Join Cynthia Weill for Read Out Loud as she reads her new picture book, OPUESTOS, which teaches kids about opposites in English and Spanish. This special book is illustrated using whimsical, little, carved, wooden animals from Oaxaca in Mexico. After she reads the book, Cynthia shares more about these beautiful, hand-painted pieces of Mexican folk art and their makers.
OPUESTOS: MEXICAN FOLK ART OPPOSITES IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH
ABOUT THE BOOK

“It’s hard to take one’s eyes off this book, the wood sculptures are so appealing, so re-readings are probable.”
—Chicago Tribune
Cynthia Weill’s book of Mexican folk art teaches kids about opposites in Spanish and English! These whimsical little animals from Oaxaca, carved and painted by hand, make learning about opposites fun. Up and down, tall and short, left and right — all inside a beautiful book.
Brothers Martín and Quirino, along with other family members, carved these figures from the wood of the flowering jacaranda tree. All are farmers but supplement their income carving these beautiful creatures in the little mountain town of La Union Tejalapam, Oaxaca.
“Direct and charming.”
— Publishers Weekly
“This second work by the author of ABeCedarios follows its predecessor’s highly praised concept and design.”
— Kirkus



Watch CYNTHIA WEILL Read Out Loud HERE

ABOUT CYNTHIA WEILL
My books use folk arts from around the world to illustrate basic concepts for children. The current series employs handicrafts commissioned from artisans in Oaxaca and Puebla, Mexico to teach children the alphabet, opposites, colors, numbers, jobs and animal sounds in Spanish and English.
It takes two to four years to create all of the artwork. Each piece is hand made by artisanal families living in rural areas of the country. Because I end up spending so much time with the families, I’m invited to my fair share of weddings, baptisms, quinceañeras and other events. We get to know each other really well! The pieces are so unique that they are part of the permanent MesoAmerican collection at the Field Museum of Chicago.
CONNECT WITH Cynthia Weill
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One day each year, fairies are able to travel to the human world. Today is that day! Join in the adventure on Read Out Loud as author Anna Svetchnikov reads I DESERVE MORE!, a magical story about learning to control your emotions, appreciate the good things in your life, and reframe your worries.
About the Book

I DESERVE MORE is a story about the adventures of Claire and her cat Archie. One day, they find a magic wand that gives them the chance to change their lives. Claire and Archie go on an amazing journey of self-exploration and self-reflection.
This book is based on the concept of Narrative Therapy and includes therapeutic exercises for children and parents to practice at home.
Watch Anna Svetchnikov’s Read Out Loud HERE
About Anna Svetchnikov
Anna Svetchnikov is an award-winning author of children’s emotions and feelings in the magical, mythical and particularly human worlds. She is as creative as she is compassionate at heart and a mother of three mighty mischievous boys who make certain she experiences no fewer than six dozen unique emotions each day, excluding any exhibited by her therapeutic clientele.
Additionally, she is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a model, has yet to miss a free-throw, appeared in numerous movies, and the founder & executive director of two non-profit organizations – Positive Parenting Initiative and Longwood Care, Inc.
She resides in sunny Port St. Lucie, FL and does her best writing every minute, awake or otherwise, notepad not required as she never forgets. Anything. And reminds her husband (of 10 years, together for 20) of this skill regularly.
Anna has published more than 40 books for children and their parents. She is the recipient of numerous awards including,
2020 Stevie’s Awards Bronze Medal for BOOK OF THE YEAR 2020 “Awesome Team vs CoronaVera”
2020 Reader’s Favorite Five Star “Awesome Team vs CoronaVera”
2020 Mom’s Choice Award “I Deserve More”
2020 Pinnacle Book Achievement Award “Good Night Apollo”
2020 Royal Dragonfly “I Can Do It: No More Worry”
“I Deserve More”
“Awesome Team vs CoronaVera”
“Good Night Apollo: A Story About Kindness”
2021 The National Indie Excellence Award “I Deserve More!”
“Always Together”
2021 Hermes Creative Award “Awesome Team” series
2021 NYX Malcom Awards “Wish Away Amger”
2021 Titan Awards – Children books Author
2021 The Story Monsters Aproved award “I am Just a Baby”
“Too Sweet”
“The Fearless One”


Connect with Anna
 Facebook | Website

Self-belief, hard work, and support from his friends help make Ronnie Rabbit’s dream of having a swimming pool of his very own a reality in Lindsay Ann Fink’s new picture book. So grab a cold glass of carrot juice and pull up a deck chair, as Lindsey reads RONNIE’S POOL on Read Out Loud!
About the Book

Ronnie the rabbit asks his parents if they could have a pool. Therefore, his dad hands him a shovel and Ronnie gets to work. With a bit of hard work, some helpful friends, and a positive outlook, it is possible to make dreams into a reality!

