Anna Grossnickle Hines
Books-Out of Print
Many are available in my Bookshop
Clicking on many of the older books reveals a larger image of the jacket
...and an ocassional surprise link.
For Bethany For Real, All By Myself and Maybe a Band-Aid Will Help
there are pertinent excerpts from my article, Voice of the Picture Book
Starting with Rumble, Thumble, Boom!
you will find "The Story Behind..." for each book.
Taste the Raindrops
"I want to go walking in the rain, but it's always the same... My mother says, 'No!'" So complains a little blond headed boy who longs to hear the rain on his umbrella, feel the wetness on his face, and taste the raindrops on his tongue....Mother's decision to let her little son out won't really be a surprise against such an upbeat mood, but the sight of her joining him in his fun will warm the hearts of many young viewers. A perky, low-key celebration." ALA Booklist 4/83
First Book: Ecstacy and Panic, article published in the SCBWI Bulletin, 1983 Greenwillow Books, 1983
Order from my BOOKSHOP
A small girl entreats her parents, sister, and brother to accompany her to the meadow to see wildflowers, a bird's nest, turtle and other vernal wonders... The gently repetitive story has a tranquil charm, and placid line drawings colored in shades of green and yellow lend a cheery appeal to the quiet pages. ALA Booklist 5/84
Junior Literary Guild Selection
Clarion, 1984
Order from my BOOKSHOP
"A situation familiar to young children— damage to a well-loved toy—is the basis of a contemporary, slice-of-life story [about] the efforts of an engaging and persistent preschooler to mend her doll once she decides that her mother is simply too busy. A lovingly designed exploration of a universal theme." Horn Book 1/85
Dutton 1984
"All By Myself holds a unique position in the growing genre of self-help books for young children. It deals with that transitional stage in toilet training when the child can stay dry during the day but still has accidents at night... The language is neither condescending nor didactic. A welcome addition to library collections that will help children cope with this problem as well as help to define a growing sense of self accomplishment."
School Library Journal 5/85
"The problem looms as an important one for small children, and it's nice to see it so well handled in a book that is written for them without being written down to them."
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books 5/85
Clarion, 1985
Order from my BOOKSHOP
Bethany for Real
"Bethany pretends: Now she's a horse; then she's Laura, a neighbor child. Pretending is a magical part of childhood where trading an imaginary glass of lemonade for an equally imaginary kitten is the most natural thing to do. One of the greatest strengths of this book is it's naturalness. The dialogue is just right for the world of the four-to-seven-year-old. Children will readily accept Bethany's play world...Hines conveys much of the story through her deceptively simple drawings. Gesture, stance, and position perfectly express emotions and mood." Hornbook 8/85
"...a beguiling, affecting bit of pretense." Kirkus 3/85
Greenwillow, 1985
Order from my BOOKSHOP
"Anna Grossnickle Hines creates a mini-drama from the ordinary events of everyday family life... Despite her mother's sensible caution, Sarah...insists on taking her doll, Abigail [to the mall. When] Abigail is accidentally left behind in a shoe store; her young owner slips away to search for the doll and, consequently, is separated from her mother. The parallel construction - Sarah's concern for Abigail, the mother's concern for Sarah - offers an analogy comprehensible to the very young. The mood is underscored by softly detailed illustrations executed in pastel tones, which reassure without seeming sentimental."
Hornbook 8/86
Weekly Reader Book Club
Dutton, 1986
Order from my BOOKSHOP
Illustrated by Gail Owens
"This book presents sympathetically a situation that many children face in their school friendships, and need help in dealing with." Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books 2/86
"True to life... with realistic characterizations and dialogue and a solid understanding of the problems of growing up."Booklist 2/86
Arrow and Lucky Book Club Selections
Apple Paperback, Scholastic, 1987
Dutton, 1986
"Anna Grossnickle Hines, that sorceress of the ordinary, has once again touched her wand to a simple event and transformed it into a delightful picture book. In gentle, rhythmic, rhyming prose she describes the make-believe game that Emily plays with her mother throughout the day-- Alert young readers will catch on to the game quickly."
