Author Profile
Mary Lyn Ray
22 Books
Mary Lyn Ray is an accomplished author of children's picture books known for her lyrical, quiet prose. Her works, such as 'Mud' and 'Go to Sleep, Little Farm,' frequently celebrate the beauty of nature and the simple joys of everyday life. She crafts gentle stories that evoke a sense of wonder and comfort for young readers.
A man loves a special field. When he hears that developers want to buy the land and build on it, he knows he has to find a way to save it. But how can one person protect a whole field? His answer is simple but huge: pumpkins.
He plants seeds, watches the vines grow, and soon the field is filled with thousands of bright orange pumpkins. Now comes the hard part. To save the land, he has to harvest and sell his massive crop, sending trucks and boats full of pumpkins everywhere.
This heartwarming story shows how a clever idea and a lot of hard work can protect the environment. It is a beautiful celebration of nature and the power of one person to make a difference.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
N/A
/5
Thousands of miles apart, two very different boys share a magical connection without even knowing it. In North America, you watch the trees closely, begging your father to save the woods so the beautiful wood thrush has a safe place to nest. Far away in a lush South American forest, another boy listens eagerly for the return of the exact same bird, waiting to hear its sweet, flute-like song. This inspiring journey reveals how nature ties us all together across vast oceans and continents. You will discover how taking care of your own backyard can protect the delicate creatures that travel the globe, making you a part of a much bigger world.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
Step quietly into the peaceful woodland clearing, where the trees create a perfect secret stage just for you. When you practice your turns and leaps among the leaves, you might discover you have an unexpected audience. A graceful deer steps into the light, inspiring you to mirror its elegant, leaping movements. Together in the quiet forest, you learn that the most beautiful dances come from observing the wild world around you. This enchanting story celebrates the quiet magic of the outdoors and the joy of expressing yourself. It encourages you to find your rhythm and let nature guide your every graceful step.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
N/A
/5
You know a dog who is usually brave enough to face anything, from loud trucks to big animals. But when the sky turns dark and a sudden crash of thunder echoes through the house, that courage suddenly disappears. If you have ever felt scared by a loud storm, you will completely understand why this sweet pup just wants to find a safe place to hide. This charming story tackles a very common fear with gentleness and humor, showing you that it is perfectly okay to feel nervous sometimes. It gently helps you see that storms pass quickly, and soon the sky will be bright and quiet once again.
6-8 Years
N/A
/5
By:
Mary Lyn Ray
When Anna first presses the keys of a piano, a lifelong passion is born. You can follow her journey as she discovers the joy of making music, filling her home with beautiful melodies that float through the air. As the years pass and the world around her changes, her love for the instrument never fades. She becomes known simply for the music she plays, letting the notes tell the story of her entire life. This touching historical tale invites you to explore how dedication to a single craft can bring lasting happiness and connect you to the people around you, one beautiful chord at a time.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
N/A
/5
There are so many wonderful things in the world waiting for you to notice them. Have you ever stopped to appreciate a fuzzy caterpillar, a warm hug, or the perfect jumping puddle? Being thankful is a superpower that can turn an ordinary day into something truly special. This uplifting story takes you on a journey to find all the tiny, everyday moments that make life beautiful and fun. It encourages you to look closely at your surroundings and discover the quiet joy in both big events and small surprises. You will quickly see how practicing gratitude can make your heart feel full and bright.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
Hear the whistle blow and feel the rumble beneath your feet as you step onto the train with Mr. Barnes. Taking a ride on the rails is not just about getting from one place to another; it is about the thrilling sights and sounds along the way. You can gaze out the large windows and watch cities, farms, and forests blur past in a colorful streak. Listen closely to the rhythmic clacking of the wheels on the tracks as the journey unfolds. This exciting adventure invites you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the magical experience of traveling by train across the countryside.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
Ever since she was very small, Elva has known exactly what she wants to do: she wants to make beautiful, soaring music. She dreams of holding a violin and drawing a bow across its strings, but sometimes dreams take a long time to come true. While she waits, you can see how the music stays alive in her heart, beating like a steady rhythm as she grows older. This gentle, inspiring story shows you that it is never too late to follow your passion. It proves that if you hold onto your hopes tightly, you might just find yourself playing the beautiful song you have always imagined.
6-8 Years
37 Pages
N/A
/5
By:
Mary Lyn Ray
When the cold winter finally starts to melt away, something magical happens outside your window. The hard, frozen earth softens and transforms into wonderful, squishy, magnificent mud. You can feel the squelch beneath your boots and the cool earth in your hands as spring officially begins. This celebration of nature captures the joy of getting a little messy when the seasons change. It is a perfect invitation to step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and discover the earthy wonders waiting right in your own backyard. Get ready to embrace the glorious brown puddles that make spring so special.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
N/A
/5
You have always watched your father weave beautiful baskets from the ash trees, dreaming of the day you could join him. When you finally get to travel with him into the bustling town of Hudson to sell your wares, the trip is not exactly what you expected. Some people in town call you both unkind names, making you question your family craft and where you truly belong. But as the full basket moon rises, you begin to see the deep pride and artistry in what your father does. This heartfelt story helps you discover the strength in your roots and the quiet dignity of creating something beautiful with your own hands.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
By:
Mary Lyn Ray
Have you ever noticed how stars are hiding everywhere, not just high up in the night sky? You might find a star in the shape of a snowflake, in the bright bloom of a flower, or even as a shiny shape you carry in your pocket to keep you feeling brave. When you look closely, you will see that these twinkling shapes bring a little bit of magic to the world around you. This thoughtful journey encourages you to find your own special stars wherever you go. It helps you remember that even on days when you do not feel very shiny, you still have a bright spark inside you.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
N/A
/5
Sometimes the world is just too interesting to close your eyes, even when everyone else is ready for bed. You might feel wide awake, just like a restless little pup who wants to keep playing, exploring, and listening to the sounds of the house. But as the lights go down and the night grows quiet, even the most energetic dog begins to feel that comforting, cozy heaviness. This sweet bedtime story understands exactly what it feels like to resist sleep. It warmly guides you through the twilight hours, showing you how peaceful it is to finally settle down and drift into a world of happy dreams.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
N/A
/5
Growing something special takes a lot of time and a whole lot of patience. When Wilma decides she wants to grow balsam firs, she asks her young neighbor Parker to help her plant tiny seedlings in the soil. Together, you can watch as the two friends count, measure, and care for their growing forest year after year. From battling hungry mice to waiting through long winters, you will see exactly what it takes to nurture a little seed into a beautiful holiday tree. This heartwarming tale celebrates teamwork, the slow magic of nature, and the joy of sharing something you have grown with the world.
