Best Selling Books by Kathy Stinson

A BOY TELLS WHEN HE FEELS BIG AND WHEN HE FEELS LITTLE. GRADES K-3. (ANNICK TODDLER SERIES).

A small girl tells why red is her favorite color.

A quirky collection of stories about teens in lust and in love. From the first stirrings of same-sex desire to paternity questions around a teen pregnancy, 101 Ways to Dance reflects the spectrum of teen sexuality from the sweet to the scary.

A fictionalized retelling of how books from around the world helped children in Germany recuperate after WWII. Anneliese and Peter will never be the same after the war that took their father’s life. One day, while wandering the ruined streets of Munich, the children follow a line of people entering a building, thinking there may be free food inside. Instead, they are delighted to discover a great hall filled with children’s books — more books than Anneliese can count. Here, they meet the lady with the books, who will have a larger impact on the children’s lives than they could have ever imagined. The place between despair and hope can often be found between the covers of a book.

The rock was always there...until, one day, it wasn''t. The rock and the butterfly are a perfect fit. The butterfly takes shelter on the steady rock after hours of flittering and fluttering, and the rock loves to hear of the butterfly''s adventures after a long day of sitting in one spot. Then one day the rock isn''t where it has always been—and the butterfly is alone. It can''t find a comfortable place to rest, and it eventually collapses on the ground. When it wakes, the butterfly realizes that it is lying in the exact spot where the rock used to be, and it takes comfort in all that its beloved friend left behind.

For kids ages 3-7, this lyrical picture book explores the complex emotions around missing a loved one, with stunning illustrations by Ojibwe artist Maya McKibbin. I wish I could show you… this great big meadow, like a sea of lacy clouds…. In this beautiful ode to nature and mindfulness, a child sets out to explore the environment around their home, using all their senses. Yet, someone important is missing, someone the child wishes could be there on the journey. Expressive text by Kathy Stinson leaves room for readers’ own interpretations about who the child in the story might be missing, while Indigenous illustrator Maya McKibbin’s gorgeous images capture the lush beauty of the natural world and the tenderness of a child’s emotions. The perfect book for helping a child navigate loss, or missing someone that can’t be there with them.

David''s younger sister Ivy, born with multiple disabilities, needs constant attention. She may be eleven years old, but in many ways she''s still a baby. She embarrasses him in public. She takes all of their parents'' focus, to the point where David wonders if they see him as anything more than a helper for Ivy. But despite it all, he loves her. The summer days are following their usual pattern of taking care of his sister, doing chores, and trips to the cottage. The one exception is Hannah, the new girl across the street. Hannah makes David feel anything but routine. He wants to be around her all the time. And, amazingly, she seems to be into him as well. Everything changes when Ivy has an accident while being looked after by her dad. As David wrestles with what happened to Ivy, he is forced to confront his own feelings of guilt, the meaning of mercy, and what can be forgiven.

Even Joshua Bell makes mistakes, but there is always a second chance. As a young student of the violin, Joshua Bell learns about an international competition to be held in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He chooses a piece of music, which his teacher suggests may be too difficult, but Joshua is determined. It’s a piece of music he loves. At the competition, Joshua experiences the usual jitters. Once his name is called, he strides to the stage and begins to play, but almost immediately, he makes a mistake. As he is about to walk off the stage, he asks the judges if could try again. They agree, and this time, the playing is impeccable. Dušan Petricic’s brilliant illustrations full of movement and color, capture the sounds made by Joshua’s violin, from the missed notes to the swirling, uplifting strains of the perfectly executed piece. Children will readily empathize with Joshua’s misstep, but they will also learn that there is always a second chance.

Who says dogs can’t fly? Meet Zora: a dog with a big dream and an even bigger personality. All Zora wants to do is learn how to fly so she can catch that pesky squirrel in her yard. But try as she might to prove to her friend Tully—a skeptical cat—that dogs truly can fly, nothing seems to work. Until Zora finds the right motivation, that is. Kathy Stinson’s charming story of perseverance is beautifully brought to life by Brandon James Scott’s exuberant and wonderfully expressive illustration. Touching on themes of optimism and determination in the face of failure, The Dog Who Wanted to Fly is a book anyone—even a cat—will love.

Can Matt win first prize in the town''s bike race? He thinks so. But his own bike is falling apart! Plus, his friends Mike, David, and Amanda all think they can win, too.

In a dusty attic, Matt uncovers two mysterious items, a magician''s costume and an odd little poem written on a yellowed piece of paper. The costume belongs to Mr. Grubb--the neighbour whose attic Matt is cleaning out--and the poem is in the old man''s handwriting. Could it be an ancient clue for some long-ago treasure hunt? If so, who did Mr. Grubb write it for? and did they ever find the booty? With the help of his friends, Matt sets out to discover the history of this decades-old mystery-- and possibly a treasure!

Matt receives a postcard that says there is a treasure to be found in Pebble Creek so he begins the search.

Bodies, bodies! Big and small, short and tall, young and old—Every BODY is different! The Bare Naked Book has been a beloved fixture in libraries, classrooms, and at-home story times since its original publication in 1986. Now, this revised edition is ready to meet a new generation of readers. The text has been updated to reflect current understandings of gender and inclusion, which are also showcased in the brand-new, vibrant illustrations by Melissa Cho. Featuring a note from the author explaining the history of the book and the importance of this updated edition, readers will delight in this celebration of all kinds of bodies.

"A gem of a book that captures the dramatic story of Anne''s life, the majestic beauty of giraffes, and fascinating facts about this most intriguing and magnificent creature. The book will cause young readers to fall in love with giraffes, and bring their attention to the cause of giraffe conservation."--

A celebration of a beloved folk artist, and her artistic expression of joy and beauty. Known for her vibrant and cheerful paintings of landscapes, plants, and animals, Maud Lewis’ iconic folk art is celebrated around the world. Despite her beautiful art, she spent much of her life living in poverty with rheumatoid arthritis. In this stunning picture book, author Kathy Stinson and illustrator Lauren Soloy bring Maud’s world to life: how she captured in her art what she loved most, while navigating the mobility issues caused by her condition. From bright paintings of the sea and countryside, to the flowers and birds she painted on the walls of the small house she shared with her husband, Maud’s work continues to delight and inspire viewers young and old. A Tulip in Winter features: Backmatter about Maud Lewis’ life and legacy Notes from the author and illustrator about how Maud has impacted their lives Uplifting and visually compelling, Maud’s story will inspire young readers to find and focus on the beauty in their worlds.

"With a postscript by Joshua Bell."--Cover.

What are all those green things?

Mr. Elliot is the custodian in a primary school and he has a secret. He can''t read. When he sees a child being called stupid and falling into the same traps, Mr. Elliot decides to learn how to read.

"A gem of a book that captures the dramatic story of Anne''s life, the majestic beauty of giraffes, and fascinating facts about this most intriguing and magnificent creature. The book will cause young readers to fall in love with giraffes, and bring their attention to the cause of giraffe conservation."--

Set in the beautiful environs of the Canadian East Coast, this novel draws the reader into the struggles of two troubled teens whose encounter helps them to confront and overcome their problems. An excellent starting point for giving students the opportunity to reflect on family values and their effect on the life pressures of teens.