Page-Turner Powerhouses: The Ultimate Guide to Kids' Books from Female Authors
Embark on a literary adventure curated with care and creativity with this list of our top 10 books for kids, carefully chosen from the treasure trove of offerings by women-owned businesses. As pages turn and imaginations soar, these stories not only captivate young minds but also highlight the remarkable achievements of female entrepreneurs in the literary world. From enchanting tales that spark wonder to educational gems that ignite curiosity, this list celebrates the power of storytelling and the women who weave magic through words. Join us in exploring a collection that not only nurtures a love for reading but also supports and applauds the vision of inspiring women authors and publishers. Let's dive into a world where every page tells a story of empowerment and imagination.
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1. “IZZY'S TRASH MOUNTAIN MYSTERY” by DEBRA SMALLEY
Izzy's Trash Mountain Mystery takes young children on a fascinating journey where they not only develop a love for reading and storytelling, but also learn valuable life lessons. Complete with colorful and imaginative illustrations, the book educates budding young minds about the importance of family, friends and the planet. The book is inspired by Debra Smalley's real-life relationship with her grandson Izzy and uses superhero characters to help children learn about the value of recycling.
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2. “PANGOLINA” by DR. JANE GOODALL
We had never heard of a pangolin — the only mammalian species with scales and endangered by illegal trafficking — until we saw this book by our hero Dr. Jane Goodall. This book is an absorbing fictional tale that will steal hearts and open minds about the plight of the pangolin.
Jane Goodall's many followers and all animal-loving children and adult picture book fans will be riveted by this suspenseful and heartwarming fictional story set in China and including an authoritative informational page about pangolins and suggestions for how to help fight animal trafficking.
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3. “THE LIGHT WITHIN YOU” by NAMITA MOOLANI MEHRA with ILLUSTRATIONS by KAMALA NAIR
Help you kiddo learn about holidays celebrated in another culture with this book that’s a celebration of family love and the light we share with the world. Diya is excited to be going to India for Diwali, the Festival of Lights. That means she’ll get to spend time with Nani, her beloved grandma, who she hasn’t seen since her family moved from India. Once Diya arrives in India, she immediately feels at home with Nani. Together they go shopping at the bazaar and prepare for the festival. As Diya and Nani celebrate Diwali together, Diya’s heart soars. But all too soon, her trip will come to an end. Is there a way for Diya to take some of the light and magic of Diwali with her when she leaves?
4. “AN ABC OF EQUALITY” by CHANA GINELLE EWING with ILLUSTRATIONS by PAULINA MORGAN
For the younger feminist on your gift list, we offer you "An ABC of Equality. The simple explanations accompanied by engaging artwork teach children about the world we live in and how to navigate our way through it. Each right-hand page includes a brightly decorated letter with the word it stands for and an encouraging slogan. On the left, a colorful illustration and bite-size text sum up the concept. Cheerful people from a range of backgrounds, ethnicities and abilities lead the way through the alphabet.
L is for LGBTQIA. Find the words that make you, you.
N is for No. No means no.
P is for Privilege. Be aware of your advantages.
X is for Xenophobia. Ask questions and you’ll see there’s nothing to be afraid of.
Ask more Questions, share your Kindness, and learn to Understand the world.
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5. “THERE'S A YETI IN MY TUMMY” by MEREDITH RUSU with ILLUSTRATIONS by MARTÍN MORÓN
We think we can all relate to the story of Matthew, a young boy with BIG, BIG feelings — so big it sometimes feels like there’s a YETI just bursting to get out! And when Mathew’s yeti comes to play, he’s bound to stay all day. That silly yeti comes out of Matthew’s feet, his nose, his hair, his burp, and even his BUTT! Bound to make any child roar with laughter, “There’s a Yeti in My Tummy” teaches kids that strong feelings are okay and so are their inner yetis. Along with Matthew, kids learn to channel those feelings in constructive, positive and loving ways. And parents will pick up a few tips on language to help children understand when and how to rely on their inner yeti.'
