In the pipeline…
How a Bear Became a Book coming Winter 2026
Before Colors: Where Pigments and Dyes Come From Illustrated by Madison Safer, published by Abrams June 2023
“Lyrical notes add wonder to a bright mix of creative arts and scientific fact.” Kirkus starred review
“The perfect combination of art history and science, add this title to all nonfiction shelves and STEAM programming.” School Library Journal starred review
Junior Library Guild Selection
Finalist American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru Prize for Excellence in Science Books
Before Music: Where Instruments Come From Illustrated by Madison Safer, published by Abrams June 2022
Evanston Public Library 101 Great Books for Kids 2022
“fascinating text…is delivered in a whimsical tone…impressive watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil illustrations” School Library Journal
“musicophiles will find plenty to peruse in this reference picture book that explores instrument-making….Pimentel’s narrative connects a raw material (e.g., gourds) to musical instruments made from it (e.g., maracas and sitars)” Publishers Weekly
“richly illustrated and engaging exploration of the origins of musical instruments” Horn Book
Pura’s Cuentos: How Pura Belpré Reshaped Libraries with Her Stories. Illustrated by Magy Morales, published by Abrams, September 2021.
“A vibrant portrayal of an important figure.” Kirkus starred review.
Orbis Pictus Recommended Title
Named one of Best Picture Book Biographies of 2021.
2021 Goddard Riverside/Children’s Book Council Young People’s Book Prize for Social Justice
2022 Gold Medal for Best Children’s Nonfiction Picture Book from International Latino Book Awards
“this is a treasure of a picture book biography” Booklist starred review
“glowing, elegantly constructed celebration of a literary luminary” Publisher’s Weekly starred review
“Pimentel offers a storyline for young audiences that radiates hope and accomplishment.” School Library Journal.
All the Way to the Top: How One Girl’s Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything. Schneider Family Book Award Honor Book. Illustrated by Nabigal-Nayagam Haider Ali, Foreword by Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins, published by Sourcebooks in March 2020
Awards: Schneider Family Honor Book, Junior Library Guild Selection, CCBC Choices title, Kansas NEA Reading Circle Recommended title, Red Clover Book Award Nominee, Goddard Riverside / CBC Young People’s Book Prize for Social Justice shortlist, One Book One San Diego 2021 Kid Pick
The true story of how an eight-year-old girl became a disability rights activist and captured Congress’s attention with her demonstration in support of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“A necessary testament to the power of children’s voices.” Kirkus
” …clear, accessible prose…creamily textured digital illustrations” Publisher’s Weekly
“Pimentel’s compelling, present-tense narrative gives the story great immediacy, helping children connect with Jennifer’s reactions to physical barriers and social injustice…Still an activist, Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins offers a thought-provoking foreword to this inspiring picture book.” Booklist
Girl Running. Illustrated by Micha Archer, published by Nancy Paulsen Press
Awards: 2018 Junior Library Guild Selection, NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book, Grand Canyon Reader Award, Texas Topaz Nonfiction Title, Maine Chickadee Award nominee, Vermont Red Clover Book Award nominee, Maryland Black-eyed Susan Award nominee, 2019 Golden Kite Honor, LDSPMA 2019 Praiseworthy Award
“A bright salutation of a story, with one determined woman at its center.” Kirkus starred review
“Pimentel delivers a sharply focused, hard-pounding narrative, and Archer supplies inventive oil and collage artwork worthy of the text.” Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“This simple story will leave all types of readers cheering for a woman who believed in herself and worked hard to make her dreams come true.” School Library Connections
Mountain Chef: How One Man Lost His Groceries, Changed His Plans and Helped Cook up the National Park Service. Illustrated by Rich Lo, published by Charlesbridge Press
Printable recipe for Ugly Apples Applesauce, like Tie Sing made here.
A teacher’s guide is available here. (Click on “here,” then scroll down and click on “Downloadables”)
Awards: 2017 Carter G. Woodson Award winner from National Council of Social Studies, 2017 Sigurd F. Olson Nature Writing Notable Children’s Book, 2016 Eureka! Honor Book from California Reading Association
It’s hard to say what’s more mouthwatering about this book — the shimmering, vibrant watercolors, or the descriptions of Tie Sing’s marvelous meals.–The Baltimore Sun
Themes of racial discrimination, saving nature, and food and cooking are braided seamlessly in this picture-book biography.–Kirkus
“Not Your Average Picture Book” from The Daily Evergreen
“Telling the Tale of a Backcountry Cooking Legend” from Lewiston Tribune
Do You Really Want to Meet…a Dinosaur? series. Illustrated by Daniele Fabbri, published by Amicus Press
Awards: Recommended by National Science Teachers Association.
- Do You Really Want to Meet Tyrannosaurus Rex?
- Do You Really Want to Meet Velociraptor?
- Do You Really Want to Meet Apatosaurus?
- Do You Really Want to Meet Stegostaurus?
- Do You Really Want to Meet Triceratops?
- Do You Really Want to Meet a Pterosaur?
- Do You Really Want to Meet Spinosaurus?
- Do You Really Want to Meet Iguanodon?
- Do You Really Want to Meet Allosaurus?
- Do You Really Want to Meet Ankylosaurus?
- Do You Really Want to Meet Diplodocus?
- Do You Really Want to Meet Edmontosaurus?