Watch Lindsay Ann Fink’s Read Out Loud HERE
About Lindsay Ann Fink
Lindsay Ann Fink has been in the teaching field for over twenty years. As a teacher she has always been on the look-out for fun interactive books that children can enjoy reading again and again. Thomas the Turkey is the book that does just that. Lindsay believes in writing stories that come to life in the hearts and in the imaginative minds of children.
Connect with Lindsay
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Join author Dennis Mathew for Read Out Loud as he invites young readers to express themselves freely, wonder, take risks, imagine, and try something new like the animals in MY WILD FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!
Enjoy the story and then try the printable activities below!
About the Book

What if animals went to school? 
What if they could dream, wonder, and imagine a hopeful future? 
Into the uncertainty that is the first day of school for every child, Dennis throws humor, spunk, rhythm, and rhyme. This book is an invitation to every child to take risks, try something new and embrace their inner “WILD”. 

DOWNLOAD MY WILD FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL Story Guide

DOWNLOAD MY WILD FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL Task Cards




Watch Dennis Mathew’s Read Out Loud HERE
ABOUT Dennis Mathew
Dennis Mathew is a husband, father, elementary school speech pathologist, singer-songwriter, and author. For over 20 years Dennis has had the joy and honor of working with children in public schools and through non-profit work.
In 2018, Dennis launched his authorship, bringing children’s stories integrating social-emotional wholeness, language enrichment, critical thinking, conflict resolution, and character development to life.
His published works so far are “Bello the Cello”, “My Wild First Day of School”, and “How Grizzly Found Gratitude”. He also published a music album for schools called, “The Let’s Roar Experience”. Through his books and music Dennis has reached tens of thousands of students worldwide!
CONNECT WITH Dennis Mathew
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

On Read Out Loud, join author Dennis Matthew for HOW GRIZZLY FOUND GRATITUDE, a book with a simple yet profound message: no matter what life throws at us, there is always something to be thankful for, and that thankfulness can help us get us through.
Enjoy the story and then try the printable activities below!
About the Book

Gratitude, the attitude of being thankful, can get you through a bad day and sometimes, even a tough season in life.
That is the simple yet profound message of How Grizzly Found Gratitude. In Dennis Mathew’s third book, we meet a wandering and lost Grizzly who is heartbroken about missing home. Unexpectedly, he meets Bird and her friends, and they challenge him to rise above his circumstances and see the beauty all around him. With Bird’s help, gratitude teaches Grizzly not to take anything for granted, the big or the small.
In Dennis Mathew’s How Grizzly Found Gratitude, young readers will learn to take an inventory of what they are grateful for and to have a better life because of it.

DOWNLOAD the HOW GRIZZLY FOUND GRATITUDE Story Guide

DOWNLOAD HOW GRIZZLY FOUND GRATITUDE Task Cards



Watch Dennis Mathew’s Read Out Loud HERE

ABOUT Dennis Mathew
Dennis Mathew is a husband, father, elementary school speech pathologist, singer-songwriter, and author.
For over 20 years Dennis has had the joy and honor of working with children in public schools and through non-profit work.
In 2018, he launched his authorship, bringing children’s stories integrating social-emotional wholeness, language enrichment, critical thinking, conflict resolution, and character development to life.
His published works so far are “Bello the Cello”, “My Wild First Day of School”, and “How Grizzly Found Gratitude”. He also published a music album for schools called, “The Let’s Roar Experience”.
Through his books and music Dennis has reached tens of thousands of students worldwide since 2018.
CONNECT WITH Dennis Mathew
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Ho, ho…HELP! Times have changed. Santa’s Workshop has been modernised and Christmas has been hacked by Cyber Scrooge! What’s a young elf to do? Find out more about this the inspiration for this exciting new holiday tale on StoryMakers with Russell Hicks, author of SANTA.COM!
In SANTA.COM we find Santa on a road trip visiting communities he normally only flies over on Christmas Eve. We wonder where YOU would take Santa in YOUR TOWN if you could show him around for a day? Let us know in the comments below!
ABOUT the Book

