Most Popular Books by Emily Arnold

Clara Maher and her mother are traveling across the country by train. When a snowstorm buries the tracks, a fellow passenger invites Clara and Mama to a special Thanksgiving feast. But Clara has a sneaking suspicion that the fun-loving "old cowhands" hosting the delicious banquet are really Butch Cassidy and his gang!

In this well-loved picture book, our funny young hero has to get used to a new baby sister. The baby doesn''t pay attention when he reads to her. She cries when he makes silly faces. And she can''t understand the jokes he tells. He finally figures out what you CAN do with a new baby -- and becomes a very good brother.

When Pip''s parents go away on a trip, she ends up with two grandmas to baby-sit her. Pip is ready for fun -- but strict Grandma Nan and easygoing Grandma Sal can''t agree on anything! It''s time for Pip to take charge.

One day, a mysterious stranger arrives at a boardinghouse of the widow Gateau—a sad-faced stranger, who keeps to himself. When the widow’s daughter, Mirette, discovers him crossing the courtyard on air, she begs him to teach her how he does it. But Mirette doesn’t know that the stranger was once the Great Bellini—master wire-walker. Or that Bellini has been stopped by a terrible fear. And it is she who must teach him courage once again. Emily Arnold McCully’s sweeping watercolor paintings carry the reader over the rooftops of nineteenth-century Paris and into an elegant, beautiful world of acrobats, jugglers, mimes, actors, and one gallant, resourceful little girl.

When silent movie director Larry Trimble decides to put Strongheart, a police dog, into his movies as the lead actor, he must first train him to play with toys and walk like a regular dog, but Strongheart becomes a sensation until his military training leads to trouble, and possibly the end of his career. Includes author''s note on the real Strongheart.

Caldecott medalist Emily Arnold McCully uses luminous watercolors and expressive line to tell a story that will comfort anyone who has ever felt unappreciated at home. In this last production of her lovable Farm Family Theater series, Ms. McCully shows that all families are real families.

All the best holiday traditions are here in this wordless picture book by Caldecott-winning illustrator and writer, Emily Arnold McCully. The decorated tree, singing carols with papa, and all the many mouse children’s going up to bed, dreaming about the presents they will find on Christmas morning. Everyone finds something marvelous under the tree, especially the remote control airplane that really flies. It’s the best present EVER, until the special surprise that comes when the family visits Grandma and Grandpa.

In this quirky duo’s third adventure, the Grandmas pitch in to help when Pip’s regular baseball coach contracts the chicken pox. But the trouble is, neither of them know beans about the game. ‘A double-threat winner, combining the humor of the two grandmas with enough play-by-play description to gladden the hearts of young baseball fans.’

Stagestruck Blanche would like to be a part of a theatrical bear troupe''s new play, but, her shyness causes problems until she discovers a special talent of her very own.

Illustrated in full color. Just in time for the presidential election comes Caldecott medalist Emily Arnold McCully''s stirring tale of a young girl''s act of bravery inspired by the great Elizabeth Cady Stanton. It is the fall of 1880, and Cordelia is more interested in horse riding than in hearing her neighbor, Mrs. Stanton talk about her fight for women''s suffrage. But on Election Day, Mrs. Stanton tells the heart-wrenching story of her childhood. Charged with the story''s message, Cordelia determines to go with Mrs. Stanton to the polls in an attempt to vote--above the jeers and taunts of the male crowd. With faces, landscapes, and action scenes brought to life by McCully''s virtuosic illustrations, Cordelia''s turning-point experience is sure to inspire today''s young girls (and boys) everywhere.

The theatrical bear family introduced in Zaza''s Big Break is staging a new production, with Edwin, the youngest, in his first starring role. He is full of excitement and confidence--that is, until he steps out on stage. Mortified when his mind goes blank, he runs into the woods to hide in shame. His family lovingly explains that he has a simple case of stage fright and Father encourages, "It''s just like any fear . . . you mustn''t run away. You must try again." With newfound faith in himself, Edwin does succeed in the following performance.

Without words, Emily Arnold McCully tells the rambunctious tale of four kittens whose mama has gone off hunting for food. When she accidentally gets shut up in the feed barn, the kittens are free to go exploring. But their mischief-making leads to a run-in with a hungry hawk! Luckily, help comes their way from the most unexpected of places. And four weary kittens are finally reunited with their ever-so-grateful mama.

