Author Profile
Lori Haskins Houran
20 Books
Lori Haskins Houran is an accomplished author of children's books, specializing in engaging and accessible stories for early readers. She has written numerous titles for popular beginning reader lines, including modern I Can Read installments of the classic 'Flat Stanley' franchise. In addition to her licensed character work, Houran has published a variety of original picture books and educational texts tailored to young audiences.
Seeds, apples, and a very long walk carry young readers into the life of John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed.
This gentle Little Golden Book biography introduces a real American figure in clear, friendly language. Readers follow Johnny from his love of the woods as a boy to his years traveling through the country, planting apple seeds and helping settlers grow orchards.
Warm illustrations and simple nonfiction storytelling make this a welcoming first biography for children who are beginning to explore history. With its focus on nature, kindness, and one person’s unusual life, the book gives young readers an easy way to understand why Johnny Appleseed became part of American legend.
6-8 Years
24 Pages
One quiet backyard is about to become a cat concert.
A woman wants a peaceful moment with her cello, but the neighborhood cats have other plans. Slinky cats, stinky cats, gray cats, and stray cats all tumble into the scene, each ready to add a loud meow to the music.
Built with rhyme, rhythm, big type, and easy words, this funny early reader is made for children who are gaining confidence with simple sentences. The playful animal chaos and bright illustrations keep the story lively, while the repeated sounds help new readers join in with the fun.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Before George Washington became the first president, he was a boy who loved the outdoors and had much to learn.
This Little Golden Book biography gives young readers a simple, inviting introduction to Washington’s life, from his childhood to his military service, his role in the American Revolution, and his years as the nation’s first president. The story keeps the focus clear and age-appropriate, helping children understand why Washington is remembered in American history.
With bright artwork and a friendly nonfiction style, this is a helpful first biography for readers beginning to explore presidents, leadership, and the founding of the United States.
6-8 Years
Ducks in muck. Trucks in muck. Now everything is stuck.
This bouncy early reader turns a muddy mess into a playful reading adventure. Friendly ducks splash into trouble, trucks get trapped, and the fun builds through short, rhyming lines that invite children to listen, repeat, and read along.
With simple words, lively rhythm, and bright pictures, Ducks in Muck is especially friendly for new readers who are practicing sound patterns and sight words. The silly animal action keeps the story light, while the repeated language gives children satisfying chances to feel successful on the page.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Big dogs, tiny dogs, working dogs, playful puppies: this Little Golden Book opens the door to the wide world of dogs.
Young readers learn simple facts about different kinds of dogs, from Great Danes to Chihuahuas, along with where dogs came from and what they need to stay healthy. The book also introduces the idea that dogs can have different jobs, different sizes, and different personalities.
Light, cheerful, and easy to follow, this nonfiction picture book is a friendly choice for children who love pets or are curious about choosing and caring for a dog. Colorful illustrations keep the information warm and approachable for early elementary readers.
6-8 Years
26 Pages
A piglet in a sweater is cute. A basket of baby chicks is cute. A tiny elephant in the bath is very cute.
But this sweet, funny picture book has one important message for the child listening: next to you, even the most adorable baby animals are only almost cute enough. Page after page compares cuddly animals with the beloved reader in a playful celebration of affection.
With soft illustrations and warm, simple language, Next to You works beautifully as a cozy read-aloud, a gift book, or a gentle reminder that being loved does not depend on being perfect, tiny, or picture-book adorable.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Sleepy baby animals are tucked in, soft, warm, and almost impossible not to peek at.
Close Your Eyes gently invites children into a drowsy world of cuddly creatures settling down for rest. The language is soothing and playful, with a bedtime rhythm that encourages quiet listening while still giving young readers sweet details to notice on each page.
Sydney Hanson’s tender animal illustrations add to the cozy mood, making this a comforting picture book for winding down. It is best for readers who enjoy gentle read-alouds, soft humor, and bedtime stories that feel calm without becoming dull.
6-8 Years
Love is not only for the neat, sweet, fluffy, and perfectly behaved.
