About the Author\nLisa Kerr grew up hiking and exploring the Western United States. She is a children’s book author, playwright, educator, and essayist whose work has been featured in magazines and publications including Huffington Post, New York Magazine, Bustle, and more. After a recent visit to the California super bloom, Lisa was inspired to research and then write Wake, Sleepy One. She lives in Central California.\nLisa Powell Braun is a graphic designer, illustrator, hand letterer, and pattern designer whose clients include Rodale Press, Kappa Publishing, Walmart, Berkshire Hathaway, and Crane’s Stationery. Lisa lives in Pennsylvania.\nWritten in lyrical prose with beautifully detailed illustrations, Wake, Sleepy One follows the California poppy’s incredible journey, from seed, to flower, to the rare super bloom. 
One of Children Book Council's Hot off the Press picks for April 2022! 
"Gorgeous illustrations, that fill the page, show the desert habitat where the California Poppy blooms in the spring—if the conditions are right. […] An ode to a beautiful plant. This book could be wonderfully shared in a Botany class or used in a science unit for younger children. It seems like a must-have for schools and libraries in California. 5 Stars." 
—Youth Services Book Review 
"A lyrical, elegant, and eloquent tribute to one of California's most treasured wildflowers, Wake, Sleepy One: California Poppies and the Super Bloom is a treasured picture book story by author Lisa Kerr and artist/illustrator Lisa Powell Braun that beautifully and elegantly captures the quiet strength of the poppy in all its breathtaking and deftly illustrated wonder." 
—Midwest Book Review 
"Lisa Powell Braun's charming artwork supports Kerr's spare text and offers a variety of reading options for this book. . . Two full spreads of stellar backmatter add to its usability in the classroom, and make this a perfect resource for learning about desert landscapes!" 
—Goodreads with Ronna 
"Packed with interesting information conveyed through whimsical writing. . . For young nature enthusiasts or browsers, [Wake, Sleepy One] is ideal narrative nonfiction." 
—School Library Journal 
"The use of onomatopoeia and personification liven up the description of the flower’s life. . . At the back of the book, readers will find a glossary, labeled diagram of the flower parts, additional information related to the poppy, locations to find poppies, and some resources." 
—Children's Literature Comprehensive Database 
Follow the golden poppy's journey as it slowly wakes inside its seed, stretches its roots, and unfolds its delicate petals. Watch as it transforms the land into an ocean of orange—the amazing "super bloom." 
A lyrical ode to California's most treasured wildflower, Wake, Sleepy One gently captures the quiet strength of the poppy in all its breathtaking wonder.

Wake, Sleepy One: California Poppies and the Super Bloom

Children's Books

Kerr, Lisa

Science, Nature & How It Works

West Margin Press

The Race Across Anaconda Swamp: A Challenge Island STEAM Adventure (Challenge Island, 2)

Dash across the rainforest swamp with Daniel, Joy, and Kimani in the newest Challenge Island adventure! One of Children Book Council's Hot off the Press picks for May 2022! "In this follow-up to The Bridge to Sharktooth Island, optimistic Joy, cautious Daniel, and studious Kimani find themselves transported once again to a magical island where they have to solve a series of puzzles to escape the middle of the rainforest before darkness falls. . . Supplementary materials at the back include STEAM projects and fun facts introduced by the main characters that a science-loving child will enjoy. The story is engaging, educational, and peppered with cute illustrations... a fun purchase for the easygoing young reader in love with animals and books." --School Library Journal "The Race Across Anaconda Swamp, the second Challenge Island title, in which three kids use teamwork and STEAM skills to navigate a perilous island adventure, [is forthcoming from West Margin Press.]" --Publishers Weekly, Spring 2022 Children's Sneak Previews Daniel, Joy, and Kimani are transported once again to a magical island--this time into a tropical rainforest! As they zip through the canopy, a dangerous snake lurks in the black waters below. They are searching for a way out and a path to a mysterious tower. Does it hold the answers to their questions? Using ropes and other found items, the three friends must figure out how to safely traverse across the island using their knowledge of friction and weights. But the sun is going down and night is approaching fast. Will they reach the tower in time? Also included are cool facts about the rainforest and its animals, plus fun STEAM activities showing you how to build your own pulley system and monkey playground. From the world's #1 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) education enrichment program, Challenge Island® presents an exciting new adventure book series for smart, curious kids.

