Dogs
Of all the animals on the planet, dogs have the widest range of roles in our daily lives. They’re protectors, helpers, lifesavers—but most of all, they’re family. And they’ve taken a fascinating journey to get to this point.
Long ago, early wolves evolved from fierce predators into trusted partners. They became dogs! While we know dogs to be lovable and full of personality, they have also historically improved our lives in many practical ways, like guarding livestock to help humans form the first settlements, cleaning out infectious wounds, and finding food.
Covering over 50,000 years of history, from cave-dwelling to the present day.
“A tail-wagging tribute. The heartwarming narrative is more than matched by the intense appeal of the cheery, alert, eminently pettable looking four-legged cast in the illustrations. Sweeter than a scratch behind the ears.”
―Kirkus Reviews
Something Beautiful
Mouse, Elephant, and Giraffe have so much in common. They like the same games. They eat the same snacks. They don’t need anyone else! Or do they? When the group takes a chance on opening up, they discover that meeting someone new and seeing things from a new perspective can be truly wonderful.
–An Amazon Best Book of the Month/Editor’s picks for June 2022.
“Judge’s signature lively, detailed watercolor illustrations depict the cute, expressive animals, their interactions, and their frolicsome activities with amusing, touching details.”
―Booklist
Book Trailer for Something Beautiful
The Wisdom of Trees
We clean the air and seed the clouds, we drench the thirsty land with rain. We are like wizards.
The story of a tree is a story of community, communication, and cooperation. Although trees may seem like silent, independent organisms, they form a network buzzing with life: they talk, share food, raise their young, and offer protection. Trees thrive on diversity, learn from their ancestors, and give back to their communities. Trees not only sustain life on our planet―they can also teach us important lessons about patience, survival, and teamwork.
–NYPL’s Best Books of 2021
–NYPL Top 10 Books for Kids
–School Library Journal Best Nonfiction 2021 | SLJ Best Books List
“Elegant watercolor and pencil illustrations in a naturalistic color palette adeptly portray flora and fauna, encouraging readers to dwell on each detail and making for an accessible, rousing resource.”
―Publishers Weekly, *STARRED REVIEW
“In poetry, prose, and art, examples from around the world teach both basic botany and current, even cutting-edge, research about trees.”
―Kirkus Reviews, *STARRED REVIEW
“Wonderful illustrations and poetry highlight cutting-edge scientific information about how trees communicate and share information. Don’t leave this one behind.”
―School Library Journal, *STARRED REVIEW
Even The Smallest Will Grow
I began writing this book, at least my heart did, the moment I adopted a kitten, a couple of years ago. She was so small and fragile, while at the same time, curious and brave. Watching her grow as she discovered the world around her renewed in me a sense of wonder. I am always inspired by young creatures and children. They hold this magical balance between vulnerability and strength. They are at once filled with potential and live completely in the moment. They motivate me and drive me to create stories for them in return.
I think of all my books, this was the most fun to create because it allowed me to dream alongside that youthful energy and slip into that place where one can feel hope and wonder again.
Book Trailer for Even The Smallest Will Grow
When You Need Wings
On a day when you feel
like no one is listening,
and you wish you could just disappear,
shut your eyes and listen.
Do you hear it?
That isn’t your heart.
That is the sound of your very own wings
beating within.
When You Need Wings takes readers on a wonder-filled exploration of a child’s imagination, thoughtfully weaving in a gentle suggestion of how to explore that bountiful inner world and let it help them shine with courage in the real one.
“Delightful, energetic pencil-and-watercolor illustrations. . . . This sweet book offers a comforting and reassuring idea to help children through a tough time—or any time.”
―Kirkus Reviews
Book Trailer for When You Need WIngs
The Making of When You Need WIngs
Homes in the Wild
“A lovely and informative picture book featuring over 20 kinds of animal families and their homes in nature. A must for nonfiction collections everywhere.”
–School Library Journal, *STARRED REVIEW
“An attractive, visually engaging introduction to animal homes.”
—Booklist
“The paintings . . . are true, endearing winners, depicting realistic, adorable, close-knit animal families in their homes and habitats . . . Solid, appealing nonfiction for the younger set.”
―Kirkus Reviews
Penguin Flies Home
But when he arrives, his enthusiasm for flying doesn’t get quite the reaction he expected. Will Penguin’s friends still like him, even if they don’t share his soaring dreams?
“There are few birds more endearing than Judge’s Penguin, with his rotund little body, scarlet aviator glasses, and passionate attachment to his dream and his friends.”
—Booklist
“Judge’s upbeat pencil and watercolor illustrations are as energetic as her main character. . . . The sky’s the limit for Penguin and his further adventures.”
