Author & Illustrator Profile
Evaline Ness
12 Books
Evaline Ness was an American children's book creator known for her distinctive, textured illustration style and expressive storytelling. She wrote and illustrated the Caldecott Medal-winning picture book Sam, Bangs & Moonshine, a thoughtful story about a girl learning the difference between imagination and reality. Throughout her career, she utilized techniques like woodcut printing and mixed media to create bold, atmospheric art for her own texts and for other authors. Her stories often center on imaginative children, quiet moments of discovery, and the everyday magic of growing up.
Marcella's life gets turned completely upside down when she meets a very unusual friend, her very own guardian angel! But this angel is not quite what Marcella expected. Instead of just watching over her quietly, the angel loves to play games and has some very interesting ideas about how Marcella should behave. Soon, the two are locked in a battle of wills, playing clever games that challenge Marcella to think about her choices and how she treats others. Will the stubborn Marcella learn to get along with her persistent invisible companion? Dive into this charming and witty story about friendship, behavior, and the funny little voices in our heads that try to keep us on the right track.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Lydia is the busiest girl you will ever meet. Her days are packed with exciting ideas and grand projects, from building race cars to painting masterpieces. The only problem? She starts everything but never quite finds the time to finish anything! Whenever someone asks for her help or wants to play, Lydia's answer is always the same: she is just too busy. But when her rushing around finally causes her to miss out on something truly important, Lydia has to stop and think. Will she ever learn how to slow down and make the time for the things that really matter? This relatable and funny story is perfect for busy kids trying to manage their big imaginations.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Elizabeth has a big problem. She has four brothers, and they all look exactly alike! They all have red hair, freckles, and a habit of causing absolute chaos in the house. No matter how hard she tries, Elizabeth just cannot tell them apart. But when she really needs to know who is who, she comes up with a clever plan. Will her secret trick finally help her solve the mystery of her four matching brothers? This delightful and funny story is perfect for anyone who knows what it is like to have siblings. Dive into a charming tale full of sibling rivalry, clever ideas, and the special bond of family.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Josefina February is bursting with excitement. Today, she is going to the busy marketplace all by herself to buy a wonderful birthday present for her grandfather. But on her way, she discovers something unexpected: an adorable, wobbly baby burro who is completely lost. Josefina quickly falls in love with the little donkey and wishes she could keep him forever. However, she still has not sold her basket of fruit, which means she does not have the money for her grandfather's gift. Now, Josefina faces a very difficult choice. Will she find a way to keep her new animal friend, or will she give him up to make her grandfather's birthday special? This touching story explores love, sacrifice, and the true meaning of family.
6-8 Years
30 Pages
Step into a charming world where friendship comes in the most unusual forms. In this gentle tale, a patient and kindhearted Japanese boy crosses paths with two very special animals: a spirited wild pony and a curious monkey who happens to see everything double. With a little bit of generosity and a lot of understanding, the boy sets out to help his new animal friends. Together, they embark on an adventure full of mix-ups, teamwork, and heartwarming surprises. Can the boy help the monkey see clearly and win the trust of the shy pony? This beautifully told story shows how patience and kindness can build the strongest friendships of all.
6-8 Years
Jones is a young girl with one very big dream. She wants a baby of her own more than anything else in the world! Since she does not have a little brother or sister to play with, she comes up with a bold plan. She decides to save up all her pennies and nickels so she can simply buy one! But as Jones soon discovers, getting a real, live baby is not quite as easy as visiting the store. Her hilarious and sweet quest leads to unexpected surprises and a whole lot of giggles. This playful and endearing story captures the lively imagination of a child and explores the funny ways we try to make our biggest wishes come true.
6-8 Years
46 Pages
Princess Phoebe has a very unusual problem. She has never, ever shed a single tear! Her father, the King, has tried everything to make his daughter cry, but nothing seems to work. Finally, he decides to give her his most prized possession, a magnificent white peacock named Pavo. Pavo is proud, beautiful, and absolutely impossible to ignore. But instead of bringing tears to the princess's eyes, the stunning bird sparks a fascinating new friendship. Will Pavo finally unlock the princess's hidden emotions, or will the stubborn royal and the proud bird clash? Step into a beautifully illustrated kingdom to discover a charming story about feelings, friendship, and a truly unforgettable peacock.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Tommy Grimes has been warned to stay out of trouble, but sometimes a boy just cannot help himself. When Tommy wanders off, he finds himself in the clutches of the mischievous and spooky Mr. Miacca, a clever man with a very bad habit of catching wandering boys for his supper. Now, Tommy is trapped in Mr. Miacca's house and the cooking pot is getting hot. To escape, Tommy will need to use every ounce of his wits and trickery to outsmart his captor before it is too late. This thrilling, slightly spooky retelling of a classic English folktale is packed with suspense, quick thinking, and just the right amount of shivers for adventurous young readers.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
32 Pages
Meet Sam, a little girl with a truly wild imagination! She loves to invent amazing stories and talk about her pet unicorn, Bangs, or even a baby kangaroo she says lives in her kitchen. Sam calls these made-up tales "moonshine." But sometimes, her moonshine makes it tricky for her to tell what's real and what's just pretend.
One day, Sam's wonderful but far-fetched stories lead to a bit of trouble. Can she learn the important difference between her fantastic imagination and the truth? Join Sam on her journey as she discovers how to use her creativity wisely and understands why it's so important to know what is real and what is just her "moonshine." This engaging story explores imagination, honesty, and the power of finding the truth.
6-8 Years
48 Pages
What good is being the most beautiful girl in the world if you are completely miserable? The girl in this story has flawless looks, but she has never felt a single drop of happiness. Meanwhile, the local goatherd is not much to look at, but his life is filled with joy, laughter, and contentment. Believing that her beauty is the cause of all her sadness, the young girl makes a drastic choice. She visits a powerful witch to trade her good looks for a chance at true happiness. But will changing how she looks on the outside really change how she feels on the inside? Dive into this thought-provoking and unusual fairy tale that reveals the true secret to finding joy.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
32 Pages
Jay is a farm boy who loves exploring the world around him. One late August afternoon, just before the new school year begins, he finds a tiny, musical friend. It is a cricket! The cricket fits perfectly into small spaces, like an old tea strainer or right inside Jay's pocket. When the first day of school arrives, Jay decides to bring his chirping new friend along. But what happens when the classroom goes quiet and the cricket starts fiddling its cheerful tune? This beloved classic gently captures the wonder of nature and the feelings of starting something new. It is a heartwarming story about finding comfort in small friendships and bringing a little bit of home with you wherever you go.
6-8 Years
56 Pages
Follow along on a merry journey through the Scottish Highlands. One morning early, a young boy named Sandy grabs his sack of corn and sets off down the road to the mill. But he does not walk alone for long. Along the way, he is joined by one huntsman, two ewes, three gypsies, and a growing parade of fun characters and animals. How many friends will join Sandy before he reaches his destination? This classic counting tale is filled with lively rhythm and joyful rhymes that make reading aloud a treat. Step into a beautifully illustrated adventure that brings counting to life and celebrates the joy of a sunny morning walk.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