Hornbook 7/87
Book-of-the-Month Club
Clarion, 1987
"When Andy decides to take his teddy Oliver for a ride in his wagon, his dog Sam wants to come along but Andy shoes him away. Poor Sam slinks around in the background while Andy introduces Oliver to the barnyard animals, interpreting their various noises for Oliver's benefit. But when a goose steals Oliver, Sam rushes into the fray, saving the bear and returning to Andy's good graces. Children will sympathize with Sam's plight, the scenario is undeniably true to life and the happy ending is richly satisfying." Publishers Weekly 2/8/87
Greenwillow, 1987
Order from my BOOKSHOP
"Once again, Hines perfectly captures a slice of the life of an average preschooler. Sarah, Mandy and Ben are playing dress-up. Bossy Mandy thinks that because she is the oldest, she should be the mother and wear the hat. Sarah declares her independence, even at the price of having to play by herself. Sarah and her doll, Abigail, have a tea party by themselves, and Mandy—with Ben trailing behind—is forced to join in as an equal player. This sort of story might seem trivial to adult readers, but children are constantly engaged in complex negotiations and power struggles like the one depicted here. The reader can empathize with Sarah's bid for freedom from Mandy's tyranny and will cheer the way in which she finally solves her problem." Publishers Weekly 9/87
Dutton, 1987
Hear me read this story, complete with all the pictures!
Order from my BOOKSHOP
"Five cousins spend the night with their grandmother, who lets the children get away with a lot more than their parents do... The softly colored illustrations portray a slim, youngish grandmother and authentic kids engaged in realistic play... In spite of the title, the subject is really the specialness of the grandparent-grandchild relationship, and the general absence of grumpiness."
School Library Journal 8/88.
Children's Choice, IRA/CBC.
Junior Literary Guild Selection.
Illustration © Anna Grossnickle Hines 1988 with permission of Clarion Books
Clarion 1988
ISBN 0-395-52595-0 $5.95 Paperback
Things to do
Reviews
Illustrated by Pat Henderson Lincoln
Cassie's father moved to California after the divorce, but she's counting on his coming for her tenth birthday. Will he show up? And what will she do about her friends' insistence that she invite boys to her party? Cassie's struggles as she adapts to the changes in her life are the basis of a story "ruefully true to the emotions and experiences of childhood's end." ALA Booklist 7/89
Lucky Book Club Selection
Apple Paperback, Scholastic 1990
Dutton, 1989
Order from my BOOKSHOP
"A young girl and her father hike to a nearby hilltop where they watch the sun set and the stars appear...Hines' full-color artwork, softly drawn in deepening hues as night falls, stretches horizontally across each double-page spread...the layout works quite effectively, particularly as a device for identifying constellations without distorting the larger picture of the night sky. A well-designed picture book with an appealing childlike air."
ALA Booklist 3/89
Clarion, 1989
"Depicting a familiar sibling scenario, the author has created just the kind of story that will be perfect for families to share. Little brother Joshua tells about being teased by his older sisters, but reassures himself and the young listener that "they really like me." When the girls are left in charge while mother goes to the store, things get a bit scary for Joshua, but only a little bit. Ultimately it becomes clear that his sisters do indeed care for him. Joshua is portrayed as a typically mischievous and annoying little brother, while the older girls are only somewhat mean in retaliation. A small treasure that will comfort younger brothers and sisters." Hornbook 6/89
Greenwillow, 1989
Hear me read this story, complete with all the pictures!
Order from my BOOKSHOP
"Joshua's family bustles about secretly making each others' Christmas presents, leaving Joshua out of things and feeling resentful. Then Grandma arrives. Only she understands that the youngest in the family is now old enough to keep a secret. She teaches Joshua to make presents for the others, but even she is surprised when he secretly makes her a special gift. Hines' sensitivity to young children's feelings finds apt expression in this simple satisfying book that lets sibling appreciation show without minimizing sibling rivalry."
ALA Booklist 11/90
Greenwillow, 1990
Hear me read this story, complete with all the pictures!
Order from my BOOKSHOP
"When the family gathers for a Fourth of July picnic, the children know they had better keep an eye on Uncle Jack... (he) is an incurable tease whose young nieces and nephews can't get enough of his fun ... Hines' soft, color-pencil drawings highlight the extended family fun everyone has on this Independence Day celebration. An affectionate portrayal."
