Allison Wortche
children's book author & freelance editor
Hello, and welcome!
I am an author and editor with eighteen years of experience in the children's book industry.
Please check out my books and editorial services below.
Allison
MY BOOKS
RUBY AND THE ITSY-BITSY ICKY BUG
When Ruby discovers a bug on her window one morning, she freaks out! She loves furry animals and ocean creatures and even dinosaurs. But NOT bugs!
No amount of blowing or squirting or yelling will get this bug to go away. It will get Ruby stuck in a time-out.
With lots of time to study Mr. Yuck-Bug, Ruby decides he may have some interesting qualities after all. His little antennae might even be an itsy bit . . . cute? And when night falls, Ruby’s new friend has a brilliant surprise!
Allison Wortche and Sally Walker show readers how something can go from icky to incredible—if you just take a closer look.
* “Ruby is a delightfully expressive protagonist. . . .
Bring this book for science-themed story time.”
—Bulletin, Starred Review
“This sweet story about changing one’s mind and seeing things from a new perspective will charm young readers.”
—Kirkus Reviews
Watch the BOOK TRAILER!
Download the ACTIVITY KIT!
OLIVER’S LOLLIPOP
Oliver is sure his new rainbow lollipop is the most amazing thing at the zoo. Flamingos? Pandas? Lions? He barely notices them.
But when his lollipop is suddenly GONE, Oliver discovers
there's so much to see! And sharing the day with his little brother just might be the sweetest treat of all.
“Wortche employs simple yet evocative prose. . . . A gentle, well-paced reminder to live in the moment.” —Publisher’s Weekly
“Vivid, bright paintings illuminate the well-told narrative centering a child’s singular fixation, disappointment, and family warmth.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Heartwarming. . . . Landazábal’s gouache and watercolor art is striking, depicting both the sights at the zoo and the lollipop in dazzlingly vibrant hues.” —Bulletin
“The incredible use of colors and compositions takes us on an emotional journey. . . . A gentle and cosy reminder that even when life forces us into a change of perspective, it is worth enjoying with the people we love. A wonderful read.” —Children’s Books Ireland
Watch the BOOK TRAILER!
Download the ACTIVITY KIT!
ROSIE SPROUT’S TIME TO SHINE
* “An impressive new author. Wortche possesses both
a refreshing directness and a willingness to trust her readers.”
—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“There’s not a misstep in sight,
from Wortche’s sure plotting to her subtle ending.”
—Horn Book
“Rosie and her diverse class of pink-cheeked friends are full of appeal.”
—School Library Journal
“Kids will absorb the botany facts that are informally woven into the story, while the outsider kid’s recognition and self-acceptance make for great drama.”
—Booklist
“Very real emotions are at the heart of Rosie Sprout. . . .
All children deserve a chance to shine.”
—The New York Times Book Review
I LOVE SCIENCE board book series
Explore with sliders, lift-the-flaps, wheels, and more!
These colorful novelty board books are designed to introduce scientific concepts to babies and toddlers.
Simple text, bold artwork, and fun hands-on elements combine to create an interactive
and educational experience for the youngest of scientists.
Peek inside
I LOVE ENGINEERING!
EDITORIAL SERVICES
I provide editorial and creative guidance to authors of picture books through young adult novels,
from broad story development to detailed line edits.
As a Senior Editor at Knopf Books for Young Readers/
Penguin Random House, I acquired and edited picture books, middle-grade, and YA. In my 13 years at Knopf,
my list garnered over 50 starred reviews and included
New York Times Bestsellers, Caldecott and Newbery
Honor Books, Edgar Award Winners,
ALA Notables, and YALSA BFYA titles.
In 2017, I launched Allison Wortche Editorial Services, offering critiques, developmental editing, line editing,
and query letter feedback. If you have a project you'd
like to work on together, please be in touch!
A selection of books I’ve edited:
Stay tuned for
NEWS & UPCOMING EVENTS
CONTACT
Let's connect!
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