This summer, authors across the United States and Canada were invited to donate copies of their books as part of a special book drive celebrating literacy, storytelling, and community impact in partnership with Rainbow Rainbow and Buffalo Toronto Public Media.

BTPM will distribute all donated books to a selected nonprofit organization to help connect more readers with meaningful stories. Select participating authors were also granted the opportunity to have their books featured on Reading Rainbow’s social media platforms and website, introducing their work to a wider audience.

The People Who Can’t Meet You 

Author: Matthew Gudernatch 

Illustrator: Winona Kieslich 

Age: 0-8 | Reseda, CA 

Matthew’s mother passed away when he was 14, and he struggled to find books that weren’t clinical or sad that he could share with his own children about loss. So, he wrote this celebration of the people we’re missing. “A love letter to those who came before us.” 

Free the Curls 

Author: Marissa McGee 

Illustrator: Shiela Alejandro 

Age: 4-8 | San Jose, CA 

When Marissa shared this story with us, she wrote that it “was inspired by real-life events and the questions they raised about fairness, representation, and belonging.” This book is important for children to understand themselves but also to understand others.

Animals in Pants 

Author: Suzy Levinson 

Illustrators: Kristen & Kevin Howdeshell 

Age: 4-7 | Queens, NY 

This was one of our very first submissions, and it did not disappoint! Suzy shared that she loved the idea of taking two cool things that don’t usually go together and mashing them up into one fun book! 

Mr. Chow’s Night Market 

Author: Emily Sun Li 

Illustrator: Yu Ting Cheng 

Age: 4-8 | Ithaca, NY 

Emily lived in Taiwan for a couple years, where she fell in love with the vibrant night markets. This story was inspired by those experiences, as well as the many invisible cultural forces that shape our lives and what it takes to resist them.

Bedtime for Sweet Creatures 

Author: Nikki Grimes 

Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon 

Age: 4+ | Corona, CA & Albany, NY 

We know bedtime is more than just a routine. With little ones, it can be a long journey filled with big feelings, sneaky moments and so much love. This sweet story is the perfect addition to your bedtime collection. 

A Good Deed Can Grow 

Author: Jennifer Chambliss Bertman 

Illustrator: Holly Hatam 

Age: 4-8 | Colorado & Canada 

A kind barista completely turned Jennifer’s day around, and the good deed grew into this book! Your little ones may be inspired to spread some positivity and joy of their own after reading it!

The Bear Ate Your Sandwich 

Author: Julia Sarcone-Roach 

Age: 4-8 | Brooklyn, NY 

Have you ever felt invisible, yet somehow like you were in everyone’s way at the same time? When Julia felt like a big bear in her puffy winter jacket, she imagined what a bear might do if it were in her city. See where her imagination takes her!

Nature is an Artist 

Author: Jennifer Lavallee 

Illustrator: Natalia Colombo 

Age: 4-8 | Edmonton, AB, CA 

This story celebrates the beauty of nature and the power of art. Jennifer’s dad loved the outdoors, while her mom loved to craft, and this book brings those passions together to show us that nature is an artist, too.

More than Words 

Author: Roz Maclean 

Age: 4-8 | Vancouver Island, BC, CA 

As an intervenor supporting DeafBlind students in public schools, Roz was often asked questions about the different ways people communicate. This book can help young readers learn about and appreciate the many ways we connect with one another. 

A Taxi For Everyone 

Author: Debbie Zapata 

Illustrator: Laura Sandoval Herrera 

Age: 4-8 | Austin, TX 

This book tells the story of Roy Velásquez, a man whose business flourished by serving people who were underserved in his community. His story is a reminder that we all have the power to create change, and that inclusion makes us stronger. 

Celebrate We Gullah Geechee 

Author: Yvette R. Murray 

Illustrator: Tonya Engel 

Age: 4-8 | Charleston, SC 

The Gullah Geechee people are descendants of Africans who were enslaved on the rice, indigo and Sea Island cotton plantations of the lower Atlantic coast.* Yvette wrote this book to keep the culture alive and honor their beloved ancestors! 