A modern tale packed with Christmas spirit and holiday humor, Santa.com is sure to be your family’s favorite new Christmas story.
In the good old days, the elves made toys by hand at Santa’s workshop, but times have changed. The North Pole modernized, and Santa.com was born. Now, Christmas wishes are fulfilled by robotic candy cane arms and delivered by peppermint drones . . . until Cyber Scrooge hacks the system! Little Yo-Yo the elf thinks they still have a chance to save Christmas, but can the reindeer still fly? And more importantly, will Santa come out of retirement?
ABOUT Russell Hicks
With a distinguished tenure at the helm of Nickelodeon Animation Studios, Russell Hicks has masterminded countless iconic franchises like Scooby-Doo, SpongeBob, and Dora the Explorer. As Chief Creative Officer of Curiosity Ink Media group, Hicks leads creative development and production activities and continues to build defining brands in children’s entertainment.
ABOUT Matt Cubberly
A children’s author, screenwriter, and product developer, Matt Cubberly launched the small press publishing company, The WilderWay, LLC, in Chicago, where he developed a slate of multiple children’s books. At Curiosity Ink Media, he heads up the development of both existing and original IP, as well as co-produces Curiosity’s feature films and television series.
ABOUT Ryley Garcia
Ryley Garcia is an illustrator and visual development artist from Toronto, Canada working in children’s books and the entertainment industry. Whether it be digital painting, oils, watercolors, or even pastels, Ryley enjoys any opportunity to tell stories using color and light.
Sponsored by

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Executive Producer: Julie Gribble 

On StoryMakers, join author Awilda Prignano as she shares the personal story behind the writing of LOVING LULU / LULUAMOROSA, her tender book that celebrates the ways we can show love for family members who, like Lulu’s Abuelita, begin to have trouble remembering.


Check out these great Activity Sheets for LOVING LULU!









About the Book

Join Lulu as she discovers the different ways there are to express and communicate love in what we see, hear and feel as we do things together.
This is a story about a little girl named Lulu who spends a lot of time with her Abuelita while her Mom is at work. Lulu’s days are filled with activities such as listening to music, learning to cook as well as learning how to speak Spanish. Sometimes, she is able to help Abuelita take care of the babies. As time passes, Lulu notices changes happening and things just don’t seem the same with Abuelita. Join Lulu as she discovers the different ways there are to express and communicate love to each other in what we see, hear and feel. The author’s hope is that in sharing this story, the lesson will be embraced by adults as well as children.
WATCH Awilda Prignano’s StoryMakers
About Awilda Prignano
Born and raised in Chicago, Awilda has recently relocated to sunny Arizona where she earned her B.A. in English at Arizona State University. Awilda has always had a passion for writing and since childhood, dreamed of one day becoming a published writer. Her dream came true when she was published in the anthologies – Follow It Thru: Obstacles Equal Opportunities in June of 2017, The Real Journey of the Empowered MomBoss in February of 2018, and Your Shift Matters: Resistance to Resilience in November of 2018. Besides writing, Awilda enjoys traveling and exploring new places. Awilda engages very easily with everyone she meets, and her mission is to inspire through her storytelling, the values of love, kindness, and compassion for others.
Sponsored by PR FROM THE HEART

Connect with Awilda
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Join author/illustrator Thyra Heder for StoryMakers as she shares her new picture book SAL BOAT: A BOAT BY SAL. It’s a book about a boy who is determined to build a boat of his own on his own — but Sal soon learns that any act of creation requires community and collaboration.
Thyra created this book for her independent-minded nephew, who loves to build things, so the illustrations are full of people and places dear to Thyra. Look at the book through her eyes and discover the stories and memories hidden in her beautiful paintings.
Kids! How many times does Thyra’s niece, nephew, and their dog Llewy appear on the pages of SAL BOAT? Post your answer in the comments below!
About the Book

