Maryann Cocca-Leffler

A picture book biography celebrating the life and work of disability rights activist and icon Judith Heumann, highlighting one of her landmark achievements--leading the historic 504 Sit-in in 1977 From a very young age, Judy Heumann heard the word NO. When she wanted to attend public school, the principal said, "NO." When she wanted her teaching license, the New York Board of Education said, "NO." Judy and people with disabilities everywhere were tired of hearing "NO." In the 1970s an important disability rights law, Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, was waiting to be signed. Judy and other disability rights activists fought for "YES!" They held a sit-in until Section 504 was signed into law. Section 504 laid the foundation for the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was established thanks in large part to the ongoing work of Judy and her community. Along with a personal reflection from Judy herself, this picture book biography captures the impact and influence of one o

A Junior Library Guild Selection February 2022There was a time in the United States when millions of children with disabilities weren't allowed to go to public school. But in 1971, seven kids and their families wanted to do something about it. They knew that every child had a right to an equal education, so they went to court to fight for that right. The case Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia led to laws ensuring children with disabilities would receive a free, appropriate public education. Told in the voice of Janine Leffler, one of the millions of kids who went to school because of these laws, this book shares the true story of this landmark case.

An inspiring young picture book about overcoming challenges and frustrations with the Power of Yet "I can't do it!""Can't do it yet."This charming picture book tells the story of one small piglet who

A thoughtful picture book about respect, inclusion, and acceptance in a woodland community of animals.Life was ordinary in the big oak tree on Forest Lane. Squirrels lived in every part of the tree, a

This unique die-cut board book is the perfect gift for kids wondering what's going on inside Mom's pregnant bellyMommy's belly is growing. She's really showing! How big is baby now?Starting with three

Meet Janine. She is one of a kind! Janine dresses a little different, remembers random facts, reads the dictionary for fun, and has her own style of cheering. Nobody does things the way Janine does th

Ben likes things the same way every day at school―he sits at the same table, eats the same lunch, and likes the daily class routine. But when his teacher leaves to have her baby and a substitute teach

El and Jo are the shortest kids in class, and theyre inseparable. But what happens when Jo starts to grow? This sweet picture book explores the joys and challenges of friendship and growing up.

This irresistible board book—with a pop-up, pull-tabs, flaps to lift, and wheels to turn—captures both the excitement of Christmas and the joys of being with family for the holiday. There’s a festive

Janine is good at a lot of things like singing, cheering, and spelling big words. But she is not very good at sports—her body just doesn't work like the other kids'. On field day at school, Janine tri

A family of adorable pigs decides that this year they will make their gifts to each other for Christmas rather than buy gifts. Each family member is excited to try. Momma makes breakfast, Dad makes a

The beloved Thanksgiving story by Eileen Spinelli, Thanksgiving at the Tappletons', is back with original artwork by Maryann Cocca-Leffler, which fans have grown to love.Thanksgiving is always a big d

The beloved Thanksgiving story by Eileen Spinelli, Thanksgiving at the Tappletons', is back with original artwork by Maryann Cocca-Leffler, which fans have grown to love.Thanksgiving is always a big d

A blizzard might ruin a young girl’s seventh birthday–her party is canceled when the electricity goes out! But a series of fun surprises and optimistic attutides makes this a birthday to remember!

It's Mood Monday and Miss Cady's class is sharing how they feel after the weekend. But Theo doesn't know whether he's in a good mood or a bad mood. He has a new baby sister and he isn't just happy lik

Follow the adventures of a group children and their parents as they enjoy the warmth of a sunny summer vacation.

A sweet picture book that celebrates springtime!The snow is melting, flowers are blooming, and a light rain is falling. Spring is finally here! Enjoy all the wondrous signs of the season with Maryann

When a new classmate has a peanut allergy and has to sit in a special area of the lunchroom, Simon reconsiders his love for peanut butter.

A perfect picture book for toddlers on the go!All toddlers live by the pleasure principle. For them, fun times always end too soon. So often they either turn a deaf ear to the words "It's time to say

When make-believe Princess Jessica throws a royal ball, she delivers invitations to her loyal subjects, picks out her best ball gown, and even loses her slipper. If only her sister wasn’t such a royal

In the follow-up to Mr. Tanen's Ties, Mr. Tanen loves his ties, but when his school runs out of money to build a new playground, he decides to sell his ties to raise the needed money.

Young Kim discovers that there is a difference between being honest and always speaking the truth.

Behind every cloud there is sun. Nate always sees the bright side of life. While others complain about rain, Nate is happy about the frogs that it brings. When you might think there is nothing to

This snow-filled 8x8 is the second in a seasonal series from Maryann Cocca-Leffler.From building snowmen to drinking hot chocolate by the fire's warm glow, LET IT SNOW celebrates wonders of winter!Wit

The leaves turn red, brown, and orange, then drift down from the trees. It is time to go apple picking and on hayrides at the county fair. Fall is finally here! With soft colored art, adorable child

It's finally Valentine's Day, and a kindergartener is eager to hand out the special valentines she's made. Count along from 1 to 10 as she gives out hearts to everyone she loves!With simple rhyming t

Special windows cut in holiday shapes give sneak peeks at the Halloween surprises ahead as two brave little kittens, Rascal and Rosie, go trick-or-treating.

The everyday sights, sounds and smells of a colorful and bustling city come alive in this book - a child's view of Boston. Maryann Cocca-Leffler remembers frequent bus trips she took into the city as

"You must be good at something," said Miss Lucinda. "Everyone has a special talent."On the first day of school, Miss Lucinda asks the students to share their special talents. Francesca is a star soccer player, Matthew can catch huge fish with his grandpa, and Candace is an excellent artist. It seems that everyone has something to share. But Jack is worried. He doesn't have any talent at all . . . or so he thinks.Acrylic paintings that pop with energy and charm make this story by veteran author and illustrator Maryann Cocca-Leffler the perfect boost for any child who questions his or her abilities.