Books by Amy Hest

Kiss Good Night (Sam Books)

by Amy Hest

"This is an enchanting little story, with homey illustrations that add to its appeal. It will be particularly reassuring to read aloud on those dark and stormy nights." — School Library Journal (starred review)

"It was a dark and stormy night on Plum Street. In the little white house, Mrs. Bear was putting Sam to bed."

Outside, the wind blows and the rain comes down. Inside, it is Sam's bedtime. Mrs. Bear reads him a story, tucks him in, and brings him warm milk. "Are you ready now, Sam?" she asks. "I'm waiting," he says. What else does Sam need before going to sleep? Could Mrs. Bear have forgotten a kiss?

Kiss Good Night (Sam Books)

by Amy Hest

A New York Times bestseller!

"The finale is so satisfying that it calls for an encore. 'Again!' Sam says, as will readers of this cozy story." — Child Magazine

It was a dark and stormy night on Plum Street. In the little white house, Mrs. Bear was putting Sam to bed.

Outside, the wind blows and the rain comes down. Inside, it is Sam's bedtime. Mrs. Bear reads him a story, tucks him in, and brings him warm milk. "Are you ready now, Sam?" she asks. "I'm waiting," he says. What else does Sam need before he'll go to sleep? Could Mrs. Bear have forgotten a kiss? This New York Times best-selling story by two of the most beloved picture book creators is available in a board book edition suitable for the youngest listeners.

You Can Do It, Sam

by Amy Hest

Sam goes all by himself to deliver treats to his friends in an endearing new tale from the creators of the NEW YORK TIMES bestseller KISS GOOD NIGHT and DON'T YOU FEEL WELL, SAM?

"All by myself?" whispered Sam.
"Go, go, go!" Mrs. Bear put
her arm around Sam.
"You can do it, Sam."

It happened one winter morning, when the moon was still up, making moonbeams and shadows on Plum Street. In the little white house, Mrs. Bear and Sam were baking golden-brown cakes for their friends. "Come
on, cakes," whispered Sam. "I can’t wait, I can’t wait, I can’t wait!" At last Mrs. Bear sniffed the air and said, "I believe our cakes are ready." But who will go out in the snow and carry the tasty treats to each sleepy house?

In their third story about Sam and Mrs. Bear, Amy Hest and Anita Jeram capture a child’s simple joy of giving - and a quiet moment of confidence that will warm the coldest winter day.

You Can Do It, Sam

by Amy Hest

"Endearing characters add to the sweetness and fulfillment that younger children will identify with, making this third Sam and Mrs. Bear story quite a delicious morsel." — Kirkus Reviews

"Little ones will find this both a suitable precursor to nap time and a spur to be brave and act generously — just like Sam." — Booklist

Mrs. Bear and Sam are baking cakes for their friends.

Don't You Feel Well, Sam? (Sam Books)

by Amy Hest

"This follow-up to the best-selling Kiss Good Night will comfort little ones like a cozy blanket that’s tucked in just right." — Booklist (starred review)

In the little white house, Mrs. Bear is putting Sam to bed, when suddenly — HCK HCK! coughs Sam. Mrs. Bear gets some syrup. But the syrup tastes bad, and there’s too much of it on a too-big spoon, and it’s too hard to swallow. What will make Sam feel better? Acclaimed picture-book creators Amy Hest and Anita Jeram revisit Sam and Mrs. Bear as they share a quiet moment of comfort that is enough to conquer the coldest night.

Little Chick

by Salina Yoon, Amy Hest

Little Chick meets friends from far and near.They're celebrating -- spring is here!

Little Chick

by Salina Yoon, Amy Hest

The creators of the New York Times bestselling Kiss Good Night offer a trio of gentle tales about a special intergenerational bond.

Little Chick may be a good and patient gardener, as Old-Auntie observes, but what if you simply can’t wait for your carrot to grow tall? What if you skip like a pro but still can’t lift your kite in the air? Or if you’re a really good stretcher but can’t reach your favorite star? With affection and humor, Amy Hest offers three vignettes about a curious chick and a loving auntie who knows how to soften disappointments by keeping the spark of wonder alive. And the incomparable Anita Jeram renders Little Chick’s gestures and movements with a mastery that captures the spirit of every young child.

When Jessie Came Across the Sea

by Amy Hest

"Hest simply and faithfully holds a mirror to the milestone event for millions of turn-of-the-century immigrants." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

When a young girl from a poor eastern European village learns that she must leave her beloved grandmother for a new life — and a new love — in America, they both feel that their hearts will break. The sure and inspired narrative by award-winning author Amy Hest is paired with paintings by P.J. Lynch that glow with warmth and carefully observed detail, creating an unforgettable tribute to the immigrant experience.