Ross, Joel

Estroff, Sharon Duke

Action & Adventure

Dash across the rainforest swamp with Daniel, Joy, and Kimani in the newest Challenge Island adventure! One of Children Book Council's Hot off the Press picks for May 2022! "For early grade readers who revel in science-based fiction, this is a winning read. Animals, physics, and habitats are among the topics covered, with lots of instances where the reader can predict and hypothesize along with the characters. Kimani, who is Black, has an impressive head for science and builds in many of the facts that help the group solve problems together. Sleek black and white cartoon art complements the text, adding visual clues. Science experiments and craft projects from each character are at the end." --Youth Services Book Review "In this follow-up to The Bridge to Sharktooth Island, optimistic Joy, cautious Daniel, and studious Kimani find themselves transported once again to a magical island where they have to solve a series of puzzles to escape the middle of the rainforest before darkness falls. . . Supplementary materials at the back include STEAM projects and fun facts introduced by the main characters that a science-loving child will enjoy. The story is engaging, educational, and peppered with cute illustrations... a fun purchase for the easygoing young reader in love with animals and books." --School Library Journal "The Race Across Anaconda Swamp, the second Challenge Island title, in which three kids use teamwork and STEAM skills to navigate a perilous island adventure, [is forthcoming from West Margin Press.]" --Publishers Weekly, Spring 2022 Children's Sneak Previews Daniel, Joy, and Kimani are transported once again to a magical island--this time into a tropical rainforest! As they zip through the canopy, a dangerous snake lurks in the black waters below. They are searching for a way out and a path to a mysterious tower. Does it hold the answers to their questions? Using ropes and other found items, the three friends must figure out how to safely traverse across the island using their knowledge of friction and weights. But the sun is going down and night is approaching fast. Will they reach the tower in time? Also included are cool facts about the rainforest and its animals, plus fun STEAM activities showing you how to build your own pulley system and monkey playground. From the world's #1 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) education enrichment program, Challenge Island® presents an exciting new adventure book series for smart, curious kids.

Powerful and moving, A Visit to Moscow is inspired by the true experience of an American rabbi who travels to the Soviet Union in the 1960s, a dangerous time of uncertainty and fear for Jews in the nation. 
One of Jewish Insider's Ten Books to Read in May 
Yevgenia Nayberg has been longlisted for the 2022 Brightness Illustration Awards! 
"With starkly dramatic text and haunting images, author and illustrator convey the devastating oppression of Soviet Jewish life, and the commitment of one Jew to bring their horrifying reality into the light [...] Whether readers are familiar with the harrowing subject matter or learning about it for the first time, Rabbi Grossman's story will immerse them in a harsh world and in the persistent truth-telling needed to bring about change. A Visit to Moscow is highly recommended." 
—Jewish Book Council 
"Finally, it’s worth mentioning a soon-to-be-released graphic narrative called A Visit to Moscow. Adapted by Anna Olswanger from an account by Rabbi Rafael Grossman (1933-2018), the book was inspired by Grossman’s actual 1965 journey to the Soviet Union to investigate the persecution of Soviet Jews. That A Visit to Moscow is beautifully illustrated by Yevgenia Nayberg, who was born in Ukraine and now lives in New Jersey, makes this encounter with the history of the Soviet Jewry movement, which was so much a part of the later 20th-century American Jewish experience, especially poignant and timely." 
—Moment Magazine 
"Inspired by real events, the eye-opening and important narrative in this graphic novel are punctuated by the phenomenal illustrations, showing Jewish life in the Soviet Union. Set in 1965, readers will see the power of antisemitism and the incredible courage it takes to live a life of faith under oppression. It shows that, despite living with tyranny and unimaginable sacrifices, one can hold on to their soul and that there is beauty to be found. It’s my hope readers will see how critical it is for us to advocate for others and do whatever we can to make a positive difference in this world." 
—Wisonsin Jewish Chronicle 
"Yevgenia Nayberg’s art is evocative and claustrophobic and lives in that liminal space between simple children’s book illustration and profound abstract comics work. Her choices in coloring are particularly well-matched to the emotional tone of the narrative. This is ultimately a story of hope—how the actions of one person can reverberate through generations to come—and as story, this is appropriate and uplifting." 
—SOLRAD 
In 1965, an American rabbi travels to the Soviet Union to investigate reports of persecution of the Jewish community. Moscow welcomes him as a guest—but provides a strict schedule he and the rest of his group must follow. 
One afternoon, the rabbi slips away. With an address in hand and almost no knowledge of the Russian language, he embarks on a secret journey that will change his life forever. 
Inspired by the true experience of Rabbi Rafael Grossman, A Visit to Moscow captures the formidable perseverance and strength of the Jewish people during the "Let My People Go" movement, a modern exodus that is often overlooked.

