Julianna Swaney

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with a beautiful story inspired by a beloved classic carol. As winter arrives, it is time to unbox the decorations, unwrap the delicate ornaments, and hang them around the house. You can dash into the kitchen to bake sweet cookies and top them with yummy frosting. Then, bundle up and share those treats with all your neighbors while singing a joyful song. This heartwarming tale follows a family as they enjoy treasured holiday traditions and make their home shine for a twinkly new year. With enchanting art that feels straight out of a festive movie, this delightful book invites you to read aloud and sing along again and again.

Dive into an underwater adventure where starting school is exciting, especially when you are a mermaid. It is Molly's very first day at mermaid school, and she has an ocean of things to learn. Swim along as the mermaids count clamshells, recite their A B Seas, and meet new friends in the classroom. You will even get to enjoy story time about a fascinating subject: children who walk on land. When the school day ends, it is time to sing the goodbye song and wave farewell to the teachers. With sweet, rhyming language and a peek into a whimsical undersea world, this delightful tale touches on all the major moments you will experience on your own first day of school.

Meet a trailblazer who inspired generations of girls to change the world. Sara Josephine Baker was a strong and adventurous girl growing up in New York during the late 1800s. After losing her brother and father to typhoid fever, she became fiercely determined to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. In her day, medical schools were closed to women, but times were changing and she was at the forefront. Even after graduating in 1898, Dr. Jo faced deep prejudice and an empty waiting room. Instead of giving up, she accepted a public health job in Hell's Kitchen, one of New York's poorest neighborhoods. There, she treated the most vulnerable patients by ensuring babies had fresh air, safe environments, and proper food. Discover how her compassion and ingenuity made her famous for saving thousands of children.

Grab your trowel and step outside into the fresh dirt. Building a beautiful family garden is an exciting adventure, but it takes a lot more than just planting a few seeds. Along the way, you and your family will discover that growing flowers and vegetables is hard work. Sometimes things go wrong, like when hungry bunnies sneak in for a midnight snack or a plant just refuses to grow. Do not let a few mistakes discourage you. Every tiny seed is a lesson waiting to be learned. Through patience, teamwork, and a little bit of sunshine, you will see how a bare patch of soil transforms into a vibrant, thriving garden. Join the Gaines family as they share their real life journey of digging in the dirt. This heartwarming story shows young readers that trying something new is not always easy, but the final harvest is entirely worth the effort.

Step outside on a bright spring day and see who is visiting the birdfeeder. First, one blue jay dives down from way up high, calling out for something to eat. Then, two mourning doves scout for seeds on the ground below. Next to swoop in are three tiny black-capped chickadees, ready for a quick bite. Soon you can spot four little wrens in a tree, joined by a bright red cardinal to make five. Come count these feathered friends as they gather to snack and sing. This lyrical story is a gentle invitation to slow down, practice gratitude, and discover the wonders of nature. Enjoy the simple, poetic words and beautiful art as you marvel at the amazing world right outside your window.

Get ready to take flight on a bright and beautiful adventure! In this vibrant story, a group of kids is given a very exciting task: they each get to build their very own hot-air balloon. As they start working, you will notice that every child has a completely different way of doing things. Some work quickly, while others take their time. Some work alone, and others love to team up. But as they lean into their own special skills, they discover something amazing. When we share our unique talents and celebrate our differences, the world becomes a much more colorful and exciting place! Filled with beautiful illustrations and a joyful message, this book will inspire you to embrace exactly who you are. It teaches us that by lending a helping hand, showing kindness, and working together, we can reach the sky. Always remember: you are one of a kind, and the world needs who you were made to be!

Ever since Williamina Fleming was a little girl, she was deeply curious about the world above her. Her childhood fascination with light inspired a lifelong journey into the stars. Mina grew up to become a brilliant astronomer during a time when women were discouraged from even looking through telescopes. Despite facing impossible odds as an immigrant and a woman, she believed that the universe was a giant riddle waiting to be solved. Mina's hard work and determination ultimately helped create a detailed map of the universe, paving the way for future space explorers. Discover the inspiring true story of a strong woman who chipped away at sexist barriers and helped lay the foundations for modern astronomy.

Step outside and look closely at the beautiful world waiting right in your own backyard. There are tiny, wonderful surprises hidden everywhere if you just take the time to notice them. This gentle and inspiring picture book invites you to slow down, take a deep breath, and explore the everyday magic of nature. Whether it is a brightly colored leaf, a busy little bug, or the shape of the clouds in the sky, there is so much to discover when you let your curiosity lead the way. With soft, beautiful illustrations, this story encourages you and your family to press pause on busy days and share moments of wonder together. You will learn that your unique way of seeing the world is a special gift, and the world truly needs the beautiful wonder you see.

Like many young girls, Eva longs to twirl and glide across a stage. But unlike many would-be dancers, Eva was born with cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. She does not know what dance looks like for someone whose body moves differently. Everything changes when Eva learns about a special studio that has created a class for dancers of all abilities. Her first movements in the room are tentative and shy. Slowly, with the warm encouragement of her instructor and her fellow students, Eva becomes more confident in her own unique rhythm. She finally knows she has found a place where she truly belongs. Join Eva on her uplifting and poetic journey as her deepest dream of dancing finally comes true.

Get a front row seat to experience the electric excitement of opening night. Young dancers are nervously preparing for a grand performance of The Nutcracker in this festive holiday tale. Sleepless in their beds on the night before the big show, these budding ballet dancers are rehearsing their steps in their heads. If you have ever dreamed of leaping across the stage, you will love this magical story told in the rhythmic tradition of a classic Christmas poem. Follow four young girls and boys as they experience the thrills of tough auditions, long rehearsals, and beautiful costume fittings. Finally, the big event arrives and the curtain rises. Step behind the scenes to discover all the hard work, creativity, and joy that leads up to an unforgettable opening night performance.