6-8 Years
44 Pages
N/A
/5
Every old home holds secrets and memories within its wooden walls. Imagine a lonely, quiet house sitting in a wide country field, remembering the days when it was filled with running feet and happy laughter. As families come and go, the house waits patiently, wondering if anyone will ever stay long enough to love it again. You can almost feel the house breathing and hoping for a new family to bring back the music of daily life. This beautiful tale shows you that a home is more than just a building. It is a special place that holds our history, waiting for new memories to be made.
6-8 Years
33 Pages
N/A
/5
There is one day out of the entire year that belongs completely to you. From the moment you wake up, the day is waiting for you to unwrap it like a giant present. You might wear a paper crown, blow out candles, or just enjoy the quiet thrill of being a whole year older. This gentle story explores the many ways you can celebrate your special day, whether you have a big party or a quiet afternoon. It reminds you that the best gift of all is not something in a box, but the feeling of joy and the memories you make.
6-8 Years
33 Pages
N/A
/5
Have you ever wondered exactly what a real writer does all day? You might picture someone sitting quietly at a desk, but creating a book is full of surprises, especially when you have a loyal furry friend by your side. This playful peek into an author's life shows you how ideas are born, how you can sometimes get stuck, and why having a dog makes the whole process so much better. From morning walks to exciting school visits, you will discover the fun, messy, and creative routine of bringing a story to life. It is a wonderful look at creativity that will inspire you to pick up a pencil and start writing your own adventures.
6-8 Years
44 Pages
N/A
/5
Grab your brightest splash gear because a rainy afternoon is full of possibilities. While some might think a gloomy sky means staying indoors, you know it is the perfect time for an adventure. You can pull on your favorite red boots and head outside to stomp in the biggest puddles you can find. Watch how the water splashes, listen to the drops tapping on the roof, and see the world transform into a wet and wonderful playground. This cheerful story celebrates the simple joys of a rainy day, showing you that with a little imagination, even the grayest weather can be full of vibrant color and fun.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
N/A
/5
As the sun begins to set and the sky turns deep blue, the whole world starts to quiet down. Out on the farm, you can see the animals settling into their cozy spots for the night. The bears snuggle in the woods, the bees return to their hives, and it is time for you to pull up the covers, too. This soothing story brings you the peaceful rhythms of nature as everything prepares for rest. It is a gentle reminder that you are safe and warm, surrounded by the quiet hum of the earth. Let the beautiful evening scenes guide you right into your own sweet dreams.
6-8 Years
44 Pages
N/A
/5
If you look closely at the ground beneath your feet, you will see that every single stone has a story. Somewhere out there in the wide world, the perfect rock is waiting just for you. It might be a tiny pebble that fits perfectly in your pocket, or a smooth stone washed by the ocean waves. When you wrap your fingers around it, you will feel a special connection to the earth and a quiet sense of calm. This beautiful exploration of nature invites you to slow down and notice the fascinating textures of the outdoors. It reveals how something as simple as a rock can become a lasting, comforting friend.
6-8 Years
43 Pages
N/A
/5
Green means go! Grab the wheel and hit the gas as you speed into a bright, busy world filled with every kind of car you can imagine. Whether you are zooming over giant bridges, winding down twisting roads, or stopping by the busy fix-it garage, there is always a new vehicle to spot and a fresh adventure waiting just around the bend.
This vibrant, action-packed journey celebrates the thrill of the open road and all the fascinating machines that travel on it. With bold, colorful art and a playful energy that keeps you moving from page to page, you will feel the rumble of the engine and the excitement of the drive. Fasten your seatbelt and get ready to explore a world where the vehicles never stop zipping and zooming.
6-8 Years
38 Pages
N/A
/5
Making a new friend is one of the most exciting adventures you can have. Sometimes you meet someone who likes the exact same games as you, and other times you bond with someone who is completely different. You might share a quiet secret, build a towering fort together, or just sit comfortably side by side. This warm and thoughtful guide shows you all the unique ways people connect and care for one another. It helps you understand that being a good friend means listening, sharing, and simply being there. Get ready to discover exactly what makes those special connections so strong and wonderful.
6-8 Years
37 Pages
N/A
/5
The True Story of Four Sisters and the Magic They Built
Imagine growing up reading classic stories and wishing you could actually step inside the magical homes of your favorite characters. The four Moody sisters never let go of that childhood dream. As adults, they combined their talents in art, architecture, and business to build real-life cottages that looked like they belonged in a magical forest. You will see how their creativity transformed a quiet town in Southern California into a whimsical neighborhood filled with curved roofs and storybook charm. This fascinating true story proves that with teamwork and determination, you really can build the world of your dreams and bring a little bit of magic into everyday life.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
44 Pages
N/A
/5
