Juvenile Nonfiction

For kids who want to learn about what life was like on the Oregon and California Trails between 1840 and 1869, this fascinating history book features beautiful papercut illustrations to reveal the true experiences of real children who had traveled west. The book shows how these children's courage, determination, perseverance, and hope defined the West for what it represents today.

Between 1841 and 1884, more than 300,000 people—40,000 of whom were children—moved over land across North America in search for a new start and better life. The journey presented challenges at every turn, from the initial preparations to the months-long trip, and even after when the travelers reached their final destinations. Young emigrants played large roles throughout it all, with responsibilities ranging from hunting animals to gathering buffalo dung, or even caring for babies.

Relying on real letters and memoirs of actual children on the trail, My Way West offers a fresh perspective so that readers, too, can smell the campfire smoke and see the dust kicked up by the wagon wheels. Learn about seven-year-old Benjamin Bonney from Illinois who was introduced to a new type of bread by Native Americans he met on the trail; how thirteen-year-old Heber McBride and his family from England were able to keep up with their traveling group; what ten-year-old Thocmetony of the Northern Paiute in Nevada thought of the travelers passing by her home; what the difficulties twelve-year-old Owen Bush met when his family, including his free African American father, finally reached Oregon; and more.

Including a bibliography and gorgeously illustrated in vibrant, masterful papercut art, this book presents true stories plus quotes so that young readers can share the emigrant kids’ triumphs and tragedies as they make their journey west.

★★★★★ "Wonderful book for my young school age grandchildren who live in Washington. I may get my own copy!"

W is for Washington combines dazzling photos with fun and informative couplets which describe the pictures and offer clear picture-word associations. Intriguing facts will add to the non-fiction learning experience.

This book covers subjects important or significant to Washington state and includes brilliant color photography by top photographers. Each vibrant page highlights a unique aspect of Washington's natural beauty and lively culture with either a place, animal, plant or another evocative idea.

The book’s eye-popping design and educational content will hold the child’s interest through countless readings. In addition to the 26 letters of the alphabet is the “Who Knew?—Facts about the great state of Washington” section which gives parents, teachers, and even kids a deeper understanding of the topic for each letter of this Washington alphabet.

This is the amazing true story of Bobbie the Wonder Dog, a legend in his own time who warmed the hearts of a nation. The Scotch collie mix was lost on a family trip from Oregon to Indiana in 1923 and walked all the way home, a six-month and almost 2,800-mile journey, to return to the people he loved.

"Brown takes a sensational news story and focuses on the devotion of one remarkable dog to bring this amazing story to young readers for the first time. Porter’s illustrations combine rich colors and vintage details to bring Bobbie to life on the pages through all of his adventures and hardships. A dog story as incredible now as it was nearly a century ago, gives Bobbie the Wonder Dog all the makings of a timeless classic."
—Midwest Book Review

"Porter's detailed and dramatically lit paintings trace Bobbie's difficult solo trip back to Oregon, crossing through snowy forests and rain-soaked fields. An end note reveals additional details about Bobbie's remarkable life, fleshing out a quietly inspiring story that's just as engrossing now as it was some 90 years ago."
—Publishers Weekly

Bob was an average-looking collie puppy in every way, except for his bobbed tail . . . and maybe that’s why the Brazier family named him Bob, or Bobbie. But he was average in no other way. In 1923, Bobbie joined Frank and Elizabeth Brazier for a cross-country drive from Silverton, Oregon, to Indiana, Frank’s home state, where they planned to visit family. During a stop in Indiana, Bobbie was chased off by loose dogs, and after a week of searching and placing newspaper ads, the broken-hearted Braziers had to give up and start the drive home.

Six months to the day after he was lost in Indiana, a very thin Bobbie was spotted on a Silverton sidewalk, his coat matted, his paws raw from wear. Unbelievable as it seemed, the three-year-old dog had WALKED almost 2,800 miles to get back home.

