Author & Illustrator Profile
Lillian Hoban
11 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.
Books in "Arthur"
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
