About the Author

Fran Manushkin is the author of many popular picture books, including How Mama Brought the Spring; Baby, Come Out!; Latkes and Applesauce: A Hanukkah Story; and The Tushy Book. There is a real Katie Woo -- she's Fran's great-niece -- but she never gets in half the trouble of the Katie Woo in the books. Fran writes on her beloved MacBook in New York City. Tammie Lyon, the illustrator of the Katie Woo and Pedro series, says that these characters are two of her favorites. Tammie has illustrated work for Disney, Scholastic, Simon and Schuster, Penguin, HarperCollins, and Amazon Publishing, to name a few. She is also an author/illustrator of her own stories. Her first picture book, Olive and Snowflake, was released to starred reviews from Kirkus and School Library Journal. Tammie lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her husband Lee and two dogs, Amos and Artie. She spends her days working in her home studio in the woods, surrounded by wildlife and, of course, two mostly-always-sleeping dogs Tammie Lyon, the illustrator of the Katie Woo and Pedro series, says that these characters are two of her favorites. Tammie has illustrated work for Disney, Scholastic, Simon and Schuster, Penguin, HarperCollins, and Amazon Publishing, to name a few. She is also an author/illustrator of her own stories. Her first picture book, Olive and Snowflake, was released to starred reviews from Kirkus and School Library Journal. Tammie lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her husband Lee and two dogs, Amos and Artie. She spends her days working in her home studio in the woods, surrounded by wildlife and, of course, two mostly-always-sleeping dogs.

Reviews

A great school story for beginner readers, "Katie Woo: Rules the School" was another hit for Fran Manushkin. Katie Woo stories are excellent for young elementary school students, each story focuses on everyday issues that children have to deal with today.-- "NetGalley Review"

...a nice new entry in this field which has been dominated by another bespectacled girl, Junie B. Jones, for some time now. . . .If you've burned through Junie B. but aren't quite ready for Ivy and Bean or (my favorite) Ramona, Katie Woo may be your go-to girl.-- "Heaven is Sort of a Library blog"

...an early-reader with lovely watercolor illustrations and simple text, perfect for those readers just risking the giant step away from picture books. . . .A young reader would find Katie Woo a sympathetic heroine, and having read a proper book, no doubt glow with pride at her achievement, and what more could anyone ask for?-- "Kids Books Central"

All four stories were entertaining and I believe Katie Woo's latest adventures will be a popular choice among children everywhere.-- "NetGalley Review"

Great chapter book for early readers, emerging readers, as well as those needing a little extra practice in reading. Not only were the sentences and words used just the right length and difficulty, the content was very relevant for this day and age (working cooperatively, bullying, helping others). This will allow for many connections to be made by the child reading the book.-- "NetGalley Review"

Growing up, I was an avid reader. I loved book series because they gave you got to see your favorite characters grow. Today, when I'm observing the books students choose to read and what they check out from their school libraries, I'm struck by a major difference in some of their popular fiction versus what I grew up reading. When I was growing up, it was quite a task to find a book series featuring a female protagonist who was not white. Ramona Quimby, Nancy Drew, the Sweet Valley Twins, 95% of the Babysitter's Club, etc. were all white. They are wonderful books and children from any race can read and enjoy stories about these characters, but I wondered what young black, Hispanic, Asian, and other races lost when they got few chances to read books about characters that look like them. If any race can read and love Ramona, shouldn't they all be given the chance to read and relate to a black character, or an Asian one? Why don't publishers make more of these books? Tough we are aware of the reasons why it's important for students to read books like this, there is still a paucity of books available that spotlight racially diverse characters. Nevertheless, there are now a lot more options for young readers. I love seeing girls with their noses in books, and I was struck when I saw girls of all races reading two series starring diverse female protagonists: Katie Woo and Dyamonde Daniel . Katie Woo is an award-winning series for young readers. Katie's series contains short sentences and nice illustrations for students just beginning chapter books. Her covers are as vivid and inviting as her stories! Katie is in first grade and she's had to deal with the loss of a beloved pet, a bully and lying . I love that likeable series features an Asian protagonist, though it is sadly one of the few I've ever seen that does so. http: //substitutesftw.blogspot.com/2011/06/diverse-book-series-for-young-readers.html-- "Substitutes, FTW! blog"

I have always loved Katie Woo, and this book has made me excited about her all over again.-- "Secrets & Sharing Soda blog"

I just met Katie Woo for the first time. She's a kid with depth to her character and real feelings and best of all, it teaches our young readers great lessons for every day life. . . .Between the well-written moral lessons and the enjoyable pictures Katie Woo Rules the School is a gem for children everywhere.-- "Well-Read Reviews blog"

I think this book is great for younger kids, and definitely teaches some great lessons about school and how to treat and act around your classmates. They would also be easy readers if your child is just learning to read and wants to read it on their own.-- "Concert Katie blog"

Katie's ideas are great but what is even better is learning that her ideas work the best when she thinks about others.-- "Pragmatic Mom"

READ IT IF: You like beautifully illustrated children's books. You are looking for a book with an Asian-American main character. You like books that have more than one story in them.-- "Second Bookshelf on the Right blog"

Solid do-the-right-thing tales with a neat cast of characters.-- "NetGalley Review"

There are very good lessons to be learned from Katie's experiences. . . .As a former, teacher I would recommend this book. I feel it makes the transition to reading chapter books an enjoyable experience. After reading Katie Woo Rules the School I think the reader will want to read other books in the Katie Woo series.-- "Kids Book Korner blog"

This was my first time reading a Katie Woo book, and I quite enjoyed it. Both she and the books have a Ramona Quimby vibe to them; Katie isn't perfect but she tries to do what's right, and the books look at tough issues (and real issues that kids face) without losing heart and warmth. . . .This looks like a great series for young readers and if, like me, you're new to the series, this collection of stories is a great way to get yourself introduced to Katie Woo's world.-- "Crowding the Book Truck blog"