SATA
ENTRY TYPE:
WORK TITLE: Some Bunny Loves You
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: http://www.helenfosterjames.com/
CITY: San Diego
STATE:
COUNTRY: United States
NATIONALITY:
LAST VOLUME: SATA 396
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Born 1951, in San Diego, CA; married; husband’s name Bob.
EDUCATION:Northern Arizona University, Ed.D. (Educational Administration).
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer and educator. Has worked as an elementary teacher, a coordinator of library media services for the San Diego County Office of Education, and a lecturer and supervisor of student teachers at San Diego State University. Founder of California Reading Association’s Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award.
AVOCATIONS:Traveling, hiking, volunteering in the mountains, and walking at the beach.
MEMBER:Society of Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators.
AWARDS:WILLA Literary Award finalist, Women Writing the West, 2005, and Land of Enchantment Book Award finalist, 2006, both for E Is for Enchantment; San Diego Book & Writing Awards finalist, 2008, for S Is for S’mores; Creative Child Awards Program Book of the Year, 2011, for Little America and Little California; Creative Child Awards Preferred Choice Award, 2013, Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, National Council for the Social Studies/Children’s Book Council, Storytelling World Resource Awards commended title, Best Children’s Book of the Year list, Bank Street College of Education, and San Diego Book Award, all 2014, and California Young Reader Medal nomination, 2016-17, all for Paper Son; California Reading Association award for contributions to literacy.
WRITINGS
Contributor of book reviews to School Library Journal.
SIDELIGHTS
A former elementary school teacher and media specialist, Helen Foster James is the author of more than twenty-five works of fiction and nonfiction for young readers. She is perhaps She is best known for her uplifting tales of familial love, which includes Grandma Loves You!, Welcome to the World, Auntie Loves You!, and Grandma’s Christmas Wish. James’s nonfiction titles include S Is for S’mores: A Camping Alphabet and E Is for Enchantment: A New Mexico Alphabet. James’s nonfiction titles include Discover Penguins, part of the “Splash” series.
James has worked with illustrator Petra Brown on a number of titles. In Grandma Loves You!, told in rhyming verse, a grandmother bunny celebrates the arrival of a newborn bunny, her grandchild. In Grandma’s Christmas Wish, an elderly bunny and her grandchild mark the holiday by trimming the tree and exchanging simple but heartfelt gifts. “The text is playful and succinct,” a writer in Kirkus Reviews stated of the latter work, “conveying emotion with just a few well-chosen words that will stand up to inevitable multiple rereadings.”
Grandma Loves You! also earned praise from a Kirkus Reviews critic, who described it as a “wholehearted hymn to grandmotherhood” and further remarked that the story’s “gentleness will make for nice initial read-aloud sessions” for a grandmother and grandchild. Grandpa Loves You!, another work featuring the combined talents of James and Brown, follows the adventures of a grandfather rabbit and his grandson as they frolic outdoors, flying kites together and burrowing into the ground. A Kirkus Reviews contributor noted that Grandpa Loves You! satisfies as “a beloved grandparent gift purchase to be sure but also a toddler-friendly inclusion to an intergenerational storytime.”
Another James-Brown title is With Love, Grandma. During her weeks-long vacation, a hedgehog grandmother stays in touch with her grandchild through a series of letters and postcards that describe her experiences. During her trip, the energetic grandma hikes in the woods, rides on a train, takes an outdoor painting lesson, and heads to the beach, among other activities, and her notes to her grandchild promise a delightful reunion at “Camp Grandma.” In the words of a Kirkus Reviews writer, “Grandma continually thinks of her little one and relays a series of endearing messages,” adding that the story “[s]hould encourage dialogic reading and discussion—and hugs.”
A rhyming tale by James, Daddy Loves You! also features softly colored artwork by James. The lyrical narrative, spoken to a young bunny by its parent, pays tribute to the close bond that exists between them, emphasizing the father’s love for his offspring as well as his willingness to guide and protect his young one. “Readers follow along, the adults possibly remembering their own shared experiences with a father figure, as the father-child duo explores the world,” a contributor in Kirkus Reviews stated. Playful bunnies also figure in the companion volumes Mommy Loves You! and Auntie Loves You!
A tea party is the focus of Daddy’s Girl. Featuring artwork by Estelle Corke, James’s story focuses on a youngster’s preparations for the special occasion, showing her placing flowers on the table and treats on a silver tray as she awaits her guest. The protagonist’s “excitement is palpable in James’ rhymes,” a writer commented in Kirkus Reviews, and a contributor in Publishers Weekly called Daddy’s Girl a “resolutely cheery story.”
