Author Profile
Fran Manushkin
21 Books
Fran Manushkin is an American children's author whose books focus on family, friendship, growing up, and everyday childhood experiences. She is the creator of the extensive Katie Woo series, which helps early readers navigate common school and social situations. She has also written many standalone picture books, including Happy in Our Skin and Latkes and Applesauce. Her stories use clear language, child-friendly humor, and gentle lessons to support young children as they learn about the world.
Katie Woo has everything perfectly planned for a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with her best friends, Pedro and JoJo. But an unexpected snowstorm quickly causes her perfect plans to fall apart.
First, Pedro and JoJo's families get stuck in the heavy snow. Then, right when things look their worst, the Woos' oven breaks completely. With no sweet potatoes, no pie, and her friends trapped in the storm, Katie is afraid her favorite holiday is completely ruined. But with a little bit of quick thinking and a lot of neighborly kindness, Katie might just figure out a way to save the day.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Do you ever feel sad or mad because someone is being mean? Katie Woo knows just how that feels! A boy at school keeps teasing her, and it's making her really upset. Katie doesn't want to feel this way anymore, but how can she make the teasing stop?
Join Katie as she tries to figure out the best way to handle this tricky situation. You'll see how she deals with her big feelings and learns important ways to stand up for herself. This early reader story helps you understand that it's okay to feel sad or mad, and that there are brave things you can do when someone is teasing you. Follow Katie Woo on her journey to find her voice and make school a happier place!
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Goldie is Katie Woo's absolute favorite dog in the world, but she is getting very old. When Goldie becomes sick and peacefully passes away, Katie is left feeling deeply sad and confused.
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is incredibly hard, and Katie misses her best furry friend very much. However, as she talks about her feelings, Katie begins to realize that keeping Goldie's memory alive brings her comfort. Through shared moments and happy thoughts, she learns that her love for her dog will always stay safely in her heart.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
It seems like every single kid in Katie Woo's class has proudly lost a tooth. Everyone, that is, except for Katie!
She has a tooth that is definitely wiggly, but no matter what she tries, it absolutely refuses to fall out. Katie tests every clever idea she can think of to help the tricky tooth along, from munching on hard apples to wiggling it constantly, but nothing seems to do the trick. She is beginning to worry that she will be stuck with her baby tooth forever. Will her stubborn tooth finally make its exit?
6-8 Years
32 Pages
A trip to the beach with friends is supposed to be the absolute best kind of day. The sun is shining, the sand is warm, and the water is ready for splashing. But things take a turn when Katie Woo starts acting like she is in charge of everything.
Instead of sharing and playing nicely, Katie is telling everyone exactly what to do. Her bossy behavior is quickly ruining the fun, and her friends are not happy. Katie needs to learn that being a good friend means listening to others and taking turns. Can she figure out how to share the spotlight before the beach day is totally spoiled?
6-8 Years
32 Pages
The Fourth of July is a very special day because it is our entire country's birthday! After cheering for the floats at a noisy, fun-filled parade, Katie Woo is entirely ready to keep the celebration going.
She invites her best friends, Pedro and JoJo, to join her for a fantastic holiday party. Between the exciting decorations, the tasty treats, and all the fun games, the afternoon quickly turns into an unforgettable red, white, and blue adventure. Join Katie and her friends as they celebrate a patriotic holiday packed with community spirit and summertime joy.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Packing up boxes means big changes are happening for Katie Woo's family. They are moving to an entirely new house, and Katie is feeling very unsure about the whole idea. She loves her old room, and the new house just seems strange and unfamiliar.
Her parents promise that the new place will feel like home before long, but Katie is having a hard time believing them. Leaving behind everything she knows is tough. Follow along as Katie navigates the complicated feelings of a big move and discovers what really makes a house feel like home.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Bringing a new baby home is an exciting adventure, full of fresh routines, extra hugs, and a few funny smells. It also means stepping up to the very important job of being an older sibling.
This reassuring story follows a proud older brother as he helps his family care for their newest member. It highlights all the impressive, grown-up things an older brother can do, from running and playing to lending a helpful hand, that a tiny baby simply cannot. It is a warm, positive look at the special bond between siblings and the fun of taking on a big new role.
6-8 Years
24 Pages
Step up to the table and join a family as they celebrate a joyous holiday tradition. The Passover seder is filled with special symbols, tasty food, and stories of the past, all waiting to be shared.
Told through a fun, bouncy rhythm that builds and repeats with every page, this story brings the warmth and richness of the Passover holiday directly to life. The engaging verses guide you through the history and meaning behind the traditions, making it easy to learn while you read. It is a joyful, musical way to explore family heritage and the true spirit of coming together.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
32 Pages
It is finally time to say goodbye to diapers forever! Moving on to big girl panties is a massive step, and wearing them just like mommy is the best reward of all.
With bright, snappy rhymes and a wonderfully positive attitude, this story makes the tricky process of toilet training feel like a fun and exciting adventure. It encourages toddlers to embrace this important growing-up milestone with confidence and a big smile. Full of stylish illustrations and cheerful encouragement, it is the perfect companion to help kids feel proud, capable, and entirely ready for their brand-new routine.
6-8 Years
24 Pages
The sun is shining bright, making it the perfect day for two mommies and their busy toddler to head out for an adventure together. From a morning bike ride to the local farm stand to an exciting afternoon visiting the animals at the zoo, every moment is packed with joy.
