Nancy Carlson

Few people in kindergarten know what they want to do with the rest of their life. Even fewer stick with those early dreams. Nancy Carlson was determined to be an artist from age five.

As a child, Nancy would sit on her bed and draw for hours on end. These early drawings told stories about popular girls who rode horses. "I began creating characters and telling stories through my drawings," Nancy relates. "I always had the need to communicate something through my art."

Growing up in Minnesota, Nancy had a happy and fulfilling childhood surrounded by an outgoing family. Her parents read to her, her sister, and brother every night. The comic books she loved to read as a child have influenced her style of drawing and use of color.

Inspiration for many of her lovable characters comes from childhood friends and neighbors. Loudmouth George, the boastful bunny in five of her books, was inspired by a boy in her school whose white hair reminded her of a rabbit. He was always getting into trouble and was a braggart like George. Louanne Pig is based on another childhood friend who was an only child like Louanne. Nancy once had a neighbor whose experiences inspired some of the incidences that would later involve her character Arnie, the mouse-loving cat who wears glasses.

And then there's Harriet. Everything that happens to Harriet happened to Nancy as a child— from Harriet's stage fright to learning to share Halloween candy to her interest in baseball. Even Nancy's own golden retriever got into the action. The dog, named Dame, was the visual inspiration for drawing Harriet.

After graduating from the Minneapolis College of Art, Nancy's first job was dusting children's books and helping customers in the gift shop at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. She became fascinated with the books. Soon she found herself presenting her own sketches to a local publisher. They liked Nancy's style, but it took a year of persistent contact and two assignments illustrating other writers' books before she was ready to produce her first book, Harriet's Recital, in 1982.

She went on to write four more Harriet books that year. These were followed by the Loudmouth George and Louanne Pig series. Nancy has illustrated more than 50 books, to the delight of parents and children alike. "My first draft of Harriet's Recital was 80 pages long," Nancy recalled. "The words appeared in balloons out of the character's mouths, like in comic books. I had a lot to learn about writing books for young children, including the fact they are typically no longer than 32 pages."

Nancy lives in Bloomington, Minnesota with her husband and three children. She is an avid outdoorswoman, enjoying hiking, swimming, running, and bird watching.

First Grade, Here I Come!
Viking, 2006
ISBN 978-0-670-06127-3

After the first day of first grade, Henry’s not so sure how he feels about it. The teacher is not like his kindergarten teacher, the fifth-graders hog the monkey bars, and there are too many new things to learn! But as Henry tells his mother about the cool classroom science corner, a new friend who also likes soccer, and that he’ll learn to read books, he begins to realize that maybe first grade won’t be so bad after all.

With friendly illustrations and an upbeat text, Nancy Carlson delivers a reassuring story that shows how exciting first grade can be.

Henry's Show and Tell
Viking, 2004
ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0-670-03695-0

Henry really likes kindergarten—there's painting, singing, story time and lots of new things to learn. But there's one thing Henry doesn't like: show and tell! His legs get all shaky and he's too shy to speak. And it doesn't help that his classmate Tony always asks, "Is Henry going to barf?" Just in time, Henry's kind teacher comes to the rescue with a great plan for helping him overcome his fears.

My Family is Forever
Viking, 2004
ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0-689-85439-2

Some families are formed by birth, and some families are formed by adoption. But as the narrator in this heartwarming story makes clear, being part of a family isn't about who you look like or even where you were born—it's about the special love that binds you together. Nancy Carlson's thoughtful, straightforward text and cheerful illustrations combine to give a reassuring look at how one little girl came into her parent's world through adoption and made them a family forever.

It's Not My Fault
Carolrhoda Books, 2004
ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-1-57505-598-5

George is NOT having a good day. First he oversleeps, then he's late for class-soon mice are running loose throughout the school! One mishap leads to another until George is up to his ears in trouble. Yet somehow, none of it is George's fault. He has an excuse for everything. But as his bad choices catch up with him, George runs out of others to blame.

Smile a Lot!
Carolrhoda Books, 2003
ages 9 to 12, ISBN 978-0-87614-869-3

When things aren't going right, there's always something you can do to feel a little better. You don't need special tools to do it. You don't need to spend your allowance on it. You don't even need anyone to help you with it. All you need is your own face. Have you guessed what it is?

