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Karma Wilson Books in Order

This page gathers Karma Wilson books in order, with quick summaries, series notes, and friendly guidance on where to start with her picture books.

Last updated: June 7, 2026

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Karma Wilson books in publication order

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60 books

Bear Snores On

by Karma Wilson

2002

While Bear sleeps through winter, animal friends crowd into his warm cave for food and company. When he finally wakes, he finds a party happening right under his nose.

A Frog in the Bog

by Karma Wilson

2003

A small frog on a half-sunk log eats more and more bugs, growing bigger with every bite. When a gator appears, the counting rhyme takes a very funny turn.

Bear Wants More

by Karma Wilson

2003

Bear wakes from hibernation thin, hungry, and ready to eat everything his friends can find. Roots, berries, clover, and fish still leave him wanting more.

Sweet Briar Goes to School

by Karma Wilson

2003

Sweet Briar the skunk is teased at school because of her smell. When danger arrives at recess, the very thing classmates mocked becomes the gift that helps them.

Bear Hugs

by Karma Wilson

2004

This collection of romantically ridiculous animal rhymes plays with love, puns, and creaturely silliness. It is light, jokey, and made for readers who enjoy wordplay with their animals.

Bear Stays Up for Christmas

by Karma Wilson

2004

Bear usually sleeps through winter, but his friends are determined to keep him awake for Christmas. Their holiday preparations lead Bear to discover the joy of giving.

Dinos on the Go

by Karma Wilson

2004

Dinosaurs are on the move in this energetic picture book about transportation and motion. Big prehistoric characters make cars, boats, planes, and other ways to travel feel extra fun.

Hilda Must Be Dancing

by Karma Wilson

2004

Hilda the hippo loves to dance, but her stomping shakes the jungle and annoys the neighbors. After trying other hobbies, she finds a splashy way to keep dancing.

Mr. Murry and Thumbkin

by Karma Wilson

2004

Mr. Murry and tiny Thumbkin face off in a comic household adventure full of chase, tension, and surprise. The story plays with size, nerve, and unlikely companionship.

Never, Ever Shout in a Zoo

by Karma Wilson

2004

One shout at the zoo sets off a chain of animal chaos. The escalating rhyme turns a simple warning into a wild, funny reminder that zoo voices matter.

Dinos in the Snow!

by Karma Wilson

2005

A troop of dinosaurs heads into winter for snowy fun. Sliding, stomping, and chilly silliness make this a playful pick for readers who like dinosaurs with their seasonal adventures.

Mama Always Comes Home

by Karma Wilson

2005

Animal mothers come and go as they care for their young, but each returns. This reassuring picture book speaks to separation worries with a simple promise of love and homecoming.

Mortimer's Christmas Manger

by Karma Wilson

2005

Mortimer Mouse wants a better home and moves into a nativity scene. When he hears the Christmas story, he understands who belongs in the manger and finds his own place.

Sakes Alive! a Cattle Drive

by Karma Wilson

2005

A lively cattle drive turns into a rhyming western adventure full of noise, dust, and comic trouble. Young readers get cowboy flavor, animal energy, and a galloping read-aloud pace.

Sweet Briar Goes to Camp

by Karma Wilson

2005

Sweet Briar knows how it feels to be teased, so she notices when Petal the porcupine is left out at camp. Her kindness helps turn exclusion into friendship.

Animal Strike at the Zoo. It's True!

by Karma Wilson

2006

The zoo animals have had enough and go on strike, leaving visitors to face a very different day at the zoo. The rhyming chaos makes a funny case for treating animals well.

Baby Cakes

by Karma Wilson

2006

This affectionate picture book piles up sweet nicknames and cuddly language for a beloved baby. It is simple, warm, and built for the rhythm of reading aloud to little ones.

Bear's New Friend

by Karma Wilson

2006

Bear hears noises in the trees while looking for his friends. The mystery leads him to a shy owl, and the forest group makes room for someone new.

