Author & Illustrator Profile
Jan Brett
34 Books
Jan Brett is an acclaimed American author and illustrator best known for her beautifully detailed children's picture books. Her work often features intricate margins and focuses on traditional folktales, animals, and wintery landscapes, as seen in beloved titles like The Snowy Nap and Berlioz the Bear. With her distinctive artistic style and engaging storytelling, she has become a celebrated staple in children's literature.
Step into a dazzling winter wonderland where a beloved wooden toy comes to life. When Marie and her brother Fritz receive a special gift, Marie immediately senses something magical about him. He looks like a real boy with a secret from far away. Her feeling sparks an epic adventure that shrinks you down to toy size. You will follow the brave Nutcracker out of the cabinet, past a scurrying army of mice, and straight into the sparkling land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Set against a beautiful snowy Russian backdrop, this timeless holiday journey is filled with dancing, wonder, and surprises. It is the perfect story to share when the weather turns cold, bringing the magic of a classic tale right into your hands. Will you join Marie on her breathtaking holiday adventure?
6-8 Years
33 Pages
Wander deep into the lush green forest and discover a perfectly cozy cottage waiting just for you. When a curious and hungry little girl named Goldilocks gets lost in the woods, she stumbles upon the charming home of three bears. With the owners away, she decides to make herself completely at home. She tastes their warm vegetarian porridge, rests in their wooden chairs, and tries out their beds to find the one that feels exactly right. But what will happen when the three bears return to find an unexpected guest fast asleep? This classic tale is filled with enchanting details, hidden surprises, and beautifully decorated rooms that will make you want to step right through the pages. It is a wonderful woodland journey you will want to revisit again and again.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Jump in and join Berlioz the bear! He and his wonderful animal orchestra are rushing to play for the big gala ball in the village square. But oh no, his double bass has a funny BUZZZZZZ coming from it! And even worse, their wagon gets stuck in a big hole in the road.
Time is ticking, and the musicians need to get to the ball by eight o'clock! Many different animals try to help pull the wagon out: a rooster, a cat, a billy goat, and more. Will they make it to the party on time? And what about that strange buzz in Berlioz’s instrument?
You'll love following along with Berlioz and his friends as they try to solve their big problem. Jan Brett's beautiful and detailed pictures show all the animals making their way to the ball, building excitement for the grand finale. Get ready for a surprising ending that saves the day!
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Take a bright and beautiful journey into the bustling Costa Rican cloud forest where surprises fall from the trees. When Carlos drops his large umbrella to climb up high for a better view, he leaves behind the perfect leafy boat. One by one, the curious jungle animals decide to hop inside and float down the water. From a tiny green tree frog and a baby tapir to a large spotted jaguar, everyone crams into the umbrella to share the ride. It gets so incredibly crowded that there is not even enough room for a tiny fluttering hummingbird. You will laugh out loud as the umbrella tumbles over and everyone splashes out. This cheerful and colorful jungle adventure is packed with exotic creatures and hilarious moments that will keep you searching the pages for more.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
A kind and generous girl named Beauty makes a brave choice to save her father. She agrees to live in an enchanted castle owned by a terrifying and mysterious Beast. The castle is filled with strange magic and hidden wonders, but Beauty is frightened of the creature who rules over it.
As the days pass, she begins to look past his frightening appearance. She discovers that the Beast is actually gentle, thoughtful, and deeply lonely. A quiet friendship begins to bloom between them in the grand halls of the magical palace. But a powerful spell rests upon the Beast, and only true love can break it. Follow Beauty as her compassionate heart guides her to see the truth hidden beneath a monstrous disguise in this timeless story of love and courage.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Santa has given little Teeka a very important job. She must get his team of wild reindeer ready for their magical flight on Christmas Eve. Teeka thinks the only way to train the energetic animals is to be strict and bossy, shouting orders across the snowy tundra.
But her loud commands only make the reindeer nervous and stubborn. The more she yells, the more tangled their antlers become, and the team refuses to cooperate. With time running out before the big night, Teeka realizes that being harsh is not working at all. She must change her approach and learn how to guide the animals with patience and gentle kindness. Watch Teeka discover the best way to lead her team and save the holiday flight in this beautiful winter adventure.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Comet is an adventurous sandy-colored cat born near a bright lighthouse on Nantucket Island. He decides it is time to leave his cozy birthplace and find the perfect permanent home. But everywhere Comet goes, trouble seems to follow right behind him.
