Author & Artist
Children’s Books
Privileged to inhabit this world of joy and creativity, I write and illustrate picture books with heart and humor. I tell visual stories with warmth and emotional connection via expressive line and through characters’ facial expressions and body language. I continually explore different ways of achieving my art goals through traditional and digital media.
Mama Ogre and Mary Beth from the upcoming HOW TO BE A PROPER OGRE by Kelly DiPucchio, publishing with Feiwel & Friends, Macmillan in 2026.
JUST ONE OWL
story by Carolyn Crimi | art by Janie Bynum
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An I Like to Read® book from Holiday House
Landing November 2025!
Pre-order your copy today!
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Two squirrels. Two leaves. Two deer.
“One owl,” said Owl.
Where is a friend to play with?
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Owl searches the forest for a friend. But when an unlikely prospect shares its tree, Owl discovers his perfect companion—a bat! With endearing, kid-friendly illustrations that children will love! With simple text that is leveled by educational experts, kindergarteners and 1st graders can read this story on their own. Includes phonics features. Decodable words and sight works are listed in the book. The book builds vocabulary and promote fluency, which are essential for reading success.
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From School Library Journal:
The repetitive nature of the book makes it perfect for emerging readers, and the theme of friendship will also be enjoyed by this group. Colorful illustrations with a watercolor feel will grab the attention of readers without being overwhelming. The sentence structure is simple and good for beginning reader. Verdict: A sweet story about friendship that young animal lovers will enjoy reading.
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From Kirkus Reviews:
Bynum’s expressive cartoon art pairs well with the text and layout, resulting in a tale that works equally well as a bedtime or naptime read-aloud. In fact, pre-readers will point to pages and recite the text as if reading it. Simple and engaging.
Grade Level : Preschool to 3rd grade
Publisher : Holiday House, November 2025
ISBN-13: 978-0823459650
Reading Level : 4-8 years
Language : English
PRE-ORDER at your local independent bookshop, or through BookShop.org. Also available on Amazon.com.
Coming
Nov 2025!
SLOTH IS NOT A BABY!
story by Nelly Buchet | art by Janie Bynum
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Friendship and community are themes in this humorous story about helping others.
Sloth is worried about climbing higher up the tree.
 But she’s not a baby.

 She’s not a bird, either, with wings to fly.
 Or a monkey, with a tail to catch her fall.
 Or a snake, that can wrap around branches.

 The truth is, Sloth could fall, as her friend Moth so helpfully points out. Again. And again. Until a storm proves that Sloth may not be like the other animals, but being herself is exactly what she needs to save the day.
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From Kirkus Reviews:
“A young forest dweller faces a new challenge with a mixture of doubt and determination. Told simply, with effective use of repetition and expressive cartoon illustrations, this story will appeal to children who are similarly finding their footing in a sometimes-scary world.

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“An uncomplicated celebration of daily triumph for those who refuse to be babied.”
Grade Level : Preschool to 1st grade
Publisher : Feiwel & Friends, Macmillan, 2024
ISBN-10 : 1250878772
ISBN-13 : 978-1250878779
Reading Level : 2-5 years
Language : English
Order a copy at your local independent bookshop, or through BookShop.org. Also available on Amazon.com.
Order a copy at your local independent bookshop, or through BookShop.org. Also available on Amazon.com.
Grade Level : Preschool to 1st grade
Publisher : NorthSouth Books, 2021
ISBN-10 : 0735844097
ISBN-13 : 978-0735844094
Reading Level : 2-6 years
Languages : English, German, Italian,
Dutch, Spanish, Chinese
CHICK CHAT
story and art by Janie Bynum
Peep! Peep! Peep! Baby Chick has a LOT to say! Everyone in her family is too busy to chat. But when chatty Baby Chick adopts a large egg, she finally finds a friend who is a good listener. But when her egg goes missing, Baby Chick is heartbroken…until she finds that it has hatched.
Could it be a brand-new friend?
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CHICK CHAT was chosen for the Literati Kids Book Club and is now available in six languages.
From Kirkus Reviews:
“Baby Chick is surrounded by clouds of printed PEEP!s throughout the story; these are full of movement indicating unabashed joy. Saturated, summery colors and black-outlined figures lend vibrancy to the story. The text is further enhanced by well-placed, but not overdone, chicken-related puns: Sister is reading A Coop of One’s Own, and when she takes Baby Chick to bed, she suggests “Let’s hit the hay, Baby Chick.”
“A sweet story told with gentle humor.”
From Booklist:
“Cheerful watercolor illustrations are filled with the round chick’s ceaseless peeping and obvious joie de vivre. By tale’s end, Baby Chick's family appears to be quite pleased that the exuberant bird has someone who loves listening to her chitchat.”
Much-Loved Out-of-Print Books
Kiki’s Blankie
(2009, Sterling) written and illustrated by Janie Bynum. With her adored polka-dot blankie in hand, Kiki can do and be anything she dreams. In a flash, it transforms her into a cowgirl, a pirate, even a superhero with a cape! So when her blankie blows away, Kiki will do anything to get it back. Our irresistible heroine proves that love makes us brave and strong.
Otis
(2000, Harcourt; a Junior Library Guild Selection) written and illustrated by Janie Bynum.
A sweet story about a fastidiously clean young pig who doesn’t quite fit in—until he makes friends with another unlikely mud-avoider—Little Frog. One reviewer said: “In the spirit of Ferdinand the Bull, (Bynum) introduces an endearing character who does not like the very thing he's supposed to love.”
Rock-a-Baby Band
(2003, Little Brown) written by Kate McMullan and illustrated by Janie Bynum. Ten little babies rock the house with anything they can find—from a tambourine, bells, and a guitar, to rattles, wooden spoons, and even a Bundt-cake pan! A multicultural quartet takes center-stage in this bop-along baby adventure. (CD included)