Moose Tracks!

by Karma Wilson

2006

Moose tracks appear on the porch, in the kitchen, and all through the house. The mystery of who made them becomes a bouncy, messy read-aloud with a comic trail to follow.

Sleepyhead

by Karma Wilson

2006

Teeth are brushed, the book is read, and it is time for bed, but Sleepyhead wants one more story. A gentle dream journey makes this a cozy bedtime read.

Whopper Cake

by Karma Wilson

2006

Granddad wants to bake Grandma the biggest chocolate birthday cake ever. The recipe grows, the kitchen suffers, and the result is a sweet, silly celebration of love and mess.

Bear Feels Sick

by Karma Wilson

2007

Bear has the sniffles and feels too miserable to play. His friends come to the cave with tea, songs, and care in a reassuring story about being sick and loved.

Give Thanks to the Lord

by Karma Wilson

2007

This faith-based picture book celebrates Psalm 92 through a child’s day of food, family, nature, and praise. Its gentle rhythm encourages young readers to notice reasons for thanks.

Hello, Calico!

by Karma Wilson

2007

Meet Calico, a tiny kitten eager to explore. She jumps, climbs, frolics, and greets the world around her in a bright board book made for very young readers.

How to Bake an American Pie

by Karma Wilson

2007

Wilson turns American ideals into a recipe, mixing courage, liberty, open shores, and shared hope. The result is a patriotic picture book built around the image of one enormous pie.

I Will Rejoice

by Karma Wilson

2007

Based on Psalm 118, this cheerful picture book follows a child noticing reasons to rejoice. Simple faith language and everyday scenes make gratitude feel active, musical, and close to home.

Princess Me

by Karma Wilson

2007

A child’s bedroom becomes a royal kingdom in this playful picture book about imagination. Dress-up, make-believe, and a confident little princess carry the story with bright, lively charm.

Bear Feels Scared

by Karma Wilson

2008

Bear is lost in the darkening woods as the weather turns cold. His friends search high and low, showing that fear feels smaller when help is nearby.

Friends for Calico!

by Karma Wilson

2008

Calico cannot find her beloved teddy bear, so Scruff and Puff join the search. Their little quest becomes a board-book lesson in helping, teamwork, and being good friends.

Let's Make a Joyful Noise

by Karma Wilson

2008

Inspired by Psalm 100, this faith-based picture book builds a chorus of claps, taps, bells, birdsong, and praise. Children can join the rhythm as the joyful noise grows.

Play Nice, Calico!

by Karma Wilson

2008

When Scruff and Puff come over, Calico has trouble sharing and keeping play fun for everyone. A simple playdate becomes a toddler-friendly story about kindness, fairness, and friendship.

Uh-oh, Calico!

by Karma Wilson

2008

Calico spills, tumbles, and tramples her way through a very bad day. Mama helps her understand that mistakes happen, and love does not disappear when things go wrong.

Where Is Home, Little Pip?

by Karma Wilson

2008

Little Pip chases a feather and wanders far from her Antarctic nest. As she asks other animals about home, she learns that home is tied to the family who loves her.

Baby, I Love You

by Karma Wilson

2009

This tender board book celebrates the everyday sweetness between a baby and a loving caregiver. Simple, affectionate language makes it a cozy pick for laps, bedtime, and repeat readings.

Bear

by Karma Wilson

2009

This Bear volume brings young readers into Karma Wilson’s cozy forest world. Friendship, gentle humor, and rhythmic storytelling make Bear and his woodland friends easy companions for storytime.

Beautiful Babies

by Karma Wilson

2009

Babies of all kinds fill this gentle celebration of little ones. With simple words and warm affection, it invites the youngest readers to enjoy faces, families, and cuddly moments.

Don't Be Afraid, Little Pip

by Karma Wilson

2009

Little Pip is supposed to learn to swim, but the ocean feels too deep and scary. She tries to fly instead, then discovers that penguins have their own wonderful way through the water.

