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

Jadav lives on an island in the middle of a river. When floodwaters begin destroying the island’s trees, Jadav starts planting bamboo. The shoots grow into a thicket—but Jadav fears it’s not enough. He collects supplies and seeds from neighboring villages. He tends the plants each day. And slowly, acre by acre, animal by animal, the thicket grows into something remarkable.

Follow the true-life story of Jadav, the boy who grew a forest. His 1,300-acre sanctuary—that’s over 900 football fields of forest—stands as an important reminder of a powerful truth: A single person can make an incredible difference.

The Boy Who Grew a Forest traces the story of Jadav Payeng, a Mishing tribesman whose life demonstrates the importance of personal responsibility, patience, care, and hard work. Winner of numerous awards, the book was written by Sophia Ghotz, illustrated by Kayla Harren, and is published by Sleeping Bear Press.

The trees are disappearing from Jadav’s island. What does he decide to do about it? Plant a forest, of course.

The Boy Who Grew a Forest

Martha Washington grew up on a farm. Dolley Madison helped her mom rent a boarding house. Eleanor Roosevelt became an orphan when she was nine years old. But like so many women before them, they didn’t let their circumstances determine who they’d be. They read, and they wrote. They taught, and they listened. And they left a mark on the world that we still see today in our parks, schools, and workplaces.

From Washington to Obama, come learn from eleven courageous women who did their best to make change for the better. Will you change the world in your own way? And when you do, will your name be listed next to theirs? The whole world is waiting to find out.

Courageous First Ladies Who Changed the World is an introduction to some incredible women who used their time in the White House to help others. Written by Heidi Poelman and illustrated by Giovana Medeiros, the book explores themes of selflessness, perseverance, humility, and the importance of learning. Published by Familius.

Can anyone change the world? These presidential women thought so—and they’ve got the life stories to prove it.

Courageous First Ladies Who Changed The World

"The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." -Thomas Edison

From the curiosity of Leonardo da Vinci to the dedication of Marie Curie, Inventors Who Changed the World is a young child's first introduction to the brilliant people who taught us the meaning of perseverance and innovation. Simple text and adorable illustrations tell the contributions of nine renowned inventors from around the world: Cai Lun, Leonardo da Vinci, Marie Curie, Thomas Edison, Orville and Wilbur Wright, Grace Hopper, Johannes Gutenberg, and Louis Pasteur. Inspire your own little inventor with the words of these inventive heroes who changed the world.

Inventors Who Changed the World is written by Heidi Poelman, illustrated by Kyle Kershner and published by Familius.

These heroes imagined and invented a better world. What kind of hero will you be?

Inventors Who Changed The World

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

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

It's not just people who can change the world, but animals too! These amazing stories introduce children to the real life animals who changed history. From a cow that helped save millions, to a dog who captured a spy, to a bear that inspired stories known the world over; Amazing Animals Who Changed the World teaches that you don't have to be big (or even human!) to make a difference.

With beautiful illustrations and fun and engaging stories, Amazing Animals Who Changed the World is sure to entertain and inspire! Amazing Animals Who Changed the World is written by Heidi Poelman, illustrated by Kyle Kershner, and published by Familius.

These incredible stories introduce children to the real life amazing animals who changed history!

Amazing Animals Who Changed the World

From Abraham Lincoln to Rosa Parks, Courageous People Who Changed the World is a perfect introduction to historical figures who stood up to make a difference in the world. The heroic true stories are told through simple text and engaging illustrations, sure to become an instant favorite for young audiences. Featured are William Wilberforce, Harriet Tubman, Abraham Lincoln, Susan B. Anthony, Mahatma Gandhi, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., and Malala Yousafzai. Each story will inspire courage, determination, and a belief that anyone can change the world.

Courageous People Who Changed the World is written by Heidi Poelman, illustrated by Kyle Kershner and published by Familius.

The perfect introduction to historical figures who stood up to make a difference in the world.

Courageous People Who Changed the World

Little Samantha had a BIG dream: to be an Olympian! She loved gymnastics, the way the athletes moved on the floor, the vault, the uneven bars and the balance beam. With the support of her parents, Samantha worked hard and dreamed BIG! To be an Olympian Samantha would have to be the very best, or so she thought. When adversity struck again and again, Samantha had to learn the true meaning of being an Olympian and being her best self.

Based on the life and story of Olympian Samantha Peszek, Little Girl Big Dream inspires children to dream BIG, work hard, love themselves and to support and encourage others. Little Girl Big Dream is written by Leslie Harter, Illustrated by Hayley Moore and published by Vooks.

Samantha had a BIG dream! Being an Olympian meant she had to be the very best, or so she thought...

Little Girl Big Dream: The Story of Olympian Samantha Peszek

Wangari, grew up in Kenya, surrounded by beautiful trees. Years later, after returning home from college, she is shocked to see entire forests cut down. The land is barren and the people in the villages are suffering. She knows that if trees could return, then the land and people would flourish once again. Starting small, Wangari plants nine seedlings in her own backyard. Soon, women from her village, and beyond, are joining in! The movement grows. Despite being mocked, and even thrown in jail, Wangari’s determination and vision inspire change across Africa and even the world. 

Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa, is a message of strength, determination and responsibility for the environment around us. The empowering true story of Wangari Maathai, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, is sure to inspire future generations. Through Wangari’s example we learn that one person can truly make a difference and impact the world. 

Wangari's Trees of Peace is written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter and published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.


Through Wangari’s example we learn that one person can truly make a difference and impact the world.

Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa

"Courageous people are all around, but not all are household names throughout the world. In this inspiring and informative historical title, get acquainted with courageous people from the state of Washington, in the United States of America. Meet Chief Seattle, for whom a city was named after; Catherine Montgomery, who helped create a trail from Mexico to Canada; and many others."

With beautiful illustrations and fun and engaging stories, Courageous People From Washington Who Changed the World is sure to entertain and inspire! Courageous People From Washington Who Changed the World is written by Heidi Poelman, illustrated by Kyle Kershner, and published by Familius.


Get acquainted with courageous people from the state of Washington, in the United States of America.

Courageous People From Washington Who Changed The World

Drift gently through a winter wonderland as pillowy snowflakes and sparkling ice crystals flutter off the page. Explore the beautiful and mysterious world of snowflakes, and learn the true story of the Snowflake Man, Wilson A. Bentley, who revealed the true beauty of snowflakes to the world. Full of wondrous imagery and a real life story, Snowflakes will engage and fascinate curious minds!

Originally created as a deluxe pop-up book, Snowflakes is full of beautiful, frosty illustrations and an engaging true story. This cool title is a flurry of winter wonder. From Jumping Jack Press — a division of Up With Paper — Snowflakes: A Pop-Up Book is written by Jennifer Preston Chushcoff and illustrated and engineered by Yevgeniya Yeretskaya.


Explore the beautiful and mysterious world of snowflakes, and the true story of the Snowflake Man!

Snowflakes: A Pop-Up Book

This selection of books details the lives of courageous historical figures.

Biographies

Biographies