Author Profile
Stephen Krensky
22 Books
Stephen Krensky is an American author of many books for young readers, including picture books, early readers, biographies, and chapter books. His work includes How Santa Got His Job, Hanukkah at Valley Forge, and stories featuring Marc Brown's Arthur characters. He is known for clear, lively storytelling that makes history, holidays, and everyday adventures approachable for children.
Santa
How Santa Got His Job
Stephen Krensky, S.D. Schindler
Fiction
Holidays
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Hot chocolate did not begin as the sweet, cozy drink you may sip on a cold day. For thousands of years, chocolate had a long and surprising story before it became a favorite winter treat.
This lively nonfiction reader traces the history of hot chocolate, from early chocolate drinks to unexpected moments such as chocolate rations for Revolutionary War soldiers. The facts are presented in a clear, kid-friendly style for readers who like real history with a fun subject.
With full-color pages, back matter, and a quiz, The Sweet Story of Hot Chocolate! is a warm choice for children who enjoy food history, social studies, and nonfiction that feels inviting rather than heavy.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
48 Pages
In the town of Dingle, leprechauns may be lucky on St. Patrick's Day, but the rest of the year they are noisy, troublesome neighbors. When Finn O'Finnegan comes home from Dublin, he finds his village turned upside down by too many clever little tricksters.
Finn needs a plan that will send the leprechauns away without making them angry. Outsmarting magical creatures is not easy, especially when they are already experts at mischief.
Too Many Leprechauns is a lively, humorous folktale-style picture book with Irish flavor, magic, and a clever problem to solve. It is a fun pick for readers who enjoy holiday stories, trickster tales, and legends with a playful twist.
6-8 Years
34 Pages
For Lionel, fall brings new clothes, a new school year, leaves to rake, and Halloween plans. Some parts of the season are exciting, and some are not so easy, especially when school asks him to stand up and speak in front of the class.
This Lionel story gathers several autumn moments into a gentle early chapter-style book. Readers follow Lionel through ordinary experiences that feel important when you are young: meeting a teacher, doing chores, and dressing up for trick-or-treating.
Lionel in the Fall is a friendly seasonal read for children who enjoy school stories, humor, and familiar family life. Its short episodes make it approachable for readers moving beyond simple picture books.
6-8 Years
54 Pages
Three ships, a dangerous ocean crossing, and a voyage that changed history. Christopher Columbus introduces independent readers to Columbus's first journey across the Atlantic in a clear, easy-to-follow format.
The book presents the voyage as a dramatic historical event, with full-color illustrations and details that help young readers picture ships, maps, and the uncertainty of exploration. Later context notes in revised material acknowledge that Columbus's arrival also changed the lives and homelands of Indigenous people.
This reader is best for children beginning to explore biographies and history on their own. It offers a simple entry point into a complicated subject and can support discussion about exploration, colonization, and how history is remembered.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
52 Pages
Heavy rocks, light flowers, day, night, here, there. I Know a Lot! turns a child's everyday discoveries into a bright celebration of learning.
This simple picture book follows a young child who is proud of understanding more about the world. The ideas are familiar and concrete, making the book easy to enjoy for children who are building confidence with basic concepts and early reading.
With bold, retro-style illustrations and a cheerful voice, the story invites readers to notice what they already know. It is a gentle, encouraging choice for families, classrooms, and young readers who like books about curiosity, growing up, and feeling proud of small but real knowledge.
6-8 Years
12 Pages
Ten-year-old Ben Franklin would rather test ideas than work in his father's candle shop. His mind is always busy, and his newest experiment involves a kite, a pond, and a daring question: can a person cross water without swimming?
This beginning biography introduces young readers to Ben Franklin as a curious child, long before he became one of America's famous founders. The story focuses on his love of experiments and his habit of asking practical, surprising questions.
Ben Franklin and His First Kite is a clear, accessible Ready-to-Read title for children who enjoy history, inventions, and true stories about creative thinkers. It makes early American history feel lively by starting with one boy's restless imagination.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
32 Pages
Rufus loves being a wolf. He likes running through the woods, howling at the moon, and doing things his own way. Then he is sent to Big Bad Wolf Academy, where young wolves are supposed to learn important skills like huffing, puffing, disguises, and even speaking sheep.
School is not easy for Rufus. He does not quite fit the lesson plan, and the things that make him different do not always look useful at first. But Rufus has a talent of his own.