A boy builds a unique boat of his own with some help from his community in this new picture book by the critically acclaimed author of Alfie.
Sal loves the water. All day, he thinks about it: being out there, just him and the waves, alone. More than anything else, he wants a boat. And he knows just what it would look like. So he decides to build it himself.
It isn’t long before everyone in town starts sharing advice. But Sal doesn’t need their help. He knows just what he’s building. And he does it! Except . . . he forgets one crucial detail—that no project, big or small, can be launched without a little help.
From the acclaimed author-illustrator of Alfie and How Do You Dance? comes a clever and heartfelt tale about creativity, collaboration, and how you don’t always have to be alone to be free.

Watch Thyra Heder’s STORYMAKERS HERE
ABOUT Thyra Heder
Thyra Heder is a freelance illustrator and storyboard artist for clients in film, television, advertising, fashion, and architecture.  She was a Sundance Screenwriting Fellow in 2015 with the project Over the Eaves and was awarded the SFFS Hearst Grant along with the co-writer and director, Brent Green. Always a collector of picture books, she wrote and illustrated her debut book, Fraidyzoo, in 2013.  Fraidyzoo, The Bear Report, and Alfie are all published by Abrams Books for Young Readers and have each received a starred Kirkus review.  She has a dog named Toby and a turtle named Alfie and lives in Brooklyn.
Sponsored by  ABRAMS BOOKS
CONNECT WITH Thyra Heder
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On StoryMakers Valerie Bolling, author of the new rhyming picture book, RIDE, ROLL, RUN: TIME FOR FUN!, joins us from her home in Connecticut.
This is a book that celebrates outdoor play and having fun in the fresh air! Valerie chats with Rocco about the activities shown in the book, as well as the ones she likes to do to stay active. Get a peek at some of RIDE, ROLL, RUN’s stunning illustrations by Sabrena Khadija of kids enjoying play. Finally, Valerie and Rocco create some rhyming phrases about activities they like to do.
Kids! Think about activities YOU like to do when you come home from school. Can you create a rhyming sentence or two about that game or activity? Share your rhymes with us in the comments below. Don’t worry! Rhyming is easy — even if our rhyme is a little cheesy!
About the Book
• A joyful, rhyming picture book that is an ode to community and outdoor play •
Pedal, pump.
Speed bump!
Ride, roll, run.
Friends and fun!
This energetic picture book celebrates community and friendship, following children as they play their way through their vibrant neighborhood. Author and educator Valerie Bolling’s rhyming text makes for an exciting read-aloud and is paired with stunning illustrations by Sabrena Khadija.
Watch Valerie Bolling’s STORYMAKERS HERE

About Valerie Bolling
When I was four, my grandmother taught me how to write. I loved the feel of the pencil in my hand as I made marks on the paper. I took special care to write each letter of the alphabet as beautifully as I could. In first grade, I began to write “poetry” in black and white marbled composition books. Applying the most recent phonics lessons I created simple rhymes, like: There is a cat. It sat on a mat. It caught a rat. Is it ironic then that my debut picture book is a series of rhyming stanzas? ​

So how did I become a picture book author? Inspired by a visit from my nieces in December 2016, I wrote two stories in which each of them was the protagonist. Shortly after, I decided to pursue becoming a published author. I contacted people I believed could be helpful resources – and they were – and I wrote and wrote and wrote. And revised even more. In June of 2017, I started writing query letters to agents and editors and began to participate in Twitter pitches. In a June 2018 #PBPitch, Let’s Dance! was “liked” by Jes Negrón, an editor at Boyds Mills & Kane, and less than two weeks later, I received the news that my book had been accepted for publication!
​In addition to writing picture books, I have written a Monthly Memo for teachers that I published on Twitter, and I have been published in The National Writing Project’s Quarterly and NESCBWI News. A poem I wrote was published in Cricket Media’s Babybug Magazine.

