Over here at Cardinal Rule Press, we are dedicated to books that empower and teach children to be themselves. Here is a compilation of books we’ve pulled together, including one of our very own COOKIE AND MILK

Cookie & Milk: A Scientifically Stunt-tastic Sisterhood

Cookie & Milk are nothing alike but are their best when together. Follow through this dynamic duo skateboard stunts and tubular-tastic surfs to discover what lies beneath true friendship. Cookie is a genius, Milk a daredevil. Cookie loves math & science. Milk loves adventure & adrenaline. What could two little girls who are nothing alike possibly have in common? You may be surprised at what you find. Michele McAvoy has created a genuine story that breaks stereotypes sure to entertain, excite, and endear young readers and parents alike.

Brontorina

Brontorina knows, deep in her heart, that she is meant to be a ballerina. James Howe’s lovable dinosaur is of a size outmatched only by her determination, and has talent outmatched only by her charm. Accompanied by Randy Cecil’s beguiling illustrations, here is an irresistible story that proves that no problem is too big when the heart and imagination know no bounds.

All the Ways to be Smart

The third project from this dynamic partnership that celebrates the myriad talents that each child brings to the world. Smart is not just ticks and crosses, smart is building boats from boxes. Painting patterns, wheeling wagons, being mermaids, riding dragons… From the award-winning creators of The Underwater Fancy-Dress Parade and Under the Love Umbrella comes this joyful ode to all the unique and wonderful qualities that make children who they are.

Willow

Miss Hawthorn’s room is neat and tidy, not a pencil or paintbrush is out of place. And that’s how she likes it. And she likes trees that are colored green and apples that are painted red. Miss Hawthorn does not like things to be different or out of the ordinary. Into Miss Hawthorn’s classroom comes young Willow. She doesn’t color inside the lines, she breaks crayons, and she sees pink trees and blue apples. What will Miss Hawthorn think? Magical things can happen when your imagination is allowed to run wild, and for Miss Hawthorn the notion of what is art and what is possible is forever changed.

Rock What Ya Got

When a drawing of a little girl comes to life, she boldly declares that she doesn’t want to be erased, or put into a picture that doesn’t feel like her true self. Instead, she decides to speak up in a powerful way. And she has some words of advice: embrace what you have, love yourself, and “rock what ya got.”

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon

Leave it to Molly to transform all her ‘faults’ into marvelous talents.. . . pictures fill the pages with wild perspectives, goofy-looking kids, and hilarious details. . . . Leaves readers with the feeling that anything can be accomplished if you are the best person you can be and make the most of your gifts.” (Kirkus Reviews) “What keeps the storytelling fresh is the crisp prose and the heroine’s full-spead-ahead determination. . . . Catrow’s full-bleed pencil-and-watercolor illustrations, awash in ripe colors and animated by slapstick exaggeration, radiate a winningly eccentric elegance.” (Publishers Weekly)