_{*Source: The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor} 

Jeong is Jeong 

Author: Jessica Yoon 

Illustrator: Michelle Lee 

Age: 4-8 | Mechanicsburg, PA 

Jeong is a Korean word that has no direct English translation, but it represents empathy and connection, feelings that are universal! Jessica wanted to introduce this concept to kids while also showing them how fun it can be to learn a new word from another language. 

Love in the Wild 

Author: Katy Tanis 

Age: 2-4 | Jersey Shore, NJ 

Katy shared with us that when her animal-loving cousin came out, she wanted to make him a card. While researching LGBTQ+ stories, she discovered there is so much love in the wild! The cover is also based on the original card she made for her cousin. 

The Loud Librarian 

Author: Jenna Beatrice 

Illustrator: Erika Lynne Jones 

Age: 4-8 | New Jersey & Texas 

The illustrator, Erika, shared this book with us and said she was drawn to it because of its humor. She created a “supersonically loud” world and character who eventually finds her way to becoming a student librarian — her dream job. 

Birds of a Feather 

Author: Sita Singh 

Illustrator: Stephanie Fizer Coleman 

Age: 4-8 | Florida 

Sita wrote that she “wanted to write a story that celebrates friendship, kindness, and the joy of making everyone feel like they belong.” Along the way, the book became a celebration of how our differences can make communities even stronger!

The City of Jasmine 

Author: Nadine Presley 

Illustrator: Heather Brockman Lee 

Age: 5-10 | Canada (Originally from Syria) 

Nadine wrote it better than we could. “I wanted to reintroduce the world to my home, Damascus, Syria, away from media portrayals. My home is the oldest capital in the world full of beauty and culture, and I do not want it to be defined by war.” 

Ten Little Axolotls 

Author: Kim Ann 

Illustrator: Nejla Shojaie 

Age: 3-7 | Huntington Beach, CA 

You don’t see many books about axolotls! Learn about this unique animal while practicing your counting, too. And did you know axolotls sleep with their eyes open?? 

Mystery Driver 

Author: Elizabeth Tracy 

Illustrator: Anna Aronson 

Age: 4-8 | New York 

Elizabeth was inspired to share the hidden history of Alice Johnson, the only girl to race in the first SoapBox Derby in 1933 in Dayton, Ohio. “Alice was decades before her time and paved the way for ALL kids to participate.” 

A Maleta Full of Treasures 

Author: Natalia Sylvester 

Illustrator: Juana Medina 

Age: 3-5 | Miami, FL (Originally from Peru) 

Natalia shared with us that she was born in Lima, Peru, and came to the United States when she was four. “This book is an ode to long-distance loved ones who would visit and bring with them suitcases full of love and connection to my family and culture.” 

The Whatifs 

Author: Emily Kilgore 

Illustrator: Zoe Persico 

Age: 4-8 | Minneapolis, MN 

Emily knows the weight of anxiety and the “what ifs” that can fill your head. As she got older, what once felt scary became more manageable. She wrote this book to help children facing similar experiences and show them they can reframe those “what ifs!”

Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer 

Author: Traci Sorell 

Illustrator: Natasha Donovan 

Age: 7-11 | Cherokee Nation Reservation, OK 

Mary Golda Ross opened doors for women in the engineering field, especially those in indigenous communities. “Her incredible math skills corrected plane defects, saving pilots’ lives in WWII, and helped send people to the moon!” 

The Gift of Eid 

Author: Shifa Saltagi Safadi 

Illustrator: Aaliya Jaleel 

Age: 5-8 | Chicago, IL (Originally from Syria) 

Shifa wanted to write a book highlighting the most important part of the holidays: love. She also shared that it’s a retelling of The Gift of Magi, her favorite story of all time! 

You Are a Reader!/You Are a Writer! 

Author: April Jones Prince 

Illustrator: Christine Davenier 

Age: 4-8 | Shrewsburg, MA 

There are two stories to discover in this one book! April wanted children and their grownups to see that there’s no one right way to be a reader or writer. “I wanted to celebrate these two essential processes, aided by a cast of diverse characters.”