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6. “GOOD NIGHT STORIES FOR REBEL GIRLS: 100 TALES OF EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN” by ELENA FAVILLI, FRANCESCA CAVALLO and REBEL GIRLS
If you're raising a strong-willed, independent rebel girl, this is the book for her. "Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls" is a children's book packed with 100 bedtime stories about the lives of extraordinary women from the past and the present, illustrated by 60 female and non-binary artists from all over the world. This must-have volume brings readers on an empowering journey, introducing them to the real-life adventures of trailblazing women from Elizabeth I to Malala Yousafzai. The unique narrative style of "Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls" transforms each biography into a fairytale, filling readers with wonder and a burning curiosity to know more about these heroes.
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7. “LOUJAIN DREAMS OF SUNFLOWERS” by UMA MISHRA-NEWBERY and LINA AL-HATHLOUL with ILLUSTRATIONS by REBECCA GREEN
You know we love stories about fearless women. This one tells the tale of a courageous girl who follows her dream of learning to fly in this “clever narrative” filled with “extraordinary spirit… gorgeous colors… a magical quality” (New York Times). Inspired by formerly imprisoned human rights activist Loujain AlHathloul, this sparkling fantasy story is perfect for fans of” Malala’s Magic Pencil” and the “Rebel Girls” series. The story is based on the experiences of co-author Lina AlHathloul's sister, Nobel Peace Prize nominee Loujain AlHathloul, who led the successful campaign to lift Saudi Arabia's ban on women driving, this moving and gorgeously illustrated story reminds us to strive for the changes we want to see — and to never take for granted women's and girls' freedoms.
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8. “MY LIFE WITH THE CHIMPANZEES” by DR. JANE GOODALL
We can’t get enough of Dr. Jane Goodall… or chimpanzees. As a child, Jane Goodall was given a stuffed chimpanzee named Jubilee and she has said her fondness for this figure started her early love of animals. Jane dreamed of a life spent working with animals and when she was twenty-six years old, she ventured into the forests of Africa to observe chimpanzees in the wild. During her expeditions she braved many dangers and she got to know an amazing group of wild chimpanzees — intelligent animals whose lives, in work and play and family relationships, bear a surprising resemblance to our own. Through her work at Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania and her own Roots and Shoots program she has become a tireless advocate for animals and the planet. As for that stuffed toy, Jubilee still sits on Goodall’s dresser in London.
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9. “MOTHER OF SHARKS” by MELISSA CRISTINA MÁRQUEZ with ILLUSTRATIONS by DEVIN ELLE KURTZ
It makes us so happy that so many children’s books feature the stories of women in STEM. “Mother of Sharks” is written by Forbes 30 Under 30 Honoree and globally renowned shark scientist Melissa Cristina Márquez who teamed up with award-winning illustrator Devin Elle Kurtz to create an informative, powerful picture book. With lyrical writing and gorgeous art, this moving story explores Melissa’s personal journey from inquisitive ocean-loving child in Puerto Rico to becoming the Mother of Sharks. Blending the autobiographical with the fantastical, Melissa Cristina Márquez shares her incredible story not only to dispel myths about these misunderstood creatures but also to pave the way for Latinas in STEM.
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10. “SHE PERSISTED: 13 AMERICAN WOMEN WHO CHANGED THE WORLD” by CHELSEA CLINTON and ALEXANDRA BOIGER
We’re all about any book that teaches young girls about powerful women. Chelsea Clinton introduces tiny feminists, mini activists and little kids who are ready to take on the world to thirteen inspirational women who never took no for an answer, and who always, inevitably and without fail, persisted. Throughout United States history, there have always been women who have spoken out for what's right, even when they have to fight to be heard. In this book, Chelsea Clinton celebrates thirteen American women who helped shape our country through their tenacity, sometimes through speaking out, sometimes by staying seated, sometimes by captivating an audience. They all certainly persisted.
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