Author Profile
Nancy Willard
17 Books
Nancy Willard was an American poet, novelist, and children's author whose books seamlessly blend imagination, folklore, and lyrical language. Her poetry collection A Visit to William Blake's Inn remains a standout work that invites readers into a dreamlike, playful world. She wrote numerous picture books, chapter books, and poems throughout her long career. Her stories often feature whimsical characters, quiet magic, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. She frequently collaborated with skilled illustrators to bring her unique, gentle visions to life on the page.
A simple trip to a birthday party goes completely off the map when Tottem wanders into a very unusual cornfield. One moment he is standing in Texas, and the very next step transports him to California. As you read the postcards Tottem sends to his Cousin Bottom, you will join him on a wild journey full of fantastic creatures and bizarre sights. Luckily, a traveling mailbox is always nearby to carry his messages, decorated with real stamps and fascinating postmarks. Follow along as he tries to navigate his way through this unpredictable landscape to reach Minneapolis. Discover the bizarre wonders hiding among the cornstalks in this incredibly creative adventure across America.
6-8 Years
48 Pages
Angels are hiding everywhere, waiting for you to spot them. From the very first letter to the very last, you will discover heavenly helpers watching over all kinds of unexpected things. Meet the quiet angel who protects your books, the brave angel who guards the chimneys, and the peaceful angel who watches over your dreams at night. Beautiful photographs show these gentle guardians taking care of morning sunlight, fresh oranges, and even the vegetables in the garden. As you journey through the letters, you will see how everyday objects have their own special protectors. Explore this lovely collection and see the world in a whole new, wonderful way.
6-8 Years
64 Pages
High up in the sky, the moon is feeling quite sad despite all the songs and praise she receives. On the celebration of her billionth birthnight, she decides she wants the one thing she has never had: a cozy nightgown just like the people on Earth wear. You will watch as she sneaks down to find the perfect sleepwear to keep her warm under the stars. But when the moon wraps herself in cloth and goes to sleep, her bright light vanishes from the night sky. Discover what happens to the world below when the moon decides to take a comfortable, well-deserved nap. This imaginative bedtime story brings a gentle touch of magic to the lunar cycle.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Two clever magpies watch from the window as a young girl works hard sweeping the ashes. When Cinderella needs a beautiful gown for the grand ball, her feathered friends decide to help. They gather shiny bits of paper and colorful treasures to create the most magnificent dress imaginable. Just when cruel stepsisters threaten to ruin everything, a magical ring from the past brings forth a fairy godmother to save the day. You will watch a simple pumpkin transform into a golden coach as a kind heart gets the reward she deserves. Experience a fresh take on a beloved classic story, where loyal animal helpers and beautiful magic prove that goodness always triumphs.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
A struggling baker thinks his bad luck has finally ended when he finds a beautiful, free bed for his wife. Little does he know, this new piece of furniture holds an incredible secret. In the middle of the night, the enchanted bed lifts them up and flies them straight across the starlit sky. You will travel with them to meet a master baker who gifts them a magical yeast that guarantees the most delicious bread in all of Florence. But this incredible gift comes with a strict promise that will test the baker's heart and honesty. Soar into a wonderful fairy tale that proves true wealth comes from loyalty, love, and keeping your promises.
6-8 Years
48 Pages
A poor parish priest makes a very simple wish, and an old, cracked clay crock answers him with a nightly miracle. Every single evening, the almonds inside the magical jar transform into a delicious, sweet marzipan moon. You will love seeing the humble priest enjoy this wonderful secret treat that fills his stomach and brings him quiet joy. But the magic is threatened when a very bossy and pompous bishop decides that the miracle-making crock belongs in a much fancier home. Watch what happens when greed and pride try to steal a humble piece of magic. This whimsical story shows that true wonders cannot be captured or controlled by those who do not appreciate them.
6-8 Years
58 Pages
Winter has arrived, and a generous bear has the perfect plan to stay warm. He invites his small rabbit friend to share his cozy cave for a long, peaceful nap through the coldest season. You will watch as the two friends curl up together, but the energetic rabbit quickly realizes that sleeping is not nearly as fun as playing. With the crisp air calling, the rabbit jumps up, eager to leap through the sparkling, starlit snow. This charming poem invites you to choose between the snug warmth of a den and the exhilarating freedom of a winter wonderland. Step into a beautifully painted snowy landscape celebrating friendship and the joy of a chilly night.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
A terrifying fever sweeps through Doctor Romero's home, making all five of his children dangerously ill. With modern medicine failing, hope arrives in the middle of the night from a very unexpected visitor. You will meet a magical little cat who appears carrying a single, perfect tortilla on a tray. One by one, this mysterious feline works an incredible miracle to heal the children and chase the sickness away. Join the Romero family as they experience the quiet, soothing power of magic exactly when they need it most. This heartwarming story proves that sometimes the greatest medicine comes from the most surprising and wonderful places.