As he explores the island, he wanders into a lovely garden, a quiet bookstore, a busy boat, and even a fancy party. At every single stop, a hilarious mishap occurs, causing him to lose one of his precious nine lives. With his chances running out, Comet begins to worry that he will never find a safe place to settle down. Follow this curious cat on his frantic journey across the island as he searches for a welcoming family before his very last life slips away.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Deep beneath the sparkling ocean waves, Kiniro the mermaid discovers a stunning house crafted from coral and seashells. Her curiosity takes over, and she swims inside to explore. There, she finds three bowls of breakfast, three cozy chairs, and three little beds that rock gently in the ocean current.
Kiniro tests everything out, eventually falling fast asleep in the smallest, most comfortable bed. But she does not know that this beautiful home belongs to a busy family of octopuses. When the family returns, they are shocked to see someone has eaten their food and messed up their chairs. The baby octopus gets the biggest surprise of all when he finds a mermaid resting in his room. Dive into this colorful underwater twist on a classic tale to see how Kiniro escapes.
6-8 Years
33 Pages
Henny the speckled hen is desperately trying to hatch a brood of fluffy little chicks. But a greedy little Tomten who lives on the farm has grown tired of eating plain porridge for breakfast. Every morning, he sneaks into the coop and steals Henny's precious eggs.
Henny is heartbroken until her clever friend, Hedgie the hedgehog, steps in to help. Together, they devise a series of funny tricks to fool the hungry thief. They hide an acorn, a strawberry, a mushroom, and even a round potato in the nest, hoping the Tomten will take the hint. When he keeps coming back for more, Hedgie decides it is time for the ultimate prickly surprise. Find out how a clever hedgehog finally protects the nest and sends the breakfast thief running away for good.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
The lively Gingerbread Baby is tired of being the only cookie in the house. He wants someone sweet and fun to play with, so he decides to go out into the snowy village and find some friends. He spots a bakery and rushes inside to show off his dancing skills to a pretty sugar cookie girl.
But the sugar cookie does not say a word, and neither do any of the other treats he tries to talk to. Feeling sad and lonely, the Gingerbread Baby heads for home, only to realize he has accidentally attracted a long, hungry line of animals who want a sweet snack. He races back to his kitchen, hoping to escape the crowd. Luckily, a fantastic, freshly baked surprise is waiting for him right inside the oven.
6-8 Years
33 Pages
Meet a gentle pony named Fritz who proves that true beauty comes from what is inside your heart. Outside the walls of a magnificent city, Fritz lives a lonely life. He is not allowed inside because he does not look like the elegant, prancing horses that the city leaders admire. While the other horses show off their perfectly brushed manes, Fritz stays behind. But when a sudden crisis strikes and the children of the city are in great danger, those proud and fancy horses are too afraid to help. It is up to Fritz to step forward and show his incredible bravery. You will cheer for this courageous little pony as he risks everything to save the day, teaching everyone that being kind, strong, and brave is the most beautiful thing of all.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Catch him if you can in this delightfully funny chase through a wintery village. The excitement begins when Matti peaks into the oven a little too early, and out pops a cheeky, lightning fast Gingerbread Baby. This clever little cookie has zero plans to be anyone's dessert. He dashes out the door, leading Matti's parents, the dog, the cat, and a colorful crowd of villagers on a wild, rollicking adventure. He stays just out of their reach, teasing them the whole way. But Matti is not running with the crowd. Instead, he stays home to build a beautiful, sweet architectural surprise of his own. You will love following the fast paced action and discovering the brilliant secret Matti creates to safely catch his new baked friend. Lift the flap at the very end to find the sweet conclusion.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Pack your tiny bags and get ready for the ultimate house swap adventure. Two very different mouse couples are feeling bored with their everyday routines. The country mice are tired of the quiet woods, and the city mice are exhausted from the noisy streets. When they decide to trade homes for a fresh start, they are immediately plunged into a world of unexpected thrills and hidden dangers. The country mice marvel at the elegant details of a fine Victorian townhouse but must dodge the sharp claws of a resident cat. Meanwhile, the city mice find the lush green country beautiful but quickly learn about hungry owls and wild weather. This breathtakingly beautiful story alternates between stunning cityscapes and woodland greenery, bringing you along on a suspenseful journey about finding out where you truly belong.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Travel to the frozen Arctic for a thrilling new spin on a classic tale. A curious young Inuit girl is out exploring the vast, snowy landscape when her sled dogs accidentally drift away. Searching for them, she discovers a fascinating igloo belonging to a family of fluffy polar bears. While the bears are out for a walk, the little girl wanders inside and makes herself completely at home. She tries their warm soup, tries on their beautifully crafted furry boots, and tests out their cozy sleeping spaces until she finds the perfect spot to rest. When the polar bear family returns from their icy stroll, they are in for a huge surprise. With colorful costumes, playful animals, and breathtaking winter scenery, this frosty adventure will easily become your favorite bedtime escape.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Climb to the very top of Mount Baldy if you are feeling brave, but watch out for what hides in the rocks. Treva just wants to enjoy a peaceful hike with her loyal dog Tuffi. But the mischievous trolls who live underground have a different plan. They have always wanted a dog of their own, and they will try every tricky move they know to snatch Tuffi away. Luckily, Treva is smart, fast, and fiercely protective of her best friend. You will cheer her on as she outwits one silly troll after another on her journey to the mountain peak. It is a thrilling chase filled with quick thinking, courage, and deep friendship. Can Treva keep her beloved pet safe from the grasping hands of five greedy creatures waiting at the summit?