When Jessie Came Across the Sea

by Amy Hest

In an inspiring pairing, Amy Hest and P.J. Lynch create an unforgettable tribute to the immigrant experience.

Jessie lives with her grandmother in a poor village in the valleys of eastern Europe. When, to everyone's surprise, young Jessie is chosen by the village rabbi to travel to America, and to leave her grandmother behind, they both feel their hearts will break.

Award-winning author Amy Hest brings her sure and inspired touch to the story of our immigrant heritage as she follows Jessie across the ocean to a new life—and a new love—in America.

Exquisitely illustrated by P.J. Lynch, with paintings that glow with warmth and carefully observed detail, WHEN JESSIE COMES ACROSS THE SEA transcends time and culture in a tribute to the courage and hope of all who seek a better life. It is destined to become a modern classic.

Make the Team, Baby Duck!

by Amy Hest

Will Baby Duck take the plunge? Amy Hest and Jill Barton team up swimmingly for a new Baby Duck episode - with enough humor and heart to reassure the most hesitant of little ones.

Baby Duck longs to join the swimming team. But she won’t go in the water - no matter how cheerfully Mrs. Duck trills or how earnestly Mr. Duck clucks. Luckily, Grampa comes wandering by with his new towel, and Grampa always knows what to say to make Baby Duck feel better - and braver. Maybe she’ll be brave enough to line up her fine, strong feet on the edge of the pool and jump right in!

Mr. George Baker (Reading Rainbow Books)

by Amy Hest

A best-selling author and illustrator pay tribute to the power of language and intergenerational bonds.

George Baker and Harry don’t seem the likeliest of friends. Yet, sitting side by side on George’s porch, waiting for the school bus to come, the two have plenty in common, this hundred-year-old musician with the crookedy fingers going tappidy on his knees and the young schoolboy whose shoelaces always need tying. They’re both learning to read, which is hard — but what’s easy is the warm friendship they share. In an inspired pairing, a best-selling author and illustrator pay tribute to the power of language and intergenerational bonds.

Jamaica Louise James

by Amy Hest

Down in the 86th Street subway station, a plaque bears the name "Jamaica Louise James, age 8." Who is Jamaica and what did she do? Sit back and enjoy because in this peppery story, Jamaica tells you all about it.

With pictures as spunky as Jamaica Louise James herself, Amy Hest's inspiring tale reveals how important just one person — even someone aged eight — can be.

Guess Who, Baby Duck!

by Amy Hest

Snuggle up with Baby Duck for a private photo viewing with Grampa in this adorable episode perfect for preschoolers.

It’s a rainy, rainy day, and Baby Duck has a little cold. But as always, Baby starts feeling better when Grampa comes to visit, especially when she sees the cheering-up present he’s brought. It’s a big book filled with pictures of Baby Duck! There she is on the day she was born, and right after a bath, and taking her first wobbly steps. Baby likes what she sees, and she loves spending time with Grampa. Little listeners who adore being the center of attention are sure to share Baby’s enthusiasm — before running off to find their own family photo albums!

The Dog Who Belonged to No One

by Amy Hest

A timeless tale of friendship by New York Times bestselling author Amy Hest. Once there was a small dog with crooked ears. He belonged to no one.And once there was a wisp of a girl named Lia. . . .The dog who belonged to no one spent his days quite alone. . . . He longed for a friend. No one takes notice of a small dog with crooked ears who doesn’t have a home. He explores the narrow streets and wide boulevards every day, while across town a little girl named Lia pedals on her bicycle alone, delivering breads and cakes. Both dream of finding a friend, until fate brings them together. With lyrical text by New York Times bestselling author Amy Hest and tender watercolors by illustrator Amy Bates, The Dog Who Belonged to No One introduces readers to two timeless characters who will touch hearts as they discover how they belong to each other.

Big Bear and Little Bear Go Fishing

by Amy Hest

An unhurried fishing trip, with blueberry scones in tow, introduces a new bear duo sure to charm fans of Little Bear and Frog and Toad.

One day Big Bear says to Little Bear,
I’m just in the mood for fishing.
Me, too, says Little Bear. Just in the mood.

With this decided, Big Bear and Little Bear are off… almost. First they need the right attire, poles in a red wagon, a basket of freshly-baked scones, and a good book to read. It’s unclear how much real fishing will get done today, but one thing’s for sure: there will be a cozy nap in the hammock at the end.

