Step into Reading Books

Established in July 2013 in a merger between Penguin and Random House, Penguin Random House, with nearly 250 independent imprints and brands on five continents, more than 15,000 new titles published each year, and close to 800 million print, audio, and eBooks sold annually, is the world’s leading trade book publisher. Like its predecessor companies, Penguin Random House is committed to publishing adult and children’s fiction and nonfiction print editions and is a pioneer in digital publishing. Its publishing lists include more than 60 Nobel Prize laureates and hundreds of the world’s most widely read authors.

Jennifer Armstrong is the author of numerous award-winning picture books and novels. Her works include Hugh Can Do and Chin Yu Min and the Ginger Cat (both ALA Notable books); The Dreams of Mairhe Mehan (a BCCB Blue Ribbon Book); and Black-Eyed Susan (a New York Public Library Best Book). Her first novel, Steal Away, was an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, an ALA Notable book, and a Golden Kite Honor book. Other titles include Pockets, Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World, Magnus at the Fire, Photo by Brady, and Once Upon a Banana. She lives in New York State.

Frank Murphy has taught a wide variety grades at the elementary and middle school level. A popular speaker, Murphy is the author of many fun historical fiction books for young readers. He lives in Holland, PA.

Sandra writes picture books, beginning readers, and, most recently, the Baby Code! series of board books. Her picture book The Giant Hug (Knopf, 2005, illustrated by Valeri Gorbachev) was a Junior Library Guild selection and an IRA Children’s Choice, and has been translated into many languages. Family, friends, pets, and nature spark the ideas for many of her stories. In addition to writing children’s books, Sandra also works as the library director of the Chaplin Public Library. Books surround her at home and at work! She lives in the Quiet Corner of Connecticut with her husband, two sons, and a flock of chickens and ducks (all named, of course).

Sue DiCicco is a former Disney animator and the author/illustrator of many beloved storybooks for children.

Richard Walz is the illustrator of many humorous historical Step into Readings. He lives in Northhampton, MA.