Laurie Coulter

Cowboys and Coffin Makers: One Hundred 19th-Century Jobs You Might Have Feared or Fancied

art by Martha Newbigging

How did your ancestors make their living? Step back to the 1800s and witness a century of sweeping changes through the eyes of the workers who helped shape it. Cowboys and Coffin Makers is a fascinating look at 100 jobs from the 19th century organized in 20 thematic chapters.

“...the content in Cowboys and Coffin Makers is undeniably captivating. Rather than presenting historical events like the Industrial Revolution and the Civil War in general terms, Coulter approaches them through the eyes of blacksmiths, whaleboat boatheaders, candy makers, dime novel writers, cartographers, robber barons and 94 other professions. This perspective, besides being fresh and innovative, is completely kid-friendly... Highly recommended.”

— Shannon Ozirny, CM Magazine

For ages 8–12

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Secrets in Stone: All about Maya Hieroglyphs

art by Sarah Jane English

The intriguing story of the Maya and their mysterious language is captured in the pages of this lavishly illustrated book.

“Unlocking the secret of Mayan hieroglyphics was a long and painstaking process.... Coulter describes clearly and concisely how the mystery was unraveled, while the colorful, well-laid-out pages add appeal with plenty of photographs and stylized drawings that suggest Mayan art. Ideas for crafts, activities and even a party run along the page bottoms. Also explained are the Maya civilization’s number system and complex calendar. A time line, short glossary, and short bibliography (of mostly adult books) are appended. A substantive, much-needed resource.”

— Todd Morning, Booklist

“Not just for history buffs, this fascinating book, with its centuries-old code-cracking mystery, will appeal to many readers. Highly Recommended.”

— Gail Hamilton, CM Magazine

For ages 8–12

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To Be a Princess: The Fascinating Lives of Real Princesses

written with Hugh Brewster
art by Laurie McGaw

Magnificent palaces, golden coaches, glittering court balls…they’re all part of a princess’s world. But sometimes war, revolution and tragedy are part of it as well. The lives of these young royal women tell a story more fascinating than any fairytale.

“Students and teachers alike will appreciate the research and literate style of this unusual approach to collective biography.”

— School Library Journal

“Each vivid portrait will hook readers with its immediacy, rich detail, and history.”

— Booklist

“A beautiful book to look at and a very readable text.”

— Quill & Quire

For ages 8–12

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When John and Caroline Lived in the White House

When John and Caroline Lived in the White House is the captivating story of Caroline and John Kennedy, Jr., the children of President John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline. They lived in the White House from February 1961 until November 1963, a brief but unforgettable time in American history.

“Kennedy devotees of all ages will pore over Coulter’s (In the Kennedy Style) handsomely designed photo-essay on these celebrated siblings’ lives…an affecting chronicle.”

— Publishers Weekly

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882½ Amazing Answers to Your Questions about the Titanic

written with Hugh Brewster

This question and answer book, illustrated with dozens of paintings, drawings and rare photographs, tells the heart-stopping story of the legendary ship — from its building, maiden voyage and tragic sinking, to its high-tech discovery and exploration on the ocean floor. Why was the Titanic carrying dragon’s blood? Did a mummy’s curse cause the Titanic to sink? Why didn’t the “watertight” compartments work? Can you smell icebergs before you see them? All these questions and more are answered in the pages of this fun-to-read book.

“…truly a work to be admired. It shows diligence in research and the imagination of its creators.”

— KLIATT Reviews

For all ages

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