Most Popular Books by Amy Hest

Even after a story, being tucked in, and warm milk, Sam is not ready to go to sleep until his mother kisses him good-night.

When Sam has a cough, Mrs. Bear tends to him all through the cold night.

Set during World War II, this poignant, briskly paced historical novel relays the events of one extraordinary summer from three engaging points of view. On the morning of the dedication of the new children’s library in Belle Beach, Long Island, eleven-year-old Julie Sweet and her six-year-old sister, Martha, find a baby in a basket on the library steps. At the same time, twelve-year-old Bruno Ben-Eli is on his way to the train station to catch the 9:15 train into New York City. He is on an important errand for his brother, who is a soldier overseas in World War II. But when Bruno spies Julie, the same Julie who hasn’t spoken to him for sixteen days, heading away from the library with a baby in her arms, he has to follow her. Holy everything, he thinks. Julie Sweet is a kidnapper. Of course, the truth is much more complicated than the children know in this heartwarming and beautifully textured family story by award-winning author Amy Hest. Told in three distinct voices, each with a different take on events, the novel captures the moments and emotions of a life-changing summer — a summer in which a baby gives a family hope and brings a community together.

When her parents make such a fuss over their new baby, Baby Duck feels neglected, until Grandpa helps her to realize that she is still important.

The creators of the New York Times bestselling Kiss Good Night offer a trio of gentle tales about a special intergenerational bond. Little Chick may be a good and patient gardener, as Old-Auntie observes, but what if you simply can’t wait for your carrot to grow tall? What if you skip like a pro but still can’t lift your kite in the air? Or if you’re a really good stretcher but can’t reach your favorite star? With affection and humor, Amy Hest offers three vignettes about a curious chick and a loving auntie who knows how to soften disappointments by keeping the spark of wonder alive. And the incomparable Anita Jeram renders Little Chick’s gestures and movements with a mastery that captures the spirit of every young child.

One dark and stormy night, Mrs Bear is putting Sam to bed. She asks him if he is ready, but he says that he is waiting. She reads him a story, but still he isn''t ready. So Mrs Bear tucks the blanket around Sam. What can Sam be waiting for? Originally published: 2001.

When Mrs. Bear and little Sam deliver the cakes they have made for their friends in the neighborhood, Sam carries the cakes all by himself, through the snow and up to the front doors.

An unhurried fishing trip, with blueberry scones in tow, introduces a new bear duo sure to charm fans of Little Bear and Frog and Toad. One day Big Bear says to Little Bear, I’m just in the mood for fishing. Me, too, says Little Bear. Just in the mood. With this decided, Big Bear and Little Bear are off… almost. First they need the right attire, poles in a red wagon, a basket of freshly-baked scones, and a good book to read. It’s unclear how much real fishing will get done today, but one thing’s for sure: there will be a cozy nap in the hammock at the end. Adults who grew up with classic stories about friendship and caring will feel an immediate resonance in the low-stakes adventures of these two adorable bears. Amy Hest’s wry text sets a pitch-perfect mood, and Caldecott Medalist Erin Stead brings fine art to each bucolic illustration. Big Bear and Little Bear Go Fishing is a treat for all ages and is sure to find a treasured place on shelves for years to come. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Complications in twelve-year-old Cornie''s life, among them divorced parents and a new baby half-sister, help Cornie and her best friend Megan find a theme for the school photojournalism project.

"An enchanting little story, with homey illustrations that add to its appeal." — School Library Journal (starred review) Outside, the wind blows and the rain comes down. Inside, it is Sam’s bedtime. Mrs. Bear reads him a story, tucks him in, and brings him warm milk. "Are you ready now, Sam?" she asks. "I’m waiting," he says. What else does Sam need before going to sleep? Could Mrs. Bear have forgotten a kiss?

In a series of letters to her new dog, fourth-grader Annie Rossi relates her daily exploits and remembers her mother.

Two funny, poignant adventures of Katie Roberts, detailed in her humorous diaries set in the years after World War II, are now combined in one edition. Illustrations.

Although her parents love walking in the rain, Baby Duck does not--until Grandpa shares a secret with her.

Katie, a Jewish girl living in New York City during World War II, sees many dynamic changes in her world as she ages from seven to ten waiting for her father to return from the war.

In a series of journal entries and letters to a pen pal, Katie relates her feelings about her father''s death in World War II, her mother''s remarriage, and the family''s move from New York City to Texas.

"Hest simply and faithfully holds a mirror to the milestone event for millions of turn-of-the-century immigrants." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) When a young girl from a poor eastern European village learns that she must leave her beloved grandmother for a new life — and a new love — in America, they both feel that their hearts will break. The sure and inspired narrative by award-winning author Amy Hest is paired with paintings by P.J. Lynch that glow with warmth and carefully observed detail, creating an unforgettable tribute to the immigrant experience.

Depressed about her best friend''s upcoming move to a new apartment, Jessica tries to cheer herself up by throwing a going away party.

Grandpa and Rosie spend the morning fishing and Rosie learns that catching a fish is not the most important thing.

On a rainy day when Baby Duck is sick with a cold, her grandfather cheers her up by showing her family photographs. Children''s BOMC.

Baby Duck wishes she was in the swimming team. But she won''t go in the water. She''s scared that her arms might get tired, or that she''ll swallow water. What she needs is Grandpa to reassure her...