Author & Illustrator Profile
Lillian Hoban
28 Books
Lillian Hoban was a highly regarded American author and illustrator of children's books. She is perhaps best known for illustrating the classic Frances the badger series, which was written by her husband, Russell Hoban. In addition to her collaborative work, she wrote and illustrated her own popular I Can Read! series featuring Arthur the chimpanzee.
The school bell rings, and Arthur’s first day back is already busier than he expected. There is the bus ride, the classroom, recess with friends, and a lunchbox that may not be quite what Arthur thinks it is.
As Arthur and Violet return to school, small mix-ups turn an ordinary day into a funny early-reader adventure. A lost lunchbox, a missing snack, and a secret surprise from Arthur’s little sister keep the story moving with gentle suspense and warm humor.
Young readers who are getting ready for school, remembering their own first day, or building reading confidence will find familiar moments on every page. Lillian Hoban’s classic Arthur story offers simple sentences, lively illustrations, and a playful look at school life, friendship, and sibling surprises.
6-8 Years
45 Pages
Albert and Arabella look so much alike that even their own mother has trouble telling them apart. These raccoon twins are full of energy, ideas, and mischief, especially when there are garbage cans to open and neighbors to impress.
When a problem stirs up trouble among the raccoons, skunks, and possums, the twins must use their cleverness for more than tricks. Their good intentions do not always go smoothly, but their lively antics keep the story funny and fast-moving.
Perfect for young readers who enjoy animal stories with a bit of chaos, Here Come Raccoons! mixes humor, problem solving, and sibling-like teamwork. Lillian Hoban’s warm storytelling gives early readers a playful woodland neighborhood where mistakes can lead to surprising acts of bravery and helpfulness.
6-8 Years
48 Pages
Arthur has a loose tooth, and everyone seems to think it is simple: just pull it out. Arthur is not so sure. A wiggly tooth may be small, but to him it feels like a very big problem.
With his little sister Violet and the babysitter nearby, Arthur slowly discovers that bravery does not always mean being fearless. Sometimes it means facing something ordinary that still feels scary. The story treats Arthur’s worry with kindness while keeping the mood light and funny.
This classic early reader is a reassuring choice for children who are losing teeth, nervous about growing up, or learning to read more independently. Lillian Hoban’s familiar chimp characters, short chapters, and expressive illustrations make Arthur’s Loose Tooth both comforting and easy to enjoy.
6-8 Years
63 Pages
Arthur’s birthday party is going to be a gymnastics party, complete with balancing, tumbling, rope climbing, and prizes. Arthur is certain he knows exactly who should win best all-around gymnast: Arthur.
But Violet and Wilma have been practicing too, and the birthday fun becomes more exciting than Arthur planned. As friends prepare for the big day, Arthur must handle competition, confidence, and the surprise of seeing others shine.
Young readers will enjoy the lively party setting, the playful sibling tension, and the gentle humor that runs through this Arthur story. With clear early-reader language and expressive illustrations, Arthur’s Birthday Party is a cheerful read for children who like friendship stories, family stories, and funny moments about wanting to be the best.
6-8 Years
64 Pages
A fancy new turtle family has moved into the pond, and suddenly Fred Turtle’s family starts noticing everything they do not have. Water toys, a motorboat, and shiny new things make ordinary turtle life seem a little dull.
Fred and his family wonder whether the ritzy way is better than their own simple pleasures. But when they get a closer look at their neighbors’ exciting belongings, they begin to understand that wanting what someone else has is not always the same as wanting what truly makes you happy.
Stick-in-the-Mud-Turtle is a gentle animal story for early readers, full of pond-side humor and an easy-to-understand lesson about envy, contentment, and family. Lillian Hoban’s warm storytelling makes the turtles’ choice feel both funny and familiar.
6-8 Years
64 Pages
Arthur wants a Halloween costume that will be scary enough to impress everyone at school. But making the perfect costume is not easy, and the more he works, the more confusing his outfit becomes.
No one seems to know what Arthur is supposed to be. That makes him worried, frustrated, and unsure whether his costume can possibly be a success. Yet this funny school story turns Arthur’s problem into a celebration of originality, with plenty of costume-changing fun along the way.
Arthur’s Halloween Costume is a lively early reader for children who like holiday stories, school events, and gentle humor. Lillian Hoban captures the big feelings behind a small costume problem, making this a warm and amusing choice for Halloween reading.
6-8 Years
64 Pages
Snow is falling on Valentine’s Day, but Arthur does not feel very warm inside. A quarrel with his best friend Norman has left him lonely, and making valentines is not much fun when your friends are upset with you.