Though weak and tired, Bobbie went berserk with joy when he was reunited with his family, and from that day, all of their lives changed. In the weeks and months that followed, his story tore across the country in newspapers and even in a hardcover collection of pet stories. He was the main attraction at an Oregon home-builders convention in Portland, where thousands lined up to pet him, and he starred in a short feature film. Also, the Braziers eventually heard from people along Bobbie's homeward-bound route, places where he’d stopped long enough to recoup, and then he was gone again. These stories verified their thinking. Bobbie had done the impossible.

When Bobbie died, he was buried in Portland, Oregon, by the Oregon Humane Society. Rin Tin-Tin was there to lay a wreath at his funeral, which was officiated by the mayor of Portland. This incredible story is all true, and the origins of Lassie Come Home are said to be traced to the story of Bob of Silverton, also known as Bobbie, the Wonder Dog.

Explore California's most visited city park in this A-to-Z adventure!

A 2020 Eureka! Honor Award Winner

"This book will be an instant classic and resonate with anyone who has ever fallen in love with Golden Gate Park. It is truly gorgeous and really captures the uniqueness of the park."
--Helen Crocker Russell Library of Horticulture at the San Francisco Botanical Garden

"Did you know that a famous grizzly bear once lived in Golden Gate Park? Or that in 1921, 25 bison escaped their enclosure at night and roamed the streets of the nearby Richmond district? You couldn’t make this stuff up. Written by a GGMG mom of two, this A to Z book will make your family look at GGP with new eyes and will probably inspire you to explore new spots. Fairy doors, anyone."
--Golden Gate Mothers Group Magazine

"I was quite surprised by how much I enjoyed this little picture book. Reading all these fun facts made me pretty curious about the place and I hope I get to visit it for real one day! I recommend this book for kids ages six and up!"
--Kids' BookBuzz (Hannah, age 13)

"To celebrate Golden Gate Park's 150th anniversary, the San Francisco Parks Alliance and West Margin Press have collaborated to publish this colorful, alphabetical introduction. . . For San Franciscans, and those planning a visit, especially with children, this book suggests a number of intriguing explorations. Especially useful in the region, but also where there's a general interest in geography and destinations."
--School Library Journal

From A for Artist Ruth Asawa's hanging wire creations in the de Young Museum, to Z for the Zebra on the carousel in the Koret Children's Quarter, this book leads you around San Francisco's famous Golden Gate Park to reveal a range of fun and surprising facts for tourists and locals alike. Step into art, science, nature, and culture by visiting the park's major attractions, like the serene Japanese Tea Garden; discovering secret destinations, like the magical fairy doors hidden in trees; or just relaxing on the green meadows where the bison roam. Included also at the back of the book is a colorfully illustrated map with extra trivia and details on the park's favorite sights.

The board book version of this is available as ABCs of Golden Gate Park.

Meet Flo, a glacier, as she shows you what the life of a glacier is like in this picture book filled with fun facts, from what glaciers are and how they’re formed to what creatures live there, and more.

Glaciers exist on every continent on earth, growing, spreading, and shrinking over thousands of years. But what are they, and how are they formed? Glacier on the Move tells the story of a glacier named Flo and her slow-motion race to the sea, from the edge of an ice field and down steep cliffs, to muscling her way around mountains, and stretching into a valley. With the help of some iceworms in the margins, Flo reveals how glaciers move, change shape, and provide for the surrounding world and animals. Blending fascinating science facts with dynamic illustrations, Glacier on the Move introduces young readers to glacial history and science in a captivating and unique way.

Introducing the magnificent crumpled paper art by debut author Kunal Kundu, Wildlife on Paper brings to life animal species at risk from all around the world while teaching kids how cool and unique each animal is.

Amazon's Best Books of the Year (Children Nonfiction, 2020)
One of Society of Illustrator's Featured Artists in the Original Art 2021
Winner of a 2021 Eureka! Honor Award, presented by the California Reading Association
Gold Medal Recipient of the Moonbeam Spirit Awards, 2021
Winner, Next Generation Indie Book Awards (Children's Picture Book, Nonfiction, All Ages)
Winner of India's Best Design Awards 2021, presented by Design India

From the Peary caribou in Northwest Canada to the Galapagos Penguin in Ecuador, the Royal Bengal Tiger in India to the Hawksbill Sea Turtle in Australia, this book celebrates the rich diversity of wildlife on almost every continent. Each of the sixteen exquisitely handcrafted paper sculptures come with interesting trivia and facts about where the animal lives and how it survives in its habitat and interacts with nature. Also included is a map of where each creature lives on the globe, plus a list of helpful resources and the author's favorite nature conservation organizations.

