Best Selling Books by Jeanette Winter

Renowned picture book creator Jeanette Winter tells the story of a young girl in Afghanistan who attends a secret school for girls. Young Nasreen has not spoken a word to anyone since her parents disappeared. In despair, her grandmother risks everything to enroll Nasreen in a secret school for girls. Will a devoted teacher, a new friend, and the worlds she discovers in books be enough to draw Nasreen out of her shell of sadness? Based on a true story from Afghanistan, this inspiring book will touch readers deeply as it affirms both the life-changing power of education and the healing power of love.

Learn the story of TIME PERSON OF THE YEAR Greta Thunberg, the sixteen-year-old climate activist who has sparked a worldwide student movent and is demanding action from world leaders who refuse to address climate change—from acclaimed picture book creator Jeanette Winter. I don’t want you to be hopeful. I want you to panic…I want you to act as if our house is on fire. Because it is. When she was fifteen years old, Greta Thunberg’s teacher explained to her class that our climate is changing—the earth is getting warmer, the polar ice caps are melting, and life on earth is threatened. Greta was devastated. What could she do? If the grown-ups weren’t doing enough to save the planet, Greta would have to demand change herself. So she went on strike, skipping school every Friday to sit outside of the Swedish Parliament building with a sign that read “School Strike for Climate.” At first, Greta was the only one. But gradually, more and more students joined her, until her lone protest had sparked a worldwide student movement for action on climate change. Now, a year later, Greta is speaking to audiences of world leaders at important meetings like the United Nations Climate Conference and the World Economic Forum. She is leading the conversation on climate change and sparking worldwide conversation on how to save our planet. Greta is showing everyone that even the smallest person can make a big difference, and this picture book informs and inspires young readers who are beginning to learn about the world around them.

*ALA Notable Children’s book 2006 * Celebrated author-illustrator Jeanette Winter weaves a hopeful tale of one woman’s courageous book rescue. In the Spring of 2003, Alia Muhammad Baker was the city of Basra’s real-life librarian. She was the keeper of cherished books and her library was a haven for community gatherings. But with war imminent in Basra, Iraq, what could this lone woman do to save her precious books? With lyrical, spare text and beautiful acrylic illustrations, Jeanette Winter shows how well she understands her young audience. This true story of one librarian’s remarkable bravery reminds us all how, throughout the world, the love of literature and the respect for knowledge knows no boundaries.

Presents, in brief text and illustrations, the life of the painter who drew much of her inspiration from nature.

Discusses the childhood of Diego Rivera and how it influenced his art.

Acclaimed picture book biographer Jeanette Winter has found her perfect subject: Jane Goodall, the great observer of chimpanzees. Follow Jane from her childhood in London watching a robin on her windowsill, to her years in the African forests of Gombe, Tanzania, invited by brilliant scientist Louis Leakey to observe chimps, to her worldwide crusade to save these primates who are now in danger of extinction, and their habitat. Young animal lovers and Winter''s many fans will welcome this fascinating and moving portrait of an extraordinary person and the animals to whom she has dedicated her life. The Watcher was named a Best Book of the Year by the Boston Globe, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, and the Bank Street College of Education.

Describes how French artist Henri Matisse was still able to create art after a serious illness confined him to his bed.

As a young girl growing up in Kenya, Wangari was surrounded by trees. But years later when she returns home, she is shocked to see whole forests being cut down, and she knows that soon all the trees will be destroyed. So Wangari decides to do something—and starts by planting nine seedlings in her own backyard. And as they grow, so do her plans. . . . This true story of Wangari Maathai, environmentalist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, is a shining example of how one woman’s passion, vision, and determination inspired great change. Includes an author’s note. This book was printed on 100% recycled paper with 50% postconsumer waste.

A man, his burros, and his books bring joy to children in remote Colombian villages in this inspiring book based on a true story by celebrated picture book creator Jeanette Winter. Luis loves to read, but soon his house in Colombia is so full of books there’s barely room for the family. What to do? Then he comes up with the perfect solution—a traveling library! He buys two donkeys—Alfa and Beto—and travels with them throughout the land, bringing books and reading to the children in faraway villages. Complete with an author’s note about the real man on whom this story is based.

Celebrated picture book biographer Jeanette Winter shares the story of champion tennis players—and sisters—Venus and Serena Williams. Before they were famous tennis stars, Venus and Serena Williams were sisters with big dreams growing up in Compton, California. In the early mornings, they head to the tennis courts, clean up debris, and practice. They compete in their first tournament and they both win. From there, the girls’ trophy collection grows and grows. Despite adversity and health challenges, the sisters become two of the greatest tennis players of all time. This inspiring story of sisterhood, hard work, and determination is perfect for budding athletes or any young reader with a big dream.