While Violet busily prepares cards, Arthur has to face the uncomfortable feeling of a friendship gone wrong. The story gently explores hurt feelings, misunderstandings, and the hope that a thoughtful valentine can help two friends find their way back to each other.
Arthur’s Great Big Valentine is a tender early reader with a snowy holiday setting and a strong emotional center. Young readers will recognize the sting of a small fight and the courage it takes to make things right, all told through Lillian Hoban’s warm, simple storytelling.
6-8 Years
64 Pages
Silly Tilly Mole wakes up on Easter morning and smells jelly beans. That can only mean one thing: she may have forgotten to remember something important.
Tilly wants to welcome the Easter Bunny with a cup of tea, but first she needs her glasses, her bonnet, and a little help keeping track of what she is doing. One search leads to another, and soon Tilly’s forgetfulness turns Easter morning into a cheerful muddle.
Silly Tilly and the Easter Bunny is a light, funny early reader for children who enjoy holiday stories and gentle silliness. With simple sentences, bright animal characters, and a lovable main character who keeps getting distracted, Lillian Hoban creates an Easter story that is easy to follow and fun to read aloud.
6-8 Years
31 Pages
Arthur and Violet are having a tag sale, and old toys are ready to find new homes. Arthur thinks he is prepared to sell them, until it comes time to part with Honey Bear, the stuffed bear that means more than he expected.
At first, Honey Bear seems like just another toy. But when Arthur lets him go, he begins to understand that some good-byes are harder than others. This gentle story captures the mixed feelings of growing up, sharing beloved things, and deciding what still matters.
Arthur’s Honey Bear is a warm early reader for children who have a favorite stuffed animal or are learning to let go of something special. Lillian Hoban’s simple language and expressive illustrations make Arthur’s feelings easy for young readers to understand.
6-8 Years
68 Pages
Silly Tilly Mole knows today is special. She just cannot remember why. Snow is swirling outside, Mr. Bunny is giving hints, and something bright red is waiting in her mailbox.
As Tilly tries to figure out what she has forgotten, each clue sends her thoughts in a new direction. Her forgetful, funny way of seeing the world makes the mystery simple enough for beginning readers while still giving them the pleasure of guessing along.
Silly Tilly’s Valentine is a charming early reader for children who enjoy holiday stories, snowy days, and lovable animal characters. Lillian Hoban’s gentle humor and clear text make this a sweet Valentine’s Day story about noticing clues, remembering friends, and finding joy in a small surprise.
6-8 Years
48 Pages
Arthur is sure he knows two things: he is going to win the Super Chimp Comics contest, and his little sister Violet cannot really read. Violet says she can, but Arthur is not convinced.
When Arthur enters the contest, reading the directions matters more than he expects. Violet pays close attention to the words, and soon Arthur has to rethink what he knows about his little sister. The result is a funny story about confidence, mistakes, and giving someone a chance to surprise you.
Arthur’s Prize Reader is a smart, warmly comic early reader for children who are learning to read themselves. Lillian Hoban’s simple vocabulary, familiar family dynamics, and expressive illustrations make the story especially satisfying for young readers with brothers, sisters, or big reading goals.
6-8 Years
64 Pages
Silly Tilly Mole is planning Thanksgiving dinner for all her friends. There is only one problem: Tilly keeps losing track of the invitations, the recipes, and almost everything else she needs to remember.
As Thanksgiving gets closer, Tilly’s plans turn into a cheerful comedy of errors. She mixes things up, gets confused by smudged glasses, and may not have dinner ready when the guests arrive. Luckily, her animal friends bring warmth, patience, and tasty surprises to the table.
Silly Tilly’s Thanksgiving Dinner is a funny, friendly early reader about forgetfulness, friendship, and sharing a holiday meal. Lillian Hoban’s simple text and bright autumn scenes make this a welcoming Thanksgiving story for children building confidence as readers.
6-8 Years
64 Pages
Arthur wants an adventure, so he heads into the woods for a camp-out of his own. Violet is camping too, but her friends do not want Arthur tagging along, and Arthur decides he can be brave without them.
The woods quickly become more exciting than he planned. Slippery rocks, swooping bats, strange sounds, and an empty stomach make the camp-out feel less heroic and a lot more uncomfortable. Arthur’s outdoor adventure is funny, slightly spooky, and full of the kind of mishaps young readers can picture right away.
Arthur’s Camp-Out is a lively early reader for children who like camping stories, sibling stories, and gentle adventure. Lillian Hoban balances humor and nervousness in a way that makes Arthur’s bravery feel real and relatable.
6-8 Years
64 Pages
Joe and his pet dinosaur Betsy are ready for a snowy day outside. But Betsy is very big, and being big can cause very big trouble.