Mortimer's First Garden

by Karma Wilson

2009

Mortimer Mouse wants to eat his last sunflower seed, not bury it. When he plants it anyway, he learns about patience, springtime, and the quiet miracle of growth.

Trick or Treat, Calico!

by Karma Wilson

2009

Calico and her friends are ready for Halloween fun. Young readers lift sturdy flaps to discover who is hiding under each costume in this playful board book for little hands.

What's the Weather Inside?

by Karma Wilson

2009

This poetry collection looks at the weather of feelings: sunny, stormy, strange, and in between. Wilson uses humor and wordplay to make inner moods easier for children to notice and name.

The Cow Loves Cookies

by Karma Wilson

2010

On the farm, every animal gets the food you would expect, except the cow, who loves cookies. The playful rhyme builds toward the sweet reason behind her unusual favorite treat.

What's in the Egg, Little Pip?

by Karma Wilson

2010

Little Pip is not sure what to think when a new egg takes up her parents’ attention. Curiosity, jealousy, and care all mix together as she waits to meet the chick inside.

Bear's Loose Tooth

by Karma Wilson

2011

During lunch with his friends, Bear feels something wiggly in his mouth. His first loose tooth scares him at first, but the forest crew helps him see it is perfectly natural.

Hogwash!

by Karma Wilson

2011

Farmer wants every animal scrubbed clean, but the pigs have no interest in a bath. His increasingly desperate plans end in mud, mischief, and a funny lesson in pig priorities.

If I Were a Mouse

by Karma Wilson

2011

A child imagines life as a mouse and other small creatures, wondering how each one sees the world. The gentle faith-based story circles back to gratitude for being exactly who God made you to be.

Mama, Why?

by Karma Wilson

2011

Under the Arctic night sky, a polar bear cub asks Mama one question after another. Her patient answers turn curiosity about the moon, stars, dreams, and daylight into a tender bedtime exchange.

Bear Says Thanks

by Karma Wilson

2012

Bear wants to thank his friends with a feast, but his cupboards are bare. As each friend arrives with something to share, Bear discovers that gratitude is not only about what you give.

Horseplay

by Karma Wilson

2012

A farmer cannot understand why his horses sleep all day, until he spies on them at night. Their secret games turn the barnyard into a silly, hoof-stomping party.

Who Goes There?

by Karma Wilson

2013

Lewis Mouse is making his winter nest when strange noises outside make him nervous. His brave question leads to a sweet surprise about fear, friendship, and making a home feel cozier.

Bear Sees Colors

by Karma Wilson

2014

Bear and Mouse walk through the woods and find colors everywhere. Young readers can search the pictures with them, naming blue, red, yellow, green, and more along the way.

Outside the Box

by Karma Wilson

2014

This collection gathers more than one hundred poems, some silly, some thoughtful, and all a little off-center. It is Wilson in playful poetry mode, writing for kids ready for wordy surprises.

Bear Counts

by Karma Wilson

2015

Bear and his friends turn a walk through nature into a counting game. With rhymes, animals, and bright details to spot, the book introduces numbers in a warm, playful way.

Duddle Puck

by Karma Wilson

2015

Duddle Puck is a duck who can cluck, honk, oink, and neigh, but he will not quack. The barnyard thinks he should act properly, until his odd sounds prove wonderfully useful.

Big Bear, Small Mouse

by Karma Wilson

2016

Bear and Mouse explore their glen while spotting opposites all around them. Big and small, high and low, fast and slow become part of a cheerful concept book with familiar forest friends.

Dormouse Dreams

by Karma Wilson

2017

As winter settles in, a small dormouse sleeps and dreams through a soft, cozy world. This gentle bedtime book follows the hush of hibernation and the quiet promise of waking again.

A Dog Named Doug

by Karma Wilson

2018

Doug is a dog who loves to dig, and ordinary backyard holes are not nearly enough. His wild digging adventure tunnels through surprising places, turning one puppy habit into a gleeful read-aloud romp.