Sure to be a favorite for kids and adults alike, Wildlife on Paper opens the world wide as you marvel at the gorgeous crumpled paper art journey through the ocean, forest, desert, and more to learn about the diversity of animals and their incredible characteristics.

(Please note the artist creates his sculptures sourced from eco-friendly paper companies that plant a tree for every ream of paper sold.)

A 2022 Eureka! Gold Award Winner — California Reading Association's Eureka! Nonfiction Children's Book Awards 

Written in lyrical prose with beautifully detailed illustrations, Wake, Sleepy One follows the California poppy’s incredible journey, from seed, to flower, to the rare super bloom.

One of Children Book Council's Hot off the Press picks for April 2022!

"Gorgeous illustrations, that fill the page, show the desert habitat where the California Poppy blooms in the spring—if the conditions are right. […] An ode to a beautiful plant. This book could be wonderfully shared in a Botany class or used in a science unit for younger children. It seems like a must-have for schools and libraries in California. 5 Stars."
—Youth Services Book Review

"A lyrical, elegant, and eloquent tribute to one of California's most treasured wildflowers, Wake, Sleepy One: California Poppies and the Super Bloom is a treasured picture book story by author Lisa Kerr and artist/illustrator Lisa Powell Braun that beautifully and elegantly captures the quiet strength of the poppy in all its breathtaking and deftly illustrated wonder."
—Midwest Book Review

"Lisa Powell Braun's charming artwork supports Kerr's spare text and offers a variety of reading options for this book. . . Two full spreads of stellar backmatter add to its usability in the classroom, and make this a perfect resource for learning about desert landscapes!"
—Goodreads with Ronna

"Packed with interesting information conveyed through whimsical writing. . . For young nature enthusiasts or browsers, [Wake, Sleepy One] is ideal narrative nonfiction."
—School Library Journal

"The use of onomatopoeia and personification liven up the description of the flower’s life. . . At the back of the book, readers will find a glossary, labeled diagram of the flower parts, additional information related to the poppy, locations to find poppies, and some resources."
—Children's Literature Comprehensive Database

Follow the golden poppy's journey as it slowly wakes inside its seed, stretches its roots, and unfolds its delicate petals. Watch as it transforms the land into an ocean of orange—the amazing "super bloom."

A lyrical ode to California's most treasured wildflower, Wake, Sleepy One gently captures the quiet strength of the poppy in all its breathtaking wonder.

Read the beginning of a story—the rest is up to you!

"After many years of teaching writing, these amazing Totally Weird Activity books will captivate even the most reluctant student! Filled with a wide variety of topics and interests to get a story started, the books will ignite a passion for the craft."
—Laura Baker, elementary school teacher and winner of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

"Super Stranger Story Starters by T.M. Murphy, illus. by Mark Penta, [is] a collection of story prompts kicking off the Totally Weird Activity Books series."
—Publishers Weekly, Fall 2022 Children's Sneak Previews

With 22 unique prompts plus colorful illustrations, this creative writing book is ready to go in any direction you want. Each story starter prompt includes space inside to write down and explore ideas of what happens next. There is no wrong way to tell a story, so find inspiration in the artwork details, throw in plot twists, reveal secret desires, make happy endings (or not), introduce new characters. . . the possibilities are endless!

Part of the Totally Weird Activity Book series created by childhood friends Mark and Ted, Super Strange Story Starters is perfect for aspiring writers, avid readers, and creative kids who have a story to tell.

The incredible true story of one dog’s heroic feats during the 2017 Tubbs Fire, one of the most destructive wildfires in California history.

One October night in 2017, when wildfire raged in Sonoma and Napa counties, the Hendel family was suddenly evacuated from their homes and farms to escape to safety and forced to leave behind their Pyrenees dog, Odin. Odin refused to leave his nightly post of guarding the family’s eight young goats, despite the family’s desperate attempts to lead him away. Brokenhearted, the Hendels were sure they would never see their dog again.

