Linda Ashman

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Photo: Amy Stern Photography

I was born in Schenectady, New York, and grew up mostly in rural New Jersey, the youngest of four children. I spent a lot of time reading, daydreaming, and wandering in the woods behind our house, always with an eye out for the “little people” I found so fascinating in Arthur Rackham’s fairy tale illustrations. I didn’t spot any. Mostly I brought home ticks.

Although I loved books, I didn’t think of writing as a career until much later—after earning a degree in Economics, and a master’s degree in Urban Planning, and spending many years in New York City and Los Angeles working in jobs that didn’t quite fit me. At one particularly low point, I blurted out, “All I ever wanted to do was write children’s books!” Although this was a complete surprise to both of us, Jack, my very generous husband, replied, “Then do it.” Many moons later, I’ve sold more than two dozen picture books, with more on the way.

In 2012, our family--Jack, our teenage son Jackson, and our dogs Sammy and Stella--moved from Denver, Colorado to Chapel Hill, North Carolina. After many years of city living, I love looking out at the trees and birds and taking walks in the woods again. Still haven't spotted any "little people," but I've got some Arthur Rackham illustrations on my office wall to make sure I don't forget they're out there.


					Peace, Baby! illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff Chronicle Books, 2013 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-1452106137 Acclaimed author Linda Ashman gives new meaning to a familiar idea in this tale about intense feelings, compassion, conflict, and resolution. Gentle, clever rhymes illustrate the unpredictable emotions of childhood and show readers a smart way to deal with these feelings. A frustrating day may feel overwhelming, but everyone wins with Peace, Baby!



					Rain! illustrated by Christian Robinson Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0547733951 One rainy day in the city, an eager little boy exclaims, "Rain!" Across town a grumpy man grumbles, "Rain." In this endearing picture book, a rainy-day cityscape comes to life in vibrant, cut-paper-style artwork. The boy in his green frog hat splashes in puddles—"Hoppy, hoppy, hoppy!"—while the old man curses the "dang puddles." Can the boy's natural exuberance (and perhaps a cookie) cheer up the grouchy gentleman and turn the day around?



					The Twelve Days of Christmas in Colorado illustrated by Dawn Beacon Sterling, 2011 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-1402774638 Come spend Christmas in Colorado with Sophie, where she'll see bustling cities, sprawling ranches, ancient ruins, ghost towns, and even giant sand dunes. Oh, and lots of mountains--big ones! From a bunting in a spruce tree to 5 golden nuggets to 12 skiers swooshing, it's a mile-high spirited visit.



					Samantha on a Roll illustrated by Christine Davenier Margaret Ferguson Books, FSG, 2011 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0374363994 Samantha can't wait to try out her new roller skates, but Mama's too busy too help her. What's a girl to do? Well, this girl isn't waiting. While Mama tends to other things, Sammy straps on the skates. First she glides down the hallway. Then she tries the sidewalk. Next, she ventures a bit farther down the street. She’s doing great! But when she finds herself cresting Hawthorn Hill, it’s too late to stop--Samantha is on a roll! Awards & Recognition Starred review, Kirkus; New York Times Notable Children's Books of 2011; Bank Street College of Education's Best Books of the Year list; 2012 Charlotte Zolotow Awards "Highly Commended" Book



					No Dogs Allowed illustrated by Kristin Sorra Sterling, 2011 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-1402758379 Welcome to Alberto's restaurant…unless you're a dog, a cat, a bunny, or ANYTHING with fur, feathers, or scales! The entertainment escalates in this nearly wordless picture book as more and more people arrive with a surprising selection of pets. Alberto turns them all away--only to see the crowd discover a friendlier alternative in the festive street. Will Alberto find a way to win them back? Awards & Recognition 2012 TEXAS 2X2 Reading List



					Creaky Old House illustrated by Michael Chesworth Sterling, 2009 ISBN978-1402744617 For want of a screw, the doorknob was lost; for want of a knob, the door was lost…and, from there, comic chaos builds in a series of hilarious steps! Linda Ashman serves up a heaping helping of humorous fun as one big, happy family bands together to handle a series of household calamities—and save their beloved home. Narrated in catchy, beguiling verse, and featuring panoramic art that captures fun-filled action all around the house, this is the perfect story for every child who feels there’s no place like home. Awards & Recognition Ladybug Award finalist (New Hampshire Center for the Book); Golden Sower Award nominee (Nebraska Library Association); Children’s Book of the Month Club selection



