Projects

Hugo Bear’s Non-Hibernation is a picture book that chronicles the journey of Hugo, a bear cub who doesn’t hibernate like his parents. Waking up on the first morning of hibernation is frightening for Hugo, but he gradually learns to take care of himself. As he becomes more independent and skilled, he leans into taking care

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Little Yellow Lighthouse is a picture book with lyrical elements of a lullaby that tells the tale of dedication to a job and determination to find love and family. Little Yellow protected his ships from the jagged rocks near his island. But when his beacon beamed and the fog rolled in, he learned to use

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Skipper Chip and Captain Jax is a picture book that shares the journey these two best friends take when one of their ships sinks. They try several unique and hilarious approaches to solve their “one-ship” problem until they discover an unexpected answer. I see it as a combination of the setting of Swashby and the

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Every Kid’s Guide to Using a Magic Wand is a rhyming picture book that poses the question, “What would YOU do if you found a magic wand?” This guide offers five humorous and useful tips, such as not pointing the wand at a frog but at food (to lead to a special treat). There are

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Oscar, Jack, and Bernice…and Sam is a picture book about creating a community around someone in need. Oscar and Jack chose “help Bernice” as their Summer Service Project, but she wasn’t who they expected! The rusty, dusty tractor needed more help than they and Farmer Sam could handle. The story embodies the warmth and unity

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Luka, the Reluctant Llama Leader is a humorous picture book that illustrates how an ordinary llama’s interest in protecting his herd invokes “the challenge,” – resulting in his new role as leader and the ensuing trouble. It combines the sweet naivete of Winnie the Pooh with the crazy group dynamics of Disney’s Ice Age. The

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In Mateo’s Typhoon Challenge, Mateo, King of the Sea Turtles, must choose between the unique strengths of others to pick his successor. This picture book has some lyrical components and includes a page of backmatter on Sea Turtles and Typhoons. The story has similarities to Willy Wonka’s succession challenges on his journey… As the next

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Dragon Wagon is a clever, humorous picture book that follows the journey of the lovable, tenacious Megan and her anxiety about flying. Working to live an everyday life, she is thrust into overcoming her fear and discovers flying isn’t as scary as imagined. The relatable story is a unique blend of the themes of If

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Tree House—Stone House is a lyrical picture book that explores courage, unity, and acceptance. Neither friends nor foes, the Tree-Dwellers and the River People maintained a wary separation due to the ominous nature of the forest and the untamed river. However, they had to unite to survive when a thunderous monsoon threatened their existence. This

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