Sarah’s Books

Follow the Flyway

The Marvel of Bird Migration

Written by Sarah Nelson | Illustrated by Maya Hanisch

Coming August 8th, 2023 from Barefoot Books

“An impressive use of rhythm, rhyme, onomatopoeia, and word imagery endows this science-based book with a strong literary component. “—School Library Journal (Starred)

“A charming beginning look at North American migration flyways.”—Kirkus Reviews

This nonfiction STEM gem follows a group of twelve bird species as their babies hatch, grow, learn to waddle, forage, and fly, and make their first migration along the majestic flyway. Inspired by the Mississippi Flyway, Follow the Flyway is lush with colorful, water-rich landscapes and stunning birds in action. Illustrated back matter delves into the marvels of migration, the four North American flyways, and fun facts about each of the featured birds. | Activity Guide

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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

A Bank Street Best Book (2023) | Nominated for 2023 CLEL Bell Award

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. | Activity Guide

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Frogness

Written by Sarah Nelson | Illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes

Published by Owlkids Books (2021)

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

Canadian Children’s Book Centre Best Books for Kids and Teens, 2021 (Starred)

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

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I Like the Weather

Written by Sarah Nelson | Illustrated by Rachel Oldfield

Published by Barefoot Books (2021)

“You can almost hear the rush & gush of water as you read I Like the Rain.”—BookTrust

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

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 Guide

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coming spring 2024…

Birth of the Bicycle

A Bumpy History of the Bicycle in America: 1819-1900

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.