My Books
Books I've Written and Illustrated
I’ve been racing headlong into this career since I was little. I remember lying on my stomach on the living room floor with a sketchpad, drawing a character—then suddenly leaping up to scribble their story in a notebook. One or the other never felt complete by itself. The words sparked pictures, and the pictures begged for words.
That’s still how it works when I write and illustrate a book. It’s not a linear process—it’s a tug-of-war, a dance, a dialogue between images and ideas. And somewhere in the background, a cat or a sibling is almost always doing something ridiculous. I tuck those little sub-stories into the art for the quiet kids, the ones flipping pages slowly, hunting for the good stuff hiding in the corners.
Three ★★★ for Kitchen Dance 2008 (Clarion Books)
“This is Manning’s most exuberant work yet, a winning tribute to happy feet and happy families.” — ★Publishers Weekly
“This book [reads] like one long, wonderful hug — as the narrator says, after being tucked back into bed with a couple extra besitos.” “In the tradition of Sendak’s In the Night Kitchen…”— ★Kirkus Reviews
“Full of vitality, simple, and touching, this picture book presents a celebration of family through words and expressive, exuberant pictures. Wonderful.” — ★School Library Journal
“There’s a sincere, unaffected sweetness in this story of two children who peek in on their parents dancing in the kitchen at night. When the youngsters are discovered, Mama and Papa invite them in, creating a circle of family love.”
— Horn Book Guide
“A vivid, warmhearted picture book… Manning’s pages are exuberance itself as her hero balletically bounds from frame to frame.” ★Publisher’s Weekly
“Everything teems with movement and life — completely beguiling.” “Reminiscent of the classic French film The Red Balloon (1956)… — ★ Kirkus Reviews
“There’s much to discover in the varied, well‑paced frames of this graphic picture book.” — Horn Book
"The hustle-and-bustle setting provides another visual treat, matched by the warm exuberance of the boy's neighborly adventure." —Booklist
"[A] charming picture book with graphic-novel elements...The atmospheric illustrations will draw in young readers and make them feel as if they are pushing their way through the crowded streets, climbing up fire escapes, and swinging from laundry lines along with the shoeshine boy." — School Library Journal
Praise for Laundry Day 2012 (Clarion Books)
Manning debuts with a good-humored twist on the traditional counting song. It’s impossible to read this without singing, and children who hear it will join in enthusiastically. An irresistible story time companion for Jama Kim Rattigan’s Truman’s Aunt Farm (1994) — Kirkus Reviews
"There are opportunities to count those multitudinous aunts, .... but in the end, it’s the cheerful nonsense that prevails, and the chance to chime in on the repetitive text, or to sing it." — Horn Book
“… the sassy pictures, with the drama of the rainstorm and aunts of every ethnicity, are fun to look at. The unique perspectives used in the art make this a book kids will want to look at and sing along with more than once.” Ilene Cooper —Booklist
"Youngsters will thoroughly enjoy … this classic childhood song … [and] Manning’s clever full-page spreads.” — School Library Journal
The Aunts Go Marching - 2003 (Boyds Mills Press)
Books I’ve Illustrated
Illustrating another author’s manuscript is like joining a freeform waltz—two artists in conversation, complementing each other’s rhythm without stepping on toes. Like in my own books, I love finding quiet moments in a story where I can add a visual subplot—often through a curious pet, a mischievous sibling, or a hidden detail waiting to be discovered.
In How Full is your Bucket? for Kids, it’s Felix’s dog Kip (based on my Border Collie at the time) reminding Felix that animals have feelings too. In Getting to Know Ruben Plotnick, it’s Ruben’s little sister and their schnauzer sneaking through the background, sharing their own wordless arc. These are the kinds of creative additions that make it so rewarding for me to “dance” with another author and give their words a visual voice.
How Full is Your Bucket? For Kids
(2009) Gallup Press
Written by Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer, Illustrated by Maurie J Manning
Based on the bestselling adult title, this uplifting story teaches kids how small acts of kindness can “fill their bucket” — and others’ — every day
Getting to Know Ruben Plotnick (2005) Flashlight Press
Roz Rosenbluth, Illustrated by Maurie J Manning
When the most popular kid in school surprises everyone with his compassion, this humorous story gently tackles friendship, peer pressure, and aging.
Sorry (2006) Tricycle Press
Written by Trudy Ludwig, Illustrated by Maurie J Manning
A powerful look at the meaning of a real apology. This school favorite explores empathy and accountability with humor and heart.
The Coffee Can Kid (2002) Child & Family Press
In this heartfelt adoption story, a girl searches for clues about her birth family with only a coffee can of keepsakes — and finds answers that matter most.
Written by Jan Czech, Illustrated by Maurie J Manning
Dear Child (2008) Boyds Mills Press
Written by John Farrell, Illustrated by Maurie J Manning
A warm, poetic celebration of unconditional love, this book honors the many ways adults nurture the children in their lives.