Princesses with curls wear pearls.

Princesses with head wraps take long naps.

And princesses with teeny-weeny Afros wear teeny-weeny bows.

Celebrate different hair shapes, textures, and styles in this self-affirming picture book! From dreadlocks to blowouts to braids, Princess Hair shines a spotlight on the beauty and diversity of black hair, showing young readers that every kind of hair is Princess Hair.

This book encourages confidence and pride in this playful, colorful picture book that teaches readers to love every bit of themselves.

Art was made using watercolor and pen.

From Academy Award–nominated actress Quvenzhané Wallis comes the first story in a brand-new series about best friends Shai and Emmie, two third graders destined for superstardom.

Shai Williams was born to be a star (or a veterinarian—and maybe a dentist). She attends a special elementary school for the performing arts, and her grandma Rosa and aunt Mac-N-Cheese are both actresses. So Shai is shocked when she doesn’t get the lead role in the third-grade musical. Instead, the part goes to the new girl, Gabby Supreme, who thinks she is better than everyone else.

To add insult to injury, Ms. Gremillion has now asked Shai to help Gabby with the role. Shai reluctantly agrees and enlists Emmie to help, but Gabby isn’t going to make it easy. As opening night draws near, Shai discovers that making a new friend is sometimes like putting on a show—it requires dedication, patience, and lots and lots of practice.

Illustrations were made using black ink and pen.

Coming out January 9, 2018

Shai Williams—third-grader and superstar in the making—loves to act, sing, and dance. So when her teacher, Ms. Englert, signs their class up for a major dance competition, Shai’s fancy moves are put to the test. Paired up with her best friend Emmie and classmate Rio, Shai plans to settle her competition jitters by just having fun. That is until her rival, Gabby Supreme, challenges her to a bet: whoever loses the dance competition has to bring the winner one cupcake every day for a month.

Now Shai has to win.

Illustrations for poetry book by Rachel Garlinghouse. 

Self published in Oct 2015.

Art created using watercolor and pen.

In this picture book, readers join four siblings on a delightful trip to the beach. Throughout the story, the older sisters introduce some of the most frequent SAT words in a child-friendly context to their much younger brother. Eight words in eight minutes.

For ages 3-6. 

This book was made possible by the Make A Wish Foundation. Lauren Telesz had her wish granted to write and publish a picturebook.

Art created using watercolor and pen.