A Park Connects Us

Written by Sarah Nelson | Illustrated by Ellen Rooney

Published by Owlkids Books (2022)

“Parks are for everyone, and so is this book.”—Canadian Review of Materials

“Showcases the inclusivity of parks in loving detail.”—School Library Journal | More Reviews

This playful ode to city parks celebrates the many ways that parks connect us to nature and neighbors. Vibrant, mixed-media illustrations show a diverse group of visitors enjoying all the gifts that parks offer. Children frolic; couples wander; flowers bloom and birds zoom; friends and families picnic and play ball or simply sink their toes peacefully into the present moment. Back matter shares a brief history of city parks in North America and highlights park successes around the world. | Signed copies at Valley Bookseller | Activity Guide

Frogness

Written by Sarah Nelson | Illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes

Published by Owlkids Books (2021)

“Imaginative, delightful, and very froggy.” —Kirkus | More Reviews

CCBC Best Books for Kids and Teens, 2021

Florida Literacy Association Award Finalist, 2022-2023

An exuberant frog hunt full of mud, muck, and wonder leads to a playful experience of mindfulness. As rain clouds bloom across the sea and the first stars wink, Sammy and Chocolate tiptoe into the muddy marsh behind their house in search of frogs. They can hear frogs everywhere—croaking, chirping, clucking, burping—but where are they hiding?! After the adventure, learn more about when, why, and how frogs call. | Discussion Guide

I Like the Weather

Written by Sarah Nelson | Illustrated by Rachel Oldfield

Published by Barefoot Books (2021)

“Pleasing, richly colorful…well suited to reading aloud…” —Booklist | More Reviews

Lyrical text and playful, hand-painted illustrations invite children to share in the rhythm of the rushing rain, the warmth of the shining sun, the mystery of the whistling wind and the beauty of swirling snow. Each book includes educational STEM endmatter about its respective weather element and how it helps people and planet. | Poetry Activities & Discussion Guides

coming autumn 2023…

Follow the Flyway!

Written by Sarah Nelson | Illustrated by Maya Hanisch

Barefoot Books

A playful Winged Migration for little ones! This nonfiction picture book follows a group of diverse hatchlings from their nests in southern Canada to their wintering grounds in the Gulf of Mexico. Propelled along the migratory flyway by a powerful, ineffable southern pull, the young water birds learn to navigate cities and storms, glean from fishing boats, feast and bathe in the lush river basin, and together with multitudes, flap endlessly seaward.

coming spring 2024…

Birth of the Bicycle

Written by Sarah Nelson | Illustrated by Iacopo Bruno

Candlewick Press

This whimsical nonfiction picture book shares the wacky evolution of the early bicycle from pedal-less, brake-less wooden running machine to bumpy boneshaker to towering high wheeler. Readers will learn how people-powered locomotion captivated Americans in the 1800s and mobilized millions of ordinary people.

coming spring 2024…

Firefly Galaxy

Written by Sarah Nelson | Illustrated by Estrellita Caracol

Barefoot Books

Sofia and her siblings can hardly wait for nightfall—Sofia hopes to fill a jar with fireflies! When at last Mars flickers, and the owl hoo-hoos, Sofia and her family venture into the twinkling, dazzling summer night. It’s like a glittering galaxy! Following this joyful nature exploration, readers will learn more about fireflies and their unique form of light communication.