Bear Can't Sleep

by Karma Wilson

2018

Winter has come, and Bear should be deep in hibernation, but sleep will not come. His friends try tea, lullabies, and comfort in a cozy bedtime story about restlessness and care.

Bear Can't Wait

by Karma Wilson

2021

Bear has a surprise planned for Hare, but waiting quietly is harder than he expects. When excitement turns into a mess, Bear has to slow down and make things right before his friend arrives.

Bear Finds Eggs

by Karma Wilson

2024

Mama Meadowlark’s eggs are missing, and Bear’s friends join the search. Each found egg is painted so it will not be lost again, but they still need to return them safely.

Bear Feels Sad

by Karma Wilson

2025

Bear feels lonely because all his friends are busy. A field of flowers gives him an idea, helping him turn a sad day into a chance to care for others.

Where to start with Karma Wilson

For the classic read-aloud Bear books: Bear Snores OnBear Wants MoreBear's New FriendBear Stays Up for Christmas.
For Bear books about feelings and growing up: Bear Feels SickBear Feels ScaredBear's Loose ToothBear Feels Sad.
For toddlers learning basic concepts: Bear Sees ColorsBear CountsBig Bear, Small Mouse.
For gentle faith-based picture books: Mortimer's Christmas MangerMortimer's First GardenGive Thanks to the Lord.
For playful standalone favorites: A Frog in the BogThe Cow Loves CookiesA Dog Named Doug.

Bear books in order

Explore this series
  1. Book cover for "Bear Snores On"

    Bear Snores On

    by Karma Wilson

    2002Bear, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Bear Wants More"

    Bear Wants More

    by Karma Wilson

    2003Bear, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "Bear Hugs"

    Bear Hugs

    by Karma Wilson

    2004Bear, Book 4
  4. Book cover for "Bear Stays Up for Christmas"

    Bear Stays Up for Christmas

    by Karma Wilson

    2004Bear, Book 3
  5. Book cover for "Bear's New Friend"

    Bear's New Friend

    by Karma Wilson

    2006Bear, Book 5
  6. Book cover for "Bear Feels Sick"

    Bear Feels Sick

    by Karma Wilson

    2007Bear, Book 6
  7. Book cover for "Bear Feels Scared"

    Bear Feels Scared

    by Karma Wilson

    2008Bear, Book 7
  8. Book cover for "Bear"

    Bear

    by Karma Wilson

    2009Bear, Book 8
  9. Book cover for "Bear's Loose Tooth"

    Bear's Loose Tooth

    by Karma Wilson

    2011Bear, Book 9
  10. Book cover for "Bear Says Thanks"

    Bear Says Thanks

    by Karma Wilson

    2012Bear, Book 10
  11. Book cover for "Bear Sees Colors"

    Bear Sees Colors

    by Karma Wilson

    2014Bear, Book 11
  12. Book cover for "Bear Counts"

    Bear Counts

    by Karma Wilson

    2015Bear, Book 12
  13. Book cover for "Big Bear, Small Mouse"

    Big Bear, Small Mouse

    by Karma Wilson

    2016Bear, Book 13
  14. Book cover for "Bear Can't Sleep"

    Bear Can't Sleep

    by Karma Wilson

    2018Bear, Book 14
  15. Book cover for "Bear Can't Wait"

    Bear Can't Wait

    by Karma Wilson

    2021Bear, Book 15
  16. Book cover for "Bear Finds Eggs"

    Bear Finds Eggs

    by Karma Wilson

    2024Bear, Book 16
  17. Book cover for "Bear Feels Sad"

    Bear Feels Sad

    by Karma Wilson

    2025Bear, Book 17

Bear books in chronological order

  1. Book cover for "Bear Snores On"

    Bear Snores On

    by Karma Wilson

    2002Bear, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Bear Wants More"