There's a Big Beautiful World Out There
Viking, 2002
ages 4 to 8, LB ISBN 978-0-670-03580-9,
paper 978-0-14-056769-4

There's a lot to be scared of, that's for sure. There's that mean-looking dog, and booming thunderstorms, and spiders and other creepy crawly things. All this scary stuff can make you want to hide under your covers and never come out. Because hiding will solve everything. Or will it?

How About a Hug?
Viking, 2001
ages 4 to 8, HC ISBN 978-0-670-03506-9,
paper ISBN 978-0-14-250144-3

This book is guaranteed to make you feel good all over! Vibrant illustrations and playful text convey the many occasions for giving and receiving a hug. From making scraped knees feel better, to greeting an old friend, to saying sorry when you've let someone down, Nancy Carlson's cheerful pig demonstrates that any time is the right time for a hug! It's for cold Monday mornings when you have to get up for school. It goes really well with pancakes and eggs. What is it? A Good Morning Hug of course!

Harriet and George's Christmas Treat
Carolrhoda Books, 2001
ages 4 to 8, LB ISBN 978-1-57505-506-0,
paper 978-1-57505-639-5

Christmas is coming, and for Harriet and George that can only mean one thing: Ms. Hoozit is making a fruitcake! Terrible memories of last year's treat flash before their eyes. They just can't face it again. Can Harriet and George survive the Christmas Treat?

My Best Friend Moved Away
Viking, 2001
ages 4 to 8, LB ISBN 978-0-670-89498-7,
paper 978-0-14-250067-5

From building forts, to sharing secrets, to sitting together on the bus, best friends do everything together. So what do you do when your best friend moves away? Will you ever have fun again? Or will you be bored and lonely for the rest of your life? Perfect for coping with those best-friend-moved-away-blues, Nancy Carlson's wise and heartfelt story eases the pain of saying good-bye, while reassuring young readers that they can make new friends even as they keep the old ones close to heart.

Hooray for Grandparents' Day
Viking, 2000
ages 4 to 8, HC ISBN 978-0-670-88876-4,
paper 978-0-14-230125-8

Grandparents' Day is coming up, and everyone at school is excited—everyone except Arnie. He doesn't have any grandparents. But Arnie has many other grownups in his life. Like Ms. Childs, who helps him find good books to read, and Coach Ed, who's always ready for a game of catch, and Bill and Dottie, who share a snack with him each day after school. Too bad none of them can be his grandparents. Or can they? Ideal for family sharing, Nancy Carlson's warm, uplifting story explores the very special relationships that can result when children and older adults enter into each other's lives—and hearts.

Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!
Viking, 1999
ages 4 to 8, LB ISBN 978-0-670-88378-3,
paper 978-0-14-056838-7

It's the first day of kindergarten, and Henry is raring to go. First he eats a good breakfast and packs up his supplies. Then he and Mom are off to school. Henry knows he's going to have a busy day: there will be stories to hear, letters and numbers to learn, pictures to paint, songs to sing—not to mention lots of new friends to make. When he gets to the building, though, it looks kind of scary, and for a moment Henry's not sure he's ready for school. But he soon discovers that the only thing he's not ready for is how much fun kindergarten is going to be!

It's Going to Be Perfect
Viking, 1998
ages 4 to 8, paper ISBN 978-0-14-056723-6,
LB 978-0-613-25751-0

Before Kelly, my first child was born, I was so excited. I just knew everything was going to be perfect. She would sleep through the night. She would coo and smile at me. I would know her every need. Well, maybe not. As the new mother and her baby in the book soon discover, 3 a.m. can be a beautiful time to be awake. Going on a picnic together is more fun than eating in a fancy restaurant any day. Growing up may not always go according to plan, but sometimes it's the unexpected things in life that bring the sweetest rewards.

