsibility for—a community event. The narrative also highlights American icons like Lady Liberty. Based on Margret and H. A. Rey’s timeless character and published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. This animated book stays true to the original watercolor and charcoal style.


Baking, playing, picnicking at the park—Parade Day is a blast. But when a horse gets loose, can George save the parade?

Curious George Parade Day

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Nazari has many fantastic ideas for her future. Could she be an astronaut? A farmer? Maybe a scientist? A dentist? An engineer? Or maybe, she can be all of them! Nazari has the courage and confidence to dream big, not putting any limits on what is possible! 

Party Nazari’s Fantastic Future is written by Nate Carter and illustrated by Sam Niemann.


Nazari has many fantastic ideas for her future, and the courage and confidence to dream big!


Party Nazari's Fantastic Future!

These storybooks feature creativity in all of it's forms: from artistic thought, to thinking outside the box, to critical thinking and problem solving.

Be Creative

Be Creative