Kerplunk, crash, bang! Betsy slides, bumps, breaks, and sneezes her way through the day, leaving Joe to wonder whether his dinosaur is simply too large for ordinary fun. Yet Betsy’s size may also be exactly what someone needs when a difficult problem appears.
Joe and Betsy the Dinosaur is a warm and funny early reader about friendship, size, and seeing a problem in a new way. With lively action words, snowy scenes, and an oversized dinosaur who means well, Lillian Hoban gives beginning readers a playful story that celebrates differences without turning them into a lesson that feels heavy.
6-8 Years
48 Pages
Arthur thinks his new pen pal is much more interesting than his little sister Violet. After all, a pen pal can write about karate, wrestling, and exciting hobbies. Little sisters, Arthur assumes, do not do things like that.
As letters travel back and forth, Arthur begins to build a picture of his pen pal. But one surprising letter challenges what he believes about sisters, friends, and who can enjoy what. The story gently pushes against Arthur’s assumptions while keeping the tone funny and childlike.
Arthur’s Pen Pal is a thoughtful early reader about friendship, letter writing, and seeing people more clearly. Lillian Hoban’s familiar characters and simple language make it an engaging choice for children learning to read independently and understand others with more care.
6-8 Years
68 Pages
Harvey the muskrat is convinced that his big sister Mildred is loudmouthed, bossy, and completely rotten. Mildred is just as sure that Harvey is selfish, inconsiderate, and no good. Because they are constantly arguing, they refuse to play together and spend their days feeling lonely and bored. When Mildred gets invited to a fun party where little brothers are strictly forbidden, Harvey decides to create his own fun. He builds a super secret club in a hidden hideout where big sisters are not allowed to enter. But as the afternoon drags on, Harvey realizes that sitting alone in a secret hideout is not very exciting. Watch what happens when a stubborn brother and sister discover that playing together is much better than being alone.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Emmet Otter and his Ma live in a small, poor country cottage, but their home is filled with love. With Christmas just around the corner, they both secretly wish to give each other a truly special gift. Emmet dreams of buying his mother a beautiful piano, while Ma wants nothing more than to buy Emmet a new guitar. When the village announces a grand holiday talent contest with a fifty-dollar cash prize, both of them see a chance to make their Christmas wishes come true. They both enter the contest, hoping their musical talents will win the day. But as they compete, Emmet and Ma discover a much greater reward. Experience the magic of hope, sacrifice, and the enduring power of family in this heartwarming holiday classic.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
24 Pages
The Brute family truly lives up to their name. They eat sand and gravel for breakfast and dine on a bumpy stew of sticks and stones for dinner. Nobody in the family ever says please or thank you. Instead, they spend their days kicking, yelling, punching, and shoving. They are mean, grumpy, and completely miserable. But one day, everything changes. Baby Brute is wandering through a field of beautiful daisies when he makes an amazing discovery. He finds a little wandering lost good feeling. When he tucks this good feeling into his pocket and brings it home, the Brute family will never be the same again. Discover how one tiny moment of joy can transform a house full of grumps into a happy home.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Arthur wants a T-shirt and cap, but there is one big problem: he has no money. Violet has a number problem of her own. Together, brother and sister come up with a plan that may help them both.
Their money-making project brings plenty of funny mistakes, clever ideas, and beginner-friendly lessons about earning, counting, and working together. Arthur wants his prize, while Violet’s math skills become more important than he first realizes.
Arthur’s Funny Money is a classic early reader that turns simple business ideas into a lively story children can understand. With humor, sibling teamwork, and Lillian Hoban’s familiar chimp characters, this book is a good fit for young readers interested in money, numbers, and everyday problem solving.
6-8 Years
64 Pages
Tomorrow is a very special day, but Frances the badger is not feeling very happy about it. It is her little sister Gloria's birthday. Frances thinks it is incredibly unfair that it always seems to be someone else's special day. She does not want to celebrate, and she certainly does not want to watch Gloria get all the attention. To make things even harder, the birthday present she bought for Gloria cost two whole allowances. As the party gets closer, Frances struggles with a big mix of jealousy and generosity. Can she find the birthday spirit and part with her hard-earned gift? Join Frances as she learns how to overcome her grumpy feelings and discovers the true joy of celebrating the people you love.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Tom is having a tough time with his best friend. Every time they play together, an argument breaks out, and it always ends in a fistfight. Worst of all, Tom loses every single one of those fights and comes home with a bloody nose. He feels frustrated, angry, and tired of constantly battling his buddy. Fortunately, Tom's wise father has some excellent advice to help him solve his problem. His father explains a clever idea about how every situation has two handles you can choose to grab onto. With a little bit of practice, Tom learns how to handle his temper and his friendship. Discover how one young boy learns to stop fighting and start playing again in this thoughtful and relatable story.