Told in lively, bouncing rhymes that are incredibly fun to read out loud, this story follows a happy family from their energetic morning right through to their cozy bedtime routine. With a breeze for each tree and plenty of hugs to share, it is a sweet, warm celebration of family love and togetherness.
6-8 Years
34 Pages
Getting ready for a new baby in the house is a time filled with excitement, changes, and lots of warm hugs. It is also the perfect moment to step up and become the best big sister around.
This sweet and reassuring story focuses on a proud older sister as she helps her family welcome their new addition. It celebrates all the fun, grown-up things that an older sibling can do—like running, playing, and helping out—that a tiny baby cannot manage yet. It is a wonderful way to explore the transition into siblinghood while feeling proud of growing up.
6-8 Years
24 Pages
Baby bellies, grown-up bellies, and even fuzzy animal bellies all have one very important thing in common—they are wonderfully unique!
Whether a belly is perfectly round, flat, incredibly soft, or entirely firm, every single tummy deserves a cheerful pat. This playful and silly book takes a joyful look at midsections of every shape and size. Filled with bouncy rhymes and bright illustrations, it is a funny, warmhearted celebration of bodies that will have readers giggling and proudly patting their own bellies by the very last page.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Look at your hands, your arms, and your toes. Skin is a pretty amazing thing. It stretches when you grow, gives you a soft place for hugs, and keeps all your insides perfectly protected. From rich cocoa brown and warm cinnamon to sweet peaches and cream, every single person has a skin tone that is entirely their own.
Families everywhere come in so many beautiful shades. Taking a closer look at the people around you is a wonderful way to see how we are all different, yet all part of the same human family. This joyful exploration of skin color celebrates the beautiful variety of shades in the world. It is the perfect reminder that you are special exactly the way you are.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
The Menashe family is incredibly excited for their favorite Hanukkah tradition: making a delicious feast of latkes and applesauce. But a sudden, furious blizzard sweeps in, burying all their potatoes and apples deep beneath the heavy snow.
Just as the storm threatens to ruin the holiday, a stray dog and a shivering cat appear at their door. Even though the family has very little food left, their generous hearts compel them to invite the hungry animals inside. It turns out that a little bit of kindness can go a very long way. These two unexpected guests might just hold the secret to a true holiday miracle.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
32 Pages
Whether you are a tiny baby, a grown-up, or even a furry animal, you have one thing in common with everyone else. You have a tushy! It is a silly word that is always fun to say out loud, and it is a perfectly useful part of your body.
This sweet and funny tribute honors the squeezably soft backends we all share. With cheerful rhymes and silly situations, it celebrates everyday life in a way that will make you giggle. It is a wonderful read aloud that reminds us bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and every single one is perfect.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Have you ever dreamed of being a ninja? Pedro has! After watching an exciting ninja cartoon, Pedro wants to be just like the amazing ninja stars he sees on screen. Luckily, his dad knows just what to do. Soon, Pedro is off to karate lessons, ready to learn all the cool moves!
Join Pedro as he practices kicks, punches, and blocks. It takes hard work and lots of practice to become a true ninja, but Pedro is determined. Will he be able to master his skills and become the ninja star he always imagined? Get ready for an action-packed story about trying new things and working hard to achieve your dreams!
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Jump into the exciting world of Pedro, a first grader who knows how to be a first-class friend! Pedro is brave, loves monster trucks, and is always ready for an adventure. You'll join him as he faces off against bad dreams, learns to deal with a broken arm after a bike mishap, and even has a blast at an amusement park with his pals. When a new kid arrives at school, Pedro shows what it means to be truly kind and welcoming. From everyday challenges to exciting outings, Pedro always tries his best and shows how important it is to be a good friend, even to his little brother. Get ready for a collection of fun stories that prove Pedro is truly a first-class friend.
6-8 Years
96 Pages
It is warm, cozy, and perfectly quiet inside Mama's tummy. The new baby is entirely happy living right where she is, and she is in absolutely no rush to enter the big, noisy world outside.
Mama is getting a little bit worried, so the whole family steps in to help. Everyone tries their hardest to gently bribe the baby into coming out. They offer all kinds of wonderful treats and fun surprises to coax her into joining them. But no matter what they promise, the baby refuses to budge. It takes a very special idea from Daddy, full of love and kisses, to finally convince her that the outside world is exactly where she belongs.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
While preparing the home for Passover, a mother gathers her young children to share a powerful story from the past. She tells them about Miriam, a brave and wise Biblical woman whose prophecies shaped history.
Through the mother's eyes, the family learns about Miriam's incredible courage and her role in the birth of Moses. It is a story of strength, hope, and the deep roots of their holiday traditions. This engaging retelling honors a legendary figure and helps bring the true meaning of the Passover celebration to life for a new generation.
6-8 Years
42 Pages
Sonny Shivers and his family live in a dark, incredibly cold land featuring the icy Buttery Cliffs and the towering peak of Mt. Ketchup. It is the only home they have ever known. But life in this chilly landscape is highly unpredictable.
Suddenly, the ground quakes, a blinding light flashes, and a monstrous hand reaches down from the sky, snatching away a piece of their world. With each earthquake, another member of the Shivers family disappears into the unknown. Soon, only little Sonny is left behind to face the mysterious monsters. Discover the true identity of the Shivers family in this clever, funny adventure filled with suspense and delicious food puns.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