Budding engineer Min uses her skills to save the day in this Level E easy reader, perfect for Kindergarten students to read on their own! Min wants to play, but Ann and Bess say it''s too hot to do anything. Min waves a fan, but it doesn''t help at all. What''s a girl to do? There''s a pool, but it''s empty—but clever Min finds a nearby well with some water in it. A tube, a hose, some glue, and a good idea later, Min builds a machine to draw water out of the well and into the pool. Splash! Thanks to Min, all the girls can play in the pool! Caldecott Medalist Emily Arnold McCully has created a fun tale about creative problem-solving, with simple text for emerging readers and bright illustrations depicting Min''s creation of an Archimedes screw to add extra detail. For more of Min''s adventures, check out 3, 2, 1, Go! in which Min builds a catapult. A Junior Library Guild selection! The award-winning I Like to Read® series focuses on guided reading levels A through G, based upon Fountas and Pinnell standards. Acclaimed author-illustrators--including winners of Caldecott, Theodor Seuss Geisel, and Coretta Scott King honors—create original, high quality illustrations that support comprehension of simple text and are fun for kids to read with parents, teachers, or on their own! Level E stories feature a distinct beginning, middle, and end, with kid-friendly illustrations offering clues for more challenging sentences. Varied punctuation and simple contractions may be included. Level E books are suitable for early first graders. When Level E is mastered, follow up with Level F.

With her sketchbook labeled My Inventions and her father''s toolbox, Mattie could make almost anything – toys, sleds, and a foot warmer. When she was just twelve years old, Mattie designed a metal guard to prevent shuttles from shooting off textile looms and injuring workers. As an adult, Mattie invented the machine that makes the square-bottom paper bags we still use today. However, in court, a man claimed the invention was his, stating that she "could not possibly understand the mechanical complexities." Marvelous Mattie proved him wrong, and over the course of her life earned the title of "the Lady Edison." With charming pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations, this introduction to one of the most prolific female inventors will leave readers inspired. Marvelous Mattie is a 2007 Bank Street - Best Children''s Book of the Year.

Discover the nineteenth-century woman who became one of America’s first investigative journalists in this “lively” biography (Booklist, starred review). A YALSA-ALA Finalist for Excellence in Young Adult Nonfiction Born in 1857 and raised in oil country, Ida M. Tarbell became widely known for her series of articles on the Standard Oil Trust—a complicated business empire run by tycoon John D. Rockefeller—that revealed to readers the underhanded, even illegal practices that had led to Rockefeller’s success. Rejecting the term “muckraker” to describe her profession, she went on to achieve remarkable prominence for a woman of her generation as a writer and shaper of public opinion. This biography from a Caldecott Medal winner offers an engrossing portrait of a trailblazer in a man’s world who left her mark on America. “Well-written and thoroughly researched.” —School Library Journal Includes photos, bibliography, and index

This fascinating, informative, and touching picture book by a Caldecott Medalist is based on the true story of an eighteenth-century rhino who toured Europe and started a sensation! Clara is a book sure to fascinate young animal lovers, history buffs in the making, and kids interested in geography, as they follow a rhinoceros on her journey across Europe. In detailed illustrations, McCully shows Clara being introduced to Louis XV of France, Frederick the Great of Germany, and others willing to pay for a chance to stroke her soft lip. Her owner, a Dutch sea captain, keeps Clara fed (she eats 100 pounds of hay and 30 loaves of bread a day!) and watered (she drinks 14 buckets of water and beer) and takes loving care of her until her death 17 years later. Winner of the National Parenting Product Award

Nina is born to a poor but loving family that can''t bear to see their daughter''s gift for music go to waste. So they make the difficult decision to give her up to the care of the famous Pieta orphanage in Venice. There, her talent will be nurtured under the tutelage of Vivaldi himself. Everything goes according to plan until one day Nina is faced with her own difficult decision u00ad should she risk expulsion to sing for a dying boy whom she feels is family?

It''s hard to say who''s more nervous about Monk''s first backyard campout - the little mouse or his loving parents. In this charmingly illustrated family tale, absolutely no one gets a good night''s sleep!

In the War of 1812, the Maryland town of St. Michaels hatches a desperate plan to ward off bombardment by the British fleet. As the fastest runner in town, Caroline carries word of the plan from house to house. But as the battle begins, it is Caroline’s courage -- not her speed -- that will be tested.

Pip and Ski have a hard time enjoying themselves at the lake with Pip''s two grandmothers, who cannot agree on anything.

