Kindergarten–Grade 2
- Eric Carle — June 25
Eric Carle's animal tales delight readers ages 1 to 101, though the board- and picture-book editions are most popular with the 6 and under crowd. Some of his most popular works include: Does a Kangaroo Have a Mother, Too? and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. For more great Eric Carle reads, check out this book list. - Joanna Cole — August 11
The author of dozens of books, she's best known as one of the creators of Scholastic's The Magic School Bus series, which includes The Magic School Bus Gets Ants in Its Pants for grade schoolers and Liz Looks for a Home for the younger set. - Bruce Degen — June 14
Also an author of Scholastic's The Magic School Bus series, he wrote and illustrated the exuberant picture books Jamberry and Daddy Is a Doodlebug. - Jean Marzollo — June 24
Meet the rhyming master behind the phenomenally popular I Spy series, which includes I Spy School Days and I Spy Little Book. - Chris Van Allsburg — June 18
This Caldecott-winning author/illustrator crafts enchanted tales brought to life through dazzling, detailed illustrations. Jumanji, The Polar Express, and The Garden of Abdul Gasazi are among his most revered books. For more great books by Chris Van Allsburg, see this book list.
Grades 3–5
- Sharon Creech — July 29
This heralded author of Love That Dog and Bloomability is known for her lyrical, moving chapter books starring compelling characters thriving under unusual circumstances. If you'd like to find other great books by this author, see our Sharon Creech book list. - Paula Danziger – August 18
Known for her delightfully funny and true contemporary novels, this author crafted the classroom tales about Amber Brown and teamed up with Ann Martin to write P.S. Longer Letter Later and Snail Mail No More. - Jack Gantos — July 2
The creator of the humorous and poignant Joey Pigza trilogy, about a hyperactive grade schooler and his struggles at school and home, this author also wrote Rotten Ralph and its sequels. - James Howe — August 2
Bunnicula and its many sequels were born in the brain of this author, who also penned the funny, easy-reading Pinky and Rex books and the middle-school novel The Misfits. - E. B. White — July 11
This New Yorker editor crafted three of the best chapter books in the children's literature canon. Your child won't want to miss any of his novels: The Trumpet of the Swan, Stuart Little, and the incomparable Charlotte's Web.
Middle School
- Natalie Babbitt — July 28
This lyrical writer challenges readers to contemplate ideas not often addressed in children's books. Look no further than her beautiful novel Tuck Everlasting to ponder issues of eternal life. - Kathryn Lasky — June 24
A creator of several Dear America books including Christmas After All, this historical writer also earned a Newbery Honor for her searing Salem witch trials novel, Beyond the Burning Time. - Ann M. Martin — August 12
The author of several teen- and tween-pleasing Baby-Sitter’s Club books, this author also scribed Newbery Honor book A Corner of the Universe, about a girl and her mentally ill uncle. - Walter Dean Myers — August 12
Full of gripping action and dynamic dialogue, this author's YA novels often explore the experiences of African-American teens in challenging circumstances. Favorite novels include Slam, Somewhere in the Darkness, and the critically acclaimed screenplay-novel, Monster. For more great books by Walter Dean Myers, check out this book list. - J. K. Rowling — July 31
Few children's book authors are as well known as this Harry Potter creator. Your child is sure to love learning more about her!