A Visit to Moscow

Literature & Fiction

Space Story

A quietly powerful graphic novel of hope, separation, and perseverance in the journey to reunite with those you love. "This is a story filled with bitter-sweet moments (but with a happy ending), and I am in love with it." --BookRiot "Economical and poignantly told, Ostby's debut graphic novel sets a queer family's separation drama against an apocalyptic backdrop. . . This is a touching love story for hard times." --Publishers Weekly Two women fall in love and start a family on a dying Earth. Only one escapes to space. Her family is still on the planet. They won't give up until they find each other again. From debut author Fiona Ostby, Space Story weaves an interstellar tale of discovering love and finding strength, courage, and hope--even in the darkest moments.

Comics & Graphic Novels

Ostby, Fiona

Graphic Novels

The third and final volume of All Over Coffee presents some of the most beloved and never-before-collected pieces from the weekly series. Originally published in the San Francisco Chronicle, this timeless work, which includes collaborations with many prize-winning authors, is now collected for the first time into a new gorgeous hardcover edition. 
"[Paul] Madonna, Bayview-based artist, illustrator, writer and award-winning author, is renowned for his long-running city-inspired comic strip series ‘All Over Coffee.’ Once described by Madonna as ‘a comic strip without the comic,’ the series paired intricate sketches of The City—a street corner, a view of Alcatraz or a deserted alleyway—with poignant, poetic text. The infusion of art and literature challenged typical comic strip conventions, attracting a regional cult following and setting Madonna on a path of artistic discovery. The third and final installment [of the series], You Know Exactly, launched this month." 
—San Francisco Examiner 
"All Over Coffee was in many ways a gift to the city. It immortalized the San Francisco that locals see every day; not the one most commonly depicted in movies and on TV. Because of its grounding in familiar corners, sidewalks and liquor stores, Madonna's art can also ask viewers to explore their own psyche, or to suspend their disbelief, or to go on a journey with him they weren't expecting. And sometimes, just sometimes, it'll be so close to home, you'll think he's made a personal visit." 
—KQED Arts & Culture 
"[A]n impressive coffee-table style volume, You Know Exactly, the Third Collection of All Over Coffee is an inherently fascinating book to browse through." 
—Midwest Book Review 
You Know Exactly enigmatically melds art, story, and travel to capture the profundity reflected outside and resting deep within the soul. With original writings plus collaborations with award-winning writers including Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Cheryl Strayed, Andrew Sean Greer, Robert Olen Butler, Kristen Tracy, Daniel Handler (otherwise known as Lemony Snicket), and more, artist and writer Paul Madonna pairs words with exquisitely rendered cityscapes to create a poignant, thought-provoking showpiece. Each page offers something unique: short stories, poems, fleeting thoughts, and one-liners displayed alongside pen and ink drawings that travel from San Francisco to New York, from Paris to Tokyo. The effect coalesces into a mesmerizing work that you’ll want to return to again and again.