6-8 Years
68 Pages
Charlie the Beaver does not want to grow up to be a regular beaver. He has absolutely no interest in chopping down trees, rolling heavy logs, or building muddy dams. Charlie wants to be a tramp. Tramps just wander around having fun, carrying their belongings in little bundles tied to sticks. They sleep under the bright stars and do odd jobs for their meals. So, Charlie packs his bundle and sets off to live a life of carefree adventure in the open fields. But when the moon comes up and he hears the sound of trickling water, Charlie discovers something surprising about himself. Can a beaver truly ignore his natural instincts to build? Find out what happens when Charlie realizes that being himself might be the best adventure of all.
6-8 Years
48 Pages
Arthur wants to give Mother and Father a Christmas present, but he has no money for something from a store. Then he has a bright idea: he will bake special Christmas cookies.
With Violet’s toy oven, friends watching, and dough that does not behave, Arthur’s homemade gift quickly turns into a kitchen comedy. The cookies do not come out the way Arthur imagined, and for a moment he feels as if nothing he makes is any good. But this warm holiday story keeps the focus on effort, creativity, and the love behind a gift.
Arthur’s Christmas Cookies is a funny, reassuring early reader for children who enjoy holiday stories, baking mishaps, and family surprises. Lillian Hoban’s simple text and affectionate illustrations make Arthur’s Christmas plans both relatable and cheerful.
6-8 Years
69 Pages
Have you ever had a friend who always seems to get the better of you? Frances the badger is heading over to her friend Thelma's house for a very special tea party. Before she leaves, her mother warns her to be extra careful, because playing with Thelma usually means Frances ends up with the short end of the stick.
Frances really wants a beautiful new china tea set with blue pictures. But somehow, smooth-talking Thelma convinces Frances to spend her savings on Thelma's old, plastic tea set instead. Worst of all, Thelma declares there are absolutely no backsies!
When Frances realizes she has been tricked, she decides it is time to turn the tables. You will love seeing how Frances uses her clever wits to get the best of a bad bargain. Along the way, she teaches Thelma a very important lesson about honesty and what it really means to be a true friend.
6-8 Years
62 Pages
Do you know Frances? She's a badger who loves her friends and knows how to have fun! But what happens when Albert, the badger next door, decides to have a boys-only baseball game with his friends? Frances and her sister, Gloria, are not about to sit around. They have a brilliant idea for their own 'Best Friends Outing -- No Boys'!
This funny and warm story shows how Frances and Albert learn important lessons about what it truly means to be a good friend. Sometimes, people need a little reminder that playing together is much more fun than playing apart. Join Frances as she figures out how to make sure everyone feels included and discovers the best ways to enjoy time with your pals, even when things get a little tricky.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Frances the badger is a very fussy eater. While the rest of her family enjoys all kinds of delicious meals, Frances only wants one thing. She loves bread and jam. She refuses to touch her squishy soft-boiled eggs at breakfast, and she quickly trades away her tasty chicken-salad sandwiches at school. Even boring veal cutlets make her turn up her nose in disgust. Frances would be perfectly happy eating nothing but bread and jam for every single meal. But her clever mother decides it is time to teach her a gentle lesson about trying new things. Find out what happens when a little badger gets exactly what she asks for in this funny and relatable story about picky eating and family meals.
6-8 Years
48 Pages
Father has just survived a long, exhausting day at work. All he wants to do is sit down, put his feet up, and rest in peace. But when he opens his front door, he is greeted by absolute chaos. The children are fighting, everyone is scolding each other, and the house is in an uproar. Father demands to know who started the commotion. As he begins his investigation, the blame gets passed from one family member to the next. The dog blames the cat, the cat blames the children, and the finger-pointing never seems to end. Is it possible that everyone is a little bit to blame? This clever and heartwarming story captures the funny, frustrating, and wonderful reality of family life.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Jump in
The clock says it is time for bed, but Frances the little badger is not ready to go to sleep. Her room is full of strange shadows, mysterious creaks, and unfamiliar shapes. Every time her father tucks her in and turns out the light, Frances finds a brand new reason to hop right back out of bed and trot down the hall.
Why it pulls you in
Going to sleep in a dark room can be tricky, and Frances has an incredibly active imagination. You will laugh as she convinces herself that a tiger is hiding in the corner or that a giant bug is on the floor. Her creative excuses for staying awake are hilarious and completely relatable.
Who this is for
This cozy, classic tale is perfect for anyone who has ever felt a little nervous when the lights go out. It provides a comforting, gentle reassurance that the dark is completely safe.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