But when the fire calmed and the family returned home, to their shock they found Odin singed yet safe, along with all the goats and several orphaned deer the dog had protected as well. Odin, Dog Hero of the Fires is a touching and inspirational true tale that honors the bravery and strength of Odin as well as commemorates the stories of those affected by the Tubbs Fire.

Featuring 23 unique story starter prompts plus cool, colorful artwork, Unusual Objects in Fantastic Places makes creative writing more fun than ever!

It all begins with a strange object in a peculiar place… you decide what happens next! Accompanied by bold and bright illustrations, each prompt transports you to a different location with a new item that appears out of place. Let your imagination run wild as you read the beginning of the story and write in plot twists, add new characters or objects, and more—the possibilities are endless!

Part of the Totally Weird Activity Book series created by childhood friends Mark and Ted, Unusual Objects in Fantastic Places is perfect for aspiring writers, avid readers, and creative kids who have a story to tell.

A memoir about what it’s like when they think you’re their daughter, but you know you’re their son.

For as long as he could remember, Grayson has known he is a boy, not a girl. While his identical twin sister wore princess dresses and danced ballet in a tutu, Grayson preferred his Spider-Man costume or sweats. He was uncomfortable in anything considered “girly.” People called him a tomboy, but he knew that wasn’t right either. He explained to his mother, “I know I’m supposed to be your daughter, but I feel more like your son. I guess I’m your… Dot-son.”

Grayson is now twelve years old. This is his story about what it’s like growing up transgender—from small moments, like getting a new haircut or playing football, to the big life events, like choosing a bathroom, coming out to his friends, and picking a new name. Filled with humor and joy, Dotson is a thought-provoking and honest story of one boy’s journey to becoming his best and truest self and sharing that with the world.

The book also includes helpful resources for transgender kids and families.

Featuring 23 unique story starter prompts plus cool, colorful artwork, Unusual Objects in Fantastic Places makes creative writing more fun than ever!

It all begins with a strange object in a peculiar place… you decide what happens next! Accompanied by bold and bright illustrations, each prompt transports you to a different location with a new item that appears out of place. Let your imagination run wild as you read the beginning of the story and write in plot twists, add new characters or objects, and more—the possibilities are endless!

Part of the Totally Weird Activity Book series created by childhood friends Mark and Ted, Unusual Objects in Fantastic Places is perfect for aspiring writers, avid readers, and creative kids who have a story to tell.

A memoir about what it’s like when they think you’re their daughter, but you know you’re their son.

For as long as he could remember, Grayson has known he is a boy, not a girl. While his identical twin sister wore princess dresses and danced ballet in a tutu, Grayson preferred his Spider-Man costume or sweats. He was uncomfortable in anything considered “girly.” People called him a tomboy, but he knew that wasn’t right either. He explained to his mother, “I know I’m supposed to be your daughter, but I feel more like your son. I guess I’m your… Dot-son.”

Grayson is now twelve years old. This is his story about what it’s like growing up transgender—from small moments, like getting a new haircut or playing football, to the big life events, like choosing a bathroom, coming out to his friends, and picking a new name. Filled with humor and joy, Dotson is a thought-provoking and honest story of one boy’s journey to becoming his best and truest self and sharing that with the world.

The book also includes helpful resources for transgender kids and families.

Join childhood friends Mark and Ted as they lead you on a creative adventure through this special coloring book!

"After many years of teaching writing, these amazing Totally Weird Activity books will captivate even the most reluctant student! Filled with a wide variety of topics and interests to get a story started, the books will ignite a passion for the craft."
—Laura Baker, elementary school teacher and winner of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

Each page includes dynamic black-and-white illustrations, plus a cool interactive element to spark the imagination. Complete half-finished drawings, create your own story from the writing prompts, solve word searches, and fill in the blanks with ideas as you color through this fun, wacky journey. There's something in here for everyone!

Part of the Totally Weird Activity Book series, Creative Coloring and Far-Out Fun is perfect for young artists, illustrators, coloring book fans, writers, and puzzlers who like to imagine and create things.