From an award-winning author, an oversize nonfiction picture book exploring pigments and dyes made from natural sources--across time and around the world Colors don't come out of nothing. They always start somewhere . . . With something . . . With someone. Discover how color is harnessed from nature in this survey of dyes and pigments from around the world. Organized by color--from yellow to purple to red and more--Before Colors marries a lyrical core text with tons of informational material for curious readers. In the narrative text, readers will encounter markers and artists as they source and process materials, transforming the most unexpected things into vibrant pigments and dyes. The sidebars offer much more to discover, including extensive lists of specific shades, short bios of colorful characters, and more.
Annette Bay Pimentel Book order






- 2023
- 2022
Before Music: Where Instruments Come From
- 88 pages
- 4 hours of reading
From award-winning author Annette Bay Pimentel comes an oversize nonfiction picture book exploring how music and musical instruments are made--across time and around the world Music doesn't come out of nothing. It always starts somewhere . . . with something . . . with someone. Discover how music is made in this survey of musical instruments from around the world. Organized by material--from wood to gourds to found objects and more--Before Music marries a lyrical core text with tons of informational material for curious readers. In the narrative text, readers will encounter makers as they source their materials and craft instruments by hand, drawing the line from the natural world to the finished product and its sound. The sidebars offer much more to discover, including extensive instrument lists, short bios of musical innovators, and more.
- 2019
Mountain Chef
- 40 pages
- 2 hours of reading
The true story of a Chinese American mountain man who fed thirty people for ten days in the wilderness--and helped inspire the creation of the National Park Service. Tie Sing was born in the mountains. The mountains were in his blood. But because he was of Chinese descent at a time in America when to be Chinese meant working in restaurants or laundries, Tie Sing’s prospects were limited. But he had bigger plans. He began cooking for mapmakers and soon built a reputation as the best trail cook in California. When millionaire Stephen Mather began his quest to create a national park service in 1915, he invited a group of influential men—writers, tycoons, members of Congress, and even a movie star—to go camping in the Sierras. Tie Sing was hired to cook. Tie Sing planned diligently. He understood the importance of this trip. But when disaster struck—twice!—and Tie Sing’s supplies were lost, it was his creative spirit and quick mind that saved the day. His sumptuous menus had to be struck and Tie Sing had to start over in order to feed the thirty people in the group for ten whole days. His skills were tested and Tie Sing rose to the challenge. On the last night, he fed not just the campers' bodies, but also their minds, reminding them to remember and protect the mountains. Today, you can hike to Sing Peak, named for Tie Sing, in Yosemite National Park.
- 2018
With a determined woman at its heart, this story unfolds as a vibrant celebration of resilience and strength. It explores her journey through challenges, showcasing her unwavering spirit and the impact of her actions on those around her. The narrative promises to inspire and uplift, highlighting themes of empowerment and perseverance, making it a compelling read for anyone who appreciates tales of tenacity and hope.
- 2017
"A young child adventures back in time to 80 million years ago to meet a velociraptor, learning about what this feathered dinosaur ate, its size, and which dinosaurs were its prey. This illustrated narrative nonfiction title includes a map of fossil findings, glossary, and further resources"--
- 2017
A young child adventures back in time to 150 million years ago to meet an Apatosaurus, learning what this dinosaur ate, its size, and about its babies. This illustrated narrative nonfiction title includes a map of fossil findings, glossary, and further resources.
- 2017
Do You Really Want to Meet Triceratops?
- 24 pages
- 1 hour of reading
A young child adventures back in time to 66 million years ago to meet a Triceratops, learning about what this dinosaur ate, its size, and how it used its horns. This illustrated narrative nonfiction title includes a map of fossil findings, glossary, and further resources.
- 2017
The Life of JaNel Anderson Bay
- 100 pages
- 4 hours of reading
The autobiography chronicles the life of JaNel Anderson Bay, who was born in Junction, Utah, in 1935. It details her marriage to Elvon Leone Bay in 1954 and their journey as parents to seven children. The narrative reflects on her experiences, family dynamics, and the values she instilled in her children throughout her life, concluding with her passing in 2016.
- 2017
Do You Really Want to Meet a Pterosaur?
- 24 pages
- 1 hour of reading
Young readers embark on a thrilling time-travel adventure to 80 million years ago, where they meet the Pteranodon, a fascinating pterosaur. Through engaging storytelling, the child explorer uncovers details about the creature's diet, reproductive habits, and coexistence with dinosaurs. The book features delightful illustrations, a map of fossil findings, a glossary, and additional resources, making it an educational and entertaining experience that brings prehistoric life to vivid reality.
- 2016
Mountain Chef
How One Man Lost His Groceries, Changed His Plans, and Helped Cook Up the National Park Service
- 40 pages
- 2 hours of reading
A Chinese American mountain man's remarkable journey unfolds as he sustains thirty people for ten days in the wilderness, showcasing his resourcefulness and strength. His extraordinary experience not only highlights survival in nature but also plays a pivotal role in inspiring the establishment of the National Park Service, intertwining personal resilience with broader environmental preservation efforts. This true story celebrates cultural heritage and the impact of individual actions on national history.