Why We Dance: A Story of Hope & Healing 

Author: Deidre Havrelock 

Illustrator: Aly McKnight 

Age: 4-8 | Saskatoon, SK, CA 

Can you believe today’s kids may not even remember the COVID-19 pandemic? Deidre wrote this book during lockdown after watching kids dance for the sick on YouTube. The story celebrates the healing power of art and music. 

Take a Picture of Me, James VanDerZee! 

Author: Andrea J. Loney 

Illustrator: Keith Mallett 

Age: 7-11 | Los Angeles, CA 

Andrea has loved James VanDerZee’s photographs of Black families since she was a child. James wanted to create portraits of his family but couldn’t draw, so he turned to photography. Andrea hopes his story inspires children to find their own creative path.

Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos 

Author: Monica Brown 

Illustrator: John Parra 

Age: 5-10 | Flagstaff, AZ 

Monica wrote “I was inspired to write this book as an homage to  all who create beauty from pain and who use art to find strength in the midst of suffering.” Frida was her mother’s hero, and both Monica and her mother found inspiration in her story and art.

Guinea Pigs Don’t Wear Pants 

Author: Chris Paul (Rainbows) Farias 

Age: 4-8 | Ontario, CA 

Guinea pigs don’t wear pants, clothes don’t have a gender, and this book represents belonging and authenticity! In Chris’ words, “What if we stopped telling children who they’re supposed to be and instead celebrated who they already are?” 

A Big Mooncake for Little Star 

Author: Grace Lin 

Age: 3-8 | Florence, MA 

During our book selection process, multiple people pointed this one out as a MUST-feature! Grace was inspired by her daughter eating all the mooncakes at their Moon Festival celebration.

The Memory Box: A Book About Grief 

Author: Joanna Rowland 

Illustrator: Thea Baker 

Age: 4-8 | Sacramento, CA 

When Joanna lost someone in her life, she brought her daughter to the funeral. She wrote this book to help young children, like her daughter, understand that “our loved ones will always stay with us in our memories and in our hearts.” 

Tell Me About Juneteenth 

Author: Kortney Nash 

Illustrator: DeAndra Hodge 

Age: 4-8 | New York, NY & Huntsville, AL 

This book is a wonderful way to introduce young children to Juneteenth and the history and traditions surrounding it! With vibrant illustrations, readers will feel like they’re part of the celebration.

Mac Wears a Hat 

Author: Vicki Johnson 

Illustrator: Gillian Reid 

Age: 4-8 | Massachusetts 

This adorable story uses hats to demonstrate the “rippling effect of people’s behavior on one another, the good and the bad.” It highlights the importance of kindness and reminds us that everyone could use a little more of it in their lives.

A City Dream 

Author: B. Sharise Moore 

Illustrator: Trudi-Ann Hemans 

Age: 4-8 | Baltimore, MD 

B. Sharise shared with us that while driving through different neighborhoods in Baltimore, her 4-year-old son noticed the inequalities between them. That moment inspired this book, which explores urban blight through the eyes of a young child. 

Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum 

Author: Lisa Wheeler 

Illustrator: Laura Huliska-Beith 

Age: 4-8 | Addison, MI 

This book is so much fun to read aloud! Lisa was inspired “by all the wonderful hand-clapping, jump-roping songs that become legend.” 

Do Not Turn the Page! 

Author: Jane Blondie 

Illustrator: Marcus Cutler 

Age: 3-8 | Toronto, ON, CA 

Jane is an elementary teacher who uses a puppet named Charlie in her lessons. During COVID lockdown, her students loved watching Charlie “at home.” She came to know his voice so well that she knew she had to create a story where Charlie speaks directly to the reader. 

Subway Story 

Author: Julia Sarcone-Roach 

Age: 4-8 | Brooklyn, NY 

This book was inspired by the true story of subway cars being transformed into artificial reefs. Julia shared that Jessie’s name was inspired by subway car 9321, whose numbers looked a bit like “JESI.” 

I Am Farmer: Growing an Environmental Movement in Cameroon 

Authors: Baptiste & Miranda Paul 

Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon 

Age: 7-11 | Wisconsin & New York 

This is the true story of Tantoh Nforba, known as Farmer Tantoh, an environmental activist from Cameroon. The authors traveled around the country with him to see the impact of his work firsthand.