					Come to the Castle! A Visit to a Castle in Thirteenth-Century England illustrated by S.D. Schindler Flash Point, 2009 ISBN978-1596431553 History comes alive in poetry and pictures. Welcome to the 13th-century banquet at the castle of the Earl of Daftwood! Here young readers will meet all of the lords and ladies, the servants and the squires. They will discover surprises: flying silverware and mystery meat made of animal feet for dinner—life in the castle isn't always elegant. Linda Ashman's clever rhyming text and S.D Schindler's intricate illustrations look at life in a medieval castle from multiple eye-opening perspectives. Awards & Recognition New York Public Library’s 100 Titles for Reading & Sharing



					When I Was King illustrated by David McPhail HarperCollins, 2008 ages 4 to 8, ISBN978-0060290511 Before you came, I owned the throne. They trembled at my slightest moan. I was the star, the prize, the king. . . . But you have ruined everything. Welcoming new siblings isn't the easiest thing to do. But if you give them a chance, you'll discover how much fun they are. So maybe there is room for another king or queen?



					M Is for Mischief: An A to Z of Naughty Children illustrated by Nancy Carpenter Dutton, 2008 ages 4 to 8, ISBN978-0525475644 Here are twenty-six brats you’d never want to babysit: Catastrophic Coco, Gluttonous Griffin, Impolite Irma, and Quarrelsome Quincy, just to name a few. Linda Ashman’s perfectly crafted ditties about kids from Angry Abby, who is “apt to argue at any time and any place,” to Zany Zelda, who “zigs and zags through all the rooms,” are paired with hilariously energetic digital collages by Nancy Carpenter. Teaching ideas are available for this title. Awards & Recognition Starred review, Publishers Weekly; Cookie Magazine’s Top Ten Kids’ Books of 2008; Colorado Book Award, 2009; Beehive Award (Utah) nominee



					Stella, Unleashed: Notes from the Doghouse illustrated by Paul Meisel Sterling, 2008 ages 4 to 8, ISBN978-1402739873 Stella’s got an opinion on everything: the baby (“cannot be trusted near tail”), her humans, the other pets, her sleeping requirements (“But for a truly peaceful rest, be advised: Your bed is best”), undignified doggie sweaters, and the dull dryness of kibble. She even waxes poetic on the exalted status of pups in Paris, who are welcome everywhere…even in restaurants. Stella expresses it all in a series of humorous verses that will have dog-loving kids laughing out loud. Teaching ideas are available for this title. Awards & Recognition Bank Street College of Education’s Best Books of 2008



					Babies on the Go illustrated by Jane Dyer Harcourt, baby to preschool ISBN978-0-15-205886-9 (board book, 2007) ISBN 978-0-15-201894-8 (picture book, 2003) Babies are always carried with love in this exuberant celebration of the varied and amazing ways animal parents carry their little ones. Teaching ideas are available for this title. Awards & Recognition A Child Magazine Best Book of the Year; A Parenting Magazine Best Book of the Year; Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award; Texas Library Association 2X2 Selection; Children’s Literature Choice List; Please Touch Museum Best Book Award; Children’s Book of the Month Club Main Selection



					What Could Be Better Than This? illustrated by Linda Wingerter Dutton, 2006 ages 4 to 8, ISBN978-0-525-46954-4 A young king and queen live in a fabulous castle and have many fantastic adventures. But something is missing, until their baby arrives and they begin the greatest adventure of all. Teaching ideas are available for this title. Awards & Recognition Colorado Book Award finalist



					Desmond and the Naughtybugs illustrated by Anik McGrory Dutton, 2006 ages 4 to 8, ISBN978-0-525-47203-2 Desmond is a sweet boy...usually. At least until the Naughtybugs show up. On Monday morning, the Sloggies sprinkle Desmond with Dawdle Dust. On Tuesday, the Peskies persuade him to pull just one tiny apple at the grocery store. Each day brings a new Naughtybug—and more calamity. How will Desmond and his parents survive the week? Teaching ideas are available for this title.



					Mama's Day illustrated by Jan Ormerod Simon & Schuster, 2006 ages 4 to 8, ISBN978-0-689-83475-2 Somewhere there’s a mama lifting baby from a crib, Snapping rompers, looping laces, Wiping crumbs from baby’s bib. With its rhyming verse and gentle illustrations, this book pays tribute to mamas and children everywhere. Awards & Recognition Beginning with Books Best Books for Babies 2006; starred review in Publishers Weekly

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