Snow Ponies

Published by Henry Holt & Company, 2001.

Illustrated by Jason Cockcroft

A Children's Book Council  "Children's Choices" selection

On a cold gray day, Old Man Winter leads his snow ponies outside. "Are you ready?" he asks them. They toss their heads. Yes! The ponies gallop across the landscape, bringing winter to the forest and field. Everything they touch turns white with snow. 

From the Reviewers:

Kirkus Reviews
 

...a beautiful as well as a magical read.
 

School Library Journal
 

The brief text is rich with descriptive phrases. . . This book could be used as a starting point for sparking students' imagination about snow, and the illustrations will definitely attract young equine fans.  

Published by Henry Holt & Company, 2002.

Illustrated by Reg Cartwright

• Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award, 2003
• Texas Library Association's 2X2 List, 2003
• Center for Children's Books "Best Books" List, 2002

 At the edge of the woods, the grass grows tall, the daisies dance, and the blackbirds call. One chipmunk lives in the old stone wall at the edge of the deep, dark woods.
 

The chipmunk is not alone. Two spotted fawns play in the grass. Three furry foxes drink from the pond. And who is that coming out of the cave? Count up to ten and back again with the animals of the deep, dark woods.

From the Reviewers:

"Cotten displays a masterful control of language, using sound effects within the lines to create additonal appeal. . . the understated appeal of the cleverly crafted text. . .will capture the attention of young listeners. Libraries will want to add a copy or two to their counting-book collections."
- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
 

"Cartwright's mossy greens, golden yellows, and smoky blues evoke a late summer in the woods as numbered sets of forest animals go about their business. . . .the peaceful forest crew and comforting color palette makes this a soothing read. . ."
- Kirkus Reviews

Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux , 2006.

Illustrated by Beth Peck

• 2007 NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People (National Council for Social Studies/Children's Book Council)
• Included on the 2007 Amelia Bloomer Project Recommended Titles List, sponsored by the Feminist Task Force of the Social Responsibilities Round Table of the American Library Association.
• Bank Street College "Best Books", 2007
• Kansas State Reading Circle, 2007

It's the early 1800s, and Abbie's sister, Sarah, is a proper young lady who loves needlework. She has already made a sampler displaying her neat and even stitching. But when it becomes time for Abbie to make her sampler, she despairs - she hates needlework and would much rather curl up with one of the books on Papa's shelf. How will she ever get through the long, tedious hours of needlework? And how can she pick a subject for a picture to sew when she really doesn't care about the sampler at all? After considering what's really important to her, Abbie completes the sampler in a way that is all her own. 

From the Reviewers:

Children's Literature
 

Peck's impressionistic double-page scenes offer sympathetic portraits of the girls and parents, along with appropriate historic interiors. The warm use of neutral hues helps set off the blues, pinks, and yellows of the clothes. Several scenes detail the sampler making while evoking the emotions Abbie feels as she struggles to produce an acceptable product and finally succeeds. A note adds considerable historic background.
 

School Library Journal
 

An afterword describes the era's educational practices for girls and the emphasis placed on the embroidered sampler. A good selection for those who like reading about life in other times.-Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
 

Kirkus Reviews
 

The illustrations have freely drawn impressionistic backgrounds and nicely detailed facial expressions and needlework bits.
 

EW.com (Entertainment Weekly)
 

This gem is both a little history lesson (albeit an effortless one) and a big lesson about outspokenness and strength of character. 

Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux , 2007.

There are two bright spots in Michael's life: Melanie, the new girl in town, and Charlie Andrews, an artist and retired teacher who used to work with Michael's dad and is now giving Michael private art lessons. Like Grandpa and Michael, Mr. Andrews knows how to observe carefully and deeply, and as his lessons progress, Michael understands better and better how to capture what he sees on paper. But after losing Grandpa, can Michael let himself get close to someone else?
 

