Picture Books
Firefly Night written and illustrated by Samantha Bell, Guardian Angel Publishing
After the sun goes down, the valley lights up as fireflies blink and glow. Other creatures come to life as well, including skunks, toads, coyotes, racoons, owls, bats, opossums, flying squirrels, foxes, and more. Hunting, calling, hopping, flying-the dark woods are full of activity. Suggested age range for readers: 7-10
Because the setting of this picture book is nighttime, I decided to do the illustrations using scratchboard. I loved creating all the images of the wildlife in this book!
Find out more about Firefly Night!
The Perfect Pet written and illustrated by Samantha Bell, Arbordale Publishing
After begging for a pet, a child’s mother finally says “yes.” But which animal will be the best pet? Using animal classification and habitat needs, the child narrows it down from Kingdom Animalia, through invertebrates to vertebrates. Reptiles and amphibians are out, and birds and fish are soon off the list. That leaves mammals, but which one? An elephant won’t fit through the door, and a tiger would be too hard to walk. What’s a child to do?
This book has so many furry animals, soft pastels were definitely the way to go for the illustrations. I love the way they blend, too! Take a look at some of the sample pages.
It’s Birthday Time, Jake written and illustrated by Samantha Bell, published by Guardian Angel Publishing
Jake, the Hedgehog, is excited-it’s his birthday! But the party isn’t until 6:00 pm, so Jake will have to wait. As readers follow along with Jake’s daily activities-playing outside, reading, taking a bath. They can watch the clock for him, too. Suggested age for readers: 4-8
When Henry’s homerun ball lands in Creepy Cathy’s yard, he and his buddy Andy go after it, despite their friends’ warnings that they might not come back out. The boys search through Cathy’s animal garden, discovering that things aren’t always what they seem.
This was a really fun book to illustrate! It features plants flowers with animal names, including spider flowers, snake head frittilaries, tiger lilies, and leopard’s bane. A great resource for lessons about flora or gardening. Includes a flower guide and planting zone map.
Find out more about Cathy’s Animal Garden!
Olivia never asked to have a disease like Biliary Atresia. It made her liver sick and only a transplant will make her better. After waiting several months and close to losing hope, she gets the call she’s been waiting for. The journey of her life is about to begin. Suggested age range for readers: 6- 12
I was so honored to be asked to illustrate Angel Donor. It deals with the difficult topic of organ donation and transplant in such a gentle and sensitive manner. One of the illustrations is especially unique — find out why here!
As I Watch by Chitra Soundar, Illustrated by Samantha Bell, Guardian Angel Publishing
Nature watching needs patience. But patience is certainly rewarded. In this book, every young reader will watch a butterfly from the time it’s still just a tiny egg hanging under a leaf. The concept of life cycle is illustrated by the text taht brings the reader back to where he started. The repeititve text guides the reader to follow the text and repeat. Suggested age for readers: 2-6.
Take a roller coaster ride through one small girl’s imagination. In words that rhyme, a little girl explores the endless possibilities of growing up. What will she do? Live in a tree? Fly her own plane? Own a store with a magic tower? Suggested age range for readers 3-7.
Look into each holiday and you’ll begin to notice the different shapes that make up objects that relate to each day. See if you can spot the different shapes in each picture. Now look around you. It doesn’t have to be a holiday to shape up into a great day. Suggested appropriate target Audience Age- 2-8
Katy has been invited to her Nigerian friend Amaeka’s house for dinner. Katy is worried they may serve her strange weird food she won’t be able to eat. The week before the dinner, Katy asks her mother about Nigerian food. Then she asks her friends about foods from other countries. When the day of the dinner arrives, Katy has decided to be a good guest and eat what is served. At the dinner there are different Nigerian foods served, but there is a surprise main course—a favorite food of both Amaeka and Katy! For age 5 to 8
Chapter Books
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