From acclaimed picture book creator Jeanette Winter comes the little-known story of Sister Corita, a nun, educator, and activist who became a celebrated pop artist while creating works meant to inspire good in others. Known by some as the Pop Art Nun, Sister Corita gained acclaim for her bold, graphic pop art that calls for peace, equality, and justice. At the age of eighteen, she entered the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart convent, where Sister Corita was encouraged to pursue her passion for art. She eventually earned her master’s degree and became an art teacher. The pop art movement inspired her to create powerful screen-printed works dealing with political and moral issues from the 1950s to 1980s. Despite the diocese labeling her work as “blasphemous,” Sister Corita continued creating and fighting for what she believed was right. Through her art, she called for an end to the Vietnam War and advocated for women’s rights, civil rights, and tolerance and love in a time of social upheaval. Her legacy as a teacher, activist, and artist with great creativity, compassion, and perseverance is sure to inspire young readers.

A celebrated author-illustrator presents a biography of architect Zaha Hadid, who grew up in Baghdad. As a Muslim woman, Hadid faced many obstacles, but she went on to design buildings all over the world. Full color.

Experience Arctic chills and warm hugs in this nonfiction picture book about a loving polar bear family from acclaimed author-illustrator Jeanette Winter. At the top of the world, Nanuk the ice bear hunts for food, meets a mate, and hibernates through the winter with her newborn cubs. When spring arrives, Nanuk teaches her beloved cubs how to hunt and swim and survive in the arctic. This new picture book by acclaimed author-illustrator Jeanette Winter is a stunning portrait of a loving polar bear family with a subtle environmental message.

Joseph Cornell made "shadow boxes ... WONDERLANDS covered in glass." And if you were a child living on his street, he would have sent you an invitation to a special exhibition. Includes photographs of a Joseph Cornell exhibition.

Here is the incredible true story of a Red-tailed Hawk that makes himself at home in the most unlikely of places--atop a high-rise apartment building in New York City. Named Pale Male by his many fans, this majestic bird not only endures in this urban environment, he thrives. But when the residents have Pale Male''s nest removed from their building, a historic battle--and triumph--ensues, uniting bird lovers everywhere. With Jeanette Winter''s beloved folk art-inspired illustrations and soulful insight into the spirit of this beautiful hawk, this is a book that will delight nature enthusiasts of all ages. Includes an author''s note.

Renowned picture book author and illustrator Jeanette Winter brings us the enchanting story of a boy named Kali who lived thousands and thousands of years ago. Kali must learn to hunt, like the rest of the men in his tribe. But when Kali plucks the string on his bow, he forgets about shooting arrows, and makes music long into the night. Even the stars come close to listen. This lovely story celebrates the uniqueness in all of us, the beauty of the natural world, and the power of music and art over violence. According to the New York Times, it "will resonate with all young children who seek to find their path in the world—and may perhaps be a bit wary of other people’s expectations."

Describes how Johann Sebastian Bach survived the sorrows of his childhood and composed the music the world has come to love.

Illus. in full color. "Winter''s story begins with a peg-leg sailor who aids slaves on their escape on the Underground Railroad. While working for plantation owners, Peg Leg Joe teaches the slaves a song about the drinking gourd (the Big Dipper). A couple, their son, and two others make their escape by following the song''s directions. Rich paintings interpret the strong story in a clean, primitive style enhanced by bold colors. The rhythmic compositions have an energetic presence that''s compelling. A fine rendering of history in picturebook format."--(starred) Booklist.

Classic nursery rhyme complete with evocative illustrations.

An alphabet fiesta like no other.

Contains two stories of brave, young Pakistanis, Malala Yousafzai and Iqbal Masih, who stood up for their rights to education and freedom.

Set during the devastating tsunami of 2004, MAMA is the touching true story of a baby hippo that was separated from his mother when the wave hit. After struggling alone for several days, the baby was rescued by Kenyan wildlife officers and brought to live in an animal refuge. There, all by himself, he adopted a new "mother"--that just happened to be a 130-year-old giant male tortoise. And they''ve been inseparable ever since. Although MAMA takes place against the backdrop of a terrible human tragedy, at the heart of this story is a moving and original tale of adoption--and of finding love and companionship in the least likely of circumstances. Includes an author''s note.

On September 11, 2001, two sisters from South Africa find a good use for the roses they have grown when the flower show in New York City is canceled due to the attack on the World Trade Center.

Every day, Angelina dreams of her home in Jamaica and imagines she is there, until her mother finds a wonderful way to convince her that New York is now their home.

Simple rebus illustrations present the familiar cumulative nursery rhyme about the antics that go on in the house built by an unsuspecting Jack. Witty paintings bursting with color and action show the havoc wreaked by the series of animal and human visitors who come up the hill.

Each winter Captain Herman fills his fishing schooner with Christmas trees, sails down Lake Michigan, and delivers the trees to the residents of Chicago.

In South Africa, a Basotho girl paints designs on her house as a prayer to the ancestors for rain.

Biblioburro Big Book

Presents the Mother Goose rhyme inviting girls and boys to leave supper and sleep and come out to play in the street by the light of the moon. Illustrations show modern-day children.

A Swedish family faces many hardships when they immigrate to America in search of a better life.