5 Children’s Books by Pittsburgh Authors

Reading with your child is one of life’s most precious gifts. Whether you’re cuddled up on the couch, snuggled up in bed, or spending quality time at the local library, books have an amazing way of taking you and your children to far away places, warming your heart and enriching your child’s literacy experience.

Pittsburgh is full of talented people, including children’s books authors. In celebration of National Literacy Month, I’ve put together a list of children’s book written by Pittsburghers.

1. Rise and Shine Little Child 

This is the perfect book to curl up and read with your child. Readers experience the wonders, excitement and magic of the season winter brings. From the first snowfall to sleigh rides and warming up with hot cocoa, you will want to welcome this season with “Rise and Shine Little Child”, which is written by Pittsburgh Mom, Leigh Ann Hrutkay.

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2. Maxwell, The Raindrop That Wouldn’t Fall

Inspired by his two daughters, Pittsburgh Native, Joseph Moore wrote this delightful picture book to encourage children to be happy with who they are. Maxwell The Raindrop wants to be anything but a raindrop. Soon he realizes his purpose and importance whenever a flower is in need of water to be saved. He’s also written a sequel, “Maxwell, The Raindrop: Am I still Me”, that is worth checking out as well.

3. The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates trilogy

This book series, written by Pittsburgh resident, Caroline Carson, is full of “funny and fantastical adventures”. Hilary Westfield has always dreamed of being a pirate, and doesn’t take “no” for an answer whenever she discovers there are no girls allowed in The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates. From there, readers embark upon a journey full of magic and adventure. This trilogy is appropriate for grades 3-7. Parents will enjoy their own copy and have plenty to chat about with their young reader.

4. Who Will Pick Me Up Today

This story, written by Ellen F. Harlow, can serve as a valuable resource to help your child navigate and process the hectic schedule that you and your family may have. The main character, Oliver, often asks his teacher, “who will pick me up today?” Oliver only sees his dad twice a week, but thankfully, his mother and pets bring him comfort and confidence.

5. Empty Shoes

If your child is struggling with sibling rivalry, or any other form of competition, then “Empty Shoes” is a valuable and entertaining resource. Catherine tries to outshine her big sister by auditioning for the lead role in her school’s play. She’s heartbroken when she discovers she doesn’t get the part and tries to escape by trying on her relatives’ shoes. She quickly realizes it’s no fun being someone else and ends up embracing who she is.

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Like many children’s book authors, my children inspired me to write “Empty Shoes”. If writing a book is a goal you have dreamed of accomplishing, I encourage you to allow your life to be the catalyst for a story. There are so many magical moments between a mother and her child, and these moments can spark the idea for the next great children’s book by a Pittsburgh Mom.

I hope you enjoyed this list, and will take the time to celebrate local authors while providing your child with the golden opportunity of reading some extraordinary books.

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Denise LaRosa
DENISE LAROSA is the founder, host and CEO of Mom Talk with Denise LaRosa, LLC, a multimedia platform designed to motivate, inspire and inform mothers along their journey in motherhood. Denise utilizes her parenting experiences and background as an elementary educator to bring mothers invaluable information and resources on parenting through her podcast, blog and workshops. A devoted wife and mother of two precious girls, Denise is also an elementary school teacher. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in dance (Magna cum Laude) from Radford University in 2003 and graduated from Carlow University in 2008 with a Master of Education degree in elementary education.