Snowden
Viking, 1997
ages 4 to 8, paper ISBN 978-0-14-056769-4,
LB 978-0-613-30134-3

Kelly can't ice skate. To make matters worse, the neighborhood kids tease her about it. But when Kelly hangs a special pair of ice skates around an ordinary snowman, things suddenly start to look a little brighter ... Magic and skating go hand in hand in this lively tale about a very special friendship.

ABC, I Like Me!
Viking, 1997
ages 4 to 8, HC ISBN 978-0-670-87458-3,
paper 978-0-14-056485-3

Nancy Carlson's cheerful pig is back in the delightful ABC companion book to "I Like Me"—and this time she's brought along a few friends. With bright illustrations and big, bold letters, ABC I Like Me! introduces children to the alphabet, while friendly characters show them just how easy it is to feel good about themselves—letter by letter!

Sit Still!
Viking, 1996
ages 4 to 8, HC ISBN 978-0-670-81774-0,
paper 978-0-14-056202-6

At school, at home, on the bus, or in a restaurant—no matter how hard he tries, Patrick just can't sit still. So what's a kid with a lot of energy supposed to do? His teacher and the doctor may not have the answer, but Patrick's mom has several ideas ... Nancy Carlson's lively, cheerful illustrations and her trademark sense of humor provide warm reassurance in the funny and inspirational story that will speak to squirmy kids everywhere.

What to Do When a Bug Climbs in Your Mouth and Other Poems to Drive You Buggy
written by Rick Walton
Lothrop, Lee and Shepard, 1995
ages 4 to 8, HC ISBN 978-0-688-13658-1,
LB 978-0-688-13659-8

A humorous collection of poems about bugs, slugs and other creepy, crawly things sure to get a laugh from the 4 to 8 year old crowd (who seem to have a thing for bugs at this age). The colorful child-like insect drawings are a perfect accompaniment to this silly approach to insect shenanigans. A creative way to get kids started on writing their own poems and increasing their observations of the insect world. —Meredith E. Kiger, for Children's Literature

Arnie and the Skateboard Gang
Viking, 1995
ages 4 to 8, HC ISBN 978-0-606-11057-0,
paper 978-0-14-055840-1

He can't wait to head for the park, where the coolest skateboarders in town hang out. With lots of practice he gets good enough to do jumps and wheelies with the Fly and his Skateboard gang. But when the Fly tries to talk Arnie into going down the steepest—and most dangerous—hill around, Arnie has to decide just how far he's willing to go to be cool.

How to Lose All Your Friends
Viking, 1994
ages 4 to 8, LB ISBN 978-0-670-84906-2,
paper 978-0-14-055862-3

Try grabbing all the good toys for yourself, throwing a tantrum, or cutting the lunch line. With exuberant pictures and tongue-in-cheek humor, Nancy Carlson pokes fun at bullies, brats, tattletales, grouches, and other mischief makers.

The Masked Maverick
written by Jacqueline K. Ogburg
Lothrop, Lee and Shepard, 1994
ages 4 to 8, out of print

The Masked Maverick, the toughest wrestler in his league, tries to gain popularity with the booing crowd by revealing the sweetness of his true nature.

A Visit to Grandma's
Viking, 1993
ages 4 to 8, LB ISBN 978-0-670-83288-0,
paper 978-0-14-054243-1

Tina and her parents are looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with Grandma at her new home in Florida. They can't wait to eat Grandma's famous home-baked pies. Are they in for a surprise! Grandma has a flashy red sports car, and she's so busy with her new friends and hobbies that she buys her pies from the bakery. Thanksgiving in Florida is nothing like the way it used to be. It could be even better!

Life is Fun
Viking, 1993
ages 4 to 8, LB ISBN 978-0-613-23324-8,
paper 978-0-14-054445-9

To be happy on earth, just follow Nancy Carlson's simple instructions. Don't bring snakes inside the house. Laugh a lot! And most importantly, make big, big plans. In the tradition of her acclaimed I Like Me! Nancy Carlson presents another warm and funny book sure to boost spirits and encourage kids to make the most of life.

Lenore's Big Break
written by Susan Pearson
Viking, 1992
ages 4 to 8, out of print

A mild-mannered secretary changes her image and makes her dreams come true when she takes her talented birds on "Amateur Hour."

