Meet Camille, a spunky young girl and her loving family in Leaves to My Knees. She has a “big” rake now and is determined to rake leaves “up to her knees.”  Her “little” brother has a “smaller,” toy rake. A playful introduction to the early math concepts of measurement and size comparison, the book depicts the family’s joy in playing and learning together while doing an everyday chore: raking leaves. Young readers can easily relate to the main character, Camille, who sets her own goals, faces challenges, is disappointed but never gives up. Leaves to My Knees was published by Star Bright Books in 2022.

Ellen Mayer (author) ia a former researcher at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Ellen’s research focused on family engagement in children’s early learning. She writes children’s books that are inviting and playful, and that also help parents and caregivers become more involved. https://ellenmayerbooks.com (her Small Talk Books have been selected by many literacy programs).

Nicole Tadgell’s (illustrator) distinctive watercolor illustrations have won many awards and honors. Known for creating realistic yet whimsical characters and scenes, she continues to bring stories to life while advocating for diversity in children’s literature.  https://nicoletadgell.art