Wendell Minor – illustratör

I walked on the moon. This is my journey. But it didn't begin when I stepped on board Apollo 11 on July 1, 1969. It began the day I was born. Becoming an astronaut took more than education, discipline, and physical strength. It took years of determination and believing that any goal is possible-from riding a bike alone across the George Washington Bridge at age ten to making a footprint on the Moon. I always knew the Moon was within my reach-and that I was ready to be on the team that would achieve the first landing. But it was still hard to believe when I took my first step onto the Moon's surface. We all have our own dreams. This is the story of how mine came true.

With simple, rhyming text and adorable illustrations, this a perfect read-aloud for teachers and parents to share with young children as they imagine what life as a penguin is like—now available as a board book!The short text by Florence Minor pairs perfectly with the gorgeous, detailed illustrations by acclaimed illustrator Wendell Minor. Fun facts about penguins are featured at the back of the book.As Booklist said, "Whether it’s the comical waddle, the formal appearance of their plumage, or their well-documented devotion to their young, penguins hold an unending appeal for young children." Their review called If You Were a Penguin "dazzling," "vibrant," and "breathtaking"!

A lively, rhythmic Halloween read aloud that follows a group of zombie pumpkins as they celebrate the season.It's Halloween and the Zombie Pumpkin Parade is drawing near. Join Zipper-Toothed Zlumpkin, Drizzle-Mouthed Dumpkin, and the rest of their ghostly crew as the spooky-silly zombie pumpkins dance through the darkness, in celebration of the most bewitching night of the year!With jaunty, rhyming verse and atmospheric watercolor paintings, this seasonal offering is just spooky enough to delight young children as well as just funny enough to send them into giggles.

A heartwarming, rhyming picture book that rejoices in the seasonal beauty of winter by the award-winning creative team behind The Great Zombie Pumpkin Parade.Discover the magic of winter in this heartwarming read-aloud full of cozy charm and beautiful artwork. Best enjoyed with a mug of hot cocoa in hand, this seasonal celebration captures a beloved time of year-from making snow angels and gingerbread houses to sledding and ice-skating, to lighting the menorah and decorating with holiday wreaths and trees. It's all inside this timeless gift book that brims with both seasonal and holiday cheer. Winter is special for all to experience and enjoy!

History comes alive in this gripping account of a young boy caught up in the start of the Revolutionary War. Based on an episode in National Book Award–winning author Nathaniel Philbrick’s New York Times bestseller Bunker Hill: A City, A Siege, A Revolution, this engrossing story allows readers to experience history from a child’s perspective, and Wendell Minor’s stunning paintings will transport readers back to the early days of the Revolutionary War.  Benjamin Russell is in school on the morning of April 19th, 1775, when his teacher announces, “The war’s begun, and you may run!” Ben knew this day was coming; after all, tensions had been mounting between the colonists and the British troops ever since the Boston Tea Party. And now they have finally reached the breaking point. Ben and his friends excitedly rush out of their classroom to bear witness, and follow the throngs of redcoats marching out of Boston toward Concord. Much to Ben’s surprise, Boston is sealed off later that day—leaving the boys stuck outside the city, in the middle of a war, with no way to reach their families. But Ben isn’t worried—he’s eager to help the Patriots! He soon becomes a clerk to the jovial Israel Putnam, a general in the provincial army. For months he watches the militia grow into an organized army, and when the Battle of Bunker Hill erupts, Ben is awed by the bravery of the Patriots, although saddened by the toll war takes. He later goes on to become an apprentice at a Revolutionary newspaper, and it’s a happy day when they get to report on the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  Praise for Bunker Hill: A City, A Siege, A Revolution“Philbrick guides us beautifully through Revolutionary Boston, with the Battle of Bunker Hill as his story’s grand climax.”—The New York Times Book Review“Masterly narrative . . . Philbrick tells the complex story superbly . . . gripping book.”—The Wall Street Journal“A masterpiece of narrative and perspective. . . . This is not only . . . the greatest American story. It is also the American story.”—The Boston Globe“You will delight in the story and the multitude of details Philbrick offers up.”—USA Today

Here’s a perfect introduction to our farm friends. Is there anything cuter than a little lamb or playful piglet? Farm animals are fascinating, and they are full of surprises, too. Naturally, cows make milk—but did you know they need to drink a bathtub-full of water every day? And of course the turkeys gobble—but sometimes they purr like cats. Wendell Minor’s bright, bold artwork and jaunty verse celebrate the wonders of our farm friends.

Winner of the 1999 Scott O’Dell Award for Historical FictionA CBC Notable Children’s Book in the Field of Social Studies Two recently freed, formerly enslaved brothers work to protect the new life they’ve built during the Reconstruction after the Civil War in this vibrant, illustrated middle grade novel.Maybe nobody gave freedom, and nobody could take it away like they could take away a family farm. Maybe freedom was something you claimed for yourself. Like other ex-slaves, Pascal and his older brother Gideon have been promised forty acres and maybe a mule. With the found family they have built along the way, they claim a place of their own. Green Gloryland is the most wonderful place on earth, their own farm with a healthy cotton crop and plenty to eat. But the notorious night riders have plans to take it away, threatening to tear the beautiful freedom that the two boys are enjoying for the first time in their young lives.

