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Featured books by

Mary Quattlebaum

Mary Quattlebaum writes for readers of all ages. She plays with the sound of language in novels, picture books, and poetry while introducing intriguing individuals. From life in a pond to urban gardens to an unexpected swashbuckling competition, you'll enjoy getting to know the characters in the books by Mary Quattlebaum.

Grover G. Graham and Me
Grover G. Graham and Me
By: Mary Quattlebaum
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Ben is only 11 but in his 8th foster home. There, Ben allows himself to feel deeply for another foster child, a baby named for a Sesame Street character and abandoned by his mother much like Ben was. Ben and the other characters and their evolution are plausible, poignant, and positive.

Jackson Jones and the Curse of the Outlaw Rose
Jackson Jones and the Curse of the Outlaw Rose
By: Mary Quattlebaum
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Could the rose bush clipping culled from a cemetery be responsible for the mysterious goings-on? Jackson and his friends think it might be in this adventure with likeable characters engaged in fast-paced, believable action.

Jackson Jones and the Puddle of Thorns
Jackson Jones and the Puddle of Thorns
By: Mary Quattlebaum
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Jackson works to turn a community garden plot into a working business so he can buy the basketball he wanted for his 10th birthday. The fast-paced plot unfolds through Jackson's lively, often humorous voice through to its satisfying conclusion.

Jo MacDonald Had a Garden
Jo MacDonald Had a Garden
By: Mary Quattlebaum
Illustrated by: Laura Bryant
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

In this version of a familiar tune, Jo MacDonald (the old farmer's granddaughter) and her cousin plant a Spring garden, watch it grow, observe what visits it, gather its bounty before the cycle ends only to begin again. Engaging illustrations suggest ways to dramatize the yearly cycle, and suggested activities conclude the book.

Jo MacDonald Saw a Pond
Jo MacDonald Saw a Pond
By: Mary Quattlebaum
Illustrated by: Laura Bryant
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Jo, granddaughter of Old MacDonald (of farm fame), visits a pond and observes the teeming life in and around it. The familiar alphabetic refrain and playful language make this a joyful introduction to science all around. Additional information and activities are included.

Pirate vs. Pirate: The Terrific Tale of a Big, Blustery Maritime Match
Pirate vs. Pirate: The Terrific Tale of a Big, Blustery Maritime Match
By: Mary Quattlebaum
Illustrated by: Alexandra Boiger
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

When Bad Bart who was the "biggest, burliest pirate this side of the Atlantic" meets Mean Mo, "maddest, mightiest pirate this side of the Pacific," an unwinnable competition ensues that ends in romance. The rollicking pirate adventures are told with verve and humor.

Underground Train
Underground Train
By: Mary Quattlebaum
Illustrated by: Cat Bowman Smith
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

The city above is as lively as the subway that a young child and her mother take to visit the girl's grandmother. Familiar landmarks depicted in energetic illustrations reveal that this city is Washington D.C., but the alliterative, lively language presents a universally exciting ride.

Winter Friends
Winter Friends
By: Mary Quattlebaum
Illustrated by: Hiroe Nakata
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

Short poems and translucent watercolors capture the sights, the cold, and the fun of winter. A squirrel, however, "scolds and scolds/this mean white stuff/that stole his snack/and chills his toes."

Interested in wonderful interviews with tween and teen authors? Hop on over to our sister site, AdLit.org, and browse the library.

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