In Warts and All, a parade of awkward, prickly, drooly, grouchy, burpy, and wonderfully imperfect animals helps show that everyone can be loved exactly as they are. The examples are silly enough to make young readers smile, but the message underneath is warm and reassuring.
This affectionate picture book pairs playful animal comparisons with soft, expressive illustrations. It is a strong read-aloud for children learning that flaws, odd habits, and messy moments do not make someone less lovable. The tone is funny, tender, and just a little bit delightfully gross.
6-8 Years
35 Pages
A ghost horse appears near Cape Cod. A portrait in Virginia seems to have a mind of its own. A miner’s legend lingers in Colorado. A one-handed sea captain is said to haunt a California beach.
Spooky & Spookier gathers four American ghost stories for readers ready for eerie tales with a historical flavor. Each story is short enough for growing readers but includes stronger vocabulary, suspenseful details, and a sense of place.
Designed as a Step 4 reader, this book suits children who can handle longer sentences and short paragraphs with confidence. It is a good pick for readers who like ghost stories that feel mysterious and creepy without becoming too frightening.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
48 Pages
A backyard lunch turns into a dog parade with wagging tails, floppy ears, and far too much excitement.
Too Many Dogs is a bouncy Step 1 reader filled with dogs of every kind. The rhyming text moves quickly, giving new readers plenty of sound patterns to enjoy while the busy illustrations show all the funny trouble dogs can make when they gather in a bunch.
With big type, easy words, and a cheerful rhythm, this book is built for children who know the alphabet and are ready to begin reading simple books on their own. Dog lovers will especially enjoy the noisy, messy, tail-wagging fun.
6-8 Years
33 Pages
Show-and-tell is full of surprises in Stanley Lambchop’s classroom, from a pet mouse to a pair of false teeth.
Then Miss Plum shares something extra special: her sparkly new engagement ring. When the ring suddenly goes missing, an ordinary school day turns into a lost-and-found mystery. Luckily, Flat Stanley has a talent for getting into places other people cannot.
This early reader brings Jeff Brown’s classic character into a lively classroom story with humor, gentle suspense, and full-color illustrations. It is well suited for children who are growing more confident with longer easy-reader stories and enjoy school adventures with a clever hero.
6-8 Years
48 Pages
Stanley Lambchop is absolutely thrilled when his fire safety poster wins a huge school contest. As the grand prize, he gets a special invitation to visit the local firehouse, and you get to tag along for the ride.
When Chief Abbot welcomes him in and lets him climb right into the driver seat of a real fire truck, Stanley thinks his day cannot possibly get any better. He even gets to slide down the big fire pole. But when the firehouse alarm suddenly rings, Stanleys fun tour turns into a fast paced rescue mission.
Follow Stanley as he uses his very unique, flat shape to help the firefighters in a real emergency. This exciting story shows how being flat can sometimes make you the perfect hero when things heat up.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Bundle up for a frosty and fun adventure with Stanley Lambchop. Winter has arrived, and Stanley and his brother Arthur are incredibly excited to spend the afternoon ice skating on the frozen local lake.
While Arthur is busy slipping, sliding, and trying to stay on his feet, everyone is amazed to discover that Stanley is a natural born ice skating superstar. His flat shape allows him to glide beautifully and perform incredible tricks on the ice. But the fun comes to a sudden halt when loud cracking sounds echo across the lake, and the thick ice begins to dangerously break apart.
You will be on the edge of your seat as Stanley springs into action. Dive into this thrilling, chilly rescue mission to see how a perfectly flat boy uses his unique abilities to save the day on the frozen water.
6-8 Years
48 Pages
Sirens, flashing lights, and a real fire truck are waiting for Stanley Lambchop.
Stanley’s fire safety poster has won a special prize: a visit to the fire station with his brother Arthur. At first, the trip is exciting but not quite as thrilling as Stanley hoped. Then an emergency call comes in, and suddenly the Lambchop family is racing along with the firefighters on a rescue mission.