In Paper Son: Lee’s Journey to America, James and author Virginia Shin-Mui Loh present a stirring work of historical fiction about a Chinese boy’s experiences at Angel Island, an immigration facility in San Francisco Bay that operated during the early part of the twentieth century. Set in 1926, the work follows the trials and tribulations of Wang Lee, a twelve year old who lives with his impoverished grandparents in China. To enter the United States, which has strict immigration laws, Lee must pose as the son of a Chinese man who has already established residency in California. By memorizing facts about his new family that are contained in a “coaching” book, Lee hopes to fool the officials at Angel Island, which functions much like a prison.
Illustrated with paintings by Wilson Ong, Paper Son garnered strong reviews. In Booklist, Amina Chaudhri called the work a “poignant tale of home and heartbreak,” and Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, writing in School Library Journal, remarked that James and Loh offer a “fascinating glimpse into this elusive chapter of American history.”
Another book on familial love, Christmas with Auntie, again illustrated by Brown, showcases the special bond between bunny Auntie and her little bunny niece (or nephew, it is not clear which) against the backdrop of Christmas time and cheerful Christmas decorations. Auntie has come to help prepare for Christmas. Written in a singsong rhythm perfect for bedtime or naptime reads, the charming book shows the pair baking gingerbread together, trimming the tree, listening to carols sung by woodland animals, painting a picture, and building a snowbunny. The relationship between aunt and child reflects gentle reassurance and unconditional love. The last double-page spread shows Auntie tucking in her relative while the child’s parents look on with love of their own.
The book “is written in rhyming prose and will quickly have its young listeners anticipating what will happen next,” noted Manhattan Book Reviews critic Kristi Elizabeth. “Rhyming text gently narrates, and the loving relationship between aunt and child is demonstrated through hugs, kisses, and kind words,” declared a Kirkus Reviews writer, who praised the irresistible bunnies and the cherished family relationship.
Appropriate for children aged two to eight, the story incorporates short, rhyming couplets with illustrations reminiscent of Beatrix Potter’s books of soft colored bunnies, full of expression with luminous caring eyes, and detailed background animals and landscapes with lovely scenes in the woods and burrows. Designed to be given as a gift, the book has blank space where aunties can write messages to their nieces and nephews and can add a photo. In School Library Journal, Mary Lani remarked that “carefully selected words and phrases make the text enjoyable as a read-aloud” and predicted the book will become a treasured family keepsake that lovingly celebrates the relationship between a favorite aunt and her young niece or nephew. Calling the book “a sweet Christmas tale, wrapped up with beautiful illustrations,” Ellen Feld at Feather Quill added: “It’s a nice reminder that the real joy of Christmas is not about presents, but about family.”
James once commented to SATA: “I’ve always loved to read and I remember wanting to write a book as a fifth grader so I guess I’ve always been interested in writing. I became a teacher and loved reading children’s books to students and then a coordinator of library media services where I advocated for literacy and school libraries. Now it’s such a pleasure to think there are teachers reading my books and that my books are in libraries.
James later told SATA: “This is the question I’m most frequently asked. I think each of my books is special in its own unique way. Grandma Loves You! is my most popular book. I wrote it when a friend of mine became a grandma for the first and only time and I watched her gush about her little grandson. A group of us gave her a grandmother baby shower and each of us were to bring books to give to the new grandma for her and her grandson’s home libraries.
“I wanted a book that when my friend Jean, the new grandma, read it to her little grandson, EJ, it would sound as if the words were coming directly from Jean’s heart and mouth.
“As a former elementary teacher, school district coordinator of library media services, and professor of children’s literature I knew there were many grandma books, but they weren’t exactly what I wanted. I looked at the shelves of baby books at a favorite children’s bookstore. Again, they weren’t precisely what I was looking for.
“Not finding what I wanted became the seed of my idea … write the book I wanted to buy for my friend, but couldn’t find. The book is dedicated to Jean Ferris, the new grandma, and her grandson, EJ.
“I met grandmas at bookstores and conferences and they embraced the book and told me it was a book they had wanted and hadn’t found. They also said, ‘Where’s the Grandpa Loves You! book? I want to buy one for my husband. You’ve got to write one!’ Grandpa Loves You! came out next, by popular demand from grandmothers who wanted to buy their husband a book.
“Mommy Loves You!, Auntie Loves You!, and Daddy Loves You! followed creating a family of books. My hope is that by reading the books family members will embrace the loving and sweet words telling little ones in their life, ‘I Love You!’”