Mirette and the Great Bellini sweep all of Europe with their act on the high wire, but when Bellini is arrested after a performance in St. Petersburg, Mirette is challenged to master the Death Walk to save him from prison. The sequel to the Caldecott Medal-winning Mirette on the High Wire.

In the late 1800s, former slave and veterinarian Bill "Doc" Key realized that his new foal, Jim, was no ordinary horse. Believing in the power of kindness and patience, Doc taught Jim to spell, recognize the primary colors, and even make change from a cash register! Performing in shows across the country, Jim stunned audiences with his incredible skills. But when some people called Jim a fake, Doc set out to prove them wrong and to show the world that, thanks to the power of kindness and patience, Jim was truly a wonder horse. Caldecott Medalist Emily Arnold McCully''s account of this fascinating, true story comes alive in her striking illustrations.Wonder Horse is a 2011 Bank Street - Best Children''s Book of the Year.

"A picture book biography about Lizzie Murphy, the first woman to play in a major league exhibition game and the first person to play on both the New England and American leagues'' all-star teams"--

Maisie Ferris and her parents are interested in new ideas and the world beyond their small town of Galesburg, Illinois. When a visiting journalist from England tells Maisie he has never heard of popcorn, Maisie and her father come up with the wild idea of growing popcorn and selling it overseas. Their plan is a success, and Maisie''s dreams of selling popcorn in England and meeting Queen Victoria come true.

Witness the true story of how Mary Wilkins Ellis’ childhood passion for flying led to an exciting career in the air, written and illustrated by a Caldecott Medalist. As a child, Mary Wilkins Ellis longed to fly, but she had to wait until she was 16 before she could have her first lesson. She soon became the youngest licensed pilot in her English county, but then all civilian flight was banned when Germany launched its attacks on Britain in 1940. Mary was grounded. One day she chanced to hear a radio appeal for Britons with pilot’s licenses—even women—to join the Air Transport Auxiliary and ferry brand new fighter planes to Royal Air Force bases. Mary immediately applied, and spent the rest of the war delivering hundreds of different kinds of aircraft—most of which she’d never flown before—forming lifelong bonds with her colleagues, surviving many a close call, and helping to save her country from destruction. After the war she became a flight instructor, ran an air taxi service, then managed an airfield, the only woman in Europe to do so. In her spare time, she won rallies in her racing car. Mary’s childhood dream became a thrilling lifetime aloft, lasting until she died at 101. With watercolor and ink illustrations which perfectly capture the exhilaration of flying, Taking Off brings this little-known figure and her can-do spirit to life. Extensive material in the back of the book includes additional information about Mary Wilkins Ellis and the Airport Transport Auxiliary, as well as sources.

Award-winning author Emily McCully''s most adventurous book to date draws a dramatic portrait of life in nineteenth century America. For as long as he can remember, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau has been told that a promising future lies ahead of him. After all, his mother is the great Sacagawea, who accompanied Lewis and Clark on their expedition of discovery. And thanks to his mother, Baptiste''s life changes forever when Captain Clark offers him an education in the bustling new city of St. Louis.There, his mother charges him to "learn everything" -- reading, writing, languages, mathematics. His life becomes a whirl of new experiences: lessons, duels, dances, elections. He makes friends and undertakes unexpected journeys to far-off places.But he also witnesses the injustices Clark, as a US agent for Indian Affairs, forces upon the Osage, the Arikara, the Mandan, and so many others. He sees the effect of what some call "progress" on the land and on the people who have lived there for generations. And he must choose what path he will take and what place he will have in a rapidly changing society.

Meet Min--a girl with the brain power to make a machine and outwit a bully too! This Level F book is perfect for first-grade readers. A tree fell. “Oh no!” said Ann “We can’t have the show here.” Ann and Bess don''t want Min in their show. But when a tree falls on their outdoor stage, only Min can figure out how to move the tree. She gathers some logs, a chain, a rope, a pulley, and a hook and builds a crane. The show can go on--with Min in it, of course! This is the third book to feature Min, the girl engineer in 3, 2, 1, Go! and Min Makes a Machine. Level F books, for early first graders, feature longer, more varied sentences than Level E. Level F books encourage kids to decode new multi-syllable words in addition to recognizing sight words. Stories are more complex, and illustrations provide support and additional detail. When Level F is mastered, follow up with Level G. The award-winning I Like to Read® series focuses on guided reading levels A through G, based upon Fountas and Pinnell standards. Acclaimed author-illustrators--including winners of Caldecott, Theodor Seuss Geisel, and Coretta Scott King honors--create original, high quality illustrations that support comprehension of simple text and are fun for kids to read with parents, teachers, or on their own!

