Maryann Cocca-Leffler

A shy artist helps her classmates see the beauty in the world around them. Because Marabella is shy, she's often overlooked. But Marabella doesn't overlook anything--not the puffy clouds, or the birds in the trees, not even her dancing shadows. When she spies some flowers poking up from weeds in the schoolyard, she decides to draw them big enough for others to notice. Chalk in hand, she fills the blank wall with bright spectacular drawings of the simple moments she has seen, which inspires her classmates to notice the world around them.

Bethany Hamilton learned to surf at age three and began competing a few years later. When she was thirteen, while surfing one morning, a shark attacked and bit off her left arm. Bethany persisted, returning to professional surfing and using her experience to provide comfort and inspiration to others. In this chapter book biography by award-winning author Maryann Cocca-Leffler, readers learn about the amazing life of Bethany Hamilton--and how she persisted. Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Bethany Hamilton's footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum. And don’t miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted, including Harriet Tubman, Marian Anderson, Oprah Winfrey, Ruby Bridges, and more!

Ben likes things the same way every day at school--he sits at the same table, eats the same lunch, and likes the daily class routine. But when his teacher leaves to have her baby and a substitute teacher comes and changes everything, Ben gets upset. He liked everything the way it was before But soon Ben starts to think differently about change and realizes that doing things another way can be fun.

Age range 4 to 8El and Jo are the shortest kids in class, and they're inseparable. But what happens when Jo starts to grow? This sweet picture book explores the joys and challenges of friendship and growing up. El and Jo are the smallest students in their class — and best friends, too, like peas in a pod. Even their names are short. But in springtime, something BIG happens: Jo starts growing like a weed, while El feels smaller every day. On the last day of school, their teacher asked every child to pick a plant to care for over the summer. All the other kids reach over El to grab their plant, and she has to take the very last one: a tiny, flowerless aster. At first, she's disappointed. But as summer progresses, the aster begins to bloom — and so does El!

Behind every cloud there is sun. Nate always sees the bright side of life. While others complain about rain, Nate is happy about the frogs that it brings. When you might think there is nothing to do, Nate is just happy to enjoy the view. Instead of wanting more, Nate is grateful for what he's got. Smile along with Nate as he enjoys all the good things life has to offer.

Edgar Degas is famous for his paintings of ballerinas, and that's what first attracts Kristin to his artwork. But as she studies him for her report, she discovers that his art ranged far beyond the ballet and she gradually learns exactly what makes Degas's work so unique.

A cat who struggles with social skills learns ways to be honest without being rude. Cat always says what's on his mind, no matter how much his words may upset others. But when he hears his friends talk about him, Cat realizes that words can hurt, even though that may not be the intention.

HEART STONES is a fast-paced middle grade magical realism mystery novel aimed at ages 8-12. It follows Gale Hope and her friend Celia as they piece together the clues of the Heart Stones. It's a story of love, community and friendship and the power of believing. Born in a Blizzard ten years earlier, Gale was given the name "Gale Hope," to symbolize the hope that the town needed at the time. In the recent devastating storm, heart shaped stones begin to wash up on the shore of her coastal town, which begins a mystery. Gale once again helps to heal a broken community and this time changes it for good.

The Best Children's Books of the Year 2014, Bank Street CollegeOn "Mood Monday," students describe their moods after the weekend. But Theo doesn't know what to say because he has a new baby sister and is feeling so many emotions all at once.It's Mood Monday and Miss Cady's class is sharing how they feel after the weekend. But Theo doesn't know whether he's in a good mood or a bad mood. He has a new baby sister, and he isn't just happy like Eric who got a new bike or sad like April who lost her dog. As Theo's classmates discuss all their feelings, he realizes he's not in a good mood or a bad mood--he's both those things

A picture book biography celebrating the life and work of disability rights activist and icon Judith Heumann, highlighting one of her landmark achievements—leading the historic 504 Sit-in in 1977From a very young age, Judy Heumann heard the word NO. When she wanted to attend public school, the principal said, "NO." When she wanted her teaching license, the New York Board of Education said, "NO." Judy and people with disabilities everywhere were tired of hearing “NO.”In the 1970s an important disability rights law, Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, was waiting to be signed. Judy and other disability rights activists fought for “YES!” They held a sit-in until Section 504 was signed into law. Section 504 laid the foundation for the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was established thanks in large part to the ongoing work of Judy and her community. Along with a personal reflection from Judy herself, this picture book biography captures the impact and influence of one of America’s greatest living activists.

It's summer vacation -- and all the brothers and sisters and cousins are together in a large, rambling house on the shore. Every morning at sunrise Grandpa wakes the kids to go clam digging. And every day they come back with nearly empty buckets-until the storm, that is. What happens on the beach the morning after the storm is something they will all remember for years to come. Maryann Cocca-Leffler has recreated in simple words and glowing illustrations wonderful memories of summers at the beach with her large, extended family-and of one very special summer day.

HEART STONES is a fast-paced middle grade magical realism mystery novel aimed at ages 8-12. It follows Gale Hope and her friend Celia as they piece together the clues of the Heart Stones. It's a story of love, community and friendship and the power of believing. Born in a Blizzard ten years earlier, Gale was given the name "Gale Hope," to symbolize the hope that the town needed at the time. In the recent devastating storm, heart shaped stones begin to wash up on the shore of her coastal town, which begins a mystery. Gale once again helps to heal a broken community and this time changes it for good.

A Junior Library Guild Selection February 2022The true story of the people who helped make every public school a more inclusive place.There was a time in the United States when millions of children with disabilities weren't allowed to go to public school. But in 1971, seven kids and their families wanted to do something about it. They knew that every child had a right to an equal education, so they went to court to fight for that right. The case Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia led to laws ensuring children with disabilities would receive a free, appropriate public education. Told in the voice of Janine Leffler, one of the millions of kids who went to school because of these laws, this book shares the true story of this landmark case.

An inspiring young picture book about overcoming challenges and frustrations with the Power of Yet “I can’t do it!” “Can’t do it yet.” This charming picture book tells the story of one small piglet who uses the Power of Yet to conquer frustration. While it may not be possible to perfectly flip pancakes or play the violin yet, with practice and patience and courage and grit, anything is possible!

A unique die-cut board book, perfect for kids wondering what's going on inside Mommy's pregnant belly! The perfect new baby book for big siblings, this fun board book makes for a great new baby sibling gift for kids ages 2-4.How Big is Baby Now? lets readers compare the growing baby to things kids already relate to and see all around them: from an egg, to a football to a jug of milk. Starting from three months, young children can count along as they anticipate becoming a big brother or sister. They are guaranteed to feel like they're part of the magic until it's time to finally meet the new baby!Our family is having a baby! Each month it grows and grows! How big is baby now?

In this warm-hearted picture book, Maryann Cocca-Leffler follows a toddler from morning to bedtime, showing that all saying "bye-bye" to something really means is that you're ready to say "hello" to the next fun thing in your busy day!