The Collective Book Studio – serie

A delightfully eerie fairy tale about magic, mischief, and finding your way back home, The Knitting Witch invites readers into an enchanting story that’s equal parts spooky and heartwarming."Extreme brattiness meets extreme witchiness in this merrily plotted tale."—Kirkus Reviews "A thoroughly enjoyable throwback that gives readers a playful push towards gratitude."—Booklist Ivy Lou has everything a child could want—except friends. When a peculiar witch appears and uses enchanted knitting needles to craft magical playmates, Ivy Lou thinks her luck has changed. But this witch has plans of her own. Soon, Ivy Lou’s elegant house is replaced by a horrid little hut, and she’s being groomed to become a witch’s child herself. Potions, spells and broomsticks fill Ivy Lou’s days, but even her most fearsome tantrums fail to impress the witch. As midnight approaches, Ivy Lou must race to unravel the witch’s dark magic with only a pair of knitting needles—and her wits—to guide her. Here’s what makes The Knitting Witch unforgettable: Spellbinding Storytelling: A whimsical, slightly spooky tale that explores childhood bravery, gratitude, and cleverness. Rich Illustrations: Gorgeous full-color art on 21 pages, plus partial and spot illustrations, vividly bring Ivy Lou’s magical world to life. A Modern Classic: Written by Norma Kassirer, beloved author of Magic Elizabeth, whose timeless style has captivated generations. Perfect for Fall & Halloween: Witches, magic, and a dash of mischief make this an ideal pick for the season and a standout gift. A feast of magic, humor, and adventure, The Knitting Witch is perfect for young readers ready to be whisked into a world where anything can happen—especially if you have a little yarn and a lot of heart.

This heartfelt and imagination-filled picture book helps families navigate the NICU journey from a sibling’s perspective—offering comfort, connection, and a big dose of hope.Louise can’t wait to meet her new little brother, Max! But he arrives earlier than expected and must stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) until he’s strong enough to come home. Waiting is hard. Really hard. So Louise uses her BIG imagination to dream up creative plans to bring Max home.Inspired by author Emily Rosen’s own NICU experience, Waiting for Max gently validates the big emotions that come with welcoming a premature baby. With whimsical illustrations and an honest, child-centered voice, it’s a reassuring story for big siblings, loving families, and anyone supporting NICU journeys.Here’s what makes Waiting for Max special: • Sibling-Centered Storytelling: Offers comfort and age-appropriate perspective for young siblings navigating the NICU experience. • Empathy Through Imagination: Shows how creative thinking and play can help kids process fear, sadness, and uncertainty. • Gentle Guidance: Encourages meaningful conversations about medical situations and family changes. • Authentic & Hopeful: Written and illustrated by NICU-connected creators, with a heartfelt author’s note for added context.A perfect gift for NICU siblings and family members, Waiting for Max reminds readers that love and patience can bridge any distance. At its heart is the message that no matter how long it takes, some things truly are worth the wait.

DIY Spirituality: Chart Your Own Sacred Path empowers readers to create a fulfilling, personal spiritual practice—joyful, accessible, and entirely their own.Looking to connect with the divine—without the dogma? DIY Spirituality: Chart Your Own Sacred Path is a savvy, sassy, and approachable guide for building a personalized spiritual practice. Perfect for those who feel left out of traditional systems or seek deeper meaning in everyday life, this joyful book offers structure, inspiration, and balance.Using the Divine Disco Ball framework, licensed psychotherapist and spiritual guide Faith Freed explores four core dimensions of spiritual connection: Infinite Source (the divine), Infinite Self (your spirit), Incarnate Self (body and mind), and Incarnate Source (nature). Each chapter includes practical exercises, daily connection tips, and step-by-step guidance to help readers find and follow their own spiritual rhythm.With a vibrant tone and engaging illustrations, DIY Spirituality encourages readers to embrace their authentic selves and craft a spiritual life that’s meaningful, exuberant, and uniquely their own—a perfect companion for any body-mind-spirit journey or a thoughtful gift for seekers of all kinds.

Our Home is about the power of families, their beautiful but unending work, and the special connection between family members who share a space.Zibby Award Winner—"Best Book for the Parents" "A tip of the hat to all of the invisible labor that happens […] making little ones aware of what their parents do and reminding parents to watch for those bucket-filling moments of delight with their children." —School Library Journal It’s funny to get so excited about things we may think of as chores. But what if you thought of it this way—each job is a hug at its core! Follow a diverse cast of families as they discover all it takes to make their homes welcoming and cared-for places. From making their bed to helping in the kitchen, readers will realize how much they contribute and the value of all family members sharing this beautiful work. With gorgeous, eye-catching illustrations, Our Home is sure to become a family favorite. And as your child reads along, they’ll learn that taking care of the home isn’t just a chore—it’s an act of love and joy that can bring the whole family together.

