Lesléa Newman

"Each page is artfully and distinctly rendered to be a visual depiction of the beauty of joy and diversity." -- School Library Journal Heather's favorite number is two. She has two arms, two legs, two pets--and two mommies. When Heather goes to school for the first time, someone asks her about her daddy, but Heather doesn't have a daddy. Then something interesting happens. When Heather and her classmates all draw pictures of their families, not one drawing is the same. This delightful edition for a new generation of young readers features fresh illustrations by Laura Cornell and an updated story by Lesl a Newman.

Candlewick relaunches a modern classic for this generation with a beautifully illustrated edition. Heather's favorite number is two. She has two arms, two legs, and two pets. And she also has two mommies. When Heather goes to school for the first time, someone asks her about her daddy, but Heather doesn't have a daddy. Then something interesting happens. When Heather and her classmates all draw pictures of their families, not one drawing is the same. It doesn't matter who makes up a family, the teacher says, because "the most important thing about a family is that all the people in it love one another." This delightful edition for a new generation of young readers features fresh illustrations by Laura Cornell and an updated story by Lesl a Newman.

The animals in the forest are playing hide-and-seek, and everyone is found--except for the biggest one of all Where, oh where, could Bear have gone? One thing is certain: Bear's friends will do whatever it takes to find him. Lesl a Newman's rhythmic text and Valeri Gorbachev's charming illustrations will make every child eager to join this playful search for the missing Bear.

Discover the joy and meaning of Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights.Lior and his parents, aunties, uncles, grandparents and cousins are inviting you to celebrate with them! Join in as they make latkes, light the Menorah, recite the Hanukkah blessings, play the dreidel game and share presents.Along the way, you’ll learn how Hanukkah is an eight-day celebration marked by the daily lighting of a new candle on the Menorah. It brings the Jewish community together by commemorating the victory of the Maccabees over the Greeks.This bright and engaging picture book covers: The Miracle of HanukkahThe delicious food eaten, such as latkes, noodle kugel, Shabbat and sufganiyotThe fun to be had playing the dreidel gameHow the Menorah is lit every night using the ShamashThe community celebrations at the Synagogueand more!…and this glowing gift book is further brought to life with: Instructions to make an edible MenorahA guide to make a Hanukkah tzedakah boxA recipe for delicious latkes and apple sauceIn this immersive exploration of Hanukkah, young readers join a practising family as they commemorate the miracle of Hanukkah. Seen through the eyes of young children celebrating themselves, this is a simple and exciting way to introduce little ones to this important Jewish occasion.Part of the Celebrations & Festivals series, you are invited into a family's celebrations as you explore the magic and excitement of religious and cultural festivals around the world.

Discover the joy and meaning of Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights. Lior and his parents, aunties, uncles, grandparents, and cousins are inviting you to celebrate with them Join in as they make latkes, light the Menorah, recite the Hanukkah blessings, play the dreidel game, and share presents. Along the way, you'll learn how Hanukkah is an eight-day celebration marked by the daily lighting of a new candle on the Menorah. It brings the Jewish community together by commemorating the victory of the Maccabees over the Greeks. This bright and engaging picture book covers: The Miracle of Hanukkah The delicious food eaten, such as latkes, noodle kugel, Shabbat, and sufganiyot The fun to be had playing the dreidel game How the Menorah is lit every night using the Shamash The community celebrations at the Synagogue and more ...and this glowing gift book is further brought to life with: Instructions to make an edible Menorah A guide to make a Hanukkah tzedakah box A recipe for delicious latkes and apple sauce In this immersive exploration of Hanukkah, young readers join a practicing family as they commemorate the miracle of Hanukkah. Seen through the eyes of young children celebrating themselves, this is a simple and exciting way to introduce little ones to this important Jewish occasion. Part of the Celebrations & Festivals series, you are invited into a family's celebrations as you explore the magic and excitement of religious and cultural festivals around the world.