    Bear Wants More

    by Karma Wilson

    2003Bear, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "Bear Stays Up for Christmas"

    Bear Stays Up for Christmas

    by Karma Wilson

    2004Bear, Book 3
  4. Book cover for "Bear Hugs"

    Bear Hugs

    by Karma Wilson

    2004Bear, Book 4
  5. Book cover for "Bear's New Friend"

    Bear's New Friend

    by Karma Wilson

    2006Bear, Book 5
  6. Book cover for "Bear Feels Sick"

    Bear Feels Sick

    by Karma Wilson

    2007Bear, Book 6
  7. Book cover for "Bear Feels Scared"

    Bear Feels Scared

    by Karma Wilson

    2008Bear, Book 7
  8. Book cover for "Bear"

    Bear

    by Karma Wilson

    2009Bear, Book 8
  9. Book cover for "Bear's Loose Tooth"

    Bear's Loose Tooth

    by Karma Wilson

    2011Bear, Book 9
  10. Book cover for "Bear Says Thanks"

    Bear Says Thanks

    by Karma Wilson

    2012Bear, Book 10
  11. Book cover for "Bear Sees Colors"

    Bear Sees Colors

    by Karma Wilson

    2014Bear, Book 11
  12. Book cover for "Bear Counts"

    Bear Counts

    by Karma Wilson

    2015Bear, Book 12
  13. Book cover for "Big Bear, Small Mouse"

    Big Bear, Small Mouse

    by Karma Wilson

    2016Bear, Book 13
  14. Book cover for "Bear Can't Sleep"

    Bear Can't Sleep

    by Karma Wilson

    2018Bear, Book 14
  15. Book cover for "Bear Can't Wait"

    Bear Can't Wait

    by Karma Wilson

    2021Bear, Book 15
  16. Book cover for "Bear Finds Eggs"

    Bear Finds Eggs

    by Karma Wilson

    2024Bear, Book 16
  17. Book cover for "Bear Feels Sad"

    Bear Feels Sad

    by Karma Wilson

    2025Bear, Book 17

Calico books in order

Explore this series
  1. Book cover for "Hello, Calico!"

    Hello, Calico!

    by Karma Wilson

    2007Calico, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Friends for Calico!"

    Friends for Calico!

    by Karma Wilson

    2008Calico, Book 3
  3. Book cover for "Play Nice, Calico!"

    Play Nice, Calico!

    by Karma Wilson

    2008Calico, Book 4
  4. Book cover for "Uh-oh, Calico!"

    Uh-oh, Calico!

    by Karma Wilson

    2008Calico, Book 2
  5. Book cover for "Trick or Treat, Calico!"

    Trick or Treat, Calico!

    by Karma Wilson

    2009Calico, Book 5

Calico books in chronological order

  1. Book cover for "Hello, Calico!"

    Hello, Calico!

    by Karma Wilson

    2007Calico, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Uh-oh, Calico!"

    Uh-oh, Calico!

    by Karma Wilson

    2008Calico, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "Friends for Calico!"

    Friends for Calico!

    by Karma Wilson

    2008Calico, Book 3
  4. Book cover for "Play Nice, Calico!"

    Play Nice, Calico!

    by Karma Wilson

    2008Calico, Book 4
  5. Book cover for "Trick or Treat, Calico!"

    Trick or Treat, Calico!

    by Karma Wilson

    2009Calico, Book 5

Little Pip books in order

Explore this series
  1. Book cover for "Where Is Home, Little Pip?"

    Where Is Home, Little Pip?

    by Karma Wilson

    2008Little Pip, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Don't Be Afraid, Little Pip"

    Don't Be Afraid, Little Pip

    by Karma Wilson

    2009Little Pip, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "What's in the Egg, Little Pip?"