What If It Never Stops Raining?
Viking, 1992
ages 4 to 8, HC ISBN 978-0-670-84834-8,
paper 978-0-14-050774-4

Tim is a worrier. When it rains he worries about floods; at school he worries he'll forget his report; during a baseball game he worries he'll strike out. Somehow, though things have a way of working out—not always perfect, maybe, but never as badly as Tim thinks they will!

Take Time to Relax
Viking, 1991
ages 4 to 8, out of print

Tina the beaver and her family constantly rush off in different directions, until a storm keeps them snowbound at home.

Watch Out for These Weirdos!
written by Rufus Kline
Viking, 1990
ages 4 to 8, LB ISBN 978-0-670-82376-5

Wanted posters introduce a gallery of offbeat characters, including Erin "Starin" McCarron who looks in people's windows and Bob "The Slob" McCobb who was once buried under the mess in his room.

Arnie and the New Kid
Viking, 1990
ages 4 to 8, paper ISBN 978-0-14-050945-8,
LB 978-0-8335-8638-4

Top cat Arnie teases Philip because he is confined to a wheelchair. Yet when Arnie falls down the school steps and breaks a leg, twists a wrist, and sprains a tail, he begins to see life from a different perspective ... a purposeful story that will be welcomed for its light-hearted treatment of a common situation.

Poor Carl
Viking, 1989
ages 4 to 8, paper ISBN 978-0-14-050773-7

Carl's big brother doesn't think it would be easy to be a baby, but he also realizes Carl is lucky to have someone to play with and protect him.

I Like Me!
Viking, 1988
ages 4 to 8, HC ISBN 978-0-670-03670-7,
paper 978-0-14-050819-2

Nancy Carlson's cheerful pig is full of good feeling about herself. She knows how to take care of herself and how to have fun - even when there's no one else around. And when she makes mistakes, she has the confidence to try again. I Like Me introduces a character children will love to meet—a special friend who will help them feel good about themselves too.

Arnie Goes to Camp
Viking, 1988
ages 4 to 8, out of print

Arnie is sure that he won't survive summer sleepaway camp; but when he arrives he is surprised to find that camp is not at all what he expected.

Baby and the Bear
written by Susan Pearson
Viking, 1987
ages 4 to 8, out of print

When a cat arrives in the shed behind his house, Brad decides to keep it despite his father's strict no-pets rule, and when the cat has two kittens and one dies, Brad and his little brother become desperate to save the second kitten.

When Baby Went to Bed
written by Susan Pearson
Viking, 1987
ages 4 to 8, out of print

One by one, ten animals climb into Baby's crib at bedtime. On board pages.

Arnie and the Stolen Markers
Viking, 1987
ages 4 to 8, out of print

Arnie has got to have the super-duper marker set he sees at Harvey's Candy and Toy Shop, but all his allowance is gone. So, when Harvey goes into the back room ... Arnie's ensuing guilty feeling, the discovery of the stolen markers by his mother, and Harvey's retribution, make a satisfying morality tale.

Bunnies and Their Sports
Viking, 1987
ages 4 to 8, out of print

Louanne Pig in Making the Team
Carolrhoda Books, 1985
ages 4 to 8, LB ISBN 978-0-87614-281-3,
paper 978-0-87614-855-6

Louanne can't get off the ground with her split jumps. Arnie drops every pass he tries to catch. So every day after school, the two friends meet to encourage each other as they practice for the cheerleading and football tryouts just one week away. The only problem is, neither Louanne's cheerleading routines nor Arnie's football skills seem to improve much. Will Louanne make the squad? Will Arnie make the team? The heartwarming and surprising outcome of their hilarious efforts will have children cheering in their seats.

Louanne Pig in Witch Lady
Carolrhoda Books, 1985
ages 4 to 8, LB ISBN 978-0-87614-283-7,
paper 978-1-57505-234-2

Louanne trips and sprains her ankle as she and her friends cut though the yard of the spooky house on top of the hill. Suddenly the witch lady appears and yells, "Scat!" Harriet, George, and Arnie run for their lives. But Louanne is caught! Does the witch lady torture kids and put them in cages for fattening up? Or is Louanne's imagination running wild? Readers will chuckle as Louanne discovers what the witch lady is really like.