A ten-year-old bobbin girl working in a textile mill in Lowell, Massachusetts, in the 1830s, must make a difficult decision--will she participate in the first workers'' strike in Lowell?

"Although it was not always easy for musician Franz Schubert to practice his music, he was supported immensely by his friends, who believed in his talent and wanted the world to hear his work"--

Recounts the true story of how four boys looking for buried treasure in the south of France in 1940 stumbled upon something much more valuable--a sealed cave whose walls were covered with prehistoric paintings and engravings.

Recounts the life of the renowned sixteenth-century Irish woman pirate, Grania O''Malley.

Tells the story of two unlikely kung fu masters and how their skill in martial arts saves them both.

“Written with grace and intelligence, researched with care. . . . Sure to inspire a new generation of pioneers.” —Shelf Awareness (starred review) This illuminating biography reveals how the daughter of Lord Byron, Britain’s most infamous Romantic poet, became the world’s first computer programmer. Even by 1800s standards, Ada Byron Lovelace had an unusual upbringing. Her strict mother worked hard at cultivating her own role as the long-suffering ex-wife of bad-boy poet Lord Byron while raising Ada in isolation. Tutored by the brightest minds, Ada developed a hunger for mental puzzles, mathematical conundrums, and scientific discovery that kept pace with the breathtaking advances of the industrial and social revolutions taking place in Europe. At seventeen, Ada met eccentric inventor Charles Babbage, a kindred spirit. Their ensuing collaborations resulted in ideas and concepts that presaged computer programming by almost two hundred years, and Ada Lovelace is now recognized as a pioneer and prophet of the information age. Award-winning author Emily Arnold McCully opens the window on a peculiar and singular intellect, shaped — and hampered — by history, social norms, and family dysfunction. The result is a portrait that is at once remarkable and fascinating, tragic and triumphant.

Prepare to discover new heroes among these twenty-one women who challenged the status quo, championed others, and made their voices heard. From Jane Addams to Alice Waters, from groundbreaking artists and social justice advocates to scientific pioneers and business innovators, a strong thread of trailblazing women runs through American history. Written in compelling, accessible prose and vividly illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Emily Arnold McCully, this collection of inspiring and expertly researched profiles charts the bold paths these women forged in the twentieth century. The subjects profiled include: Jane Addams Ethel Percy Drusilla Baker Gertrude BergRachel CarsonShirley ChisholmJoan CooneyIsadora DuncanBarbara GittingsTemple GrandinGrace HopperDolores HuertaBillie Jean KingDorothea LangePatsy MinkVera RubinMargaret SangerGladys TantaquidgeonIda M. TarbellMadame C. J. WalkerAlice WatersSecond Wave Feminism

"Beautiful day!" "Not a cloud in the sky!" "A-picnicking we go!" When Picnic was first published in 1984, readers fell in love with Emily Arnold McCully''s lush watercolors and charming story about a little mouse who is reunited with her family. Now the Caldecott artist has added words and painted bigger illustrations in her signature whimsical style to accommodate a larger-sized read-aloud book. But what has not changed is a timeless story about the hurt of being lost, and the joy of being found again.

The world''s most beloved wire walkers are back! In this adventure, Mirette and Bellini sail to America, where they have accepted an invitation to cross Niagara Falls. Mirette soon discovers that the usual risks of high-wire walking are intensified by cutthroat competition. It''s courage and skill that bring Mirette and Bellini through even the toughest challenges and make both Mirette and this book a winner.

When Bunny joins Miss Pooch’s class, Pete can’t stop staring at her. He thinks about Bunny all the time—even when he’s eating dinner and when he’s brushing his teeth. But when Pete sits next to Bunny on the school bus, the other kids all shout, "Pete likes Bunny! Pete likes Bunny!" At home, a dejected Pete confides in Mom, who thoughtfully suggests that Pete give Bunny flowers. As in the first two Pete books, Pete Won’t Eat and Pete Makes a Mistake, Emily Arnold McCully portrays profound emotions and important relationships—especially between parent and child—through simple text and eloquent body language and facial expressions.

Zaza, an acting bear, leaves the stage to become a regular cast member of a television show but discovers that performing for the small screen is not her cup of tea.