    What's in the Egg, Little Pip?

    by Karma Wilson

    2010Little Pip, Book 3

Little Pip books in chronological order

  1. Book cover for "Where Is Home, Little Pip?"

    Where Is Home, Little Pip?

    by Karma Wilson

    2008Little Pip, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Don't Be Afraid, Little Pip"

    Don't Be Afraid, Little Pip

    by Karma Wilson

    2009Little Pip, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "What's in the Egg, Little Pip?"

    What's in the Egg, Little Pip?

    by Karma Wilson

    2010Little Pip, Book 3

Mortimer Mouse books in order

Explore this series
  1. Book cover for "Mortimer's Christmas Manger"

    Mortimer's Christmas Manger

    by Karma Wilson

    2005Mortimer Mouse, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Mortimer's First Garden"

    Mortimer's First Garden

    by Karma Wilson

    2009Mortimer Mouse, Book 2

Mortimer Mouse books in chronological order

  1. Book cover for "Mortimer's Christmas Manger"

    Mortimer's Christmas Manger

    by Karma Wilson

    2005Mortimer Mouse, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Mortimer's First Garden"

    Mortimer's First Garden

    by Karma Wilson

    2009Mortimer Mouse, Book 2

Sweet Briar books in order

Explore this series
  1. Book cover for "Sweet Briar Goes to School"

    Sweet Briar Goes to School

    by Karma Wilson

    2003Sweet Briar, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Sweet Briar Goes to Camp"

    Sweet Briar Goes to Camp

    by Karma Wilson

    2005Sweet Briar, Book 2

Sweet Briar books in chronological order

  1. Book cover for "Sweet Briar Goes to School"

    Sweet Briar Goes to School

    by Karma Wilson

    2003Sweet Briar, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Sweet Briar Goes to Camp"

    Sweet Briar Goes to Camp

    by Karma Wilson

    2005Sweet Briar, Book 2

Karma Wilson collections, short stories, and related book types

Children's Books

  1. Book cover for "A Frog in the Bog"

    A Frog in the Bog

    by Karma Wilson

    2003
  2. Book cover for "Hilda Must Be Dancing"

    Hilda Must Be Dancing

    by Karma Wilson

    2004
  3. Book cover for "Never, Ever Shout in a Zoo"

    Never, Ever Shout in a Zoo

    by Karma Wilson

    2004
  4. Book cover for "Mr. Murry and Thumbkin"

    Mr. Murry and Thumbkin

    by Karma Wilson

    2004
  5. Book cover for "Dinos on the Go"

    Dinos on the Go

    by Karma Wilson

    2004
  6. Book cover for "Mama Always Comes Home"

    Mama Always Comes Home

    by Karma Wilson

    2005
  7. Book cover for "Sakes Alive! a Cattle Drive"

    Sakes Alive! a Cattle Drive

    by Karma Wilson

    2005
  8. Book cover for "Dinos in the Snow!"

    Dinos in the Snow!

    by Karma Wilson

    2005
  9. Book cover for "Animal Strike at the Zoo. It's True!"

    Animal Strike at the Zoo. It's True!

    by Karma Wilson

    2006
  10. Book cover for "Moose Tracks!"

    Moose Tracks!

    by Karma Wilson

    2006
  11. Book cover for "Whopper Cake"

    Whopper Cake

    by Karma Wilson

    2006
  12. Book cover for "Baby Cakes"

    Baby Cakes

    by Karma Wilson

    2006
  13. Book cover for "Sleepyhead"

    Sleepyhead

    by Karma Wilson

    2006
  14. Book cover for "I Will Rejoice"

    I Will Rejoice

    by Karma Wilson

    2007
  15. Book cover for "How to Bake an American Pie"

    How to Bake an American Pie

    by Karma Wilson

    2007
  16. Book cover for "Give Thanks to the Lord"

    Give Thanks to the Lord

    by Karma Wilson

    2007
  17. Book cover for "Princess Me"

    Princess Me

    by Karma Wilson

    2007
  18. Book cover for "Let's Make a Joyful Noise"

    Let's Make a Joyful Noise

    by Karma Wilson

    2008
  19. Book cover for "Baby, I Love You"

    Baby, I Love You

    by Karma Wilson

    2009
  20. Book cover for "Beautiful Babies"

    Beautiful Babies

    by Karma Wilson

    2009
  21. Book cover for "What's the Weather Inside?"