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Get ready for a frosty adventure filled with delicious holiday treats and a huge surprise. Every single year, pesky trolls knock down Kyri's door and gobble up her beautiful holiday feast of sweet warm breads, fresh berries, and festive pastries. She never gets to enjoy her own magical meal. But this year, things are going to be completely different. A brave boy and his giant pet ice bear have come in from the freezing cold on their way to Oslo. When the hungry trolls arrive looking for their usual midnight snack, they are in for a massive shock. The fierce ice bear is ready to protect the house, and he is not about to let anyone steal the joy. Join Kyri and her new friends as they team up to save the winter celebration forever.
6-8 Years
33 Pages
Solve a magical winter mystery with a spunky little rabbit named Little Snow. The entire forest is buzzing with excitement because Big Snowshoe says the animals' Santa is coming with wonderful presents for everyone. But Little Snow is full of questions. Who exactly is this mysterious gift giver? The other animals admit they have never actually seen him. They guess he might be a strong badger, a giant moose, or a fluffy polar bear. Little Snow thinks his friends are just playing a silly trick on him. Determined to uncover the truth, he stays wide awake on the coldest night of the year to see for himself. You will feel the anticipation build as a beautiful Snowy Owl swoops down from the starry sky. Discover the joy of believing in this heartwarming woodland adventure.
6-8 Years
33 Pages
Roll up your sleeves and get ready for the biggest harvest you have ever seen. Badger Girl is absolutely delighted when she discovers a massive turnip growing right in her own vegetable garden. It is the most enormous root she has ever laid eyes on. But when the time comes to pull the magnificent vegetable out of the dirt, she realizes she has a huge problem. She tugs and pulls with all her might, but it will not budge an inch. It is going to take a lot of teamwork to get the job done. Soon, her family and a variety of woodland friends are lining up to lend their strength to the great garden challenge. You will laugh as the line of helpers grows longer and longer in this hilarious and charming countryside adventure.
6-8 Years
38 Pages
Search the snowy woods for a missing friend and see who shows up for a sweet vegetarian snack. Annie is feeling incredibly lonely because she cannot find her beloved marmalade cat, Taffy, anywhere. Hoping to attract a small, furry new pet, she decides to place a delicious baked corn cake at the edge of the winter forest. But instead of a tiny creature, a giant moose wanders out of the trees to eat the treat. He is much too big to fit inside her house. Soon, a grumpy bear, a snarling wildcat, and other enormous animals arrive, roaring for more cakes until the plate is completely empty. What is Annie going to do with all these raucous wild visitors? Join her on this beautiful snowy journey that ends with the most wonderful springtime surprise of all.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Float down the river on a brave journey of self discovery with a tiny but mighty hen. Mei Mei takes wonderful care of her flock in China, giving them fresh hay baths and sweet treats. But little Daisy is not as happy as the rest. Every single night, the larger hens pick on her and push her right off the sleeping perch because she is small and timid. Her life changes forever when she accidentally falls into a basket and drifts away down the rushing river. Suddenly, Daisy is on her own and must learn how to be brave, face wild challenges, and survive unexpected dangers. When she finally finds her way back home, the other hens are in for a big surprise. Daisy is no longer afraid, and she is ready to stand her ground.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Travel to the red rock mountains of Namibia for a sun baked twist on a classic building tale. Mimbi, Pimbi, and Timbi are three adorable little dassies looking for the perfect place to build their new homes. They want somewhere cool, spacious, and completely safe from the sharp claws of the hungry eagle who circles the vivid blue sky. But building a strong house is hard work, and the eagle is ready to flap and clap his wings to blow their hard work right down to the ground. You will watch in suspense as the cunning Agama Man keeps a close eye on the action from the sidelines. But this pesky eagle is about to get a hilarious surprise. Join these brightly dressed, clever animals in a thrilling adventure filled with spectacular African landscapes and clever tricks.