You'll care for Michael, grieve over his losses, and love the people he loves. A warm, satisfying book, one you won't forget.
--Patricia Reilly Giff, author of 'Pictures of Hollis Woods'
 

This thoughtful, well-written novel would be an excellent comfort to any young reader dealing with the frailty of life. The fact that I found myself standing in the narrator's shoes, becoming him, learning to live with his loss and finding hope, is a testament to Cynthia Cotten's skill as a writer. I enjoyed this gem of a story very much.
--Graham Salisbury, author of 'Eyes of the Emperor'
 

This is a valuable book. I was deeply moved.
--Earl Hamner, Jr., author of 'Spencer's Mountain' and creator of the television series, 'The Waltons'

From the Reviewers:

Booklist
 

...the dramatic portrayal of Michael's grief, true to the child's viewpoint, is far from sentimental as he swings from denial to anger to sorrow, and, finally, to acceptance. The easy, casual dialogue between the boy and his relative reinforces the idea that Grandpa will always be in Michael's memories. An excellent book for discussion.. --Hazel Rochman
 

School Library Journal
 

This story is touching and accurate in its portrayal of the grieving process. --Nicki Clausen-Grace, Carillon Elementary School, Oviedo, FL 

Published by Henry Holt & Company, 2006.

Illustrrated by Dana Bettoli

• Honor Book (picture books): Cynsational Books of 2006 -- Cynthia Leitich Smith's "cynsations"
• Kirkus Reviews  starred review
• Kansas State Reading Circle, 2007
• Paterson Poetry Prize, 2007

This is the stable, dusty and brown, in a quiet corner of Bethlehem town.
 

Wondrous things are happening in this humble little stable. The animals are gathering. Shepherds and wise men and angels are coming from afar. All of them are flocking to see the Christ child, born this night in Bethlehem.
 

In lyrical verses and luminous illustrations, this is a retelling of the Nativity that will be treasured for Christmases to come.
 

"Readers of all ages will want to come to this stable.They will come with reverence, awe, as they read the quiet poetic text and enter a world of luminous, lovingly executed paintings. THIS IS THE STABLE to come to--to rejoice in--to witness the true meaning of Christmas." --Lee Bennett Hopkins 

From the Reviewers:

Publishers Weekly
 

Rhyming couplets retell the Nativity story, introducing a "baby boy, who cooed and cried/ and looked around with eyes so wide" born in "the stable dusty and brown,/ in a quiet corner of Bethlehem town." Bettoli's extensive palette and spiritual imagery capture stars, angels and birds overseeing the happy proceedings from changeable pink, purple and blue evening skies. The artwork's borders and a multicultural cast add visual depth and interest. Ages 4-8. (Oct.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
 

Children's Literature
 

In the familiar rhythm of "This is the house that Jack built," the Christmas story is retold in rhyme that uses the refrain, "the quiet stable, dusty and brown." Children will enjoy pointing to the animals while parents will appreciate the peace and tranquility that pervade this lovely retelling of the story.
 

School Library Journal
 

PreS-K-This lovely picture book combines beautiful artwork and a seamless, thoughtful "The house that Jack built" style to tell the story of the Nativity. The rhyme is sweet but never forced. Bettoli uses a mixture of pastels, primary colors, and earth tones to create pictures that are bright and imbued with fanciful elements such as winglike clouds and a face in the star of Bethlehem. A sense of place is well established by sand dunes, desert shrubs, and palm trees. The variety of animals and the multiethnic cast of people and angels are all rendered with lifelike energy and expression. A gentle, comforting selection.-Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
 

Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
 

With a gentle, perfectly rhyming text, this cumulative tale presents the Nativity story in a beautifully illustrated version just right for younger children. The patterned text introduces each component of the Nativity scene, always returning to the soothing refrain of "the quiet stable, dusty and brown." The poetic words have the rhythmic, repetitive cadences of a Christmas carol, and in fact, the text can be sung to the traditional English carol, "The Friendly Beasts." Bettoli's mixed-media paintings feature swirling lines, bright flowers and patterned borders. Mary and Joseph clearly come from the Middle East, and the Three Wise Men are of three different ethnicities. Her interpretation includes many birds and the subtle images of feathered wings, with the final spread presenting the angel host gathered over Bethlehem and the edge of the midnight-blue sky flowing off the page like a great bird. Children will be drawn to the appealing cover showing the dusty, brown stable with Mary and Joseph approaching. Against a background of flying birds and feathery wings, the title stands out in huge, shiny red letters, inviting readers inside. (Picture book. 2-8)
 

Chinaberry
 

This Is the Stable is one of those quiet and humble books that sneaks up on you with its meaningful verse and expressive illustrations. The rhyme builds upon itself, reiterating Jesus' birth place in a ''stable, dusty and brown'' and the coming of the angels, shepherds and kings. It's a story we've heard many times over, retold here with simple grace. The stunningly magical illustrations are filled with peace and reverence.
 