ALA Booklist 4/90
Junior Literary Guild
Book-of-the-Month Club
Clarion, 1990
Order from my BOOKSHOP
"Buddy and his mother make elaborate preparations for a picnic at the beach and deal with various problems along the way, only to be driven back indoors by a rainstorm. Watercolors in sunny tones brighten the pages. As ever, Hines is wholly tuned in to the everyday hopes and mishaps of young children's lives." ALA Booklist 5/91
Clarion, 1991
Order from my BOOKSHOP
"While big sister Carla takes her lunch box to school, little sister Jackie stays home with hers and has the same lunch with her mother while waiting for her adored sibling to come home... Both sisters spend the day outwardly occupied, but inwardly thinking about the other. Their reunion is a touching one." School Library Journal 9/91
Greenwillow, 1991
Hear me read this story, complete with all the pictures!
Order from my BOOKSHOP
Written by Gary Hines/illustrated by Anna G. Hines
"Traveling together on a modern train, Grandpa tells Toby about the special trip he and his family took when he was a boy and rode in the crummy (caboose) of a steam train. The ride is lovingly described and even more beautifully illustrated. The attractive design features full-page watercolors on the right and text and a small painting in which one can trace the progress of the train on the left." School Library Journal 6/91
Greenwillow, 1991
Order from my BOOKSHOP
"Just as the dying butterfly leaves its eggs to hatch out another generation, well-loved grandparents leave children and grandchildren to remember them in the beautiful things they leave behind...Hines's quiet, non threatening story and lovely watercolors show Grandpa's garden through the seasons of a year-from glorious, brightly hued summer flowers and butterflies to the pale lilacs of spring ...a simple explanation of death for very young children..." School Library Journal 5/91
Outstanding Science Book for Young Children in 1991 by the National Science Teachers Association and Children's Book Council.
Dutton 1991
Illustrated by Karen Ritz
"Secrets, whispers, sniggers, embarrassment; Hines knows about the misery that girls' insider games can bring to classroom and school yard...Readers will squirm with poor Sophie, and they'll cheer when she finally forgives her best friend and stands up to the bully." ALA Booklist 11/91
Bank Street College: "Children's Books of the Year " 1991
Dutton 1991
Order from my BOOKSHOP
"Many youngsters wish on the moon. ...Molly turns the tables and offers the moon a chance to wish on her dandelion puff. After the wind blows the fluffy seeds, Molly queries her busy mother, father, brother Zachary, and sister Meghan to see if they can guess the moon's wish. Each responds with a cranky answer, but adds a wish he or she would really like to come to true. The next day all the wishes are granted (as Molly knew they would be) because the moon's generous wish had been for the family's wishes to come true....Often preoccupied, parents and siblings don't always see the viewpoint of the youngest member of the family. Hines' sunny picture book rectifies this lapse in a gentle and supportive manner." ALA Booklist 4/92
Clarion, 1992
Order from my BOOKSHOP
"'Auntie says it's the angels rolling potatoes,' and Daddy provides a quasi-scientific explanation; but even though Mommy says, 'It won't hurt you,' the narrator finds thunder scary, as does his huge dog. After some friendly but determined negotiation, the whole family—dog too—ends up under the covers in the old spare bed. Warm and amusingly realistic...an appealing story in an unusually attractive format." Kirkus 8/92
Greenwillow 1992
Order from my BOOKSHOP
"Gramma doesn't really walk now; she's in a wheelchair. But she and Donnie have a splendid game: he chooses where he'd like to explore —today it's the seashore— and they talk about it together, in loving detail... Text page vignettes show the pair at home where Donnie sometimes shuts his eyes to imagine the feel of the warm sand, the smell of the waves... It's a simple idea developed with special imagination and care.' Kirkus 9/93
Greenwillow 1993
Things to do
Reviews
Written by Gary Hines
"A 'helitack' crew is summoned by radio to fight a forest fire: The present-tense drama of this picture book will hold children with its fast-paced action and exciting facts...Kids will enjoy the account of brave people at work and imagine themselves there: 'Copter Five-One-Seven... Reported fire...Please respond.'" ALA Booklist 10/93
Notable Children's Trade Book for 1993 by the National Council of the Social Studies.
