Books with author Stacey Dressen McQueen

Simple seeds of friendship grow into something extraordinaryAfter World War II there is little left in Katje's town of Olst in Holland. Her family, like most Dutch families, must patch their old worn clothing and go without everyday things like soap and milk. Then one spring morning when the tulips bloom "thick and bright," Postman Kleinhoonte pedals his bicycle down Katje's street to deliver a mysterious box – a box from America! Full of soap, socks, and chocolate, the box has been sent by Rosie, an American girl from Mayfield, Indiana. Her package is part of a goodwill effort to help the people of Europe. What's inside so delights Katje that she sends off a letter of thanks – beginning an exchange that swells with so many surprises that the girls, as well as their townspeople, will never be the same.This inspiring story, with strikingly original art, is based on the author's mother's childhood and will show young readers that they, too, can make a difference.Boxes for Katje is a 2004 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year and a 2006 California Young Readers Medal for Picture Books for Older Readers winner

Every morning, Lucy tiptoes into her grandmother's room to wake her with a gentle tickle. Little Mamá always remembers to tickle Lucy right back! But Lucy knows there are things her abuelita sometimes forgets – like the way to the park or how to tie her shoes. "Two long bunny ears like this," Lucy shows her. Still, there's much that Little Mamá remembers and shares: how to skip and dance, stories from Mexico, and plenty of hugs and kisses.A lyrical text with Spanish words and phrases and vibrant art spiced with cultural details capture the give-and-take in this lively Hispanic family and celebrate the special bonds that exist between young and old.

“We’re going to see the Elephant!” That’s what people say when they head West on a journey promising to be “something powerful strange. Like a real live elephant, but even bigger – stranger – wilder – scarier!” Lily Rose is raring to go. Along the way she’ll help stitch her family’s adventures into a grand and glorious quilt.Inspired by a quilt sewn by young Mary Margaret Hezlep in 1859 during her journey West, readers will relish this spirited tale with its lively heroine and bold pictures, cleverly designed to include quilted elements. And they’ll have fun finding the elephant hidden in the final quilt and tracing Lily Rose’s journey from Missouri to California in the quilt border—a reminder of a trip that’s as BO-dacious as Lily Rose herself! The Elephant Quilt is a 2009 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

Is Dalia’s little blue box magic—or is the real magic the generosity that helps her fill it? When Dalia learns about tzedakah, the Jewish tradition of charity and caring, she creates a tzedakah box where she can keep the money she’s saved to help those in need. Her little brother Yossi is curious about the Hebrew letters painted on the box. "Are those letters magic?" he asks. They must be because Dalia tells him she's putting a big yellow comforter, a butterfly bush, and a banana cream pie inside of it! How ever will she do it? Though there may be joy in receiving, Dalia’s story serves as a powerful reminder that the greatest joy of all comes from giving generously to others.

Is Dalia’s little blue box magic—or is the real magic the generosity that helps her fill it? When Dalia learns about tzedakah, the Jewish tradition of charity and caring, she creates a tzedakah box where she can keep the money she’s saved to help those in need. Her little brother Yossi is curious about the Hebrew letters painted on the box. "Are those letters magic?" he asks. They must be because Dalia tells him she's putting a big yellow comforter, a butterfly bush, and a banana cream pie inside of it! How ever will she do it? Though there may be joy in receiving, Dalia’s story serves as a powerful reminder that the greatest joy of all comes from giving generously to others. From the Hardcover edition.

Simple seeds of friendship grow into something extraordinaryAfter World War II there is little left in Katje's town of Olst in Holland. Her family, like most Dutch families, must patch their old worn clothing and go without everyday things like soap and milk. Then one spring morning when the tulips bloom "thick and bright," Postman Kleinhoonte pedals his bicycle down Katje's street to deliver a mysterious box – a box from America! Full of soap, socks, and chocolate, the box has been sent by Rosie, an American girl from Mayfield, Indiana. Her package is part of a goodwill effort to help the people of Europe. What's inside so delights Katje that she sends off a letter of thanks – beginning an exchange that swells with so many surprises that the girls, as well as their townspeople, will never be the same.This inspiring story, with strikingly original art, is based on the author's mother's childhood and will show young readers that they, too, can make a difference.

Every morning, Lucy tiptoes into her grandmother’s room to wake her with a gentle tickle. Little Mamá always remembers to tickle Lucy right back! But Lucy knows there are things her abuelita sometimes forgets – like the way to the park or how to tie her shoes. “Two long bunny ears like this,” Lucy shows her. Still, there’s much that Little Mamá remembers and shares: how to skip and dance, stories from Mexico, and plenty of hugs and kisses.A lyrical text with Spanish words and phrases and vibrant art spiced with cultural details capture the give-and-take in this lively Hispanic family and celebrate the special bonds that exist between young and old.