This lively Flat Stanley early reader gives young readers an easy-to-follow adventure with plenty of humor, action, and just the right amount of suspense. With short chapters, bright illustrations, and a familiar hero whose flatness often comes in handy, it is a friendly choice for kids building confidence as independent readers.
6-8 Years
48 Pages
Flat Stanley may be the thinnest player on the field, but that might make him the trickiest one to beat.
When Stanley tries out for baseball, his flat shape gives him some surprising moves. He can reach for fly balls, slip into clever positions, and puzzle even strong pitchers. Soon, though, his teammates and opponents begin to wonder whether Stanley’s special advantage is fair.
This easy-to-read Flat Stanley story mixes sports action with a light lesson about honesty and fair play. Full-color illustrations and a familiar character make it a good choice for early readers who enjoy baseball, humor, and short chapter-style adventures.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Worm has just learned something shocking: teachers have birthdays too.
Now Worm and his friends need a present for Mrs. Mulch, and finding the right gift is not as easy as digging through the dirt. Their search turns into a funny, school-friendly adventure filled with the oddball charm readers expect from the Diary of a Worm world.
This Level One I Can Read story uses short sentences, familiar words, and bright illustrations to support children who are learning to read independently. It is a cheerful pick for young readers who like classroom stories, animal characters, and gentle humor with a wiggly twist.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Get ready to dive deep into a sparkling underwater adventure with Stanley Lambchop and his brother Arthur. The boys are enjoying a fantastic snorkeling trip when they stumble upon an old shipwreck resting on the ocean floor.
You will be amazed when Stanley and Arthur realize the ship is filled with dazzling, sunken treasure. Because Stanley is flat, he is the perfect hero to slide right into the wreckage and investigate the shiny gold. But exploring the ocean comes with big risks. Suddenly, a massive storm hits the surface, whipping up giant, dangerous waves that threaten to trap them.
Jump into this exciting and funny story to find out how Stanley uses his quick thinking and unique paper thin shape to save the day. It is an unforgettable oceanic journey that shows exactly why being flat is better than ever.
6-8 Years
30 Pages
A bakery problem needs a big idea, and Flat Stanley may be just the person to help.
Stanley and Arthur love visiting Mr. Pete the Baker, especially when there are sweet treats to make. But Mr. Pete is worried: another baker is taking away his customers, and he needs something special for the Food Fair. Stanley’s flat shape gives him a chance to help in a way no one else can, but a giant cookie plan is not as simple as it sounds.
With bakery bustle, sibling teamwork, and the playful humor of the Flat Stanley series, this early reader is a cheerful pick for children who are beginning to enjoy longer stories. The clear sentences, inviting illustrations, and funny problem-solving make it especially appealing for readers ages 6 to 8.
6-8 Years
29 Pages
Pack your tent and grab your flashlight for a wild weekend in the great outdoors. Stanley Lambchop has been feeling a little flat lately, so his parents decide a family camping trip is exactly what he needs. With fresh air and beautiful woods to explore, Stanley and his brother Arthur are incredibly excited for an adventure.
Before they head off into the trees, their mother gives them one simple rule: do not get lost and do not fall off a cliff. But when the boys have a surprisingly close encounter with a very smelly skunk, panic sets in. You will laugh out loud as Stanley and Arthur sprint through the forest, running as fast as they can straight toward a steep drop off.
Join the Lambchop brothers on this hilarious and fast paced journey. Discover how Stanley uses his unique paper thin shape to parachute to safety and turn a camping disaster into a massive success.
6-8 Years
35 Pages
It is Halloween time, and Stanley Lambchop cannot wait to show off his costume at the big school party. Stanley and his brother Arthur are hoping for a spooky and fun night, but they quickly realize the schools haunted house is not actually very scary at all.
However, the real trouble begins when Stanley spots a mean bully picking on his good friend Martin. Stanley knows he has to step in and help, and he quickly cooks up a brilliant plan to teach the bully a lesson he will never forget.
You will laugh out loud as Stanley uses his amazingly flat shape to become the spookiest thing at the party. Join the Lambchop brothers in this heartwarming and hilarious Halloween adventure that proves standing up for your friends is the bravest trick of all.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