6-8 Years
48 Pages
When the lights go out, the real journey begins. Hop aboard a magical night train with a young boy as he drifts into a spectacular dreamscape. As you travel through the starlit countryside, you will meet a wonderful cast of extraordinary animals waiting along the tracks. Every stop brings a new mystery and a gentle adventure in a land where nothing stays the same for long. The glowing scenes and quiet moments will guide you smoothly through the shadows of the evening. Settle in for a soothing ride that blurs the lines between reality and imagination. This beautiful nighttime trip is the perfect way to explore the wonders of the dark before finally closing your eyes. The rhythmic clatter of the tracks will carry you gently to sleep.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Four clumsy magicians have made a terrible mistake and lost their prized magic flying carpet. Meanwhile, a kind grandmother is searching for the very last piece of cloth she needs to finish her beautiful handmade quilt. Thanks to a helpful magpie, the missing magical carpet ends up right in the center of her sewing project. You will laugh as the magicians desperately try to track down their enchanted rug, completely unaware of where it has landed. See what happens when ordinary household chores collide with high-flying wizardry. This charming and funny story shows how the most powerful magic sometimes happens right in the middle of a cozy living room.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Getting ready for a special photograph should be easy, but a shoemaker and his wife just cannot help themselves. When the photographer arrives to take their wedding anniversary picture, he kindly reminds them that simple pictures are best. However, the couple decides they need just one more prop to make the photo perfect. First they add a hat, then some vegetables, and soon the scene becomes completely ridiculous. You will laugh out loud as they pile more and more items into the frame, ignoring the frustrated photographer. Watch the hilarious chaos unfold as this stubborn couple tries to capture all of their favorite things in one single snapshot.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
A seemingly ordinary broom brings extraordinary magic when a man discovers she is alive and loves to dance! He quickly grows to care for his wonderful, sweeping friend and wants nothing more than to see her happy. But his peaceful life is turned upside down when his beloved broom is unexpectedly stolen. Heartbroken, he sets out on a determined journey to find her. When he finally tracks her down, he faces a difficult choice about what it really means to care for someone. He realizes that true friendship sometimes means letting go and giving someone their freedom. Join this unforgettable adventure about a dancing broom and a man with a very big heart. This beautifully illustrated story shows readers that love is about joy, respect, and hoping those you care about will always find their way home.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
A quiet birthday party is about to turn into a hilarious chain reaction of surprises. It all starts with a simple hat belonging to Grandmother, but what is hiding underneath changes everything. When a sneaky mouse ducks under the brim, and a hungry cat waits nearby, the stage is set for a wild commotion. You are invited to watch the delightful chaos unfold as one tiny action sets off a series of funny events. Each page reveals a new, unexpected twist that will keep you guessing what happens next. Join the fun and find out how a peaceful celebration becomes an unforgettable game of hide and seek.
6-8 Years
27 Pages
Finding the perfect birthday present for your mother can be incredibly tricky. When a young girl's mother asks for a very specific, mysterious cake from her childhood, the real trouble begins. You will quickly discover that the recipe for a High Rise Glorious Skittle Skat Roarious Sky Pie Angel Food Cake is not in any normal cookbook. To pull off this spectacular surprise, you will need a secret family recipe, a grand piano, a slightly clumsy uncle, and some very unusual visitors who drop down from the sky. Mixing the batter is only the start of this wild baking adventure in the kitchen. Join the chaotic fun and see how a pinch of magic creates the most heavenly birthday gift ever baked.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
59 Pages
Sharing a house with a famous medieval painter sounds exciting until his bizarre imagination starts moving in. For the hardworking housekeeper of Hieronymus Bosch, sweeping up dust is nothing compared to dealing with three legged creatures, flying fish, and other strange beasts roaming the halls. Driven to the edge of her patience by this daily chaos, she finally decides to pack her bags and leave the peculiar household behind. But quiet life proves to be surprisingly dull without the artist and his wild creations. A sudden change of heart leads her back to the very monsters she tried to escape, forging an unexpected and loving bond. This wonderfully weird tale celebrates the joy of embracing creativity, finding beauty in the bizarre, and learning to love the unexpected.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
32 Pages
Sylvia has just landed the job of a lifetime as the newest apprentice to the magnificent magician Tottibo. But mastering magic takes time, patience, and a lot of hard work. Faced with an impossible task that she cannot figure out, Sylvia makes a risky decision. She secretly borrows one of Tottibo's powerful spells, hoping for a quick fix. Instead of solving her problem, the stolen magic spirals wildly out of control. Now, Sylvia must race against time to clean up the spectacular chaos she has unleashed before her master returns. This thrilling adventure blends wonder and excitement, showing readers that true skill cannot be rushed and that every shortcut has its price.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
32 Pages
Poems for Innocent and Experienced Travelers
Step into a magical place where the extraordinary happens every day. When you arrive at William Blake's imaginary inn, you will meet a fascinating collection of guests. A powerful dragon brews the morning tea, two patient angels wash the dishes, and the King of Cats roams the halls. This enchanting collection of poems invites you to explore rooms filled with wonders and step outside to see a rabbit dancing in the garden. As you wander through the charming inn, you will discover whimsical characters and quiet moments of magic waiting around every corner. Pack your bags for a journey into a world where anything is possible, and the beauty of imagination shines bright.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
52 Pages
