Barbara Jean the Story Queen
Author
Teacher
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Author
Teacher
Speaker
NEWS ALERT!I’m doing the Happy Dance! With my co-author Kevin R. WOod and illustrator Ben Mann (not to mention Naren Aryal and the other lovely folks at Mascot Books), I am pleased to announce that Once Upon A Parsnip was one of 11 finalists out of almost 1,000 entries for the North Street Book Prize, honoring the best in independently published books. We didn’t win the big prize, but we did win an Honorable Mention in the picture book category, a certificate, cool silver seals for the covers of our books, and enough money to celebrate with a really nice dinner! The full press release is available here.
ONCE UPON A PARSNIP
Mascot Books 2016
“A perfect read-aloud, fun for listeners and readers alike!” ―NW Authors 4 Authors
Join Little Red and Old Bully Wolf on a madcap shopping spree through the marvelous Fairytale Market! Little Red is simply looking for parsnips for Granny Hood’s lunch, but Mr. Wolf is determined to snare the stew-worthy trio of famous pigs who run the store―and getting back at Little Red wouldn’t be bad, either.
This fairytale mash-up is rhyming fun with no agenda―but don’t be surprised if kids take a sudden interest in trying new foods, like Little Red’s mouth-watering Apple-Parsnip Soup. The child-tested recipe is included!
FROZEN: AN AMAZING SNOWMAN
Disney Press 2014
“The Zen of Olaf. Simple but profoundly subversive text.” ―Goodreads
A snowman who loves summer? Crazy!
But Olaf, the happy-go-lucky comic relief in Disney’s animated feature film FROZEN, is not your everyday snowman. He walks, he talks, he even sings. And those aren’t the only things that make him special.
This sweet, funny tale, charmingly illustrated by Disney artist Olga Mosqueda, is for everyone who believes in Zen and the power of positive thinking.
FROZEN: A SISTER MORE LIKE ME
Disney Press 2013
“Excellent supplementary reading material for an excellent film.” ―Rachel Khan
Princess sisters Anna and Elsa of Arendelle couldn’t be more different. The only thing they agree on is that each would be a lot happier if her sister were more like her.
Or would she?
This spirited look at sibling relationships, told in alternating voices, features stunning illustrations by Brittney Lee, a visual development artist and animator for Disney’s Oscar-winning film FROZEN.
MONSTERS DON’T EAT BROCCOLI
Random House/Knopf 2009
“More fun than a book with a message should ever hope to be.” ―Fuse 8 Productions
Monsters don’t eat broccoli…or do they? And if they don’t, what DO they eat? (Hint: certain vehicles and parts of vehicles appear to be favorites.)
In this ode to imagination and vegetables, a group of grinning, brightly colored Godzillas gleefully rampage across the pages to prove just how far their distaste for broccoli stretches. These goofy, toothy monsters, brought to life by British illustrator Sue Hendra, will delight even the pickiest of young eaters and the most timid of young readers.
THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER KITTY
Random House/Knopf 2007
“A charmer!” ―Kirkus Reviews
Walter is no ordinary housecat. In fact, even if his Person doesn’t know it, his real name is Fang—and he’s a swashbuckling superhero tiger of a cat, so watch out, Wanda!
Readers young and old will recognize in Walter Kitty both their cats and themselves. This zany tale, illustrated by the equally zany Caldecott-winning Dan Santat, is one of those rare books that keeps little ones giggling while delivering a powerful message: With a little imagination, we can all transcend the limits of ordinary life.
Out of Print: Search Used on Amazon.com
JITTERBUG JAM
Farrar Straus Giroux 2005, Random House/Hutchinson 2004
“A book to fall into over and over again.” ―Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
What’s a little monster to do with a boy hiding under the bed? Acting on the advice of his grandpa Boo-Dad, Bobo confronts the intruder—and gets unexpected results.
Set in an other-world full of enchantment and surprise, this award-winning role reversal tale encourages readers to look beyond stereotypes to the hearts of those different from themselves.
Guaranteed to keep even the littlest monster entertained.
Out of Print: Search Used on Amazon.com
I LIKE BLACK AND WHITE
tiger tales 2005, Random House/Hutchinson 2004
“Captivating, visually stunning and evocative.” ―Education Today
A lyrical poem that celebrates all things black and white, from puppies and penguins to dancing feet and helping hands, this little book is a feast both for ears and eyes. The rhyming text and playful images set against vividly colored backgrounds, with underlying themes of tolerance and friendship, are sure to delight young and old.
Out of Print: Search Used on Amazon.com
I LIKE COLORS
tiger tales 2005, Random House/Hutchinson 2004
“Bright, bold, simple and very stylish.” ―Carousel magazine
A celebration of all things bold and bright, this companion book to I LIKE BLACK & WHITE vividly portrays whimsical frogs, bugs, birds and other natural wonders against inky black backgrounds. In addition to being a rhapsody to bold, bright color, I LIKE COLORS introduces little ones to common pairs of opposites, too.
