Why am I passionate about this?

I've spent decades teaching art to preschool and elementary school-aged kids in New York, California, Arizona, and here in Mexico where I live now. Childrenā€™s minds make connections that adults rarely do, especially in their art. Watching their imaginations at work have helped me keep my mind fresh when it comes to my own writing and art. Stories and books like these in my list connect to a childā€™s sense of wonder. Something that so many people lose as the world wears them down. Iā€™m thrilled to share authors and artists here who have held onto that magic and I look forward to more books from all of them.


I wrote

Dragon Stones

By Carolyn Watson Dubisch,

Book cover of Dragon Stones

What is my book about?

A dull visit to their Auntā€™s house turns into a magical and thrilling adventure when Lizzy and her brother Ronā€¦

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Red

Carolyn Watson Dubisch Why did I love this book?

The classic fairy tale of ā€œLittle Red Riding Hoodā€ told in magnificent and detailed illustrations. The art is carefully rendered in black and white with bright red highlighting each page creating a unique look. This book, fortunately, has created a happier ending than Red getting gobbled up by the wolf. This mixture of a classic tale told through a new lens is truly enchanting.

By Jed Alexander,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Red as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Red is on her way through the woods to visit Grandmother when she meets the Big Bad Wolf. What are that Wolf and all of those woodland creatures up to? This version of the classic folktale ends a bit differently. A delightful surprise awaits Red and readers in this wordless picture book featuring newcomer Jed Alexander's exquisite two-color illustrations.


Book cover of My Muddy Puddle

Carolyn Watson Dubisch Why did I love this book?

This book captures the joy and wonder of being a child. The little girl becomes fascinated by the giant muddy puddle, that becomes so much more in her mind. The illustrations add to this book perfectly, and are brightly colored and rich in detail. Told in verse it tells such an imaginative story that every child can relate to.

By Kristina Nearchou, Tiffany Everett (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked My Muddy Puddle as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

My Muddy Puddle is a children's rhyming book that follows a child's love of playing in muddy puddles. When the rain dries up, the puddles go away, and there's nothing else she wants to do. Using basic language, repetition, sight words, and beautiful illustrations, My Muddy Puddle is perfect for shared reading with emergent readers.


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Book cover of The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel

The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel by Nicholas Ponticello,

Vanderough University prepares its graduates for life on Mars. Herbert Hoover Palminteri enrolls at VU with the hope of joining the Martian colony in 2044 as a member of its esteemed engineer corps. But then Herbert is tapped to join a notorious secret society: the Order of the Scepter andā€¦

Book cover of Lulu and the Missing Tooth Fairy

Carolyn Watson Dubisch Why did I love this book?

Magical creatures, especially fairies, are always a plus in any book. This little story of Lulu waiting for her tooth fairy in training trying to track her down across the globe is much fun. I also love the layered and carefully done illustrations by artist Jon Ortiz. That childhood sense of wonder is perfectly captured in this book.

By S.E. Richey, Jhon Ortiz (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Lulu and the Missing Tooth Fairy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Have you woken up to find your tooth still under your pillow? Have you wondered why you missed a visit from the Tooth Fairy? Have you had to explain why the Tooth Fairy has gone missing? If so, this picture book, which the Kirkus Review described as "A clever, humorous, and joyful tooth story," is for you!

Lulu has lost her first tooth and cannot wait for her first visit from the tooth fairy. Trixie has been training and training and cannot wait to finally become an official tooth fairy. Everything would be perfect... but mishap after mishap prevent Trixieā€¦


Book cover of Butternut

Carolyn Watson Dubisch Why did I love this book?

This is such an unusual and charming story of Butternut squash thatā€™s living in a supermarket. Poor Butternut was shelved in the wrong spot and heā€™s on a quest to find where he belongs. Itā€™s genius and imaginative and full of bright illustrations. To take such a mundane environment and turn it into a magical world truly takes talent and I think it will inspire children who read it.

By Jill Dana, Rachel Tan- Hwee (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Butternut as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Fresh from the farm, Butternut awakes to find himself lost in a supermarket. Is he butter? Is he a nut? Is he squash or squashed? Just who is he and where does he belong?

Join Butternut on his journey through the supermarket aisles as he makes new friends and discovers more about himself.


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Book cover of Then The Trees Said Hello

Then The Trees Said Hello by HJ Corning,

Two women separated by time learn what happens when they embrace their inner magic in this inspiring environmental fiction novel. 

Although Sara's college degree provided her an out, she always knew sheā€™d return home to the small logging community that is like family to her. But when she learns theā€¦

Book cover of Journey

Carolyn Watson Dubisch Why did I love this book?

This wordless story begins with a little girl desperate for a playmate from her distracted family. Finally, she resigns herself to her room where she finds a red crayon. With the crayon she draws a door to an enchanted world. Thereā€™s a forest, a castle, and an airship all within this richly illustrated adventure.

By Aaron Becker,

Why should I read it?

6 authors picked Journey as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Be swept away on an elaborate flight of fancy in this Caldecott award-winning, wondrously illustrated picture book about self-determination and unexpected friendship.

The winner of the prestigious Caldecott Honor, and described by the New York Times as 'a masterwork', Aaron Becker's stunning, wordless picture book debut about self-determination and unexpected friendship follows a little girl who draws a magic door on her bedroom wall. Through it she escapes into a world where wonder, adventure and danger abound. Red marker pen in hand, she creates a boat, a balloon and a flying carpet which carry her on a spectacular journey ...ā€¦


Explore my book šŸ˜€

Dragon Stones

By Carolyn Watson Dubisch,

Book cover of Dragon Stones

What is my book about?

A dull visit to their Auntā€™s house turns into a magical and thrilling adventure when Lizzy and her brother Ron venture into the nearby forest. An inviting path leads to a shrouded lake in the woodsā€¦ Perfect for skipping stones, but who or what keeps throwing them back?

Book cover of Red
Book cover of My Muddy Puddle
Book cover of Lulu and the Missing Tooth Fairy

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