“[A] quiet tale of love and honeybees…. Visually lovely and tonally appealing” —Kirkus Reviews

“Sweetly nostalgic ink-and-watercolor illustrations could depict the past or the present and offer an atmospheric complement to the gentle, warm, and informative text.” —Booklist

“A gentle tale full of Southern charm…[LaMarche’s] ink-and-watercolor spreads are light and dreamy, with evocative sunrise shades and detailed looks at beekeeping equipment and the bees themselves.” —Publishers Weekly

“An informative and visually dazzling picture book about beekeeping…. A must-have for most collections, perfect for reading aloud to a small group and for introducing a nature unit on bees.”—School Library Journal

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“Stunning landscapes of South Carolina’s Lowcountry marshlands and expressive portraiture” —Foreword Reviews

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Parents’ Choice Recommended Award  —Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2018

Paterson Prize for Books for Young People (Honor Book) —The Poetry Center at Passaic County Community College, 2019

Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Award (Intermediate Nominee) ―Keystone State Reading Association, 2019-2020

North Carolina Author Awards (AAUW Award for Juvenile Literature, Nominee) ―North Carolina Literary & Historical Association, 2018

Lester L. Laminack is a specialist in children’s literacy and professor emeritus at Western Carolina University. Laminack has written numerous books and articles for educators and is a familiar speaker at professional meetings and reading associations nationwide. He lives in North Carolina. You can visit website here.

Jim LaMarche is one of the most talented artists working in children’s books today.  His books include Rainbabies and Albert, which was selected as a New York Times Best Illustrated Book. He lives in California.

“The surprise ending will make readers laugh out loud.” ―Book Links

Kentucky Bluegrass Awards (Master List, Grades K-3) ―Kentucky Reading Association, Kentucky School Media Association, 2000

Lester L. Laminack is a specialist in children’s literacy and professor emeritus at Western Carolina University. Laminack has written numerous books and articles for educators and is a familiar speaker at professional meetings and reading associations nationwide. He lives in North Carolina. You can visit his website here.

Kathi Garry McCord has illustrated over forty books for children, including Trevor’s Wiggly-Wobbly Tooth, Be Afraid, and Amanda and Adam Mouse’s Book of Poems. She also teaches children’s book illustration at the extension program for the University of California, San Diego. McCord lives in California.

“What might have been an ordinary be-yourself story is enhanced by Laminack’s (Snow Day!) surprisingly thoughtful storytelling…Laminack characterizes the hens with a fine ear for their Golden Girls outrage…the illustrations go for big guffaws and slapstick instead, and largely succeed…effectively keeping the book from feeling message-heavy.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Frenetically posing chickens will inspire giggles…Good farm fun.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Laminack’s storytelling is brisk, and Cole’s cartoon illustrations are vivid and comical” ―Booklist

“A delightful choice for schools and public libraries” ―School Library Journal

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“Popular author Lester L. Laminack has created a comical look at what happens when we underestimate the value of others’ work. Henry Cole’s delightful illustrations heighten the story’s humor and will have readers of all ages laughing out loud” ―Midwest Book Review

“A beautifully illustrated contemporary fable for pre-schoolers and early elementary age children. The fable centers on wanting what others have and using your own talents to make a contribution.” ―Grand Forks Herald

“Cole’s watercolor and ink illustrations are eye-catching and will appeal to readers and listeners alike” ―Savannah Morning News

“The gentle lesson about discovering your own strengths is accompanied by bright, eye-catching illustrations and slapstick humor.” ―San Diego Union-Tribune

“The sprightly story by Lester Laminack with illustrations by Henry Cole effectively makes the point that comparisons and jealousy drain the pleasure out of life by making us chase after imagined freedom, fame, and ease. In the end, both the hens and the peacock come to a fresh respect for what they do. Being grateful for who you are and what you can do is the beginning of wisdom.” ―Spirituality and Practice

“Illustrations superbly capture the animal antics!” ―Children’s Book a Day

“The message for this book is a really good one and is one that children should be exposed to.” ―My Kingdom for a Book

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Children’s Choice Book Awards Kindergarten to Second Grade Book of the Year ―Children’s Book Council, 2012