6-8 Years
34 Pages
Laugh out loud when a simple piece of winter clothing turns a whole farm upside down. When Lisa hangs her bright woolen stockings outside to air in the crisp breeze, the wind sweeps one right off the clothesline. Curious little Hedgie the hedgehog wanders over, pokes his nose inside, and gets the stocking completely stuck on his sharp prickles. No matter how hard he tries, he cannot pull it off. Soon, the entire farmyard comes by to investigate. A talkative cat, a playful dog, and a noisy goose all point and laugh at Hedgie's funny new look. But clever Hedgie decides to pretend it is a fabulous new hat, turning his embarrassing moment into a brilliant trick. You will love watching this quick witted hedgehog prove that he has the smartest mind on the farm.
6-8 Years
28 Pages
Dive into a beautiful story about a remarkable turtle with a lush green secret. Mossy is not your average reptile. She has an incredible, thriving garden of plants and wildflowers growing right on top of her shell. Her unique beauty catches the eye of a biologist who takes her away from her peaceful pond to live in an elegant museum pavilion. While the museum visitors are completely amazed by her living shell, Mossy is deeply unhappy. She misses the fresh air, the natural wilderness, and her best turtle friend Scoot. Luckily, a kind girl named Tory notices how sad the special turtle has become. Join Tory as she finds a creative, artistic way to let Mossy return to her natural home while keeping her memory alive for everyone to admire.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Run away into the wintery woods with a grumpy little troll who is tired of doing his daily chores. Rollo decides he has had enough of his family's rules and packs up to find a more relaxing life in the spectacular Scandinavian forest. He tries living with a wide variety of wild friends, moving in with an owl family, romping with rambunctious bear cubs, and playing with slippery river otters. But as the beautiful autumn leaves turn into freezing winter snow, Rollo realizes that living in the wild is not as easy as it looks. He begins to deeply miss the warmth of his own house and the love of his family. Discover the true meaning of belonging in this mischievous, heartwarming adventure that will remind you why there is absolutely no place like home.
6-8 Years
33 Pages
In the African savanna, the honey badger and the honeyguide bird are usually a perfect team. The clever bird finds the sweet honeycomb, and the strong badger breaks it open. They always share the delicious reward. But today, the honey badger decides he wants all the honey for himself.
When the greedy badger refuses to give his feathered partner her fair share, the honeyguide bird decides it is time to teach him a memorable lesson. She leads him on a wild chase across the dry landscape, splashing through a pond, scrambling over a giant anthill, and rushing past an array of extraordinary animals. But instead of a sweet treat waiting at the end of the trail, the badger is heading straight for a massive surprise. Follow the trail to see what happens when a greedy badger gets outsmarted by a little bird in this vibrant folktale.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Bo is not like the rest of his armadillo family. While his mother and brothers are perfectly happy digging in the Texas sand, Bo is looking for a real adventure. His poor eyesight leads to a hilarious mix-up when he spots a shiny, bright red armadillo bounding across the creek bed.
Determined to make a new friend, Bo chases the red creature all the way to the Curly H Rodeo. He does not realize he is actually following a young girl wearing a brand-new pair of pointy red cowboy boots. As Bo blindly follows the boots through the dusty rodeo grounds, he accidentally joins in the fun, eating fiery chili peppers and getting tangled up in the cowboy dances. Join Bo on his humorous, accidental journey through the rodeo as his family scrambles to find their adventurous little boy and bring him safely home.
6-8 Years
33 Pages
Deep in a snowy Russian winter, a flock of elegant chickens is preparing for a grand celebration. Cinders is the most picked-upon hen in the entire coop, constantly bullied by her bossy sisters. While they preen their feathers for the Prince Cockerel's ball, Cinders is left behind to clean the ashes.
But a touch of magic transforms this snowy evening into a night of wonder. Dressed in a breathtaking gown, Cinders arrives at the Ice Palace looking so magnificent that even her cruel sisters do not recognize her. The Prince is instantly captivated by the mysterious and beautiful hen. Step inside a dazzling palace made of ice and watch this classic tale unfold in a completely new way, filled with stunning gowns, handsome cockerels, and a flock of comical, beautifully dressed chickens.