Louanne Pig in the Mysterious Valentine
Carolrhoda Books, 1985
ages 4 to 8, LB ISBN 978-1-57505-671-5,
paper 978-1-57505-722-4

Louanne Pig is thrilled to find a beautiful valentine in her mailbox on February 14th. But who's it from? Is George her mysterious valentine? Is it Arnie or Harold or perhaps big Mike? Louanne's only clue is that her secret admirer uses a green pen. Children and sweethearts everywhere will recognize the warm feelings that come with finding out someone likes you. Readers will chuckle as Louanne steals their hearts during her comical search to find out just who her secret admirer is.

Louanne Pig in the Perfect Family
Carolrhoda Books, 1985
ages 4 to 8, LB ISBN 978-1-57505-611-1,
paper 978-1-57505-616-6

When her parents must be away for the weekend, Louanne jumps at the chance to stay next door with George and his family. George lives with his mother and father and his five sisters and four brothers. It seems to Louanne, an only child, that there's never a dull moment in their yard! Is the grass really greener on the other side of the backyard fence? Children from families large and small will laugh out loud as Louanne discovers the hilarious realities of life in the "perfect" family of twelve rabbits.

Louanne Pig in the Talent Show
Carolrhoda Books, 1985
ages 4 to 8, LB ISBN 978-0-87614-284-4,
paper 978-1-57505-064-5

Everyone is excited to try out for the school talent show. Everyone but Louanne, that is. "I'm just a big, no-talent dope!" says Louanne. All of her friends make it into the show. When the big night arrives, Louanne is miserable as she stays home alone thinking about the bustle backstage, the lights dimming, the curtain slowly rising. Will Louanne miss out completely on one of the most exciting events of the year? Readers of all ages are likely to recognize Louanne's insecurity about her talents and pull with all their hearts for her to get into the act.

Bunnies and Their Hobbies
Carolrhoda Books, 1984
ages 4 to 8, LB ISBN 978-0-87614-257-8,
paper 978-1-57505-066-9

After a long day at work, bunnies come home , change their clothes, eat dinner and do the dishes. Then it's time for bunnies and their hobbies. Young children will gleefully recognize the unlikely similarities between people and Nancy Carlson's active bunnies in this charming book, a bedtime favorite.

Loudmouth George and the Big Race
Carolrhoda Books, 1983
ages 4 to 8, HC ISBN 978-1-57505-673-9,
paper 978-1-57505-724-8

A two-mile race? Why, two miles will be a breeze for George - just ask him. He'll start training for it tomorrow. But when tomorrow comes George is sleeping in ... and the next day he eats too much breakfast to run ... and the next day it rains ... and the next day George has his swimming lesson ... The outcome is predictable—to everyone but George, that is.

Loudmouth George and the Cornet
Viking, 1983
ages 4 to 8, LB ISBN 978-1-57505-673-9,
paper 978-1-57505-725-5

After one week of practice, George is convinced that he is the greatest cornet player ever born. The fact that the rest of the world dons earmuffs whenever he and his cornet are near doesn't faze him. Needless to say, George doesn't last too long in the school band. But does he learn his lesson? Does he vow to be less of a show-off? Does he consider the possibility that a lesson or two might help? Not George! He's on to bigger and better things.

Loudmouth George and the Fishing Trip
Carolrhoda Books, 1983
ages 4 to 8, LB ISBN 978-0-87614-213-4,
paper 978-0-87614-623-1

According to George, he runs the fastest, reads the thickest books, and catches the biggest fish. In fact, George has never fished outside a pet store. When Harriet's family invites him on a fishing trip to catch some of those big fish he's been talking about, the truth is out. But does George learn his lesson? Does he vow never to exaggerate again? Not George! He's telling fish stories again the moment he's out of the boat. Almost everyone knows someone like Loudmouth George, who is likable in spite of himself. While Nancy Carlson pokes plenty of fun at George's foibles, she knows she can never Change him. George will be George, and sometimes that's a reminder of the loudmouth occasionally present in each of us.

