Marla Frazee

Mary Lyn Ray

An evocative exploration of the stars celebrates a child's wonder at the nighttime sky and invites youngsters to consider what they might do if they could have a star of their very own. Illustrated by the Caldecott Honor-winning creator of A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever.

Stars

A luminous picture-book tribute to house and home gently evokes the passage of time, the solace of memory, and the joys of preservation and renewal. Every house has a story. This house--an old one hunkered in the deep grass below a wide country sky--is a waiting house. Once it was full of laughter and song. The sounds of life rang within its walls. Now it stands quiet and still. The house has sheltered many families over the years and remembers them fondly, especially the children. New families arrive to look, but none stay. Perhaps the house, too, now belongs to the Long Ago and Used to Be? Or will the "right" family move in to honor its past and build new memories? Wistful and nostalgic, Mary Lyn Ray's poetic text, combined with glowing, pastoral illustrations by E. B. Goodale that capture the lonely house's unique character, create a quietly affecting hymn to hope and surprise that will enchant readers of all ages.

The House of Grass and Sky

After hearing some men call his father and him hillbillies on his first trip into the nearby town of Hudson, a young boy is not so sure he still wants to become a basket maker.

Basket Moon

Wilma decides to plant Christmas trees with the help of her young neighbor, Parker.

Christmas Farm

As a child, Elva asks for a violin so that she can make beautiful music but many years pass before her dream can come true.

A Violin for Elva

“A satisfying picture book that’s just right for bedtime reading” from the New York Times–bestselling author of Stars (Booklist). It’s time to say goodnight. But what if a dog isn’t sleepy? Intimate and accessible, this young dog story captures how a reluctant pup warms to bedtime in a way that children will recognize immediately—and find as reassuring as their own beds. “This effective bedtime story reminds kids that fun will be had again when they wake—but first comes sleep.” —Horn Book “Sure to be shelved next to Goodnight, Moon. It deserves that rarefied spot.” —KirkusReviews (starred review)

Goodnight, Good Dog

Every house has a story. This house-an old one hunkered in the deep grass below a wide country sky-is a waiting house. Once it was full of laughter and song. The sounds of life rang within its walls. Now it stands quiet and still. The house has sheltered many families over the years and remembers them fondly, especially the children. New families arrive to look, but none stay. Perhaps the house, too, now belongs to the Long Ago and Used to Be? Or will the "right" family move in to honor its past and build new memories? Wistful and nostalgic, Mary Lyn Ray's poetic text, combined with glowing, pastoral illustrations by E. B. Goodale that capture the lonely house's unique character, create a quietly affecting hymn to hope and surprise that will enchant readers of all ages.

“A delightful little book” for kids about feeling gratitude for gifts big and small (Kirkus Reviews). Thank you isn’t just for learning manners. It’s also for when something wakes a little hum—a little happy hum—inside you and you want to answer back. The Thank You Book explores the many ways we can be thankful for the pleasures great and small that await us every day. Tender and poetic, it reflects on the role gratitude can play in our lives and celebrates the powerful impact it can have. “An appealing picture book with a theme that’s timely at Thanksgiving but always relevant.” —Booklist

The Thank You Book

In this mesmerizing picture book from the author of the New York Times bestselling Stars, a young ballerina finds dancing inspiration in the natural world. There’s a place I go that’s green and grass, a place I thought that no one knew— until the deer came. This gorgeous picture book from celebrated author Mary Lyn Ray features luminous and evocative art from Lauren Stringer and will capture the hearts of young dancers everywhere.

With Audio Recording

Deer Dancer

Joyful and utterly unique, this vibrant picture book celebrates the best birthday gift of all: a whole day that is yours to unwrap. Wise and infinitely cozy, Mary Lyn Ray's simple text and Cindy Derby's fluid, playful illustrations invite readers of all ages to view that most extraordinary of ordinary days in a simple but festive new light, as if for the first time. What makes birthdays special? Whether you are turning three or one hundred and three, whether you are feted by others or sing yourself happy, the anticipation and surprise of the day you were born never fail to deliver "that shivery feeling that belongs only to a birthday." An ideal gift for new and expectant parents, for children marking a birthday or attending their first party--for everyone who was ever born! This exuberant celebration in words and pictures will leave you feeling a warm connection to the cycle of life and growth.

How to Have a Birthday

Illustrations and easy-to-read text provide a primer on friendship, including the many ways friendships are formed.

The Friendship Book

For one restless pup the waking world is too full of wonder to leave behind at bedtime, until he closes his eyes and finds comfort in his dreams. Mary Lyn Ray's warm and accessible picture book celebrates the sights and sounds of the night to reassure young children at bedtime.

"The farm's creatures prepare for night and rest"--

Go to Sleep, Little Farm

Celebrate all of the glittering stars in the sky in this tender Classic Board Book by acclaimed author Mary Lyn Ray and Caldecott Honor winner Marla Frazee! A star is how you know it’s almost night. As soon as you see one, there’s another, and another. And the dark that comes doesn’t feel so dark. What if you could have a star? Look very closely in this lovely Classic Board Book for all kinds of stars both near and far…because stars are everywhere. Not just in the sky.

A child describes all the things there are to do on a rainy day.

Mary Lyn Ray

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