Sponsored by  ABRAMS BOOKS
CONNECT with Valerie Bolling
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Learn the names of new instruments while learning the value of being yourself along with Lyric, the little piano, on this episode of Read Out Loud as author Trinity Bursey reads THE LITTLE PIANO.
ABOUT the Book

Join Lyric the little piano in this inspirational musical adventure and allow your children to discover a simple truth: You’re loved because you’re you, not for what you can do! Filled with colorful illustrations and catchy rhymes, it’s a story you’ll want to tell your children time after time!

ABOUT Trinity Bursey
As an elementary and middle school EC (Exceptional Children) teacher, she helps children reach their highest potential. Through her writing, Trinity hopes to help readers understand and value their significance. She hopes to encourage her readers that although we are all different, each one has an important part to play in this orchestra called life. Her greatest desire, is that her books will help people of all ages understand their value and the value of those around them.
Although her favorite instrument is the guitar, Lyric is by far her favorite piano.

Sponsored by

CONNECT WITH Trinity Bursey
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Author Susan Verde returns to StoryMakers to share her new book, I AM ME: A BOOK OF AUTHENTICITY, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. This book celebrates the unique qualities that make you who you are and being true to yourself.
Kids! Join Susan and Rocco — get a piece of paper and write down a word that describes what makes you perfectly imperfect or a word that helps you find your spark! Keep it in a special place to remind yourself how uniquely YOU you are!
We are so lucky! Susan also shares a second new book with us, SALLIE BEE WRITES A THANK YOU NOTE. It’s a story about being grateful for the wonderful things in our life that aren’t stuff and remembering to be thankful. In the back of the book, Susan has included a guide to writing thank you notes! She shares the steps, and she and Rocco write notes of their own. There are many reasons to be thankful. 
Kids! Can you write a note of your own to thank someone who is special to you?
About the Books
Embrace individuality and being your authentic self in this companion to New York Times bestsellers I Am Human and I Am Love!
Sometimes I stand out in a crowd.
Sometimes I am not seen at all, and I feel alone.
I start to ask myself, why can’t I blend in? Fit the mold?
But when I stop and look, I see nothing in this world is exactly the same.
Sometimes we hide who we really are to conform to the way we think we are supposed to be in the world. Sometimes we compare ourselves to others and feel we don’t fit in. But when we realize we are something to be celebrated, and we proudly live out loud as our true selves, we can make our unique mark on the world—and share our joy!
From the New York Times bestselling team behind the I Am series comes a bighearted celebration of individuality, of being comfortable in our own skin, respecting others for who they are, living authentically, and loving ourselves. For anyone who’s ever felt like too much or not enough, I Am Me is an affirming reminder that difference is what makes life beautiful—and that each of us matters, just as we are.

From New York Times bestselling author Susan Verde, Courtney Sheinmel, and Heather Ross comes a warmhearted story about expressing gratitude, perfectly modeling how to write a great thank-you note!
When a surprise comes in the mail from Grandma, Sallie wants to text her right away: Thanks, Grandma!
But wait—how will Grandma know what Sallie is thanking her for and how it makes her feel? And every proper thank-you needs some swirlies, right? This calls for something special: a handwritten note.
The next day, Sallie hopes to get another package so she can write a second note. Nothing comes. But . . . she does get safely across the street on the way to school. Maybe that deserves a thank you!
Dear Crossing Guard . . .
With each new day, Sallie discovers more and more reasons to feel grateful. A warm and witty story about appreciating others, Sallie BeeWrites a Thank-You Note celebrates the simple kindness of saying “thank you.”
Watch Susan Verde’s STORYMAKERS HERE
The book also includes tips on how to write the perfect thank-you note!

ABOUT SUSAN VERDE
Susan grew up in the heart of Greenwich Village in NYC. As a kid she kept a piece of chalk in her pocket (for spontaneous hopscotch) and her skate key around her neck, ready for the next adventure. She found inspiration everywhere and loved to write al...

