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Get students excited about reading! Children's Author Maria Antonia is booking both in-person and virtual author visits. If you're a teacher or libarian, please click on the button below for more information.
Author: Maria Antonia
Illustrator: Sayani Mukherjee
Publisher: Paraclete Press
Release Date: March 4, 2025
Barnaby loves life on the farm, except for when his shepherds want to snip, snip, snip away his wool. As the clippers draw near, Barnaby's fears bubble up like a storm. Why does anyone need his wool? Follow Barnaby on a journey of courage and discovery as he learns to trust his shepherds.
"A delightfully refreshing take on a popular, perennial tale."
—Glenys Nellist, author of the Love Letters from God and Good News series
"In this charming tale, Barnaby is oh-so-relatable as he learns to trust his beloved shepherd."
—Janet Sumner Johnson, award-winning author of Help Wanted: Must Love Books
"A thoughtful and charming story and an absolute delight to read aloud. Perfect for everyday story time."
—Rebecca J. Gomez, author of Federico and the Wolf
"With frolicsome text by Maria Antonia and adorable illustrations by Sayani Mukherjee, Barnaby the Runaway Sheep is a sure-to-please take on a beloved parable about a little lamb who’s over-the-top nervous about getting his first woolly haircut."
—Laura Sassi, author of multiple books for young children including the My Tender Heart series, Goodnight Ark, and more.
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Ellie wants to be an elephant in the Christmas play, but her know-it-all sister says she’ll ruin everything.
Author: Maria Antonia
Illustrator: Laura Zarrin
Publisher: Paraclete Press
Release Date: October 8, 2024
"A quirky story about a tenacious girl who wants to express herself and celebrate Christmas and Baby Jesus... The soft, muted tones of the illustrations add a flare of holiday spirit and a touch of simplistic softness that is nostalgic to the season."
— School Library Journal
"The perfect warm holiday tale in times of chaos and pressure to be perfect."
— Donna Barba Higuera, Newbery Medal & Pura Belpré Author Award Winner
"A sweet story to remind us that God’s love is big enough to love all of us, even the ones who feel like an elephant in the room."
— Emily Morrow, creator of Really Very Crunchy
"Just like an elephant, you won't soon forget this adorable Mary and Martha retelling with a Christmas twist!"
— Amanda Rawson Hill, author of The Hope of Elephants
"Sweet and funny but also a reminder that Christmas is all about Jesus. Get ready for giggles and AWWS and many 'Read it again!'"
— Ana Siqueira, author of Abuela's Super Capa
"This unique, delightful retelling of the nativity story will stay with you a long time after you read it, much like the young elephant who never forgets. Destined to be added to your cherished collection of Christmas read-alouds."
— Amy Houts, author of God's Earth is Something to Fight For
When you sign up for my newsletter, I’ll send you 2 Free Welcome Gifts ... to celebrate the release of my picture book, The Christmas Elephant! Simply sign up here. My newsletter subscribers are among the first to ...
