Tony Johnston is the acclaimed author of numerous books for young readers. Her writing is characterized by a captivating narrative style and a profound understanding of the child's psyche. Johnston's work often explores themes of friendship, family, and the discovery of the world. Her stories delve into complex emotions and relationships with sensitivity and empathy, making her books timeless.
Set in a small mud hut in Inner Mongolia, this illustrated memoir invites young readers to experience the joyful adventures of childhood. Through charming anecdotes, it captures the unique cultural backdrop and the whimsical shenanigans that come with growing up in a close-knit community. The narrative celebrates innocence, exploration, and the beauty of everyday life, making it a delightful read for middle grade audiences.
A hilarious story about ten silly children who accidently end up with ten silly owies. This big-hearted, positive-minded picture book is an irreverent ode to the most universal of all childhood experiences--the "boo-boo"--and a perfect book to share with anyone recovering from a scraped knee or stubbed toe.Ouch, that hurt!From ice-cream induced brain freezes to bee stings to stubbed toes and bruises, ten children get ten owies that can only be cured by the following: a kiss, a hug, lots of love, and as many colorful Band-Aids as possible.Full of rhythm, repetition, playful language, silliness, and love, Ten Owies introduces young readers to numbers from one to ten, as well as the notion that everyone gets a "boo-boo" every now and then. Tony Johnston's silly text, combined with Annabel Tempest's lively illustrations, captures all the drama of childhood while also offering plenty of humor, sympathy, and healing. The perfect book to share with a child needing a little tender love and care!
In this whimsical tale, the classic Russian Baba Yaga witch story is transported to the American Southwest.
Explore a fantastical forest in this exquisite and lyrical picture book that celebrates all trees -written by award-winning author Tony Johnston.
A boy wins over an abused, stray dog with persistence and love in this heartwarming story. Thoughtful care goes into a child's efforts to help an abused dog learn to trust humans again. Stooping near the bush where the dog is hiding, offering scraps of food, and leaving an umbrella in a rainstorm all convince the dog that the child's offering of friendship is real. When Mom insists on putting up "lost dog" signs, the boy is worried. But in the end, the dog and child find a new friend in each other.
“Easily shareable with sibs of different ages, and they’ll be delighted to join in on the goofy brotherly song.” —Bulletin Center Children’s Books (starred review) “Poetic, unusual vocabulary…make the text fun to read aloud.” —Booklist “Johnston writes in a quirky, sweet voice that keeps the narrative moving along…watercolors by Dove have a cheery vintage feel.” —Publishers Weekly When two jellyfish brothers are separated at sea it takes all of the ocean’s creatures to help them reunite in this heartwarming tale of brotherly love. Spencer and Vincent are jellyfish brothers who live together in the sea, their wet and shining home. They invented a little song which went like this: My brother, my brother, he’s sweet, not smelly. I love him from down in my jelly belly. One day a wave of superior magnitude separates them! The brothers know they have to do whatever it takes to find each other again. And they’ll need some help along the way… Sometimes friends can really make a the difference. Spencer and Vincent is a story of adventures and the bond of family.
Letters are MAGIC. When you know their secrets, like a bright bird, you take flight. Hop along with a playful rabbit emcee and see for yourself! Letters are everywhere in this delightful book that embraces the power of words and what they can do, how they can make you feel, and what they can help you say. Each letter has a name, and letters have power . . . power to make words. Words can make you hungry, make you laugh, or enchant you. And you can enchant others with magic of your own, by using them to write anything you please. Unlock the magic of letters in this colorful, imaginative book from the award-winning author/illustrator teams of Tony Johnston and Wendell Minor.
Tony Johnston's THE BARN OWLS recalls in quiet tones the memory of a barn that has stood alone in a wheat field for one hundred years at least. The owls have nested there and have hunted in the fields and circled in the night skies as time slowly slipped by. Every night, as the moon rises, a barn owl awakens and flies out to hunt. Feathered against the endless starry night, he swoops and sails to the darkened wheat field below and catches a mouse in his nimble talons. With outstretched wings, this barn owl returns to his barn nest and his hungry family, repeating the ageless ritual his ancestors have practiced here, in this barn, for at least one hundred years. Following the life cycle of the barn owl, this gentle poem evokes a sense of warm sunshine and envelopes readers with the memory of the scent of a wheat field.
The story captures the joy and excitement of a baby's first laugh, bringing together an entire extended family for a celebration. Their collective hope is to hear that delightful sound once more, highlighting the themes of family bonds and shared happiness. The book features vibrant full-color illustrations that enhance the festive atmosphere of this heartwarming occasion.
A Fairly Fabricated Story of a Pair of Pants
Set against the backdrop of the Gold Rush, this tale follows a miner facing the dilemma of losing gold dust due to his tattered clothing. Enter Levi Strauss, who uses his sewing skills and innovative thinking to create durable clothing for miners. Through quick problem-solving and clever stitching, he not only keeps the gold rushers clothed but also emerges as a modern American hero. This story highlights themes of creativity and innovation, celebrating the origins of a beloved fashion staple that continues to resonate today.