On StoryMakers, get to know author and illustrator Ali Bahrampour, creator of MONSTERS IN THE FOG and A PIG IN THE PALACE. MONSTERS IN THE FOG is a story about how things aren’t always what they appear to be. First, Ali shares some of his sketches and discusses why it’s important to question our preconceived thoughts about everything from people to places. Then, learn how Ali weaves bits of his Iranian upbringing into his picture books and follow his tips for drawing a “monster in the fog” of your own!
Watch Ali Bahrampour’s STORYMAKERS HERE
 
About the Book
A donkey’s trip up the mountain turns eerie when he encounters “monsters” along the way in this humorous, suspenseful tale about challenging first impressions
Hakim is traveling up the mountain to visit his friend Daisy, but the fog is so thick that he can’t see the road ahead. Then an old goat appears out of nowhere and delivers a sinister warning: “Beware! Beware! There are monsters up there!”
Hakim trots with caution, until he hears an awful groan, growing closer and closer. And out of the mist comes the strangest creature Hakim has ever seen. . . .
Is Hakim doomed? Or are things not always what they seem? In this clever story about how appearances can be deceiving, Ali Bahrampour reminds us that everyone looks like a monster in the fog—until you get closer.
About the Book

A pig is invited to dinner with the queen in this delightfully funny misfit tale
Bobo is rolling around in the mud when somebody slips a letter under his door. It’s an invitation to have dinner with the queen! “Why me?” Bobo wonders. What will he do at a fancy palace? He’s covered in fleas. He doesn’t know which fork to use. He has never been anywhere so grand! Indeed, when he arrives, Bobo feels terribly out of place. And trouble is following him wherever he turns! But maybe . . . he’s not the only one who’d like to let loose?
For any kids who have tried their hardest to behave at a grown-up gathering, Bobo the boar is just the itchy, clumsy, endearing hero they’ve been waiting for.

About Ali Bahrampour
Ali Bahrampour grew up in Iran and the U.S. His first book was Otto: The Story of a Mirror. He was a 2011 recipient of the Sendak Fellowship for picture book artists. He lives in New York City.
Sponsored by ABRAMS

Connect with Ali Bahrampour
 Website | Instagram

On StoryMakers join Portia Clare as she shares her touching picture book, BEST FRIENDS FOREVER: A PUPPY’S TALE. It’s the true story of the special relationship between Portia and her childhood pet dachshund puppy Sandy who passed away following an illness. Portia discusses ways to remember cherished pets and shows young readers how to create a memory box full of photos and keepsakes to honor a dear, lost animal friend.
About the Book
Best Friends Forever: A Puppy’s Tale is a tender, heart-warming story about love, loss, and everlasting friendship. It is a wonderful resource for parents and teachers that will help them guide children through the real-life experience of owning, loving, and losing a beloved family pet, and finding the courage to share that love again.

WATCH Portia Y. Clare’s StoryMakers Episode HERE!
About Portia Clare
A graduate of Duke University and Regent University, she maintains her love of learning and earnestly desires to empower the children who have been entrusted to her care.  Simply put, Portia teaches because she values children. Her love of children and family compels her to write stories that will help them recognize their importance, appreciate their value, and navigate through difficult life experiences. Creative writing has always brought her joy and writing children’s books has been her passion since childhood.
Portia is the only child of the late Randolph George Clare, Jr. and Jane Easterling Clare. She was born in Bennettsville, South Carolina, and raised in Nassau, Bahamas. Her family relocated to Bennettsville, South Carolina, in 2015, where she and her mother currently reside.
Sponsored by PR FROM THE HEART


Connect with Portia
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Can you imagine a world where professional wrestling is a part of daily life? In comic book author and illustrator Scoot McMahon’s new graphic novel, co-created with Dave Scheidt, AGENTS OF S.L.A.M., the President is a former professional wrestling promoter who hires wrestlers to serve as secret agents to solve the world’s problems! Join Scoot on StoryMakers to find out about how main character Katie, a twelve-year-old wrestling vlogger, gets tangled up in their adventures!
Kids! We would love for you to use your imaginations to create your own Superhero/Wrestler. First you have to think of a good Wrestler name and costume. Then come up with his or her superpower! Watch for Scoot’s advice and then get drawing! Share what you come up with by having a parent post the image on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram and then tag us!
About the Book

DING DING DING! Enter the wrestling ring in this all-new graphic novel from Wrapped Up creators Dave Scheidt and Scoot McMahon!
The Agents of S.L.A.M. aren’t your average professional wrestlers. They’re led by the fearless and famous Bruno Bravado and work for the president of the United States to protect people from all kinds of threats—both on Earth and in space! And they’ve just been joined by their newest recruit, Katie Jones, a twelve-year-old wrestling vlogger who just might know more about wrestling than the wrestlers themselves. S.L.A.M. will need Katie’s knowledge and skills if they’re going to keep protecting Earth, especially when their toughest rival challenges them!

