Illustrator & Author Profile
Anita Lobel
20 Books
Anita Lobel is an author and illustrator of children's books, recognized for her vibrant and intricate artwork. Her rich, detailed illustrations have brought to life classics like A New Coat for Anna and A Treeful of Pigs. She has also written and illustrated her own engaging concept books, such as the beautifully floral Alison's Zinnia and 10 Hungry Rabbits. She frequently collaborated with her husband, Arnold Lobel, adding her signature warmth to their shared stories. Her captivating visual worlds continue to invite young readers into colorful journeys of imagination.
A talented band of traveling musicians loves nothing more than playing joyful tunes for the villagers. Their beautiful melodies bring happiness and dancing wherever they go. But one day, while traveling through a dark and mysterious forest, they accidentally cross paths with a very grumpy troll. Annoyed by their cheerful songs, the mischievous troll casts a wicked spell on their instruments, turning their lovely music into horrible, squeaky noises. Desperate to get their beautiful sound back, the musicians must figure out how to break the magic curse. You will cheer for the band as they use their wits and a little bit of magic to outsmart the troll and bring harmony back to the land.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
One beautiful autumn day, a little tabby cat named Nini notices the door to her house is wide open. The garden and the woods beyond look incredibly inviting, so she steps outside to explore. At first, the great outdoors feels like a wonderful playground full of exciting sights and smells. But when the sun goes down and the sky grows dark, the woods suddenly seem very big and scary. Strange animals begin sniffing and hooting in the shadows, making Nini realize just how much she misses her cozy home. You will join Nini on her outdoor adventure as she learns that sometimes the best place to be is exactly where you belong.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Anna is a highly skilled seamstress who creates the most magnificent gowns in all of Salzburg. The rich ladies of the town constantly demand her talents, always asking for their dresses to be grander and more extravagant than anyone else's. Eager to please, Anna carefully sews on layers of bright ribbons, delicate lace, enormous plumes, and colorful flowers. But the wealthy women become so greedy for fancy decorations that they push Anna to add too much. Soon, the towering, beautiful dresses become incredibly heavy and impossible to wear. You will find out what happens when the ladies' pride gets the best of them and everything begins to unravel at the seams.
6-8 Years
49 Pages
A mother duck and her adorable little ducklings are setting off for a peaceful stroll down a quiet country road. But a simple walk quickly turns into a delightful counting adventure when they start running into some very interesting neighbors. As the feathery family waddles along, they meet all sorts of friendly animals passing by. From clucking chickens to gentle farm animals, there is a new surprise waiting around every bend in the path. You can quack along with the ducklings as you practice counting from one to ten, exploring the countryside and making wonderful new friends along the way.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Nini the cat has the perfect life in the city, complete with a cozy windowsill where she can nap in the warm sunshine. She loves her daily routine and has absolutely no desire for things to change. But lately, her human family is acting very strange, packing things up and getting ready for a big trip. Nini begins to worry that they might leave her behind to go on vacation. When she realizes she is actually traveling with them to an entirely new house, her anxiety turns to nervousness about the unknown. You will join Nini on her momentous journey as she bravely faces the stress of moving, discovers the fun of exploring a new space, and learns that home is wherever your family is.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
The sun is up, and twenty six energetic pigs are wide awake and ready for an exciting day outside their pen. The adorable little piglets trot down a dusty country road, eager to see what the world has to offer. Soon, they discover a magical field scattered with giant, colorful letters just waiting to be explored. Amanda Pig finds an A to admire, Billy Pig balances bravely on a B, and Clara Pig discovers a dusty C that needs a good scrubbing. You will laugh out loud as these silly animals tumble, play, and oink their way through every single letter. It is the perfect alphabet adventure to enjoy before the sleepy pigs finally head back home under the glowing moonlight.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Discovering the alphabet has never been so vibrant or full of life. In this breathtaking journey through the garden, every single letter is brought to life by a beautiful flower and a special gift. The story begins when Alison acquires a bright Amaryllis to give to her friend Beryl. Then, Beryl buys a blooming Begonia for Crystal, passing the floral presents along in a wonderful chain of friendship. The giving continues all the way down to Zena, who zeroes in on a gorgeous Zinnia to give right back to Alison. You will love exploring these dazzling paintings and learning the names of exotic plants as you follow this clever, winding path from A to Z.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Sven is a dedicated watchman who loves taking care of the village drawbridge. He takes great pride in his work, making sure everyone can cross safely while friendly boats pass underneath. The villagers appreciate Sven and the important job he does every day. But everything changes when a grumpy, impatient king arrives and demands to cross the river immediately. In a sudden fit of temper, the thoughtless king orders his men to destroy the beloved bridge. You will discover how Sven and the townspeople handle this surprising disaster and work together to rebuild their community after the king's royal mistake.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Mama Rabbit has a big soup pot, but she needs fresh ingredients to make a delicious meal. Luckily, she has ten very hungry and very helpful rabbits ready to explore the garden. One by one, these little rabbits hop outside to gather the most colorful and yummy vegetables they can find. From one enormous purple cabbage to three bright yellow peppers, the garden is full of tasty surprises. You can count along as each rabbit brings back a different vegetable to add to the bubbling pot. This delightful harvest adventure will make your mouth water while you practice counting and learning all the colors of the rainbow.