Adults who grew up with classic stories about friendship and caring will feel an immediate resonance in the low-stakes adventures of these two adorable bears. Amy Hest’s wry text sets a pitch-perfect mood, and Caldecott Medalist Erin Stead brings fine art to each bucolic illustration. Big Bear and Little Bear Go Fishing is a treat for all ages and is sure to find a treasured place on shelves for years to come.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Kiss Good Night: Padded Board Book

by Amy Hest

“An enchanting little story, with homey illustrations that add to its appeal.” — School Library Journal (starred review)

Outside, the wind blows and the rain comes down. Inside, it is Sam’s bedtime. Mrs. Bear reads him a story, tucks him in, and brings him warm milk. “Are you ready now, Sam?” she asks. “I’m waiting,” he says. What else does Sam need before going to sleep? Could Mrs. Bear have forgotten a kiss?

¿Quieres Ser Mi Amigo?

by Amy Hest

Lola and Simón are neighbors, but they never say hello or greet each other. Simon stares at Lola and thinks she may be lonely. She may need a friend. Lola looks at Simón and thinks he may be lonely. He may need a friend. And one day, a shooting star flies across the night sky.

Lola y Simón son vecinos, pero nunca se saludan. Lola piensa que su vecino Simón está solo, ¿quién podría ser su amigo? Simón piensa que su vecina Lola está sola. ¿Quién podría ser su amigo? Una noche los dos ven una estrella fugaz.

My Old Pal, Oscar

by Amy Hest

After a young boy’s beloved pet passes away, he encounters an adorable stray dog on the beach. The boy tries to walk away and ignore the cuddly creature, but the puppy continues to follow him, undeterred. Though the boy is still dealing with the pain of his loss and feels afraid to care about a new pet again, as the two walk the sand together, the boy slowly opens himself up to the joy of having a new dog in his life and making peace with the past. New York Times bestselling Amy Hest and Amy Bates, the beloved team who created The Dog Who Belonged to No One, have created a touching story about new beginnings and how friendship and love have the power to heal.

Are You Sure, Mother Bear?

by Amy Hest

Will everything I love still be there when I wake? Mother Bear’s absolute reassurance—and an unexpected outing—enables a little cub to sleep in a masterful bedtime story.

On the first night of winter, Little Miss Bear will not go to sleep. She simply refuses. “Winter is for sleeping,” Mother Bear tells her. “But why, Mother?” Little Miss asks. “Because that’s what bears do. All bears sleep, all winter long.” All winter long is much too long for Little Miss Bear. She is going to miss her stars and her moon, and she is going to miss rolling on hills. Most of all, she is going to miss Mother Bear. But Mother finds a special way to assure her that they will all be there waiting for her—the stars, the moon, the hills, and especially Mother Bear—when she wakes in the spring. From author Amy Hest and artist Lauren Tobia comes a warm and emotionally resonant story that is sure to comfort little bears everywhere.

Billy and Rose: Just the Way They Are Candlewick Sparks

by Amy Hest

Billy and Rose are prone to serious discussion in their second outing about the ups and downs of negotiating friendship.

The diligent sheep and the mellow pig who debuted in Billy and Rose: Forever Friends are back--and they have strong opinions! Even best friends can disagree, whether the topic is books (tall blue books versus fat red ones), rain (will it or won't it?), the perils of a bad hair day (should Rose concur that Billy is having one?), or the incendiary question of which flavor of cupcake is best. Sharing--books and a purple umbrella, compliments and cupcakes (two flavors)--is the antidote to seriousness in this second set of four witty stories to feature the endearing pair. Kady MacDonald Denton's warm and spirited illustrations complement Amy Hest's gentle study of friends as they debate the important issues of the day--and reap the rewards of compromise.

Bunny Should Be Sleeping

by Amy Hest

Bunny can’t sleep because Dad forgot to check on him, so he sets out to check on Dad.

Bunny should be sleeping, but instead, he is waiting for Dad to come check on him. Dad always checks on him, but tonight, Dad is late.

Soon Dad will come. He will come in the night
to check on his little Bunny. Come on, Dad!
Check on me, check on me, check on me!

Bunny can’t wait anymore— he needs his dad! Slipping out of bed, Bunny packs a wagon of everything Dad might need: some water, a blanket, a snack, and their favorite book to share. Down the hall and through the dark, Bunny finds Dad fast asleep, oblivious to all the supplies Bunny offers him.

At last, Bunny resorts to a tap on the nose to wake Dad up. Dad checks on Bunny, and Bunny checks on Dad, who is happy to see him, if still groggy. They read their special book, and all is right with the world again.

Bestselling author Amy Hest teams up with Renata Liwska, illustrator of Deborah Underwood’s The Quiet Book, for a bedtime book as adorable and warm as two sleepy bunnies. Sure to soothe children dubious about staying in their rooms alone at night, Bunny Should Be Sleeping reminds young readers that they are safe and loved even when the house is dark and quiet.