WATCH Scoot McMahon’s StoryMakers HERE!
About Scoot McMahon
Scott McMahon, also known as Scoot, is a versatile cartoonist based out of Rossford, Ohio. His talents include writing and drawing comic books, children’s book illustration, character design, and story-boarding. Scoot’s storytelling ability, along with his humor, keep his artwork fresh and entertaining.
About Dave Scheidt
Dave Scheidt is a writer from Chicago, Illinois. He is the co-creator of the MAYOR GOOD BOY series published by Random House. He’s also written for Cartoon Network, Dreamworks, Lucasfilm and Nickelodeon.
Sponsored by ONI PRESS

Connect with Scoot McMahon
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Connect with Dave Scheidt
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On StoryMakers join author Jess Brallier for a chat about the first book his new picture book series, BOOKER THE LIBRARY BAT: THE NEW GUARD. The series features Booker, a book-loving bat who works in a library as a guard to protect books from book-eating bugs. The story is based on a real library, Biblioteca Joanina, in the city of Coimbra, Portugal that welcomes bats to live amongst their bookcases, emerging at dusk to feed on bugs that would otherwise destroy the priceless, leather-bound books housed on their shelves. Learn more about these bats and imagine other animals that might do a good job working in a library.
Kids! Tell us in the comments below which animal you would choose to live in your local library and why!
About the Book




The launch of a picture book series about the adventures of a book-loving bat and his buddies as they patrol and protect their library home.

Booker the bat has completed his training and he’s excited to report for duty as the newest guard at the Joanina Library in Coimbra, Portugal. His job is to fly through the stacks at night, gobbling down the bugs that are in turn eating the 200,000 antique leather books. It’s the perfect job for Booker, because he loves to read.  And now he’s saving books!



There’s only one problem: how will he fit in with the other guards? They’re so cool and confident, and what if they don’t like him? But when Booker spots a human attempting to steal pages from one of the valuable books, he summons his courage, (echo)locates the other bat guards, and swoops in with a plan to save the day!





WATCH Jess Brallier’s StoryMakers
About Jess Brallier
Jess Brallier was first a publisher (book and online), a role he held at Funbrain, Poptropica, Planet Dexter, and Family Education Network. He also served on the executive team at Harcourt, Little Brown, and Abrams. Of the 30+ published books Jess authored or co-authored as a publisher, half were children’s books.
His Lawyers & Other Reptiles landed on multiple bestseller lists. And his Who Was Albert Einstein for Penguin’s bestselling Who Is/Was series sold 450,000+ units, was translated into multiple languages, and was critical to Who Is/Was becoming a consistent New York Times bestselling series.  His most recent picture book is The Olphabet (Running Press); forthcoming are The Unknown Solider (Charlesbridge) and a series, Booker: The Library Bat (Pixel+Ink).
A native of Ligonier, Pennsylvania, Jess is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh (B.A.) and Boston University (M.S.). He and his wife, Sally Chabert, reside in New York City.  Their two grown children are the greatest.
Sponsored by Pixel & InkConnect with Jess
Twitter | Website

Join Carmen Agra Deedy for a chat about her new picture book WOMBAT SAID COME IN which is set during an Australian bushfire. Carmen’s inspiration for the book came from the true story which emerged during the Australian bushfires of 2020 of many animals being saved from danger by taking refuge in extensive networks of cool, underground wombat burrows. Find out more about that, learn some amazing Australian animal facts, AND some super new vocabulary words — all on StoryMakers.
About the Book



A kindhearted wombat offers refuge to a parade of animal friends during an Australian bushfire in a delightful new picture book from New York Times best-selling creators Carmen Agra Deedy and Brian Lies.