Big Bad Wolves at School is a funny school story with fairy-tale flavor, animal characters, and a warm message about being yourself. It is a playful pick for readers who enjoy humor, wolves, and classroom adventures with a twist.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
There is a wiggly, twisty-turny tooth in your mouth, and it is hard not to think about it. Is it ready to come out? Should you tug it? Do animals ever have this problem too?
My Loose Tooth uses playful rhyme to turn a familiar childhood milestone into a funny, easy-to-read story. The simple language and lively questions make it especially friendly for children who are starting to read on their own or who are waiting for a first tooth to fall out.
Light, reassuring, and a little silly, this early reader helps make a loose tooth feel less mysterious and more like an adventure.
6-8 Years
33 Pages
Violet the snake wants to make something special for Mother's Day. Around her, the other forest animals are busy creating gifts, but Violet has a problem: no arms, no legs, and no teeth for the kinds of projects her friends can make.
Instead of giving up, Violet watches, thinks, and tries to discover what she can do in her own way. Her challenge becomes a sweet story about creativity, love, and finding a gift that comes from who you are.
Mother's Day Surprise is a gentle animal picture book for children who enjoy warm family stories. It works especially well for conversations about appreciation, problem solving, and how different talents can become something meaningful.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Opening Day in Brooklyn is already exciting for ten-year-old Matty Romano. He is going to watch the Dodgers with his father. But April 15, 1947, is bigger than one baseball game: Jackie Robinson is taking the field for his first Major League game and breaking baseball's color barrier.
Told through a young fan's eyes, Play Ball, Jackie! brings readers into the noise, pressure, and importance of that historic day. The story shows both the thrill of baseball and the unfair prejudice Robinson faced as an African American player.
This historical sports story is a strong choice for readers interested in baseball, civil rights, and real people who changed history through courage and skill.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
44 Pages
Once, people wrote without punctuation, and sometimes without even spaces between words. Reading could be slow, confusing, and full of guesswork. So how did dots, commas, question marks, and other marks become part of the way we write?
What's the Point? The History of Punctuation takes readers through the development of punctuation in the English language. With illustrations and clear explanations, it shows how small marks can change meaning, guide a reader's voice, and make writing easier to understand.
This nonfiction book is a smart pick for curious readers who enjoy language, history, and surprising facts about everyday things. It turns grammar into a story of communication and invention.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
32 Pages
Bones are hidden inside you, but they are working all the time. They help you stand, move, protect important body parts, and give your body its shape.
Bones introduces young readers to the skeleton in a simple nonfiction format. The book explains how bones do different jobs as part of the human body, making a science topic clear for children who are ready for short informational reading.
This is a useful choice for early elementary readers interested in bodies, health, and basic science. With direct explanations and an accessible focus, it helps children understand that bones are not just hard pieces inside us, but an important system that keeps the body moving and safe.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Bravery can be small. Petting a dog, waving goodbye, trying something new, or facing a moment that once felt scary can all be brave acts.
I Am So Brave! celebrates everyday courage in a young child's life. The text is simple and reassuring, while the bold vintage-style illustrations give each scene a bright, confident feeling. Instead of focusing on big adventures, the book notices the quiet victories that help children feel stronger.
This encouraging picture book is well suited to readers who like stories about confidence, emotions, and growing independence. It can also help children talk about fears, first tries, and the proud feeling that comes after taking a brave step.
6-8 Years
14 Pages
Before Santa became Santa, he needed a job. A red suit and a generous heart were not enough to make him the world's greatest gift giver right away.
In this funny origin story, young Santa tries different kinds of work, from chimney sweep to postman to circus performer. Each job gives him a chance to use one of his unusual talents, but none of them quite fits. Then a group of elves helps him see how all those talents might belong together.
How Santa Got His Job is a playful Christmas picture book about persistence, self-discovery, and finding the work that feels right. It is a cheerful holiday read for children who like Santa stories with humor and imagination.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Learning how to stay safe does not have to be boring when you have a bunch of clumsy dinosaurs to show you what not to do! It is very important to know how to handle tricky situations, whether you are playing in the backyard or riding in the car. This helpful guide is packed with approximately sixty essential safety tips demonstrated by a cast of colorful, prehistoric characters. Watch these funny dinosaurs learn important lessons the hard way as they navigate accidents at home, during meals, and even while camping in the great outdoors. From remembering to wear your seatbelt to knowing why you should never play with matches, these silly reptiles make learning everyday rules incredibly entertaining. Discover the best ways to protect yourself and your friends while enjoying plenty of laughs along the way.