—The Horn Book
“Lighthearted and lots of fun.”
—Kirkus
“. . .a book you will be asked to read again as soon as it is finished. Readers welcome the warmth radiating from the characters.”
-Librarian’s Quest Blog
“The art, from the round and cuddly penguins to the gangly flamingo and everyone in between, is delightful.. . An uplighting treat”
-The Baby Bookworm Blog
Mary’s Monster
Who knew that Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein, had been a pregnant teenage runaway?
Legend is correct that Mary Shelley began penning Frankenstein in answer to a dare to write a ghost story. But the seeds of her novel had been planted long before that night.
“Readers will be enthralled by the dark and exacting verse, beautifully accompanied by haunting black-and-white watercolor spreads.”
–School Library Journal, *STARRED REVIEW
2019 NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People
2018 NERDIES: POETRY AND NOVELS IN VERSE
2018 Cybils Literary Award, Poetry Finalist
Nominated for both the 2019 CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals (the UK’s oldest and most prestigious children’s book awards)
2019-2020 Nomination for Georgia Peach Book Award for Teen Readers
2019 TAYSHAS Finalist: A high school reading list for the State of Texas
“Both timely and terrifying, Mary’s Monster revives an origin story too seldom told. Mary Shelley lives again in this arresting hybrid of a graphic novel in verse.”
—Gregory Maguire, New York Times–bestselling author of Wicked
“Lita Judge breathes life into Mary Shelley just as Mary Shelley breathed life into Frankenstein’s monster. A remarkable achievement.”
—Karen Hesse, MacArthur Fellow and Newbery award-winning author
“Lita Judge brings Mary Shelley to life in this stunning illustrated novel. With gripping text and heartbreaking images, the story unfolds like a gothic fairy tale—crackling with rage, riven with pain, and pulsing with ferocious beauty.”
—Laura Ruby, Printz Award–winning author of Bone Gap
“Lita Judge gorgeously entwines sensuous illustration and verse to render Mary Shelley’s vivid, turbulent story as no one else could. Darkly lovely, Mary’s Monster will haunt you.”
—Julie Berry, Printz Honor–winning author of The Passion of Dolssa
“Mary’s Monster is extraordinary in both art and language. The reader is swept up by its passion, its sadness, and the incredible strength of its protagonist. Stunning, heartbreaking, and beautiful.”
—Kristin Cashore, New York Times–bestselling author of the Graceling Realm series
“What an intensely, darkly beautiful book. An astonishing, profoundly moving vision of Mary Shelley’s life and her creation.”
—Tui T. Sutherland, New York Times–bestselling author of the Wings of Fire series
“. . . a stirring, impeccably researched portrait of a remarkable woman and her literary ‘progeny.’ Much like Mary, Judge forges a Creature all her own.”
―Booklist
A Song For Snow
“Judge’s watercolor animal illustrations are endearing and atmospheric and her writing shimmers with music and whimsy.”
—School Library Journal
“. . . will charm children with its warm sibling relationship, engaging pictures, and anticipation of winter’s wonders.”
—Booklist
“delightfully creative language. . .luminous watercolors”
—Kirkus
“With bold watercolor illustrations and fun-to-read text, this picture book reminds children that, sometimes, beautiful things take time.”
—Brightly, The Best Children’s and YA Books of November 2017
Hoot and Peep
A book that celebrates the wonder found in little things—and in the hearts of dreamers, young and old.
“Judge’s text is poetic…and the illustrations are glorious.”
–School Library Journal, *STARRED REVIEW
“…a lovely nighttime fantasy whose starry, blue-tinged scenes among tiled rooftops, chimney pipes, and gothic spires bring to mind Peter Pan and Mary Poppins. “
–Publishers Weekly
“…particularly lovely, painted in watercolor with some digital enhancements. Shades of blue dominate, providing an attractive counterpoint to the dusky browns and grays of buildings, streets, and gargoyles as well as to the brighter yellow, russet, and gold of the owls. “
–Kirkus Reviews
Good Morning to Me!
It’s a sleepy morning in the cottage, but Beatrix the parrot is wide AWAKE…and she can’t wait to start the day with her friends.
“…a lead character whose energetic, blissfully obtuse personality is as vivid as her bright green feathers…It’s easy to imagine the many warm, giggling interchanges that snuggling with this book will inspire.”
