Author Profile
Ann Herbert Scott
13 Books
Ann Herbert Scott was an American author of children's books known for her authentic portrayals of family life and the American West. Her classic picture book On Mother's Lap highlights the gentle, universal warmth of a growing family, reflecting her focus on sensitive and realistic domestic scenes. She frequently drew inspiration from her experiences living in Western landscapes, translating the details of cowboy culture and rural environments into engaging stories for young readers. Her narratives combine comforting tones with quiet, everyday moments that resonate deeply with early childhood experiences.
Saddle up and step into the dusty boots of a real buckaroo. An experienced old cowboy is ready to take you on a journey through the changing landscape of the American West. Listen closely as he shares his personal story of learning the ropes, riding the open range, and discovering what it truly means to live the cowboy life. Through his memories, you will discover the daily routines, the hard work, and the unique skills required to work with cattle and horses. You will see firsthand how the cowboy tradition has evolved over the years, shifting from the wide open plains of the past to the modern ranching world of today. This beautifully told history lesson brings the authentic sights and sounds of cowboy country right to your fingertips. It is a genuine look at a legendary way of life, perfect for anyone who loves horses, history, and the great outdoors. Grab your hat and get ready for a ride you will never forget.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
56 Pages
Ride along on a counting adventure across the wide open trail. A cowboy and his son are heading out to check their cattle, and there is so much to see along the way. As you travel with them on horseback, you can help them count all the fascinating things that make up their world. From the cedar posts on the fence line to the cattle grazing in the distance, every page offers a new discovery. You will practice your counting skills while exploring the beautiful western landscape and learning about the daily chores of a working ranch. This gentle story combines a beautiful father and son journey with a fun learning activity. It is the perfect ride for young readers who love horses, the outdoors, and practicing their numbers in a natural setting.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Kenny wants nothing more than to climb into the saddle. Every day, he watches his father and the other cowboys head out to work, wishing he could ride right alongside them. He practices his roping and helps around the ranch, but everyone keeps telling him he is just too small to be a real cowboy. But Kenny is determined. When his sympathetic mother sees how much this dream means to him, she decides to take matters into her own hands. With her patient guidance and practice, Kenny is finally going to learn what it takes to handle a horse. This heartwarming story celebrates the special bond between mother and son and the thrill of achieving a dream. It is a wonderful tale of patience, family support, and the magic of your first real ride.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Being the youngest in the house is not always easy. Sam wants to play and help out, but everywhere he turns, his family tells him he is just too small. His brother is reading, his sister is making paper dolls, and his father is working at his desk. Every time Sam tries to join in, he gets sent away. Feeling sad and left out, Sam does not know where he fits in. Just when he thinks there is no place for him, his mother steps in with a wonderful surprise. She has a very special and important job in the kitchen, and it turns out that Sam is the exact right size to do it. This touching story captures the familiar frustrations of being little in a busy family. It is a comforting read reminding you that everyone has a special place and a helpful role.
6-8 Years
33 Pages
Martin has just received the best birthday present ever: a shiny cowboy outfit. He has the hat, the boots, and the bright silver badges. But there is one big problem. Martin lives right in the middle of a busy city, and nobody believes he can be a real cowboy without a horse. Determined to prove them wrong, Martin sets out in his new gear, but the city streets do not feel much like the wild west. Just when he starts to lose hope, an unexpected friend comes to the rescue. The local fruit vendor happens to have a real working horse, and he knows exactly how to help Martin live out his cowboy dreams. This charming story proves that imagination and a little help from your neighbors can make anything possible. It is a beautiful celebration of city life and childhood dreams.
6-8 Years
38 Pages
The school spelling bee is coming up, and Spider has a terrible case of stage fright. He is a fantastic speller, but the thought of standing up in front of the entire school makes his knees shake and his voice disappear. He wants to hide and skip the competition entirely. When Spider shares his fears with his family, they offer him a different way to look at the challenge. His father reminds him of the deep strength and courage of their Shoshoni ancestors, teaching him how to channel the quiet bravery of a mountain lion. With the support of his family and the wisdom of his heritage, Spider begins to find his own inner power. This inspiring story explores the very real fear of public speaking and the beautiful ways our families support us. It is a gentle reminder that you have incredible courage hiding right inside your own heart.
