Cynthia Leitich Smith

Get ready to celebrate some of the most important people in your world! Whether she is a close relative, a trusted family friend, or a wonderful neighbor, an auntie brings her own special kind of joy to your life. In this warmhearted and beautifully illustrated story, you will see all the incredible ways these women step up to fill this amazing role. They are right beside you for life’s biggest celebrations, and they are always there to give you a hug when you need it most. Written by Cynthia Leitich Smith and perfectly matched with gorgeous art, this delightful book honors the laughter, guidance, and love that only an auntie can provide. It is a joyful reminder of the community that surrounds you, making it the perfect read to share with the treasured aunties who brighten up your days.

Have you ever made a new friend who's also a living legend? Meet Mel and Ray, two friends who feel like siblings. Their lives get super exciting when Great-grandfather Bat, a famous player from traditional stories, takes refuge in their backyard oak tree! But oh no, he's got an injured wing. There's a really important Great Ball Game coming up, and Bat is the star! Mel and Ray decide they HAVE to help him get there. So, with Grampa Charlie, they all pile into the car for an unforgettable road trip from Chicago all the way to Georgia. Get ready for adventure, fun, and even a little mystery along the way! This heartwarming story is packed with talking animals, courage, and the amazing discovery that everyone is connected. Join Mel, Ray, and Great-grandfather Bat as they race against time to make sure the legend plays his game!

Meet Lily and Wendy, best friends who also happen to be stepsisters! Their family is going through a tough time, with their parents planning to spend the summer apart. Lily and Wendy worry about what this means for their family and their special friendship. But a mysterious boy named Peter Pan has been watching them, and he has a different idea for their summer! Suddenly, they are whisked away on a magical, high-flying adventure to a fairy-tale island called Neverland. Imagine a place filled with wild animals, shimmering Merfolk, mischievous Fairies, and even pirates and a giant crocodile! Will Lily and Wendy find the courage they need to navigate this incredible world? Join them on an unforgettable journey packed with magic, excitement, and discoveries that will test their bond and show them what they're truly made of. Get ready for an adventure like no other!

Who gives the best hugs, shares the most amazing stories, and always knows exactly how to make you smile? Grandmas! This heartwarming book is a beautiful celebration of the incredible grandmothers in your life. It does not matter if she is your mom’s mom, your dad’s mom, a loving foster grandma, or simply an honorary grandmother who feels like family—each one brings her own special magic wherever she goes. Through gentle words and beautiful artwork, you will see how these wonderful women teach us new skills, help us create lasting memories, and share their endless good humor. Our communities are simply better because of their helpful hands and loving hearts. Wrap yourself in a story that honors the unique bond you share, making it a perfectly joyful read to enjoy together with your favorite grandma.

There is a special kind of magic that only happens when the sun goes down and the warm evening air settles in. Step outside and get ready to experience the quiet wonder of nature coming alive in the dark! In this beautifully crafted story, the ordinary world transforms into a glowing, twinkling landscape that is just waiting to be explored. Watching the tiny flashes of light dance across the yard is a cherished summer tradition that brings families and friends together. Through gentle storytelling and a deep appreciation for the outdoors, this book captures the pure joy and curiosity of being a kid during the most enchanting time of the year. Whether you are reading it indoors or taking it outside under the stars, it is a perfect reminder to slow down, look closely, and appreciate the brilliant little miracles that are flashing right in your own backyard.

Meet Alfie. He is a boy of science, completely armed with the facts, and he is absolutely, one-hundred-percent sure that Santa Claus is nothing more than a giant myth! Now, he is on a major mission to prove to the entire world that the man in the red suit simply does not exist. The only problem? Nobody really wants to pay attention to his evidence. This includes his sister, Noelle, whose only big holiday wish is for Santa to bring her a much nicer older brother! Will Alfie’s stubborn quest for the truth ruin the festive spirit, or is he about to discover that some things cannot be explained by facts alone? Dive into this funny and clever holiday adventure that explores the magic of belief, the bond between siblings, and the true meaning of the season.

Listen to the wonderful tink, tink, tink! Jenna is a modern Muscogee (Creek) girl living in Oklahoma with a beautiful dream. She desperately wants to honor a special family tradition by performing the jingle dance at the upcoming community powwow. There is just one tricky problem: she does not have enough shiny jingles for her dress! To make her dream a reality, Jenna sets out on a heartwarming journey to borrow the special metal cones from the dresses of her loving friends and relatives. With every jingle she gathers, she connects deeper with the strong women in her life and the rich heritage of her Nation. Paired with beautifully warm watercolor art, this unique story celebrates family bonds, cultural pride, and the joy of keeping traditions alive. Step into the circle and discover the beautiful rhythm of Jenna’s unforgettable dance.

Ever since he was a tiny baby, Holler Loudly has done exactly what his name suggests: he hollers! Whether he is at the quiet library, a dark movie theater, or sitting in class, Holler just cannot help his booming voice. His town is tired of the noise, and Holler is tired of getting into trouble. But when a massive tornado looms over the state fair, everyone else is too quiet to be heard. Suddenly, the very thing that made Holler a nuisance might be the only thing that can save the day. Jump into this tall tale about finding your place in the world and discovering that sometimes, being yourself is exactly what the world needs. Why it pulls you in: You will laugh at Holler's loud mishaps and cheer when his unique talent finally finds its perfect moment.

Meet Ray Halfmoon, a Seminole-Cherokee boy with a quick wit and a loving heart! Ray lives in the big city of Chicago but also enjoys time near a lake in rural Oklahoma. No matter where he is, Ray is always having fun and figuring things out with the help of his amazing Grampa. This collection of linked stories is full of everyday adventures and heartwarming moments. You'll laugh along as Ray navigates funny situations, like when a homemade haircut goes hilariously wrong and he and Grampa have to get super creative to fix it! Or when he thinks about what "Indian shoes" really look like—fancy beaded moccasins or cool hightops with bright orange laces? This heartwarming and funny book is a wonderful journey about family, growing up, and the special bond between a boy and his grandfather. Join Ray and Grampa as they share laughter, solve problems, and make memories together.

Cousins Riley Halfmoon and Maya Dawn have just moved to Urbanopolis to live with their activist grandmother, and the transition is anything but smooth. Riley is highly social and deeply misses her Muscogee community, while the introverted Maya misses her deployed parents and just wants to be left alone with her gadgets. Despite their differences, they are forced to navigate a brand-new middle school together. Just as they start finding their footing in the gymnastics team and the robotics club, a sinister force threatens their school's culture. Uncovering a web of money, power, and lies orchestrated by an influential adult in disguise, the cousins realize they cannot fight this battle apart. Throwing their hats into the ring for class president, Riley and Maya shift from clashing rivals to a cooperative, crime-fighting duo. Combining Riley's exceptional people skills with Maya's brilliant technological inventions, the two become everyday superheroes determined to protect their community and save the day.