    What's the Weather Inside?

    by Karma Wilson

    2009
  22. Book cover for "The Cow Loves Cookies"

    The Cow Loves Cookies

    by Karma Wilson

    2010
  23. Book cover for "If I Were a Mouse"

    If I Were a Mouse

    by Karma Wilson

    2011
  24. Book cover for "Mama, Why?"

    Mama, Why?

    by Karma Wilson

    2011
  25. Book cover for "Hogwash!"

    Hogwash!

    by Karma Wilson

    2011
  26. Book cover for "Horseplay"

    Horseplay

    by Karma Wilson

    2012
  27. Book cover for "Who Goes There?"

    Who Goes There?

    by Karma Wilson

    2013
  28. Book cover for "Duddle Puck"

    Duddle Puck

    by Karma Wilson

    2015
  29. Book cover for "Dormouse Dreams"

    Dormouse Dreams

    by Karma Wilson

    2017
  30. Book cover for "A Dog Named Doug"

    A Dog Named Doug

    by Karma Wilson

    2018

Collections

  1. Book cover for "Outside the Box"

    Outside the Box

    by Karma Wilson

    2014

Author bio

Karma Wilson grew up in the wilds of North Idaho, the only child of a single mother. Cable television was not part of her childhood, and even regular reception was limited, so she spent her time reading or playing outside. Reading won early. By age eleven, she was getting through about a novel a day, with fantasy and historical fiction high on the stack.

Writing did not look exciting to her at first. Her mother was a professional writer, which made the job seem ordinary, maybe even dull, in the way children sometimes see the work that happens right in front of them.

That changed after Wilson became a mother herself. At twenty-seven, with three young children and many library trips behind her, she realized she still loved children’s books, but she also knew how hard it could be to find read-alouds that worked for her family. Then a tax refund helped the family buy a computer. Wilson learned to type and started writing, partly because she wanted to put more good books on library shelves and partly because that computer needed to earn its keep.

The first years were not easy.

Wilson has said she was rejected for about three years before agent Steven Malk took on Bear Snores On. The book was published in 2002, with Jane Chapman’s warm forest art, and it became the start of her best-known series. Bear, Mouse, Hare, Mole, Wren, Owl, and the rest gave Wilson a roomy little world for stories about friendship, fear, gratitude, patience, sickness, holidays, and the small dramas of growing up.

The Bear books are still the easiest doorway into her work, but they are not the whole shelf. Where Is Home, Little Pip? follows a small penguin learning what home means. Mortimer’s Christmas Manger brings a tiny mouse into a nativity scene. A Frog in the Bog plays with counting and appetite, while The Cow Loves Cookies turns a farmyard routine into a funny read-aloud surprise.

Her books often rhyme, but they are not built only on bounce. They tend to give very young readers something recognizable, a loose tooth, a bad day, a scary noise, a new sibling, a first day away from home. Then they give that feeling a friendly shape.

Wilson also writes poetry for older children, including What’s the Weather Inside? and Outside the Box. Those books let her be sillier, odder, and sometimes more thoughtful, while still keeping the language clear enough to invite kids in.

These days she lives on a Montana ranch with her husband Scott and their cats, Rosie and Chica. Her family, grandchildren, baking, photography, and life outdoors all sit close to the work. That feels about right for an author whose books so often begin with a small creature, a big feeling, and a cozy place to land.

Edited by

Richard Reis

Software engineer whose passion for tracking book recommendations from podcasts inspired the creation of MRB.

Anurag Ramdasan

Lead investor at 3one4 Capital whose startup expertise and love for books helped shaped MRB and its growth.

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