Ingram Library Services
 

While she follows the typical rhythm of a cumulative tale ("This is the star whose light shone down/ on the quiet stable, dusty and brown."), Cotton repeats only the last line in each set so that the text remains fresh throughout. Pointing to the manger, the animals, and the other traditional elements in turn, this lovely book is simple enough for preschoolers but has enough detail for 6-year-olds. Bettoli's deep, vivid palate soothes or excites as each scene unfolds. This is a terrific basic Christmas boo

Published by Philomel, 2007.

Illustrated by Paul Tong

Some babies sleep
high up in a tree.
Some babies rock
in the waves of the sea.
 

No matter where your baby sleeps, this lyrical bedtime book will lull them there. 

From the Reviewers:

Kirkus Reviews
 

...Cotten's latest is cleverly formatted to suit different audiences. Relating the different ways and plaaces that animal babies sleep, the gentle rhymes make this perfect for bedtime.

Published by Henry Holt and Company, 2008.

Illustrated by Javaka Steptoe

• Cooperative Children's Book Center Choice for 2009
• Finalist for Library of Virginia's Whitney and Scott Cardozo Award for Children's Literature, recognizing excellence in Children's Literature for ages 3-8.

At the park the sky grows dark...
 

Here it comes! cool drops splash down, scattering the grown-ups. But the children love romping in the rain, until--BOOM!
 

This joyous rhyming poem celebrates the many delights of a rainy day. 

From the Reviewers:

A Fuse 8 Production
 

Wonder is itself a difficult emotion to capture, but I think that Cotten and Steptoe do a stand-up job of working the book in that direction. For any kid that has celebrated in a warm summer rain, or has wanted to, this is a good little book.
 

Kirkus Reviews
 

The children in Steptoe's crumpled-tissue collages don't leave the playground when the sky darkens or the rain starts coming down more and more heavily--but come a FLASH! and a BOOM!, it's "Uh-oh. / Time to go. / Hurry, hurry, / scoot and scurry." Superimposed on the art's wrinkled surfaces, the text's short couplets won't be a challenge even for newly emergent readers, and the laughing, brown- and yellow-skinned figures dance through the elongated raindrops with infectiously joyous abandon. The stream of rainy-day tales never seems to abate, but this stands out as one of the simplest, both in language and feeling. (Picture book. 4-6)  

Published by Holiday House, 2013. 

Illustrated by Frane Lessac
 

Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award, 2013
 

Bank Street College of Education's "Best Books of 2014"
 

Nominee for Tennessee Volunteer State Book Award 

The book boat is a floating library that travels back and forth along the Erie Canal. Jesse has found the book he wants--and he has just one week to earn enough money to buy it when the boat comes back on its last trip for the season.

From the Reviewers:

Kirkus Reviews
 

The text is laced with dialogue featuring homey turns of phrase, revealing Jesse's passion for stories and capturing the warmth between the characters. Naive folk-art-style paintings in bright gouache reflect Jesse's hopeful, eager nature. Although simply rendered, the facial expressions speak volumes. ...Jesse's pride of ownership and the closing scene of Jesse writing his name and the year in his very first book will resonate with book lovers of all ages.
 

Booklist
 

This simple story illuminates an overlooked facet of library history--floating libraries--while combining the honest values of an earlier era with a straightforward telling. Cotten's clean language feels true to its time, matched by the direct composition of Lessac's primitive-style paintings. An author's note fills in some historical details about the Erie Canal and the boats that traveled along it, adding curricular opportunities to this earnest, old-fashioned tale. 

Published by Cynthia Cotten, 2013

One stone house, one small New York town, 164 years: eight short stories for young people. 

These eight stories of young people who came to know the same stone house in a small upstate New York canal town over almost 2 centuries give readers a look inside (or a window to) America's history.

Published by Kenan Center, Inc., 2018.

Illustrated by Alixandra Martin

In a small town is a big house, surrounded by a garden, barns, an orchard, and a wide field.  It is beautiful--and oh, so quiet.

This tale of a too-quiet place that is transformed into a vibrant, active center for en entire community will delight readers of all ages.

Poems Selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins

Published by Margaret K. Mcelderry Books, 2008

Illustrated by Stephen Alcorn

 In this ever-timely collection of more than fifty poems and paintings divided into eight sections, one of America's most distinguished poets and anthologists, Lee Bennett Hopkins, and internationally-acclaimed painter and printmaker Stephen Alcorn trace emotions of warfare from the American Revolution to the Iraq War.

