Gentle
Written by Ellie Laks, Illustrated by Jennifer A. Bell
from Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Gentle is a sweet picture book about the transformative power that quiet love and kindness can have on any creature, based on the real-life animal sanctuary the Gentle Barn.
"[Lak's] text is a kind of incantation that accumulate like a lullaby... A hushed, lovely gem." ―Kirkus
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Babysitter Tree - Coming Soon!
Written by Molly Beth Griffin, Illustrated by Jennifer A. Bell
Available October 20, 2026 from Minnesota Historical Society Press
When a mama black bear goes foraging, she leaves her cubs with their babysitter--a huge white pine tree--where they'll be safe until she returns. They are sad to be left behind, but soon they are playing in the shade of the tree. All is well, until a coyote's scent sends them climbing high into the branches. Will mama come back? Will she scare the danger away? The cubs discover that their mama will always take care of them, even when that means leaving them with another trusted caretaker.
Review
★“Per an author’s note, Griffin (Ten Beautiful Things) and Bell (Gentle) showcase “real-life, scientifically observed” Black bear behavior in this memorable and playful account of how mother bears use white pines to “babysit” their cubs while foraging.”
―Publishers Weekly (starred review)
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The Best Gift for Bear
by Jennifer A. Bell
Hedgehog has been busy making gifts for all of her friends. But what could possibly be grand enough for her dear friend Bear? Bear had shown Hedgehog the wonders of butterflies and taught her to ice-skate, after all. When Hedgehog finally finds her inspiration and delivers the gift, it doesn’t quite turn out as she expected. Two Lions, Sept. 2022
Reviews
★ “This genuinely heartfelt, quietly moving friendship story emphasizes that ‘a day with a friend is the best gift of all.’” ―Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“A sweet, appealing picture book for the season.” ―Booklist
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My Little Deer
Written by Hannah Eliot, Illustrated by Jennifer A. Bell
This charming board book with a padded cover is the perfect read-aloud for your little dear.
Little Simon, Sept. 2025
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My Little Lamb
Written by Hannah Eliot, Illustrated by Jennifer A. Bell
This sweet springtime board book with a padded cover is perfect to share with your gentle little lamb!
Little Simon, Jan. 2024
★ “Soft and gentle, this title of a parent’s patience and enduring love is relevant for every family.” -- School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW ― 2/9/2024
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The Adventures of Sophie Mouse, Books 1-22
Written by Poppy Green, illustrated by Jennifer A. Bell
With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Adventures of Sophie Mouse chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.
Learn more at Simon & Schuster