6-8 Years
30 Pages
At Valley Forge, General George Washington sees a Jewish soldier lighting Hanukkah candles in the cold darkness. The soldier shares the story of the Maccabees, a small band of Jewish fighters who stood against a much stronger army to defend their freedom.
As Washington listens, the ancient Hanukkah story echoes the struggle of the American Revolution. The book connects two histories through themes of courage, faith, endurance, and hope during a difficult winter.
Hanukkah at Valley Forge is a thoughtful historical picture book based on a traditional account, with back matter explaining the historical background. It is a meaningful choice for readers interested in American history, Jewish holidays, and stories that show how the past can inspire people in hard times.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
40 Pages
On a Christmas tree lot filled with tall, beautiful trees, one small tree waits and waits. It is bent, missing branches, and easy to overlook, but it still carries a bright Christmas spirit.
As other trees are chosen, the little tree keeps hoping for the right home. By Christmas Eve, it is the last tree left, and the night may still hold a bit of holiday magic.
The Last Christmas Tree is a tender picture book about hope, belonging, and being seen for what makes you special. Its gentle story and warm illustrations make it a comforting Christmas read for children who enjoy quiet holiday tales with a magical glow.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Buttoning, reaching, trying, helping, growing. Now I Am Big! notices the quiet victories that show a child is changing from day to day.
This confidence-building picture book follows a young child who is proud of new skills and small signs of growing up. The text is gentle and direct, while the vintage-inspired artwork gives each moment a warm, cheerful feeling.
For beginning readers, the book offers simple language and a reassuring message: growing bigger is not only about size, but about discovering what you can do now that once felt hard. It is a sweet pick for stories about independence, self-confidence, and everyday courage.
6-8 Years
12 Pages
Santa has a wonderful job, but he is not always the fastest worker at the North Pole. Getting ready for Christmas can mean delays, mix-ups, and plenty of last-minute pressure.
Muckle the elf thinks he has solved the problem. He builds the Deliverator, a machine meant to deliver presents more efficiently than Santa ever could. Soon Santa must compete with a mechanical replacement that seems ready to take over Christmas.
How Santa Lost His Job is a funny holiday picture book about inventions, teamwork, and the value of a personal touch. Children who enjoy playful Christmas stories will like the lively problem, the clever machine, and the question of whether faster always means better.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
A high shelf, a splashy wave, a task that used to need help now feels possible. I Can Do It Myself! celebrates the proud little moments that come when a child begins doing more things independently.
With short, energetic text and bold retro-style illustrations, this picture book turns everyday growth into something worth cheering for. Young readers can recognize the excitement of trying, reaching, helping, and discovering that they are more capable than they were before.
Warm, simple, and confidence-building, it is a good choice for readers who enjoy encouraging stories about growing up, independence, and the joy of saying, “I did it.”
6-8 Years
14 Pages
Arthur and Buster are the ultimate best friends who do absolutely everything together. From watching The Bionic Bunny Show to teaming up for science projects, they are practically inseparable. But suddenly, Buster is nowhere to be found. He skips their favorite television show and even misses an important meeting for their school project. It turns out Buster has been hanging out with a really cool new friend named Mike. Arthur feels totally left out and hurt, but Buster is too distracted to even notice how his best friend is feeling. Have things changed forever between Elwood City's favorite duo? Dive into this relatable chapter book to see if Arthur and Buster can navigate the tricky feelings of jealousy and figure out how to share a friendship. This honest story tackles the challenges of making new friends while holding onto the ones you already have.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
54 Pages
Sue Ellen has lost her private diary right in the middle of the library. Now Arthur and his friends cannot stop wondering what secrets might be hiding inside those pages. Has she written about them? Are there funny stories or hidden thoughts she does not want anyone to see? When Arthur is the one who finally spots the missing book, he faces a very tough choice. The diary is right there in his hands, and peeking would be so easy. You will have to read to find out if Arthur and the gang can resist the temptation to look inside. This engaging chapter book explores doing the right thing even when curiosity is pulling you in the opposite direction. Step into Elwood City with your favorite aardvark for a relatable school life adventure about trust and honesty.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
63 Pages