Winner of the 1999 Scott O’Dell Award A Notable Children’s Book in the Field of Social Studies Maybe nobody gave freedom, and nobody could take it away like they could take away a family farm. Maybe freedom was something you claimed for yourself.Like other ex-slaves, Pascal and his older brother Gideon have been promised forty acres and maybe a mule. With the family of friends they have built along the way, they claim a place of their own. Green Gloryland is the most wonderful place on earth, their own family farm with a healthy cotton crop and plenty to eat. But the notorious night riders have plans to take it away, threatening to tear the beautiful freedom that the two boys are enjoying for the first time in their young lives. Coming alive in plain, vibrant language is this story of the Reconstruction, after the Civil War.

“Captivating…” – Booklist From award-winning author Amy Ehrlich comes an illustrated biography of Willa Cather, one of America’s greatest and most beloved writers.Willa Cather’s life was a true American success story. A pioneer and determined spirit, Willa didn’t let anything stand in her way. She refused to be discouraged by the fact that in the 1880s women hadn’t written before, because she had many ideas to share. By becoming a trailblazer and following her heart, Willa Cather is remembered today as one of the greatest American writers in history. Filled with captivating and historically accurate details, as well as gorgeous illustrations by Wendell Minor, this illustrated chapter book is ideal nonfiction for middle graders.

From Children''s Literature Legacy Award winner Nikki Grimes and highly-acclaimed illustrator Wendell Minor comes a stunning picture book about the beauty of the natural world and finding a new place to call home.The beauty of the natural world is just waiting to be discovered . . . When Jayden touches down in New Mexico, he''s uncertain how this place could ever be home. But if he takes a walk outside, he just might find something glorious.Flowers in bright shades . . . Birds and lizards and turtles, all with a story to tell . . .Red rock pillars towering in the distance . . . Turquoise sky as far as the eye can see . . .Perhaps this place could be home after all. Gorgeously poetic and visually stunning, this story from acclaimed creators Nikki Grimes and Wendell Minor celebrates the beauty of the Southwest as a young boy sees it for the very first time. Acclaim for One Last WordA Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor WinnerA New York Times Editor''s Choice

From Children''s Literature Legacy Award winner Nikki Grimes and highly-acclaimed illustrator Wendell Minor comes a stunning picture book about the beauty of the natural world and finding a new place to call home.The beauty of the natural world is just waiting to be discovered . . . When Jayden touches down in New Mexico, he''s uncertain how this place could ever be home. But if he takes a walk outside, he just might find something glorious.Flowers in bright shades . . . Birds and lizards and turtles, all with a story to tell . . .Red rock pillars towering in the distance . . . Turquoise sky as far as the eye can see . . .Perhaps this place could be home after all. Gorgeously poetic and visually stunning, this story from acclaimed creators Nikki Grimes and Wendell Minor celebrates the beauty of the Southwest as a young boy sees it for the very first time. Acclaim for One Last WordA Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor WinnerA New York Times Editor''s Choice

A read-aloud picture book for young children that celebrates the heartland of our great country.Every country has a heart and America’s is in those places where golden wheat waves in the breeze, where great rivers flow, and cornfields stretch across the plains in glorious patchwork quilts of greens and yellows and browns.In this heartland, cattle graze in lush green pastures, horses and sheep fill the barns, and a newborn calf stands damp and warm in the sun. This picture book reflects all the great qualities of rural life.

Snuggly, fun, bouncy, and playful--who isn't smitten with kittens? A simple, rhyming story perfect for kitty loving kiddos everywhere!Get smitten with kittens in this rhyming picture book perfect for read-alouds. There's so much to love about kittens--from their cute little mews to their unstoppable mischief-making! Turn to the back of the book for fascinating facts about cat behavior and care.

On September 29th, 1909, Wilbur Wright performed his first public flight for a crowd of disbelievers in the New York Harbor, home to the Statue of Liberty. With courage and caution, he put his airplane to the test and flew around the iconic landmark while the crowd observed, breathless. This minute-by-minute account of Wright's voyage over New York City captures the weight and the wonder of human achievement. When Wilbur Wright met Lady Liberty, he propelled his dream into the imaginations of many, securing the future of aviation. For fans of The Man Who Walked Between the Towers and Go for the Moon.

A poetic read-aloud for young cat lovers with exquisite art and text.Just why are cats so special? This joyous celebration of our feline friends has some answers, “It is the curl-up-in-your-lap. At any time, it is the nap.” Clever verse and minutely observed paintings invite us to explore the many moods and passions of kitties. From a tiny gray kitten eyeing a goldfish to a fat marmalade lolling on the sofa, here is a panorama of pleasures for the youngest cat lover.

A read-aloud picture book for young children that celebrates the heartland of our great country.Every country has a heart and America’s is in those places where golden wheat waves in the breeze, where great rivers flow, and cornfields stretch across the plains in glorious patchwork quilts of greens and yellows and browns.In this heartland, cattle graze in lush green pastures, horses and sheep fill the barns, and a newborn calf stands damp and warm in the sun. This picture book reflects all the great qualities of rural life.