6-8 Years
37 Pages
Hoppi the bunny has one big dream. He wants to decorate the winning egg in the forest contest so the Easter Rabbit will choose him to help deliver treats on Easter morning. Every rabbit in the woods is busy crafting extraordinary eggs, and Hoppi wants his to be the absolute best.
But while he is searching the forest for inspiration, Hoppi discovers a tiny blue robin egg that has tumbled out of its nest. Forgetting all about the grand contest, he decides to keep the delicate little egg safe and warm until the baby bird hatches. While the other bunnies finish their masterpieces, Hoppi focuses entirely on his gentle rescue mission. Discover how one small act of kindness brings an unexpected and wonderful reward when the Easter Rabbit finally arrives in the spring forest.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Experience the frosty wonders of winter alongside a curious little hedgehog named Hedgie. There is a chill in the air around the farm, and all of Hedgie's friends are talking about the amazing things that happen when the snow falls. From slippery ice ponds to beautiful snowmen, the season sounds far too exciting to sleep through. Determined not to miss a single moment of the snowy fun, Hedgie decides to skip his long winter hibernation and stay wide awake. But when a massive snowstorm blows in, the freezing cold might be more than he can handle. Thankfully, a kind friend named Lisa finds him and brings him inside her cozy house. Now, Hedgie can safely watch the magical winter wonderland unfold from the warmth of a window. Join him for a heartwarming seasonal discovery.
6-8 Years
33 Pages
Discover what happens when a lost piece of winter clothing becomes the coziest spot in the snowy forest. When young Nicki accidentally drops his brand new white mitten in the deep snow, he does not even notice it is missing. But the shivering woodland creatures certainly do. One by one, the animals discover the warm woolen mitten and decide to crawl inside to escape the biting cold. First a mole, then a rabbit, and soon even larger animals are squeezing in together. Each new guest is bigger than the last, stretching the yarn wider and wider. How many fuzzy friends can possibly fit inside before the whole thing bursts? This incredibly funny and charming winter tale is packed with delightful surprises as the animals try to share their tight new home.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Snuggle up close and beat the Alaskan winter chill with the softest friend in the tundra. Cozy is a magnificent musk ox with the warmest, thickest fur you could ever imagine. When a fierce snowstorm separates him from his family, he starts to feel a bit lonely. But as the snow piles high, the other freezing animals notice how wonderfully warm Cozy looks. First, a clever mama lemming burrows under his fur, and soon a snowshoe hare, a snowy owl, an arctic fox, and a wolverine all move in. Cozy gladly shares his warmth, but he must lay down some strict house rules to keep the peace among his wild guests. No biting, no pouncing, and gentle claws only. You will fall in love with this giant, gentle ox in a beautiful story about harmony and sharing.
6-8 Years
34 Pages
Biggest Mouse, Middle Mouse, and Little Mouse have an important mission: find Mother the perfect Mother’s Day gift. The meadow is full of possibilities, but not every idea feels special enough for such a special day.
As the three brothers hurry through the spring morning, each mouse has his own plan, and the littlest one keeps looking for something that comes from the heart. Their search brings gentle adventure, sibling charm, and a sweet celebration of love for Mother.
The Mother’s Day Mice is a warm picture book for young readers who enjoy animal families, springtime stories, and thoughtful gifts made meaningful by care.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Mr. and Mrs. Bear usually sleep right through Valentine’s Day. Bears hibernate in winter, after all. But this year Mrs. Bear has a plan: she sets her alarm for February 14 and prepares a special surprise.
Waking a bear in the middle of winter is not simple, and Mrs. Bear’s loving celebration takes patience, care, and a bit of humor. With cozy illustrations and a sweet holiday spirit, the story turns Valentine’s Day into a warm moment of affection between two sleepy bears.
The Valentine Bears is a gentle picture book for readers who enjoy animal stories, wintertime settings, and quiet surprises made with love.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Green eyes shine from the dark, watching Halloween night come alive. Skeletons dance, goblins skip, witches glide, and ghosts float past in a parade of spooky visitors.
The rhyming text builds a deliciously shivery mood, but the fright stays just right for young readers who enjoy a little Halloween suspense. As the creatures pass, a mother cat and her kittens watch from the shadows, turning the night into something eerie, playful, and mysterious.
Scary, Scary Halloween is a rhythmic picture book for children who love costumes, cats, and spooky stories that feel exciting without being too scary.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