The award-winning coming-of-age story is now available in paperback!Bank Street Books - 2022 Best Children’s Books of the Year (STEM Selection) Silver Winner in the PubWest Book Design Awards (Children’s/YA - Illustrated category) “This illuminating tale simultaneously serves as a primer on the loon and a satisfying, well-paced chronicle of progress.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review Ooo aaa woo woo! Papa Loon’s voice calls out long and strong across the water. He warns of danger. He defends his family’s home. He even wards off predators. But Peep! Eep! Squeak! Little Loon’s voice is nothing like his Papa’s. When an eagle attacks, will Little Loon find his voice in time? A water bird found throughout much of North America, loons are famous for their echoing calls. Little Loon Finds His Voice is the endearing, coming-of-age tale of one little loon finding his voice, and with it, his place in the world. Breathtaking illustrations transport readers to misty lakes and towering pines, and informative loon facts at the end detail the life and habits of these enchanting birds. “Share this with readers who have heard loons’ calls in the wild.” —Kirkus Reviews

When Grete and Julius fell in love, they planned to build a new life together in Germany, near their families. They never thought they’d be forced to wear yellow stars for everyone to identify them as Jews, use forged papers with fake names, or hide in a stranger’s attic in Holland—with their newborn baby just downstairs, in plain sight of the Nazis. Author Marion Seidemann Fredman chronicles the story of her parents’ experience through the horrors of World War II and how they survived by taking life into their own hands. Each page weaves a story of its own through historical papers, photographs, documents, and other pieces saved and passed down from one generation to the next. Combined with gorgeously painted artwork by nationally acclaimed author and illustrator Elisa Kleven, the effect renders a uniquely poignant depiction of Jewish life during the Holocaust. Also included at the back is a glossary and an author’s note. From leaving home for temporary safety in Holland, finding help from brave, self-sacrificing individuals, and defying incredible danger to have a baby when surrounded by enemies, Seidemann’s story serves as a powerful reminder of a past not too long ago and the importance in keeping stories and memories alive.

Career Break Compass is your essential guide to a purposeful pause or sabbatical, designed to help you recharge and reignite your career.“A sweeping and empathetic call for people to teach themselves how to relax.” — Kirkus Reviews Are you overwhelmed by the relentless demands of your job, parenthood, and life? Craving a chance to pause, reflect, and grow? Career Break Compass is your indispensable guide to navigating the transformative journey of a sabbatical. Authored by a recovering workaholic, this book is designed to help: • Overachievers and workaholics manage stress, conquer burnout, and find renewal. • Mid-career professionals plan and take meaningful breaks, exploring new directions. • Anyone looking to maximize time away to return to their career refreshed and unstoppable. • Those seeking to rediscover life's richness beyond their job and align their work with their core values. The transformative benefits of taking a sabbatical extend beyond mere rest. You'll gain strategies to shed chronic pressure, propel your career, explore hidden passions, and craft a purpose-driven existence. Take the first bold step towards the most crucial journey of your career—back to your authentic self. Break free from burnout, embrace your sabbatical, and transform your life. MORE PRAISE FOR CAREER BREAK COMPASS: “For those grappling with burnout and the uncertainties of recovery, this compass emerges as an indispensable guide, offering strategic insights that navigate the journey toward renewal and a purpose-driven future." —Dr. Tamara Beckford, Burnout Prevention Expert, and CEO of UR Caring Docs "Laura’s carefully thought-out strategies for taking an intentional break. . . offers actionable and sustainable practices that will recharge you—at home and in the office." —Fran Hauser, Author, Keynote Speaker, Leading Career Expert, and Former Fortune 500 Media Executive "Laura Nguyen offers smart, take-you-by-the-hand guidance to pause, recharge, reevaluate and, ultimately, reemerge to work that is aligned with your strengths and values. This is the map you need when contemplating what’s next!” —Becky Vollmer, author of You Are Not Stuck: How Soul-Guided Choices Transform Fear into Freedom

What happens when a kid with chutzpah meets a lesson in being a mensch?"Ruby Finkelman Finds the Real Magic is an original, charming, deftly crafted, and fun read from cover to cover."—Midwest Book Review Ruby Finkelman Finds the Real Magic is a whimsical and heartwarming Jewish picture book rooted in universal truths. Set in the charming village of Kvellville, this story follows Ruby, a spirited and strong-willed girl whose choice to skip brushing her teeth unleashes unexpected chaos across her peaceful community. As she comes face to face with the ripple effects of her actions, Ruby learns that real magic isn’t found in spells or tricks—it’s found in making good choices and doing the right thing. Written by pediatric dentist and comedian Mike King and brought to life with vibrant illustrations by acclaimed Israeli artist Shahar Kober, this engaging story is a joyful blend of humor, heart, and cultural richness. With playful language, a glossary of Yiddish terms, and themes tied to Jewish values, it's the perfect Jewish bedtime story or Passover read-aloud for families looking to spark meaningful conversations with young readers. Inside you’ll find: • A funny moral story about the ripple effects of everyday choices—ideal for classroom and bedtime discussions. • A glossary of Yiddish words to support language learning and cultural appreciation. • Themes of kindness, community, and civic responsibility for kids. • A playful, culturally rich setting with full-color illustrations that bring Kvellville to life. Whether you’re celebrating Jewish values, teaching life lessons, or simply enjoying a funny and heartfelt story, Ruby Finkelman Finds the Real Magic shows young readers how small acts of responsibility can lead to meaningful change.

“Introducing numbers at an early age has been one of the most important tasks for me as a parent. I want to set my two year old up with a great start in math and this book has been a fun way to learn to count! My kiddos love beautiful illustrations and rhyming in every story—this book piques his interest and keeps him engaged!” —Ciara Evans, @la.bookclub Once a bear sat on a chair. He is soon joined by a furry friend and then, one by one, other playmates follow. Each bear claims a chair as they wait with eager anticipation for what happens next in this sweet counting story.  With dynamic rhymes and lively illustrations, this board book offers an engaging premise for young readers to practice their counting and get to know a group of eclectic bear friends. From Ron Atlas, the author of Looking for Zebra and Ten Pigs Fiddling, this timeless book will become a staple in any household with children.