Children's Books

I have authored seven picture books, published in 2020 and 2026 by Barefoot Books, written under my pen name, Celeste Cortright!

Dragons and Other Creatures of the Sky

COMING SOON!

Available April 28, 2026

Dragons and Other Creatures of the Sky

Written by Celeste Cortright
Illustrated by Giulia Orecchia

From dragons to fairies, learn about the fantastical, mythical creatures that fly in the sky. This interactive board book features mystical riddles about each creature, and as readers guess and turn the page, tiered layers cleverly slide to reveal answers! Part of the Slide-and-See Fantastical Creatures series. For ages 3-5.

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Mermaids and Other Creatures of the Sea

COMING SOON!

Available April 28, 2026

Mermaids and Other Creatures of the Sea

Written by Celeste Cortright
Illustrated by Giulia Orecchia

From mermaids to krakens, learn about the fantastical, mythical creatures that live beneath the waves. This interactive board book features mystical riddles about each creature, and as readers guess and turn the page, tiered layers cleverly slide to reveal answers! Part of the Slide-and-See Fantastical Creatures series. For ages 3-5.

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Unicorns and Other Creatures of the Earth

COMING SOON!

Coming October 2026

Unicorns and Other Creatures of the Earth

Written by Celeste Cortright
Illustrated by Giulia Orecchia

From unicorns to yetis, learn about the fantastical, mythical creatures that walk the earth. This interactive board book features mystical riddles about each creature, and as readers guess and turn the page, tiered layers cleverly slide to reveal answers! Part of the Slide-and-See Fantastical Creatures series. For ages 3-5.

Vampires and Other Creatures of the Night

COMING SOON!

Coming October 2026

Vampires and Other Creatures of the Night

Written by Celeste Cortright
Illustrated by Giulia Orecchia

From vampires to skeletons, learn about the fantastical, mythical creatures that creep through the night. This interactive board book features mystical riddles about each creature, and as readers guess and turn the page, tiered layers cleverly slide to reveal answers! Part of the Slide-and-See Fantastical Creatures series. For ages 3-5.


The More We Get Together

NOW AVAILABLE!

The More We Get Together

Written by Celeste Cortright
Illustrated by Betania Zacarias
Sung by Audra Mariel and Kena Anae

Set to the familiar tune of "The More We Get Together", this colorful picture book follows four children as they work together to make a difference in their urban community. Includes endnotes about fuel conservation, recycling, activism, teamwork and more. Available in hardcover and paperback with audio singalong and video animation. For ages 3-7. Published March 2020.

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Ready, Set, Go! Sports of All Sorts

NOW AVAILABLE!

Ready, Set, Go!

Sports of All Sorts

Written by Celeste Cortright
Illustrated by Christiane Engel

Rhyming nonfiction text and energetic artwork featuring a diverse and inclusive group of children introduces the basics of eight of the world's most beloved sports: baseball, track, football/soccer, gymnastics, hockey, karate, basketball and swimming. Includes educational endnotes. Available in hardcover and paperback. For ages 3-7. Published March 2020.

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Fun and Games: Everyday Play

NOW AVAILABLE!

Fun and Games

Everyday Play

Written by Celeste Cortright
Illustrated by Sophie Fatus

In this lyrical nonfiction book, join a diverse and inclusive group of children as they explore eight of the world's most popular toys and games: hide-and-seek, dominoes, jump rope, tangrams, dollhouses, hoop rolling, spinning tops and cuddly toys. Includes educational endnotes. Available in hardcover and paperback. For ages 3-7. Published August 2020.

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"We can make a difference when we work together,
We can make a difference, together as one.
When we put our passion towards kindness and action,
We can make a difference together as one."

The More We Get Together

Written by Celeste Cortright
Illustrated by Betania Zacarias
Sung by Audra Mariel and Kena Anae

Set to the familiar tune of "The More We Get Together", this colorful picture book follows four children as they work together to make a difference in their urban community. Includes endnotes about fuel conservation, recycling, activism, teamwork and more. Comes with audio singalong and video animation. (View the animation here!) For ages 3-7.

"This book is the complete package—wonderful story, important message, diversity, vivid illustrations, a musical CD, and tips for making the world a better place for everyone. What is not to like about that!?" — Youth Services Book Review, Starred Review

Order on barefootbooks.com

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"We’re ready for action and all set for fun.
Let’s GO and get ready to play, everyone!"

Ready, Set, Go! Sports of All Sorts

Written by Celeste Cortright
Illustrated by Christiane Engel

Rhyming nonfiction text and energetic artwork featuring a diverse and inclusive group of children introduces the basics of eight of the world's most beloved sports: baseball, track, football/soccer, gymnastics, hockey, karate, basketball and swimming. Includes educational endnotes. For ages 3-7.

Order on barefootbooks.com

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"It’s time to play! Let’s laugh and learn.
Join in the fun and take a turn."

Fun and Games Everyday Play

Written by Celeste Cortright
Illustrated by Sophie Fatus

In this lyrical nonfiction book, join a diverse and inclusive group of children as they explore eight of the world's most popular toys and games: hide-and-seek, dominoes, jump rope, tangrams, dollhouses, hoop rolling, spinning tops and cuddly toys. Includes educational endnotes. For ages 3-7.

Order on barefootbooks.com

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Curious why I decided to use Celeste Cortright as my children's book pen name?

It's kind of a long story, but I'll give you the short version. Before me, there have been a few other Barefoot Books employees who have opted to use a pen name for their #kidlit writing, including Stella Blackstone, Sunny Scribens, and Skye Silver. So, I thought I'd continue the tradition of "stellar" first names with my very own. And in case you were wondering, Cortright is actually my given middle name!