"VERDICT This beautiful anthology of Jewish tradition that emphasizes empathy, small kindnesses, and hope is the perfect read for all students." --School Library Journal starred review This collection of stories and poems by sixteen Jewish writers portrays the magic of Hanukkah for each person who celebrates it, as well as what it means to be Jewish. Celebrate Hanukkah with a diverse collection of poems and stories filled with history, humor, and hope. Cheer on a young baker as he tries to make sufganiyot from a family recipe. Learn about code breakers in England during World War II. Imagine hosting a refugee cousin or finding long-lost relatives. In this anthology, characters make discoveries, connect with family and friends, and mourn loved ones. Encompassing a range of genres and experiences, there's something for readers of all faiths in the illuminating pages of The Festival of Lights.

This joyful picture book highlights the best lesson a father can teach his son: how to show love and kindness. For fathers and sons everywhere, Like Father, Like Son is a warm and inviting picture book from a New York Times bestselling and award-winning team that celebrates what makes dads special. From author Lesléa Newman, known for her groundbreaking children’s book Heather Has Two Mommies, and New York Times bestselling illustrator AG Ford comes a sweet ode to all the amazing things that daddies can do—from knitting to cooking, from bike rides to camping trips, from telling stories to bandaging scraped knees. Share special moments with dad on Father's Day or any day with this tender picture book.My daddy teaches me each day,To be strong in a gentle way.And every single day I’m gladThat I’m his son and he’s my dad.

Best of the Year: School Library Journal - Publishers Weekly - The Horn Book - Boston Globe - NYPL - Chicago Public Library - Kirkus - CCBC What a happy day! Zachary’s baby sister will have her naming ceremony. In the temple! With his moms, the congregation, and all their friends! He’s so excited he can barely contain it. On the walk from their home, they meet neighbor after neighbor who want to know the baby’s name. But – not yet! – his mothers tell him. The tradition is to have a great reveal at the ceremony. So they invite each neighbor to come along. A colorful, diverse parade blooms along the route, until… At last it’s time, and Zachary gets to reveal his sister’s name… What is it? A truly JOYFUL moment for everyone! P R A I S E? “Radiant artwork has soft pencil and crayon textures and tissue-paper-like layers of bright colors, capturing the coziness of Zachary’s home, their neighborhood’s tropical setting, and the sacred space where a loving, variously inclusive community has gathered to welcome their newest member.” –Publishers Weekly (starred)? “Words and art brim with warmth; the love and support in this diverse community are palpable… A soaring ode to community, tradition, and family.” –Kirkus (starred)“Featuring beautiful, vibrant illustrations, this charming story offers insights into a Jewish tradition and the importance of community.” –Jewish Books for Kids“Newman, acclaimed author of Heather Has Two Mommies and more than 80 other books, has here crafted a story both lyrical and delightful, while Gal's lush watercolor illustrations befit the vibrant community.” –Bay Windows

A poignant tribute to the life of Matthew Shepard and his legacy in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, published on the 25th anniversary of the formation of the Matthew Shepard FoundationOn the night of October 6, 1998, in Laramie, Wyoming, Matthew Wayne Shepard (1976–1998) was brutally killed solely because he was gay. It was a shocking murder that was nationally covered in the media, and it became a rallying cry for the LGBTQ+ rights movement. In 2009, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act was signed by President Barack Obama, expanding the federal hate crime law to include crimes motivated by a victim’s actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.With a foreword by Jason Collins—the first openly gay, active player in the NBA—and written by Lesléa Newman—author of the Stonewall Honor–winning novel-in-verse October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard, and a friend of the Shepard family—Always Matt is an emotional yet ultimately hopeful look at the progress that’s been made, as well as the work that still continues, in advocating for the dignity and equality of all people. Without shying away from the pain and tragedy of his death, moving, lyrical prose and minimalist line drawings present a celebration of his incredible life. Twenty-five years after the formation of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, which dedicates its mission to erasing hate, Matthew’s story still resonates for those who lived through it, and remains a vital piece of LGBTQ+ history for younger generations to learn.

A heartwarming, inclusive story about self-expression and friendship, from Stonewall Book Award–winning author Lesléa Newman When it comes to playing dress-up, best friends Annabelle and Benjamin both want to be the bride, the ballerina, and the princess. Can they both be the fairest in the land? In this spirited and inclusive story about expressing our true selves with pride, two friends ultimately realize that they can both be whoever they want—and that having two princesses means twice the fun.