–Publishers Weekly, *STARRED REVIEW
“Beatrix’s irrepressible character stands out as brightly as her green and gold plumage….Young children who share Beatrix’s morning hyperactivity, or even just her flexible relationship with the idea of an “indoor voice,” will certainly relate…as will, without doubt, their parents. A few hearty squawks and a brisk bit of exercise…what better way to start the day? “
–Kirkus Reviews
“Lita Judge has a way of putting words together, sending them straight to stored laughter in your heart. The main character may be a parrot but the joy this bird finds daily will remind readers of themselves now or in the past. Beatrix, like so many young readers, sees possibilities everywhere.”
–Librarian’s Quest Blog
Born in the Wild
What do grizzly bear cubs eat? Where do baby raccoons sleep? And how does a baby otter learn to swim? Every baby mammal, from a tiny harvest mouse “pinky” to a fierce lion cub, needs food, shelter, love, and a family. Filled with illustrations of some of the most adorable babies in the kingdom, this awww-inspiring book looks at the traits that all baby mammals share and proves that, even though they’re born in the wild, they’re not so very different from us, after all!
“…illustrations depict these animals so tenderly”
–School Library Journal, *STARRED REVIEW
“…Judge…has a particular gift for animal portraiture that connects other living things to human understanding”
–Kirkus, *STARRED REVIEW
“tender, naturalistic”
–Publisher’s Weekly, *STARRED REVIEW
–A Junior Library Guild Selection
–Amazon.com Best Books of 2014: Nonfiction Children’s Books!
Flight School
Some are born to run; little Penguin believes he was “hatched to fly.” …he’s come all the way from the South Pole (via a bright red motorboat) to attend a tropical shoreline flight school run for birds by birds…Penguin soon discovers that zoology is destiny, no matter how nifty his red aviator goggles or how eager his new friends are to help get him aloft, which they manage to do…thanks to some engineering worthy of MacGyver. (PW, 2/14) Although little Penguin has the soul of an eagle, his body wasn’t built to soar. But Penguin has an irrepressible spirit, and he adamantly follows his dreams to flip, flap, fly!
“…delightful and charming book.”
–School Library Journal, *STARRED REVIEW
“…warm, robust, and thoughtfully composed”
–BCCB, *STARRED REVIEW
“…the action has the tight comic pacing of a classic cartoon, one with heart to match Penguin’s own.”
–Publishers Weekly
“…exaggeratedly, expressively funny.”
–Kirkus Reviews
“…little Penguin’s…lovable enthusiasm and optimism will resonate with young readers with lofty dreams.”
–Horn Book Magazine, May/June 2014
“…storytelling genius”
–BookPage
2015 nominee for the Ladybug Picture Book Award (New Hampshire)
How Big Were Dinosaurs?
We think of dinosaurs as colossal giants, but how big were they REALLY? This fact-filled book puts dinosaurs next to modern animals so that you can see exactly how they size up.
“Sizable storytime potential.”
–School Library Journal, *STARRED REVIEW
“When reading books written by Lita Judge, especially her nonfiction, it’s as if we are students in a magical classroom with a master educator…”
Librarian’s Quest Blog
“…humorous comparison scenarios abound…The concise narrative jauntily moves through the tongue-twisting dinosaur names and their dimensions. “
–Publishers Weekly
“Judge knows about dinosaurs…”
–New York Times, Aug 23, 2013
–Book of outstanding merit, Best Children’s Books of the Year, Bank Street College
–New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing 2013
–10 to Note for Summer 2013 100 Scope Notes/SLJ
–NPR’s Best Books of 2013 NPR Books
–2013 Cybils Awards Finalist in Elementary & Middle Grade Nonfiction
Red Hat
It’s spring and the crew from Red Sled are back –with their babies! This time a hand-knit hat is hung outside to dry. Read how the baby animals get into some delightful mischief – and out again!
“Young fans will love reading and rereading…”
–Kirkus Reviews, *STARRED REVIEW
It’s the rare sequel that’s as good as the original…as clever as Red Sled.
–Stroller Traffic, March 2013
Like its predecessor, this picture book is almost wordless but seldom silent…
–Booklist, March 2013
“…the laughs are on target.”
–Publishers Weekly,
Red Sled
“PURE GENIUS.”
–Kirkus Reviews, *STARRED REVIEW
“A GEM.”
–School Library Journal, *STARRED REVIEW
“..a story that’s both cuddly and smartly paced.”
–Publishers Weekly, *STARRED REVIEW
“I am wracking my brain to recall another children’s book that so perfectly captures and portrays the feeling of delight that this one does…RED SLED is pure magic.”
–Richie Partington, MLIS, Richie’s Picks
“Perfect for winter-themed storytimes! Highly Recommended.”
