Books with author Maryann Cocca-Leffler

When Wanda discovers a thornbush growing in an empty lot, she's quite sure it's a rosebush ready to bloom. So she clears away the trash, checks on it every day, and brings water from the butcher shop across the street. But no roses appear. Wanda's neighbors and friends are all doubtful, but when she invites them to a tea party in her "rose garden" one day in June, they're in for a big surprise. Pat Brisson's warm-hearted story and Maryann Cocca-Leffler's vibrant illustrations make this book about a child's simple faith one that children will long remember.

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 bye-bye" or simply throw a tantrum. What is the solution? In this warm-hearted picture book, Maryann Cocca-Leffler follows a toddler from morning to bedtime, showing that all saying "byebye" really means is that you're ready to say "hello" to the next fun thing on your "agenda." With a bare minimum of words, and playful artwork, this is one of those rare read-alouds perfect for very young children.

The beloved Thanksgiving story by Eileen Spinelli with brand new art!Thanksgiving at the Tappletons', is back with fresh and original artwork by Maryann Cocca-Leffler. Thanksgiving is always a big day at the Tappletons'. But this Thanksgiving each task is interrupted by calamity and hilarity: first the turkey slips away . . . then the bakery is sold out . . . and so on, until Uncle Fritz and Grandfather Tappleton despair of ever eating dinner at all!It's not until Grandmother Tappleton reminds everyone, "there is more to Thanksgiving than a turkey and trimmings," that the Tappletons begin to improvise . . . and end up enjoying a most unusual holiday "feast."Delicious drawings add to the merriment of this warm, contemporary tale whose mirth and message youngsters will savor.

My Dance Recital captures the preparation, rehearsals, fun, excitement, and nervousness that go into dance recitals by young girls and boys. This book is chock-a-block with novelty elements—pull-tabs, fabrics, wheels, flaps, and pop-ups (including one grand finale)—and features Maryann Cocca-Leffler’s gorgeous signature artwork.From getting hair and make-up done to pirouettes to the final bow, this book has it all. Young dancers—and aspiring dancers—will love every minute of it.

Mr. Tanen and his ties are back! But now there's trouble. Mr. Tanen's school has run out of funds for the long-awaited playground. He needs to raise money--fast. But how? Then Mr. Tanen remembers the words of Mr. Apple, his boss, "I wish our bank account was as full as your tie closet." "That's it!" shouts Mr. Tanen. And the next day, the entire town is plastered with signs that read "Mr. Tanen's Tie Auction."