Children’s Choices ―International Reading Association, Children’s Book Council, 2012

Best Children’s Books of the Year (Starred) ―Bank Street College of Education, 2012

Read Aloud Book Award ―Center for Excellence in Literacy Instruction, 2012

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Society of School Librarians International Book Awards (Honor Book, Language Arts picture books) ―Society of School Librarians International, 2011

Storytelling World Resource Awards (Stories for Young Listeners) ―Storytelling World Magazine, 2012

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Primary) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2012

Kentucky Bluegrass Awards (Master List, Grades K-2) ―Kentucky Reading Association, Kentucky School Media Association, 2013

Young Hoosier Book Award (Nominee, Picture Book) ―Association for Indiana Media Educators, 2013-2014

Alabama Camellia Awards (Nominee, Grades K-1) ―Alabama Department of Education, 2012-2013

Delaware Diamonds (Nominee, Grades K-2) ―Diamond State Reading Association, 2012-2013

Golden Sower Award (Nominee, Primary) ―Nebraska Library Association, 2014-2015

Ladybug Picture Book Award (Nominee) ―New Hampshire Center for the Book, 2012

Mockingbird Award (Nominee) ―Abilene Independent School District, 2011-2012

Nevada Young Readers’ Award (Nominee, Picture Book Category) ―Nevada Library Association, 2014

North Carolina Author Awards (Nominee, AAUW Award for Juvenile Literature) ―North Carolina Literary and Historical Association, 2011

Patricia Gallagher Picture Book Award (Nominee) ―Oregon Reading Association, 2014-2015

Prairie Bud Children’s Book Award (Nominee) ―South Dakota Library Association, South Dakota Reading Council, South Dakota State Library, South Dakota Elementary School Principal, 2013-2014

Show Me Readers Award (Nominee) ―Missouri Association of School Librarians, 2013-2014

South Carolina Picture Book Award (Nominee) ―South Carolina Association of School Librarians, 2013-2014

Treasure State Award (Nominee) ―Montana State Reading Council, 2013

Best Spiritual Book of the Year List ―Spirituality & Practice, 2012

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Lester L. Laminack is a specialist in children’s literacy and professor emeritus at Western Carolina University. Laminack has written numerous books and articles for educators and is a familiar speaker at professional meetings and reading associations nationwide. He lives in North Carolina. You can visit his website here.

Henry Cole is the illustrator of more than ninety books for children, including bestsellers such as The Leprechaun’s Gold, Little Bo, and Tango Makes Three, and Oink!, in addition to many of his own books, such as A Nest For Celeste and Jack’s Garden. He lives in Florida. You can visit  his website here.

Joan Fassler Memorial Book Award ―Association for the Care of Children’s Health

Lester L. Laminack is a specialist in children’s literacy and professor emeritus at Western Carolina University. Laminack has written numerous books and articles for educators and is a familiar speaker at professional meetings and reading associations nationwide. He lives in North Carolina. You can visit his website here.

Constance R. Bergum has illustrated several children’s books. She holds an MFA in illustration from Marywood University and lives in Montana.

“The mostly two-page illustrations are rich in color, texture, perspective, and kinesthetic energy.” ―School Library Journal

“Laminack generates the increasingly hopeful energy to a fever pitch… Gustavson creates a festive mood with his oil illustrations, so luxurious and ample they feel like bundles of winter clothing, topped with bright scarves.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“The illustrations, in muted oils, show the jubilant family anticipating the snow and the activities that they would undertake. The figures fill the pages giving a sense of intimacy, and the scenes are viewed from a variety of perspectives, adding to the excitement and chaos. Children (and parents) will identify with the strong wish for a day away from the routine, as well as the mad rush when things don’t pan out.” ―Booklist

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“Brilliantly-illustrated…It’s a great book for any elementary or middle grade classroom, and can be used as a story-starter for creative writing or an art inspiration for the creative classroom. It should even be more welcome in the home library, where parents and children can remember and discuss their most favorite snow days of all.” ―Picture Book Depot

