Books
Written & Illustrated by Lisa Horstman
Chronic
An Unauthorized Autobiography
Published in 2022 as a serialized graphic novel via Substack, Chronic is the story of Elle, a thirteen year-old diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1980. An odd assortment of characters, including a punk nurse, a crew of ghosts, and others, guide Elle through a week-long hospitalization as she deals with her diagnosis. Based on the author's own experiences. (Young adult +)
Torry in the Land of Arches
When a young wolf mouse named Torry visits his grandparents in the land of arches, he sees all sorts of unusual sights: giant red rocks balanced atop small ones, rock arches of every size, mysterious ancient drawings on stone walls; there's even a jackrabbit named Slim who taxis customers across the rocky land—fast!
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But the most unusual, and dangerous, experience during Torry's visit involves a tradition passed down from generation to generation in the wolf mouse family. Now Torry must learn these traditions to survive.
Sabrina
A Great Smoky Mountains story
Look out, below! When Sabrina falls into a red squirrel nest, she creates quite a fuss. Just who is this critter who has landed in their home? She sort of looks like them, except for her big, googly eyes and her arm flaps. And she always wants to sleep during the day instead of at night, when the red squirrels sleep.
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But it's a good thing this misfit stays awake at night, as the red squirrels soon discover…
Squawking Matilda
Taking care of a chicken is not what it's cracked up to be…
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Matilda is a chicken with attitude: proud, dignified, and scrappy. Aunt Susan sends her to Mae, who loves to take on special projects. However, Mae's quick solutions can cause bigger problems, like that time she made Dog glow in the dark….
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Nothing is quick or easy with Matilda. Mae never had to work so hard before! Soon new projects grab her attention, and Matilda is neglected. But when Aunt Susan plans a visit, Mae has to find out what it takes to care for a special chicken like Matilda.
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Winner, Illustration West 48 Bronze Medal, Children's Market category
Wee Ones
In this simple board book for babies, explore the ways human babies share fun traits with baby animals. From splishing and splashing in cool water; to going for a ride; to play time; to bed time; babies of all sorts take their first new steps in life.
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Winner, National Park Service Excellence in Interpretive Media Award
The Great Smoky Mountain Salamander Ball
Welcome to Great Smoky Mountains National Park—Salamander Capital of the World. Inside this book you'll follow Sara on a camping trip to the Smokies and share her delight as she becomes the first human ever to witness a Salamander Ball. Over 27 species of salamanders live in the park, including the red-cheeked, which lives nowhere else on Earth. It's this "wondrous diversity of life" that makes the Great Smoky Mountains so special, earning them protection as a national park.
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Winner, National Park Service Award of Excellence
Fast Friends
Thwakk! goes the tail of Blueberry Sprig as he flicks an annoying fly off his broad back. Slurp! goes Smithfield's tongue as he quickly gobbles it up.
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It sure sounds like the makings of a perfect friendship—and before you know it, cow and chameleon have become roommates. But wait, domestic bliss is turning to discord! It seems that Smithfield is a neat freak and Blueberry Sprig is a total slob. Can this classic odd couple overcome their differences and live happily ever after?
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Here's to the trials and tribulations of simply getting along.
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Winner, Random House Dr Seuss Picture Book Award
Books illustrated by Lisa Horstman
No Place for the Weary Kind
Women of the Smokies
Written by Courtney Lix
From legendary hiker Margaret Stevenson to famed singer/songwriter Dolly Parton, what do these nineteen remarkable Smoky Mountain women have in common? Tenacity, perseverence, and an ironwood-like toughness in the face of adversity. Besides that, all had (or have) a deep love of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Scavenger Hike Adventures
Written by Kat and John LaFevre
Here is an interactive hiking guide series for all levels of hikers. Hikers have fun following clues on national park trails to find hidden natural and historic treasures. As one camper hiking along Porters Creek said, "We found things we never would have known were there."
We're Going to the Mountains
Written by Steve Kemp
A sweet, simple picturebook about the joys of a trip to the mountains.
Gracie Goat's Big Bike Race
Written by Erin Mirabella
Gracie Goat doesn't know what to do. She told her friends that she would join them in a bike race, but there's a problem: she doesn't know how to ride a bike and she's afraid to learn
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With her grandma's help, Gracie discovers that everyone is scared of something, even her grandma. Together, they overcome their fears and learn that they have everything to gain by trying.
The Smokies Yukky Book
Written by Doris Gove
Help keep the Smokies wild and yucky. Because there just aren't enough really wild and yucky places in the world anymore, where a kid can go out and get stung, bitten, infested, sprayed, puked on, and have an all together great time. Profits from the sale of this book help preserve all creatures gross and not-so-gross in the park.
One Baby Mountain Goat
Written by Debbie Ketel Speas
This board book introduces young children to the baby mountain goats at Mount Rushmore. It includes fun counting rhymes and factual "guess what" information.