I have two poems in this collection: "Drummer" (Civil War) and "Missing" (Persian Gulf War).

From the Reviewers:

Tricia Stohr-Hunt, The Miss Rumphius Effect
 

I can't say enough about how amazing this book is. It is a gift to every teacher who has ever wanted his/her students to understand that war has a human face and takes a human toll. 

Switching on the Moon: A Very First Book of Bedtime Poems, collected by Jane Yolen and Andrew Fusek Peters

Published by Candlewick Press, 2010

Illustrated by G.Brian Karas

Sixty poems from old favorites and contemporary poets. "...the perfect book to share with a child to usher in a night of sweet dreams."
 

I have one poem in this collection: "Night Light."

 Poems Selected by lee Bennett Hopkins

Published by Dial Books for Young Readers,2012

Illustrated by Will Terry

These poetic odes to insects will delight bug-enthusiasts of all ages...Nasty Bugs is delightfully gross, in the best of bug ways.
 

I have one poem in this collection: "Stink Bug".

From the Reviewers:

Publishers Weekly
 

A squirm-inducing tribute to our blood-sucking, garbage-eating insect friends
 

Daily Kos
 

From "Ode to a Dead Mosquito" to "Termite Tune," this brightly illustrated, kid-friendly collection riffs on the details of the world's most infamous insects. Fun facts about the featured creatures round out this sure bet for poetry fans and bug enthusiasts alike

Poems Selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins

Published by Creative Editions, 2013

Illustrated by Guy Billout

A collection of 21 poems exploring Shakespeare's "seven ages of man" -- the different roles people play.

I have one poem in this collection: "Years." 

New Poems Inspired by Art from The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Edited by Lee Bennett Hopkins

Published by Abrams Books for Young Readers, with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2018

"Looking at a work of art and reading a poem can produce a range of emotions and reactions...

World Make Way features specially-commissioned poems by a wide range of poets. Each writer was inspired by an artwork at the Metropolitan Museum of Art."

I have one poem in the collection: "Resistance", inspired by "The Horse Fair" by Rosa Bonheur.

Poems Selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins.

Published by WordSong, an Imprint of Highlights, 2015

Illustrated by Jane Manning

15 poems celebrating the many aspects of the library.
 

I have one poem in this collection: "My Card."

From the Reviewers:

Kirkus Reviews
 

The title of this book of 15 poems will immediately grab the attention of teachers and librarians. All together, the listing of titles in the table of contents forges a lyrical look at what libraries mean to individuals... The final stanza of Cynthia S. Cotten’s “My Card” says it all: “My library card / unlocks the world / and more / with a single / scan.” Amen.
 

Booklist
 

Honoring libraries as places and resources that can inspire joy, learning, and imagination, this is charming all aroun

Poems for the School Year with Connections to the Common Core, K-5 Edition--

compiled by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong

Pubished by Pomelo Books, 2012

218 poems by 75 poets. Broken down by grade, with 36 poems per grade--one per week. Each poem has a "Take 5" box, giving teaching tips and activities for that poem.
 

I have two poems in this collection: "Kerchoo!" (first grade, week 19) and "Wondering" (third grade, week 9)

Poems for the School Year with Connections to the Common Core, compiled by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong

Published by Pomelo Books, 2013

Grades 6-8

110 poems by 71 poets. Broken down by grade, with 36 poems per grade--one for each week of the school year. Each poem has a "Take 5" box, giving teaching tips and activities for that poem.
 

I have one poem in this collection: "Ack!" (grade 6, week 27)

Holiday Poems for the Whole Year, compiled by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong

Published by Pomelo Books, 2015

Pre-K through Grade 6. 

156 poems in English and Spanish.  

Includes traditional holidays, book-related holidays, celebrations of diversity, unusual celebrations and historic commemorations. 12 poems per month, 12 poems for "Birthdays and Baby Days." Plus "Take 5" mini-lessons.
 

I have one poem in this collection: "Cookies!"

Compiled by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong

Published by Pomelo Books, 2015

218 poems by 78 different poets for children in grades K-5.  

The Teacher's Edition includes Take 5! mini-lessons for presenting each and every poem.  

The Kids' Edition has the poems for all the grade levels together, but without the mini-lessons, as well as 30 "bonus poems" that didn't appear in the Teacher's Edition.

Some of the poems have Spanish translations.

I have three poems in this collection: "Inquiry", "Scientific Steps", and "What Is Science?"