Clarion 1993
Things to do
Reviews
"'Walk, Moompa,' Toby says to his grandfather, thus beginning a sweet story about the special bond that crosses between generations and language barriers. A visit to the park includes sliding, swinging, playing in the sandbox, and feeding ducks. When it is time to go, the little boy's stuffed clown, Bomp, is missing. Careful inspection of the pictures will solve the mystery. The search for Bomp incorporates spatial concepts, adding an extra element to a book sure to please toddlers and adults alike."
School Library Journal 9/93
Clarion 1993
Written by Gary Hines
The family has just arrived for their summer in a logging camp and the big news is that Puss Tompkins, the best highclimber Papa has ever seen, is coming to the camp. And when he does, Puss Tompkins in action is truly the highlight of an engaging summer. An engrossing glimpse into the American past.
Greenwillow 1994
Things to do
Order from my BOOKSHOP
"As Jamie goes through his bedtime ritual, he tests his mother's love. 'Will you love me even if I spill my milk ...on your special going-to-a-party dress...on purpose?' Everybody wins in this typical family struggle. Hines has modeled a problem solving situation into an interesting, even humorous tale."
School Library Journal 6/94
"Appealing bibliotherapy." Kirkus 3/94
Clarion 1994
Things to do
Reviews
Order from my BOOKSHOP
"Slowpoke Joe takes his time and frequently sees what nobody else sees, because he looks. Children will get the point and follow Joe. The illustrations are lovely; the text, perfect; and the lesson, sublime." Robert Hale Musings, Horn Book 11/94
"Gentle and rich in visual imagery, this is a fine, beautifully illustrated story that unpretentiously underscores the value of taking the time to really see." Kirkus 8/94
Carolyn W. Field Award Honor Book, Pennsylvania Library Association.
American Bookseller Pick of the Lists
Scholastic Book Club .
Greenwillow Books 1994
Things to do
Reviews
Order from my BOOKSHOP
"Hines once again mirrors the young child's world in a simple attractive picture book." ALA Booklist 3/95
"Children with pesky younger siblings will identify with Sam's problems and learn from him the value of patience and distraction when dealing with them."
School Library Journal 4/95.
Clarion Books 1995
Things to do
Reviews
Order from my BOOKSHOP
"The chills and thrills of Halloween were a little too scary last year for the child narrating this book. But 'This Halloween,' he now vows, dressed in his splendid dinosaur costume, 'I'm the scariest one!' Winning pictures...true to life feelings...and a triumphant conclusion..."
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books 9/95.
Greenwillow Books 1995
Things to do
Reviews
Order from my BOOKSHOP
A second marriage makes for a perfect fit. "It used to be just Mama, Beth, and me," says the young narrator about her family. She doesn't remember the father who went away long ago. Then Gary enters their lives, and everything changes. Now there are four to play and work together—and four to be a family. In this warm and loving picture book, Anna Grossnickle Hines has created a telling portrait of a happy second marriage as seen through the eyes of a child.
Greenwillow Books 1996
Things to do
Reviews
Order from my BOOKSHOP
"Chloe's father has a garden that is tame, cultivated into tidy rows, but Chloe prefers rambling through Miss Emma's garden and reveling in it's many pleasure. Hines provides acrylic paintings that make an abundant display of this garden: it's not all that unruly, but it is a welcome place for others—deer, rabbits, woodchucks, cardinals, butterflies, and Chloe—'the best wild creature in my wild, crazy garden,' Miss Emma says. It's predictable as spring, but in it's simplicity, almost as pleasing."
Kirkus, February 1997
American Bookseller Pick of the Lists
Greenwillow Books 1997
Things to do
Reviews
Order from my BOOKSHOP
A collection of 11original stories edited by Lisa Rowe Fraustino. Includes stories by M.E Kerr, Bruce Coville, Rita-Williams Garcia, Chris Crutcher, Richard Peck, Graham Salisbury, Dian Curtis Regan, Susan Campbell Bartoletti, Laurie Halse Anderson, Lisa and me. "Stage Fright" is my first published work for YA readers and I had a great time writing it.
