Stephanie Calmenson

Stephanie Calmenson is the author numerous books for children. Her books have been called "marvelous" (Publishers Weekly), "lyrical" (School Library Journal), “hilarious” (School Library Journal), "sweet, funny, and right on the mark" (Booklist).

Among her most beloved titles are Dinner at the Panda Palace,
a PBS StoryTime Book; Welcome, Baby! Baby Rhymes for Baby Times; The Principal's New Clothes; and Rosie, A Visiting Dog's Story, which Smithsonian Magazine called "one of the outstanding nonfiction titles of the year".

She has collaborated with Joanna Cole, author of the Magic School Bus series, on many best-selling anthologies including The Read-Aloud Treasury; Ready, Set, Read!; and Ready, Set, Read and Laugh!; and with Ann Martin, as co-writer of the Baby-Sitters Little Sister series.

Before turning to writing Stephanie was a New York City elementary school teacher, a children's book editor, and Editorial Director of the Parents Magazine Press Read-Aloud Book Club. She feels privileged to have found work that brings together her love of children, language and laughter.




			Ten Items or Less illustrated by Jana Christy Little Simon, 2010 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-1442407206 originally published in 1985 Raisins, please. Cookies to munch! Stringy cheese! Chips to crunch! It's picnic day and we're filling up our grocery cart with our favorite goodies. Wait! Do we have the right number of items to check out at the special 10 Items or Less register? This rollicking rhyme features playful illustrations of children's favorite supermarket staples. From peanut butter and cookies to juicy watermelon, shopping will become an adventure as children count the number of items (up to ten) placed in their shopping carts. Complete with ten press-out pieces!



			Late for School! illustrated by Sachiko Yoshikawa Carolrhoda, 2008 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-1575059358 Oh no! Mr. Bungles has overslept and he's going to be late for school. Teachers aren't supposed to be late! Poor Mr. Bungles tries rushing off in his car, the train, and even a hot air balloon, but nothing works. The clock is still ticking. What will he try next?



			Birthday at the Panda Palace illustrated by Doug Cushman HarperCollins, 2007 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0060526634 "For monkeys like us, Bananas will please. But for you, birthday mouse, Here's a big chunk of . . ." Birthday cake? Mud pie? No, it's cheese! And it's just one of the wonderful presents Mouse gets at her birthday party in this funny sequel to Dinner at the Panda Palace. Can you guess what the three pigs bring? Is it made of straw or wood or brick? How about Elephant? What is his present for Mouse? Children will love using the rhymes to figure out what gift they'll find when they turn the page. And the best surprise of all comes at the end when a special visitor arrives—because friendship is what this party is all about!



			Jazzmatazz! illustrated by Bruce Degen HarperCollins, 2008 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0060772895 When a piano-playing mouse slips inside a house to get warm, watch out! In no time he has a whole family, then a whole town, making music. They're drumming, fiddling, singing, dancing, and jazzmatazz jamming! What kind of music will you make?



			May I Pet Your Dog: The How-to Guide for Kids Meeting Dogs (and Dogs Meeting Kids) illustrated by Jan Ormerod Clarion Books, 2007 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0618510344 Children encounter dogs wherever they go: in the park, on the sidewalk, at their friends’ homes. Sometimes it’s love at first sight, on both sides—but not always. The right way for a child to approach a dog to ensure that the first connection is a complete success begins with this question to the owner: “May I pet your dog?” Using Harry the dachshund as a gentle guide, Stephanie Calmenson addresses this valuable yet overlooked topic with care and precision, and Jan Ormerod’s warm illustrations portray a wide variety of breeds and personalities and depict situations that are realistic but never scary.



			Kindergarten Kids: Riddles, Rebuses, Wiggles, Giggles, And More! illustrated by Melissa Sweet HarperCollins, 2005 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0060007140 Kindergarten is so much fun! There's singing, dancing, and show-and-tell. There are lively times to play with friends, and quiet times to look at books or put together a puzzle. You'll find your favorite activities here, and more: Do the popcorn hop; go on a letter hunt; solve Halloween riddles; or find Mr. Wig, the missing guinea pig. Cheerful rhymes, bright colors, and friendly children energize the pages of this action-packed collection of poems about kindergarten days. Come join the fun!



			Who Am I Hyperion, 2005 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0786801565



			Welcome, Baby!: Baby Rhymes for Baby Times illustrated by Melissa Sweet HarperCollins, 2002 ages baby-preschool, ISBN 978-0060004927 Sing a song for baby. Sing a song of joy! We have a little girl! We have a little boy This joyous book welcomes babies to the world and celebrates their daily lives from birth up to toddlerhood. Catchy poems you'll soon know by heart and sparkling pictures that will make you smile show babies growing and learning about themselves, their families, and the world around them.



			Good for You! Toddler Rhymes for Toddler Times illustrated by Melissa Sweet HarperCollins, 2001 ages baby-preschool, ISBN 978-0-688-17737-9 There are so many things That you can do. Take a big bow. Good for you! This lively companion to Welcome, Baby! invites toddlers to play a game of peekaboo, parade with the alphabet, find their favorite colors, practice their manners and much, much more. Irresistible poems and gorgeous pictures capture a toddler's world and encourage children to feel good about their many accomplishments.



			The Frog Principal illustrated by Denise Brunkus Scholastic Press, 2001 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0590370707 When Marty Q. Marvel the magician accidentally turns Mr. Bundy into a frog, the students of P.S. 88 don't know what to do! It's not always easy having a slimy, green-skinned amphibian for a principal. Even worse, Mr. Bundy has started playing leapfrog, swimming in the kindergarten sink, and eating students' fly collections. Will he ever be his old self again?



			Perfect Puppy illustrated by Thomas F. Yezerski Clarion Books, 2001 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0618011391 Meet a puppy who plans on doing everything exactly right. He's going to obey commands, learn amazing tricks and be the most perfect puppy who ever lived! So who made those puddles on the floor? Who tore up those homework papers? And who finds out you don't have to be perfect to be loved?



			Tom and Jerry the Movie Scholastic Inc., 1993 ages 9 to 12, ISBN 978-0590471152 In a novelization based on the film from Turner Entertainment, the classic duo of Tom and Jerry help Robyn Starling escape her greedy aunt and find her father. Movie tie-in.



			What's My Job? written by Stephanie Calmenson writing as Lyn Calder illustrated by Alice and Paul Sharp Cartwheel Books, 2001 ages 4 to 7, ISBN 978-0439204736

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