–Tracy Gallagher, MLIS, Collection Development, Ingram Library Services
–Selected for Winter 2011-2012 Kids’ Indie Next List
–Amazon.com Best Books of the Month for Children: November 2011
–a Kirkus Best Children’s Book of 2011
–CCBC Choices 2012
Bird Talk
“the overall effect is magical”
–Horn Book, March/April 2012
“energy, humor, and elegance”
–School Library Journal
“[the] illustrations are simultaneously naturalistic and joyful, pairing well with her storyteller’s flair.”
–Publishers Weekly
“Delightfully straightforward and accessible”
–Kirkus Reviews
–A Junior Library Guild Selection
–Book Links magazine’s 2012 Lasting Connections list
–2013 DC Capitol Choices List of Noteworthy Titles for Children and Teens
–2013 Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year Master List
Strange Creatures
A Junior Library Guild Selection (Biography Elementary)
Spring 2011 Kids’ Indie Next List from the American Booksellers Association
“There’s much in Walter Rothschild’s story for a tyke to like, particularly the timid boy’s end run around his father’s ambitions, and Judge makes the most of the battle of wills in her humor-tinged watercolors. Wild animals pop up all over the swanky estate while portraits of ancestors glare down from their frames in disapproval of the family ado. A final note comments on Rothschild’s contribution to the burgeoning field of zoology and on the way collection practices and wildlife study have changed over the past century and a half. Primary-grade children who are encouraged (assigned?) to read a biography will find Rothschild to be one of the most engaging guys they’ve never heard of.” -BCCB
“…another inventive book. If it crawled, slithered, or flew, Walter was observing it. … Magnificent!” -Children’s Literature Network News, Feb 19, 2011
“In richly colored paintings Ms. Judge shows readers … nautiluses and octopuses, lizards and kiwis, okapis from the Congo, capybaras from Colombia, and marabou storks.”
-Wall Street Journal, Feb 11, 2011
Born to be Giants
A Junior Library Guild Selection (Science Nonfiction)
Scholastic Book Fair Selection
New York Public Library 100 Books for Reading and Sharing (2010)
Selected to represent New Hampshire in the 2010 National Book Festival
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Medal Winner
CCBC Choices 2011
“Eye-catching illustrations and the combination of two perennially popular topics make this book a sure hit.” -Kirkus
“..insightful book filled with fascinating details…expressive paintings make artful use of dimension and scale while bringing the compelling creatures to life.” -Pulishers Weekly
“The text is a model of logical reasoning…The detailed, richly colored illustrations, which often place readers at baby-dinosaur eye level, take the same care in balancing accuracy and imagination.” -Horn Book
“..a full measure of visual appeal.” -Booklist
“A surefire hit for dinophiles.” -School Library Journal
Yellowstone Moran
In the summer of 1871, a young painter named Thomas Moran joined a team of scientists heading for the untamed land called “the Yellowstone.” He couldn’t believe what he found there—steaming cauldrons of sulfur, belching geysers, even a thousand-foot-deep canyon. Tom had never ridden a horse or slept under the stars before, but the paintings he created on his journey from city boy to seasoned explorer would lead to the founding of America’s first national park.
A Junior Library Guild Selection (Biography Elementary)
Smithsonian Notable Books for Children 2009
Book Links Lasting Connection of 2009
Pennies for Elephants
2010-2011 Vermont Red Clover Award Nominee
2009 New Hampshire Outstanding Work of Children’s Literature
Massachusetts Book Award Finalist
2010-2011 Pennsylvania Keystone to Reading Award List
“As she did in One Thousand Tracings, Judge weaves a compelling tale based on a true, heartwarming incident…Warm sepia tones lend atmosphere, too, and splashes of bright red, blue, purple and yellow in the children’s outfits echo their sunny, can-do demeanor.”
–Publishers Weekly
“Both the text and illustrations have much to recommend it, but in the end, this is ultimately a heartwarming book that will make you pull for the kids right up to the cheer-inducing end. Recommended with enthusiasm.”
– The Miss Rumphius Effect
One Thousand Tracings
2008 Winner of the IRA Children’s Book Award
2008 ALA Notable Children’s Book
2008 Jane Addams Children’s Book Award Honor
NCTE Notable Children’s Books in the Language Arts
Bank Street Best Books of the Year 2008
New York Public Library 100 Books for Reading and Sharing (2007)
2008 Michigan Notable Book
CCBC Choices 2008
IRA Teachers’ Choices for 2008
IRA Notable Book for a Global Society
2007 Society of School Librarians (SSLI)
NAPPA Gold Award
2008 Storytelling World Resource Award
2007 Cybils Awards Finalist
Book Links Lasting Connection of 2007