Loudmouth George and the Sixth Grade Bully
Carolrhoda Books, 1983
ages 4 to 8, LB ISBN 978-1-57505-218-2,
paper 978-1-57505-549-7

When an enormous sixth grader jumps him on the way to school and steals his lunch, George's life takes a turn for the worse. From then on, every day starts the same. By the end of the week George is a nervous wreck and hungry all the time. How George turns the tables—with a little help from his friend Harriet—will bring a smile to the face of anyone who has ever been picked on.

Loudmouth George and the New Neighbors
Carolrhoda Books, 1983
ages 4 to 8, LB ISBN 978-0-87614-216-5,
paper 978-1-57505-614-2

When a family of pigs moves in next door, George wants nothing to do with them. "Pigs are dirty," he claims. "They eat garbage. They're not like us at all." George's friends, however, don't share his concerns. For the next few days they have a ball in Louanne Pig's backyard while George sits indoors. But on Wednesday when he hears them shrieking with laughter as they run through Louanne's sprinkler all morning long, it's too much for him. Maybe pigs are not so bad after all. Almost everyone knows someone like Loudmouth George, prejudiced without reason but likable in spite of himself. But even someone like George can change, and when a family of cats moves into the neighborhood, readers will feel a glimmer of hope for our hero.

Harriet and the Roller Coaster
Carolrhoda Books, 1982
ages 4 to 8, LB ISBN 978-1-57505-053-9,
paper 978-1-57505-202-1

For days George has been taunting Harriet about the roller coaster at the amusement park. "Its's so big, you can't see the top...It goes so fast, you might fall out...You'll be scared to ride on it." "I am not scared," Harriet told him. but that night she didn't sleep very will, and the next morning, when it was time to go, she felt a little sick. Children are certain to recognize Harriet's terror and cheer her spunk. And while she conquer her fear, Harriet will conquer her readers' hearts as well.

Harriet's Halloween Candy
Carolrhoda Books, 1982
ages 4 to 8, LB ISBN 978-0-87614-913-3,
paper 978-0-87614-926-3

Sharing might be okay the rest of the year, but on Halloween, Harriet's sweet tooth definitely has the upper hand. Determined not to share her treats with her little brother, Harriet is running out of places to hide her stash.

There's only one thing she can do...

Harriet and the Recital
Carolrhoda Books, 1982
ages 4 to 8, LB ISBN 978-0-87614-181-6,
paper 978-0-87614-853-2

Harriet loves her ballet class, but when Miss Betty announces a recital, Harriet succumbs to an anxiety attack. She worries about falling. She's afraid her costume will rip. And she's positive that she'll forget every step of her dance as soon as she steps on stage. Children are sure to recognize some of their own fears in this hilarious story of Harriet's first recital. And while Harriet musters her courage, she'll turn her readers into her ardent fans.

Harriet and the Garden
Carolrhoda Books, 1982
ages 4 to 8, LB ISBN 978-1-57505-710-1,
paper 978-1-57505-612-8

When George hit a fly ball, Harriet just had to catch it. Back and back she ran, her eyes glued to the ball, her concentration so total that she never noticed when she came to Mrs. Hoozit's garden—until she fell down right on top of Mrs. Hoozit's prize dahlia. Should Harriet confess? Readers of all ages are likely to recognize Harriet's battle with her conscience and surrender their hearts to her.

Harriet and Walt
Carolrhoda Books, 1982
ages 4 to 8, LB ISBN 978-1-57505-672-2,
paper 978-1-57505-723-1

It's the first big snow of the winter, and Harriet can't wait to enjoy it. But her mother threatens to spoil the day when she insists that Harriet take along her little brother, Walt. Walt, Harriet knows, has a real knack for messing things up. However, it's one thing for Harriet to criticize her brother, but quite another when George starts picking on him! Brothers and sisters everywhere will understand exactly how Harriet feels in this sparkling story with a familiar twist.

Egyptian Boats
written by Geoffrey Scott
Carolrhoda Books, 1981
ages 4 to 8, out of print

Halloween
written by Joyce Kessel
Carolrhoda Books, 1980
ages 4 to 8, paper ISBN 978-1-57505-582-4