author portrait

Nancy Van Laan

Nancy Van Laan was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She began writing in 1962 while studying art and working in television. She earned an MFA in Theater from Rutgers University in 1979. She taught English and creative writing for a number of years before publishing her first book, The Big Fat Worm, in 1987. She is the author of over two dozen children's books, including the beloved picture books Rainbow Crow, Little Baby Bobby, and the Parents’ Choice Award winner Possum Come a-Knockin’, among others.

Books

Books for Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Every May we celebrate the rich history and culture of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Browse a curated selection of fiction and nonfiction books by AANHPI creators that we think your students will love. Find our collection of titles here: Elementary School

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PRH Education Translanguaging Collections

Translanguaging is a communicative practice of bilinguals and multilinguals, that is, it is a practice whereby bilinguals and multilinguals use their entire linguistic repertoire to communicate and make meaning (García, 2009; García, Ibarra Johnson, & Seltzer, 2017)   It is through that lens that we have partnered with teacher educators and bilingual education experts, Drs.

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PRH Education Classroom Libraries

“Books are a students’ passport to entering and actively participating in a global society with the empathy, compassion, and knowledge it takes to become the problem solvers the world needs.” –Laura Robb   Research shows that reading and literacy directly impacts students’ academic success and personal growth. To help promote the importance of daily independent

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Books for Native American Heritage Month

In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, Penguin Random House is highlighting the stories of our authors as well as voices in the community who authentically represent the Indigenous Experience.  Using #StoriesoftheLand, #NativeAmericanbooks and #Indigenousreads join us in putting a spotlight on the rich and diverse stories showcasing the important contributions and experiences of Native

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