"The stories are engrossing; the writers stray from the obvious, making for many pleasant reading surprises." Kirkus, June 1998
llustration © Tatsuhiko Sawada 1998 with permission of Viking
Viking 1998
Words by Jackie French Koller
Pictures by Anna Grossnickle Hines
A rhythmic romp just right for every child who loves to splash, run, roll--and bounce, too--this exuberant picture book celebrates an energetic day from its sunny start to its snuggly finish.
Orchard Books March 1999
Things to Do
Review
What Can You Do in the Sun?
What Can You Do in the Wind?
What Can You Do in the Snow?
Words by Anna Grossnickle Hines
Pictures by Thea Kliros
The seasons are for celebrating! And these lively board books do just that while coaxing toddlers out-of-doors to explore the possibilities. Simple activities, such as mixing a mud pie or swooshing a snow angel, offer a tangible introduction to words, weather, and the five senses, as well as the many ways to play in winter, spring, summer, and fall!
All four books are Philadelphia Reading Round Table Book of the Month Choices, and winners of the Please Touch Museum's Book Award for the three and under category.
Greenwillow Books 1999
Things to Do
Reviews
Order Rain, Wind and Snow from my BOOKSHOP
Bean
Bean's Games
Bean's Night
Bean has her window for sitting, her ball for chasing, her whole world just as she likes it. Then in comes Baby. How the two get acquainted is the subject of the first of this trio of board books for the youngest audience. Then in Bean's Games and Bean's Night the frisky black cat continues her playful antics.
Bean Soup
Soup Too?
Soup's Oops!
Written by Sarah Hines-Stephens
Illustrated by Anna Grossnickle Hines
Bean's Games is an ALA Notable Book.
Bean is recommended by Children's Television Workshop for ages 0-3.
All three are Children's Book-of-the-Month-Club featured selections.
Things to Do
Reviews
The lovable cat Bean is romping through three new board books, but this time he has company--a lively dog named Soup. Their sunny adventures will charm toddlers and provide hours of board book fun.
Harcourt Inc., May 2000
Reviews
Order from my BOOKSHOP
"Baby sister has just arrived and big brother is all set to show her the world. 'I'll show you snow and listening to stories ...I'll show you baby rattles and squeaky toys and my best teddy bear.'...Page-top labels indicate the months passing as a newborn slowly changes into an older infant and finally a toddler celebrating her first birthday...An affectionate and refreshingly positive celebration of a new infant." ALA Booklist 10/89
Illustration © Anna Grossnickle Hines 1989 with permission of Greenwillow Books
Greenwillow 1989
ISBN 0-688-08354-4 TR $16.00; 0-688-08355-2 LE $15.93
Things to do
Reviews
Order from my BOOKSHOP
Written by Elizabeth Partridge
Illustrated with hand appliquéd quilts by Anna
Illustrated with stunning hand-sewn quilts that seamlessly capture the feel of a chilly dawn, a warm sleeping bag, and camping in the country, here is a one of a kind picture book with a universal subject: the special bond between a father and son.
In the early morning hours the forest animals begin to stir, the sky lightens, and a father and son awaken with a special plan for greeting the new day. The boy has been practicing, and Daddy says he's ready. But will he be able to do it--will he whistle up the sun?
Greenwillow Books April 2003
Tr 0-06-050235-5 $15.99
Lb 0-06-050236-3 $16.89
Reviews
Quilts in the Classroom
Quilts, Dolls, and Books: How they tie together in the author/illustrator's life.
Quilter's Page
Order from my BOOKSHOP
This lift-the-flap adventure is sure to tickle the fancy and tug at the hearts of all little bear lovers. After playing trip-around-the-world, ride-the-wild-ponies, and find-the-lost-children with her favorite stuffed animal, Audrey is ready to be tucked into bed with Bear. But where is he? Did he somehow get left behind after a full day of fun? Young children will happily join in the hunt as they lift the sturdy flaps of this endearing bedtime treat.
Orchard Books March 2000
ISBN 0-531-30205-9 $9.95
Things to Do Make your own pop-up pages!