“Lester Laminack knows exactly how the anticipation of a snow day feels. Adam Gustavson brings all of those anticipatory feelings to life in his illustrations…The surprise ending is just perfect!” ―Sal’s Fiction Addiction

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CCBC Choices (Seasons and Celebrations) ―Cooperative Children’s Book Center, 2008

The Best Read Aloud Picture Books ―Curriculum Materials Center at Minnesota State University Moorhead

Wanda Gag Honor Book ―Minnesota State University Moorhead, 2008

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Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Primary) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2008

Golden Sower Award (Nominee, Primary) ―Nebraska Library Association, 2010-2011

North Carolina Author Awards (Nominee, AAUW Award for Juvenile Literature) ―North Carolina Literary and Historical Association, 2008

North Carolina Children’s Book Award (Nominee, Picture Book) ―North Carolina Reading Association, 2009

Show Me Readers Award (Nominee) ―Missouri Association of School Librarians, 2009-2010

Volunteer State Book Awards (Master List, Grades K-3) ―Tennessee Association of School Librarians, 2009-2010

Charlotte Award Suggested Reading List (Primary) ―New York State Reading Association, 2010

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Lester L. Laminack is a specialist in children’s literacy and professor emeritus at Western Carolina University. Laminack has written numerous books and articles for educators and is a familiar speaker at professional meetings and reading associations nationwide. He lives in North Carolina. You can visit his website here.

Adam Gustavson is the illustrator of more than twenty books for children, as well as numerous periodicals. He holds a master of fine arts degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York, and teaches at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He lives in New Jersey. You can visit his website here.

“The impeccably rendered paintings illustrate with astonishing historical accuracy…this nostalgic look back offers up the childhood many of us wish we’d had.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Drawing on his childhood in Heflin, AL, the author splendidly recreates these nostalgic scenes, carefully bringing the memories to life by describing the sunny kitchen, the crunch of gravel under bicycle wheels, and the sweet aroma of the cakes. The brilliant watercolor paintings glow with light and idyllically capture the world of yesteryear.” ―School Library Journal

“Illustrator Soentpiet notes that his model is Norman Rockwell, and this picture book, set in rural Alabama in 1964, certainly evokes Rockwell’s idyllic visions of family togetherness… the pictures are gorgeous, and the bond between child and grandparent is timeless.” ―Booklist

SEBA Book Award (Nominee, Children’s Category) ―Southeastern Booksellers’ Association, 2005

Best Books of the Year Awards (Nominee) ―Child Magazine, 2004

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Primary) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2005

Georgia Children’s Picture Storybook Award (Nominee) ―University of Georgia, 2005-2006

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South Carolina Picture Book Award (Nominee) ―South Carolina Association of School Librarians, 2006-2007

Volunteer State Book Awards (master list, K-3) ―Tennessee Association of School Librarians, 2006-2007

Children’s Book Sense Picks ―Book Sense, 2004

Read Alouds too Good to Miss (Primary) ―AIME, 2004

Society of Illustrators Annual Exhibition, 2005

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Lester L. Laminack is a specialist in children’s literacy and professor emeritus at Western Carolina University. Laminack has written numerous books and articles for educators and is a familiar speaker at professional meetings and reading associations nationwide. He lives in North Carolina. You can visit his website here.

Chris Soentpiet graduated with honors from the Pratt Institute of Art in New York City, where he majored in fine arts and minored in education. He has illustrated numerous books for children, including Saturdays and Teacakes; More Than Anything, which was an IRA Notable Book and an ALA Notable Book; Jin Woo; and Silver Packages. A native of Korea, he lives in New York. You can visit his website here.

Lester L. Laminack is a specialist in children’s literacy and professor emeritus at Western Carolina University. Laminack has written numerous books and articles for educators and is a familiar speaker at professional meetings and reading associations nationwide. He lives in North Carolina. You can visit his website here.

Judy Love is the illustrator of several books for children, including The Witch Who Wanted to Be a Princess, a 2003 IRA/CBC Children’s Choice; Jake’s 100th Day of School;Kelvin and the Not-Laughing Lessons; First Grade Jitters; and First Day Jitters. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, she lives in Massachusetts.