6-8 Years
Why settle for just a single thing when you could have more? A curious young girl goes for a walk and quickly realizes a frustrating rule of the world: adults always seem to tell her she can only have one. Whether it is one cookie at the bakery, one balloon at the fair, or one ride on the merry go round, just one never seems to be quite enough. But as her journey continues, she makes a wonderful discovery. While some things are limited, the best parts of life come in abundance. She soon learns that there are certain special things you can have as many of as you want, bringing a big smile to her face and filling her day with joy. This sweet and relatable story captures the boundless curiosity of childhood. It perfectly balances a common frustration with a beautiful, heartwarming realization about the things that truly matter.
6-8 Years
Grab your flashlights and get ready for a spooky, silly adventure. It is Halloween night, the perfect time for creatures to creep out of the shadows. Three brave friends have decided they do not just want to collect candy this year. They want to do something much more exciting: they are going to catch a real life monster. Marching through their neighborhood in their costumes, the trio searches high and low for any signs of a sneaky beast. They bravely peek behind bushes and investigate strange noises in the dark. But what happens when their monster hunt leads them right to a surprising and completely unexpected discovery? This delightful story captures the thrill and magic of Halloween without being too scary. It is a fun, adventurous ride that will have you giggling and cheering for these three courageous monster hunters all the way to the very end.
6-8 Years
Pull up a seat and dive into a beautiful piece of family history. Katie loves her special black and gold chair, but she never realized just how many stories it holds. When she sits down with her Grandmother to look through an old photo album, she discovers a fascinating secret about her favorite piece of furniture. Page by page, Grandmother shows Katie pictures of different little girls sitting in that exact same chair over the years. Katie learns that her mother, her aunt, and even her grandmother once sat right where she is sitting now. The old chair has been a quiet witness to generations of childhoods, connecting Katie to the women in her family in a magical way. This tender and heartwarming story celebrates the rich bonds of family and the precious objects that tie generations together. It is a gentle reminder that our history is always right there holding us up.
6-8 Years
42 Pages
Waiting in a long line can be boring, but not if you know how to make your own fun. Margarita is at the post office with her mother, and the line seems to stretch on forever. Instead of fussing, she decides to turn her wait into a friendly game by greeting every single person who walks through the door. As the busy patrons rush in carrying boxes, letters, and packages of all shapes and sizes, Margarita offers them a bright and cheerful hello. Her simple greeting begins to work a quiet magic on the tired and hurried crowd, turning a dull errand into a warm community moment. This incredibly sweet story shows how one small, cheerful voice can change the mood of an entire room. It is a wonderful celebration of friendliness, patience, and the joy of spreading a little bit of sunshine wherever you go.
6-8 Years
Living on a real working ranch brings tough choices, and Annie is facing her hardest one yet. Her grandfather has just surprised her with an incredible gift: a personalized branding iron made just for her. It means she is officially a real cowgirl. But joy quickly turns to worry when she realizes what this actually means for her favorite orphaned calf, Doodle. The spring branding day is quickly approaching, and Annie cannot stand the thought of hurting the sweet calf she has raised by hand. She is torn between her deep love for Doodle and the traditional responsibilities of ranch life. As the big day arrives, Annie has to dig deep to understand what it truly means to care for a ranch animal. This moving chapter book explores the complex emotional realities of farm life. It is a heartfelt story about growing up, facing difficult traditions, and discovering the true meaning of responsibility.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
46 Pages
There is no place in the world quite as cozy as being wrapped up tight in your mother's arms. A little boy named Michael loves rocking back and forth on his mother's lap. He brings his favorite toys, his puppy, and his warm blanket to snuggle with him. It feels like the safest, most perfect spot in the whole house. But when he hears his baby sister crying, Michael worries that his favorite place is going to be taken away. He thinks there cannot possibly be enough space for both of them. With a gentle smile and a warm hug, his mother shows him a beautiful truth about love: there is always room for one more. This soothing and tender story perfectly captures the anxieties of welcoming a new sibling. It is a comforting reminder that a parent's love and lap can always expand to fit the whole family.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Sometimes a joke can go a little too far. In the Bear family treehouse, Brother Bear has started teasing Sister Bear. He thinks his jokes are hilarious, but Sister finds them annoying and hurtful. Brother does not understand why she is so upset until he goes to school and runs into Too-Tall Grizzly. Suddenly, Brother is the one being teased, and he quickly realizes that being laughed at does not feel good at all. With a little help from Mama and Papa, Brother figures out how to handle the school bully and how to make things right with his sister. This relatable story is a wonderful look at empathy and kindness. It shows you the clear difference between playful fun and hurting someone's feelings.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