You Know Exactly, the Third Collection of All Over Coffee (All over Coffee, 3)

Arts & Photography

Madonna, Paul

Individual Artists

With gentleness and empathy, this beautiful story follows a young boy as he learns how a word that may seem funny to one person can be hurtful to another. 
"When Words Have Power. . . follows a boy as he learns how a word that may seem funny to one person can be hurtful to another." 
—Publishers Weekly, Fall Children's Announcements 
Henry overhears someone calling his Chinese American mother a strange name at the market: "banana." But Henry doesn't understand. A banana is just a piece of fruit. What's the big deal? And what does the name mean? 
With beautiful illustrations, When Words Have Power gently reveals the powerful effect microaggressions and name calling can have, and instead shows how a little kindness and respect can lead to bright, new friendships and stronger relationships with loved ones.

When Words Have Power

Chong, Lisa

Growing Up & Facts of Life

A sweet, whimsical story about the meaningfulness behind a person's name and the power of accepting people just as they are. Featured in Children's Book Council's Summer 2022 Showcase: Love Makes the World Go Round "Names are so important. They are our parents' first gifts to us. They have history and meaning. For some it is the name we choose that embraces the best version of ourselves. Everyone deserves to be called by their correct name. This was simply beautiful." --Lupe, Bookmarks (Winston-Salem, NC) "Edimorwhitimormiligimmus Tug is determined to teach his classmates and teacher about the important family stories behind his superlong name." --Publishers Weekly, Fall Children's Announcements Edimorwhitimormiligimmus Tug has a very special name that is all his own. But his teacher thinks it's too long and hard to say. One day she shortens it to. . . Ed. But he loves his name just the way it is. So he comes up with a plan--if he can teach everyone his name, maybe they'll love it too! Sweet and whimsical, My Name Is Not Ed Tug empowers readers to own their identities and proudly celebrate who they are.

My Name Is Not Ed Tug

Nielander, Amy

Read the beginning of a story--the rest is up to you! "After many years of teaching writing, these amazing Totally Weird Activity books will captivate even the most reluctant student! Filled with a wide variety of topics and interests to get a story started, the books will ignite a passion for the craft." --Laura Baker, elementary school teacher and winner of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching "Super Stranger Story Starters by T.M. Murphy, illus. by Mark Penta, [is] a collection of story prompts kicking off the Totally Weird Activity Books series." --Publishers Weekly, Fall 2022 Children's Sneak Previews With 22 unique prompts plus colorful illustrations, this creative writing book is ready to go in any direction you want. Each story starter prompt includes space inside to write down and explore ideas of what happens next. There is no wrong way to tell a story, so find inspiration in the artwork details, throw in plot twists, reveal secret desires, make happy endings (or not), introduce new characters. . . the possibilities are endless! Part of the Totally Weird Activity Book series created by childhood friends Mark and Ted, Super Strange Story Starters is perfect for aspiring writers, avid readers, and creative kids who have a story to tell.

Super Strange Story Starters (Totally Weird Activity Books)

Murphy, T.M.

Penta, Mark

Arts, Music & Photography

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the West Margin Press publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by West Margin Press

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the West Margin Press publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Wake, Sleepy One: California Poppies and the Super Bloom

The Race Across Anaconda Swamp: A Challenge Island STEAM Adventure (Challenge Island, 2)

The Race Across Anaconda Swamp: A Challenge Island STEAM Adventure (Challenge Island, 2)

A Visit to Moscow

Space Story

Space Story

You Know Exactly, the Third Collection of All Over Coffee (All over Coffee, 3)

When Words Have Power

My Name Is Not Ed Tug

Super Strange Story Starters (Totally Weird Activity Books)