Australian bushfires roar above Wombat’s home. He is fortunate that his burrow is deep below ground and he is safe. He snuggles under his crazy quilt and drinks his tea. Soon his frightened friend Wallaby shows up at his door. “Oh Wombat! I c-c-can’t reach my home! M-m-may I stay with you awhile?” Wombat pauses only for a tick of the clock, and says, “Come in!” Then, one by one, five uniquely Australian animals – the Wallaby, a Kookaburra, a Platypus, a Koala, and a Sugar Glider – seek refuge from the fires, and Wombat welcomes them all. When you have the heart of a wombat, there’s always room for one more!


Fellowship, empathy, and adorable Australian animals star in this delightfully heartwarming and funny story about help in the time of trouble from New York Times best-selling author Carmen Agra Deedy (14 Cows for America, The Library Dragon, The Rooster Who Would Not Stay Quiet) and Caldecott Honor-winning and New York Times best-selling illustrator Brian Lies (The Rough Patch, Bats at the Beach).

The book will delight children with Deedy’s engaging story and Lies masterfully rendered animals. It is an ideal read-aloud for adults seeking a story with humor and heart. Generosity and kindness provide powerful SEL themes. Older readers will get a glimpse of the unique environmental challenges presented by the country’s annual bushfire season.





WATCH Carmen Agra Deedy’s StoryMakers Here!
About Carmen Agra Deedy
Carmen Agra Deedy is the author of twelve books for children, including The Library Dragon, The Cheshire Cheese Cat, Martina the Beautiful Cockroach, and 14 Cows for America, a New York Times Bestseller. The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet! (Scholastic Press) was released in 2017 and Rita and Ralph’s Rotten Day was published in March 2020. She is host of the four-time Emmy-winning children’s program, Love That Book! Deedy is also an accomplished lecturer, having been a guest speaker for both the TED and TEDx Conferences, the Library of Congress, Columbia University, the National Book Festival, and the Kennedy Center, among other distinguished venues. A life-long supporter of the institution, she opened the 2016 Art of the Book Lecture Series for the Smithsonian Libraries.
Sponsored by Peachtree

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Join authors Alex Boniello and April Lavalle on StoryMakers for a chat about their new picture book set in the future, A CASE OF THE ZAPS. In the story, the main character, PI sometimes gets a case of the zaps — maybe you have experienced them too. It’s that feeling of being a bit nervous, overwhelmed, or when it all gets to be just a bit too much. April and Alex share some strategies for coping when you start to feel the zaps coming on, like writing your feelings in a journal, taking a long walk, or a technique you might not have heard of yet called paced belly breathing. Watch April, Alex, and Rocco — then you give it a try!
About the Book

A charming and heartfelt picture book that’s a great way to start a conversation about anxiety and mental health with readers a few generations old or fresh off the assembly line!
Meet 3.14159265358979323846264338327950 . . . Or Pi, for short.
Pi’s just like any other kid robot: They love to listen to music, play with their dog, and hang out with their friends. And when their teacher announces a field trip to Olde Silicon Valley, Pi couldn’t be more excited! They daydream of all the awesome things they want to see and do there––but also begin to worry about all the things that could go wrong . . . Then, on the way home, Pi feels a ZAP! They try to avoid the strange feeling, but the Zaps keep happening. Pi doesn’t understand. They have a firewall installed! What could be going on?
A tale with equal parts humor and heart, A Case of the Zaps is a great way to begin talking about mental health and anxiety for readers of all ages.
Find MORE Resources for A CASE OF THE ZAPS here!



Watch April Lavalle’s and Alex Boniello’s StoryMakers
About Alex Boniello
Alex Boniello is an actor, musician, singer, writer, and Tony Award–winning producer from New York City. Most recently, he starred as Connor Murphy in Broadway’s Dear Evan Hansen, and has also appeared as the voice of Moritz in Deaf West’s revival of Spring Awakening and in numerous TV shows and films. Alongside April Lavalle, he’s also a producer on Hadestown, for which they both received Tony Awards. Boniello is a passionate advocate for mental health, having worked closely with some of the most prolific organizations in the country.
About April Lavalle
April Lavalle is an actor, comedian, writer, and Tony Award–winning producer living in New York City. As an actor, Lavalle has appeared on television and on stages throughout the world, and as a writer, she has been featured in publications such as Reductress, McSweeneys, Medium, and Vulture. She is also a director for the Story Pirates, which celebrates the imaginations of children worldwide.

Sponsored by ABRAMS









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