From bestselling author Lesl a Newman -- a joyful picture book celebration of individuality, uniqueness, and children's freedom to express themselves while engaging in whatever kinds of play they choose.I can be everything I want to be, I can be all of magnificent me In this lighthearted story, a group of six, colorfully clad children exuberantly explore -- through play -- the many ways they can be themselves. They are free to embrace all kinds of activities, reveling in the fun of trying new things and discovering new ways of being. They can shoot baskets, dance around a room, weave ribbons through their hair, swim like a mermaid, and more. There is no right way or wrong way. There are no binary expectations. Children explore their individuality through whatever kinds of play appeal to them. With lively, gender-neutral rhyming verses and fun, gender-bending images, author Lesl a Newman and illustrator Maya Christina Gonzalez invite young readers into a space where creativity and acceptance are enjoyed by all, and where each child will be inspired to say, "I can be... me "

Celebrate the Jewish holidays all year round in this acclaimed picture book—now in paperback! Here is the world, ever changing and new,Spinning with joy at the wonder of you! Here Is the World is a joyous celebration of the Jewish holidays throughout the year for young children. Beginning with the weekly observance of Shabbat, readers join a family through the holidays and the corresponding seasons. From sounding the shofar on Rosh Hashanah to lighting the menorah for Chanukah to rattling a grogger for Purim, and on through the Jewish year, the joy and significance of each holiday beautifully come to life. Back matter includes a description of each holiday, easy crafts and recipes for every season, and a 3D tear-out dreidel!

Whether it's fear of the dark or worry about the day ahead that is interfering with a good night's sleep, How to Sleep Tight through the Night offers creative solutions for soothing children's bedtime anxieties and developing healthy sleep habits. This collection of 30 kid-friendly tricks and techniques by sleep and dreaming expert Tzivia Gover and award-winning children’s book author Lesléa Newman is complemented by the dreamy illustrations of Vivian Mineker. From playing an alphabet game to slipping a wish under a pillow, the book is filled with practical, engaging prompts that are accessible to all and easy to implement, using creative visualization, mindfulness techniques, and playful, fun strategies for easing bedtime struggles and welcoming sound, restful sleep.

Bestselling author Lesl a Newman offers a tender and timely story of a Puerto Rican child facing a hurricane and her concern for the beloved coqu es of her home island. La autora de bestsellers Lesl a Newman ofrece un tierno y oportuno cuento de una ni a puertorrique a que enfrenta un hurac n y su preocupaci n por los amados coqu es de su isla natal.After snuggling into bed each night, Alicia listens for the big voices of the tiny coqu es that live all around Puerto Rico and sing her to sleep. Ko-kee, ko-kee, the little frogs call. Ko-kee, ko-kee. One day a terrible hurricane comes to Puerto Rico, and Alicia and her family take refuge in a shelter. At bedtime Alicia hears grown-ups snoring and babies crying, wind howling and rain pounding. But even though she listens hard, she cannot hear the song of the coqu es. Are the little tree frogs safe? And what will Alicia and her family find at home when the storm is over? Alicia and the Hurricane is a tender look at the resilience of people, and native creatures, whose lives have been disrupted by a natural disaster. With love and support, family and friends come together to share, rebuild, and fill Alicia's heart with hope. Ko-kee, ko-kee Despu s de acurrucarse en la cama cada noche, Alicia escucha las formidables voces de los diminutos coqu es que viven en todo Puerto Rico y le cantan para que se duerma. Co-qu , co-qu cantan las ranitas. Co-qu , coqu . Un d a un terrible hurac n viene a Puerto Rico y Alicia y su familia se cobijan en un refugio. A la hora de dormir, Alicia oye los ronquidos de los adultos y el llanto de los beb s, el aullido del viento y el golpetear de la lluvia. Pero a pesar de que escucha con atenci n, no puede o r el canto de los coqu es. Estar n a salvo las ranitas? Con qu se encontrar n Alicia y su familia cuando la tormenta haya terminado? Alicia y el hurac n es una mirada sensible a la tenacidad de la gente y otras criaturas de la naturaleza cuyas vidas son afectadas por un desastre natural. Con amor y apoyo, las familias y los amigos se re nen para compartir, reconstruir y llenar el coraz n de Alicia de esperanza. Co-qu , coqu