The Orange Shoes Written by Trinka Hakes Noble Illustrated by Doris Ettlinger Sleeping Bear Press August 2007 ISBN-13:978-1-58536-277-6
Delly Porter needs new shoes, but doesn’t mind because she loves the soft, silky feel of the dirt road beneath her bare feet. She’s a good artist, too, even if she has to make her own art supplies. And she loves her teacher, Miss Violet.
Life only looks brighter when Miss Violet announces the school will have a Shoebox Social to raise funds for new art materials. But when what should be a festive occasion is threatened by prejudice and cruelty, Delly finds out that one must stay true to oneself to successfully navigate life’s joys and sorrows.
From Trinka Hakes Noble comes the story of a young girl who learns the most precious things in life are not measured in dollars and cents but by the warmth of one’s heart. And that truth, beauty, and love are in the eye of the beholder.
"In stark contrast to the runaway commercialism of today's Halloween, The Orange Shoes offers readers an old-fashioned story about poverty, creativity and determination. The refreshing and realistic watercolor and pencil paintings match the setting and poignant theme of this powerful story." – The Chicago Sun-Times
"This warm, heartfelt story is suited for sharing aloud with children. A poignant offering." – School Library Journal, September 2007
"Ettlinger's colored-pencil-and-watercolor illustrations are warm, lush and full of detail, evoking the period and simplicity of a small country community." – Kirkus Review, August 2007
"Adella's story touched my heart. The Orange Shoes will be used by teachers and Library Media Specialists to promote discussion and understanding of bullying." – Maureen Stryker , Library Media Specialist of the Year - New Jersey 2006
• Delaware Diamond State Award Nominee 2009-2010
• New York State Charlotte Primary Book Award Nominee 2010
• Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award Nominee 2009-2010
• Indiana Hoosier State Book Award Nominee 2009-2010
• Missouri Show Me Readers Award Nominee 2009-2010
• Nebraska Golden Sower Award Nominee 2009-2010
• Tennessee Volunteer State Book Award Nominee 2009-2010
• International Reading Association Teacher's Choice Award 2008
• Best Books of the Year 2008, The Children's Book Council of Bank Street College
• Nominated for the prestigious Jefferson Cup Award 2008
• BookSense Children's Picks List 2007-2008
• National Parenting Publications (NAPPA) Honors Award 2007
The New Jersey Reader
Written by Trinka Hakes Noble
Illustrated by K. L. Darnell
Sleeping Bear Press July 2009
ISBN-13:978-1-58536-438-1
Trinka Hakes Noble has called New Jersey her home for many years. Now she pays homage to the “Garden State” in the entertaining and informative The New Jersey Reader. This 98 page book, patterned after old fashioned primers, showcases the state’s rich heritage and natural charms, as well as its prominent place in American history.
A New Jersey Pledge
Once the ancient land of
the Lenni-Lenape, the Revolution’s Crossroads
became our destiny.
Sitting in the middle,
this little colony forged the link
so our country could be free.
With more battles fought
for our liberty, We became our nation’s
state number three.
Small yet powerful,
we pledge our hearts to thee! This place we call home,
the state of New Jersey!
Poems, state symbols, hidden pictures and riddles engage the beginning readers while prose, biographies, non-fiction, short stories and a reader theater challenge more advanced readers. Topics include early Native American culture, the American Revolution, famous citizens (Molly Pitcher and John Woolman), New Jersey firsts, the state nickname and a 500-year-long timeline.
An excellent teacher’s guide is available at www.sleepingbearpress.comand a colorful poster of the book’s timeline is also available.
The Legend of the Cape May Diamond
Written by Trinka Hakes Noble
Illustrated by E. B. Lewis
Sleeping Bear Press, May 2007
ISBN 978-1-58536-279-0
At the southernmost tip of New Jersey lie the resort town of Cape May and its sparkling sandy beaches, sheltering the Delaware Bay. Formed by melting glaciers thousands of years ago, the Delaware River flows from its headwaters to spill into the Delaware Bay.
And for thousands of years, fragments of quartz rock have ridden the river, plucked from the mountains lining its banks. Polished and buffed as they tumble along, these rock particles dazzle like gemstones when tossed onto Cape May’s sandy shores. Beloved by beachcombers, these “diamonds” are the daughters of the Delaware, linking the state’s past and present.
Delving into the natural beauty of New Jersey’s famous coastline, storyteller Trinka Hakes Noble has crafted a wondrous tale explaining the origin of the Cape May Diamond.
"Perfect choice to enjoy at the Shore."
– The Star-Ledger
"Eye candy tome to dress up any coffee table, and serve as pirate's treasure for generations of beachcombers. Ahoy!" – Philadelphia Magazine
"Whether you're on a road trip, or spending a day at the Jersey shore, The Legend of the Cape May Diamond will inspire kids (and parents) to make the most of every vacation day."
– New Jersey Family Magazine
"The Legend of the Cape May Diamond is more that a children's book; it's for anyone who's ever picked up a pebble and wondered, 'Where did this come from?"' It's the story of small stones that wash up on the shores of Cape May looking very much like 'diamonds,' and the story of the Lenape Indians who respected the Delaware River and each other, who were concerned with the future of the earth and mankind, and who lived in peace and still live among us."
– New Jersey Lifestyle Magazine
• Delaware Diamond State Award Nominee 2008-2009
• Keystone to Reading Book Award List 2008-2009
The Pennsylvania Reader Written by Trinka Hakes Noble Illustrated by K. L. Darnell
Sleeping Bear Press, September 2007
ISBN-13: 978-1-58536-320-9
The Pennsylvania Reader is patterned after early primers which taught children to read long ago. Colorful illustrations accompany lively prose, poetry, games, and short stories; together working to entertain as well as educate.
A Pennsylvania Pledge Oh, Pennsylvania, how we praise thee!
Land where the Quakers came to be free.
Independence for all was your decree
when your famous bell rang for Liberty.
This small book includes the history behind the state name (Penn’s Woods), state symbols, distinguished citizens (Daniel Boone and Betsy Ross), and famous events. Original fiction such as letters between cousins on either side of the Mason-Dixon Line and a Reader Theater drama provide ample opportunity for student/classroom interaction.
THE LEGEND OF MICHIGAN
Written by Trinka Hakes Noble
Illustrated by Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen
Sleeping Bear Press, 2006
ISBN 1-58536-278-6
"Long long ago, the ancient peoples of the forest gathered around their warm bright fires and told the tale of a time long past, when the land of Michigane was covered with thick heavy ice. They called it the Long Night of the North Wind."
For thousands of years the cruel North Wind ruled the land of Up North so no one, man nor creature, could live there. But thousands of years is a long time to go without a visitor, so when a Little Warrior from the South and an Old Warrior from the East ventured into the land of Michigane, the North Wind just may be ready to relinquish his icy hold. Or maybe not.
Master storyteller Trinka Hakes Noble pays homage to her home state in this creative and inventive legend of the origin of the state of Michigan.
The Orange Shoes
From Trinka Hakes Noble comes the story of a young girl who learns the most precious things in life are not measured in dollars and cents but by the warmth of one’s heart. And that truth, beauty, and love are in the eye of the beholder.
The Legend of the Cape May Diamond
"Perfect choice to enjoy at the Shore."
The Pennsylvania Reader
This small book includes the history behind the state name (Penn’s Woods), state symbols, distinguished citizens (Daniel Boone and Betsy Ross), and famous events. Original fiction such as letters between cousins on either side of the Mason-Dixon Line and a Reader Theater drama provide ample opportunity for student/classroom interaction. 
THE LEGEND OF MICHIGAN