6-8 Years
24 Pages
Two brothers grow up safely on a peaceful potato farm, deeply loved by their wise old mother. But as they grow older, they are drawn away by the excitement of battle. One brother joins the army of the East, while the other marches off to join the army of the West. Soon, their two opposing armies meet right in front of their mother's farm, turning their childhood home into a chaotic battlefield. Tired of the endless fighting, their mother decides she has had enough. Using her wits and her endless supply of potatoes, she teaches her sons and their hungry armies a powerful lesson about family, peace, and the things that truly matter.
6-8 Years
50 Pages
Get ready to pack your bags and travel the globe on an exciting alphabetical adventure. This unique journey takes you from one fascinating corner of the world to another, introducing you to new friends and amazing cities along the way. You will start by meeting Adam when he arrives in Amsterdam, and follow along letter by letter until you see Zachary zigzagging all the way through Zaandam. Every single page offers a stunning postcard view of a different international landmark. By following these travelers across the map, you can explore the wonders of the world and practice your alphabet at the exact same time.
6-8 Years
42 Pages
A busy lighthouse by the sea is the perfect place to learn all about the world around you. This special story is divided into three fun acts, starring a curious cat named Nini and the friendly people who live by the water. First, you will explore the days of the week as different colorful shoes appear outside the lighthouse door. Next, you can watch the ocean change through all twelve months and four beautiful seasons. Finally, you will count along from one to ten as surprising things happen right on the sandy beach. Whether you read it all at once or enjoy one act at a time, this bright adventure brings numbers and time to life.
6-8 Years
52 Pages
The sun is just starting to peek over the horizon, and the whole farm is waking up to greet the bright new morning. Every animal has their own special way to say hello to the sunshine. The friendly dog barks a happy woof, the cat stretches with a soft meow, and the cow chimes in with a big loud moo. From the meadow to the barn, you will hear a wonderful chorus of animal voices welcoming the day. But when the sun finally sets and the stars come out, there is one last feathered friend waiting in the dark to say good night.
6-8 Years
44 Pages
The rooster and the hen set off in a mice-drawn shoe to proclaim themselves king and queen.
6-8 Years
48 Pages
The royal palace is buzzing with excitement because it is the young princess's birthday. The king and queen have organized an enormous, fancy party filled with elegant guests and towering cakes. It looks like the perfect celebration, but the royal parents are so busy showing off that they forget to ask the princess what she actually wants. Amidst the loud music and crowded ballroom, the princess feels completely ignored and lonely on her special day. That is, until a traveling organ grinder and his playful monkey arrive at the castle gates. You will see how an unexpected friendship proves that real joy comes from those who truly care about you.
6-8 Years
46 Pages
Winter is coming, and Anna desperately needs a new coat. But after the war, money is scarce and the stores are completely empty. Even during these difficult times, Anna's mother is determined to keep her daughter warm. Since she cannot buy a coat, she comes up with a creative plan to trade the few valuable things they have left. You will follow Anna and her mother as they visit a farmer for wool, a spinner for yarn, a weaver for cloth, and a tailor to finally sew the beautiful red coat. This moving story shows how patience, love, and community can bring warmth to the coldest of days.
6-8 Years
38 Pages
It all begins with a single, beautiful red rose sleeping in the sun. But as you turn the pages of this cleverly constructed story, the garden grows larger and more colorful right before your eyes. Tall hollyhocks, bright zinnias, and cheerful sunflowers are added one by one, building a magnificent, towering garden bed.
This cumulative tale uses rich, rhyming language to introduce a stunning variety of flowers, stacking words just like the growing plants. But look closely among the petals and leaves, because a surprise visitor is hiding in the shadows, waiting to disrupt the peace. It is a wonderfully suspenseful and beautifully observed look at the quiet drama hiding in a summer backyard.
6-8 Years
44 Pages
The farmer promises to help his wife with the daily chores, but his words do not match his actions. Instead of working, he sleeps all day, leaving her to handle the heavy lifting on her own. He claims he will finally start helping when their pigs bloom in the garden like flowers, or when they grow on trees like apples. Taking his wild excuses to heart, the clever and determined wife decides to make his silly conditions come true. She uses her imagination and a lot of effort to set up hilarious traps that bring those very scenarios to life. Young readers will laugh out loud as they watch the farmer wake up to some very surprising sights. This funny, classic folktale shows the value of teamwork, the consequences of being lazy, and just how far a little creativity can go to get a point across.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
A cruel king makes a terrible deal, promising his daughter to an ogre in exchange for wagons of silver. The horrified princess refuses to accept this fate. Knowing she must escape, she devises a clever plan using her wits and a magnificent coat made of a thousand different furs. By hiding her true identity, she sets off on a daring journey to find her own path. Relying on her sharp mind and brave heart, the young princess outsmarts those who try to control her. This timeless fairy tale celebrates courage, quick thinking, and a heroine who writes her own happy ending.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
A young boy heads down Market Street with a pocket full of coins, ready to buy gifts for a very special friend. Along the way, he encounters a bustling row of incredible merchants, each one offering something completely different. From apples to zippers, he moves through the alphabet, finding a unique treasure for every single letter. The truly magical part is the shopkeepers themselves, who are completely constructed out of the very items they are selling. One merchant is entirely built out of playing cards, while another is a towering figure made of fresh, green vegetables. Every page introduces a stunning visual puzzle that will keep young readers looking closely at the details. This brilliant, award-winning journey through the ABCs combines a simple shopping trip with breathtaking artwork, turning a basic alphabet lesson into an unforgettable adventure.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