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Continuing in the “Loves You!” series, James wrote and Petra Brown illustrated I Love You, Jingle Bell Baby, which follows an adult bunny and a child bunny preparing for the Christmas holiday. They go sledding, bake pumpkin pie, make star-shaped cookies, and decorate the house. Then friends and family come over to visit. They build snow bunnies in the snow, sing carols, and drink hot cocoa. This Keepsake Edition book provides pages where gift givers and family can write inscriptions and tape in photos. In School Library Journal, Annmarie Braithwaite observed: “This story is told in rhyming verse that will bring a smile to readers’ faces,” and illustrations of snow covered trees put readers in the holiday spirit. A Kirkus Reviews contributor called the book “A sweet family Christmas purchase that will be treasured through the years.”
Other books in the series include Nana Loves You, Sleepyhead, in which Nana bunny and her little kit prepare for bedtime with a book, a hug, and a sprinkle of sleepy dust. Then the little one nods off into dreamland. A reviewer in Children’s Bookwatch called it an “impressive charming bunny rabbit themed picture book that is a strongly recommended.” Some Bunny Loves You follows a grown-up bunny and a little bunny as they spend a day in nature, sailing toy boats in a pond, building a fort, flying a kite, and making necklaces out of berries. They gather with friends to make cupcakes and share the warmth of community. Then the adult gives the child a Valentine’s Day card and a kiss, and says, “I love you.” A Kirkus Reviews critic remarked: “This warm story, expressed in gentle though at times treacly verse, is well suited for young audiences on Valentine’s Day.”
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BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, June 1, 2013, Amina Chaudhri, review of Paper Son: Lee’s Journey to America, p. 76.
Children’s Bookwatch, September 2023, review of Nana Loves You, Sleepyhead.
Kirkus Reviews, December 15, 2011, review of Little America; April 15, 2013, review of Paper Son; June 1, 2013, review of Grandma Loves You!; September 1, 2015, review of Grandma’s Christmas Wish; December 1, 2015, review of Grandpa Loves You!; April 1, 2017, reviews of Mommy Loves You! and Daddy’s Girl; June 15, 2018, review of With Love, Grandma; April 1, 2020, review of Daddy Loves You!; September 1, 2022, review of Christmas with Auntie., September 15, 2024, review of I Love You, Jingle Bell Baby; February 1, 2025, review of Some Bunny Loves You.
Publishers Weekly, November 23, 2015, review of Grandpa Loves You!, p. 66; April 17, 2017, review of Daddy’s Girl, p. 69.
School Library Journal, May, 2013, Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, review of Paper Son, p. 76; July, 2013, Marge Loch-Wouters, review of Grandma Loves You!, p. 63; October, 2015. Eva Mitnick, review of Grandma’s Christmas Wish, p. 64; August 19, 2022, Mary Lanni, review of Christmas with Auntie.
ONLINE
Helen Foster James website, http://www.helenfosterjames.com (March 24, 2023).
Feather Quill, http://www.featheredquillblog.com/ (October 2022), Ellen Feld, review of Christmas with Auntie.
Manhattan Book Reviews, (December 2022), Kristi Elizabeth, review of Christmas with Auntie.
School Library Journal, https://www.slj.com/ (August 2, 2024), Annmarie Braithwaite, review of I Love You Jingle Bell Baby.
Sleeping Bear Press website, https://sleepingbearpress.com/ (August 15, 2020), author profile.
Welcome!
I am the author of almost two dozen children’s books including two Christmas books. I’m always working on other manuscripts and thinking of writing topics. I have written fiction, nonfiction, historical fiction, and board books.
I love holidays—I was born on Labor Day and married Bob on Memorial Day. Maybe that’s the reason I wrote two Christmas books!
When I’m not reading, writing, and rhyming words I enjoy traveling. I’ve visited 82 countries. When I’m home I enjoy hiking in the mountains with my buddies where I’m a naturalist interpreter. I recently adopted a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail that wanders near our historic cabin in Cleveland National Forest.
I also love finding interesting coffee spots with a coffee-loving friend. We have a website with our coffee adventures. Visit www.coffeeinsandiego.com to learn about our adventures.
I’m a former teacher, professor of children’s literature, and coordinator of library media services. I have a doctorate in educational administration from Northern Arizona University.
That’s probably enough about me! If you need to contact me, email me. I’d love to hear from you! Email me at hfjames@san.rr.com.
My best to you,
Dr. Helen Foster James
About me
Gender Female
Occupation Writer
Location Southern California
Introduction I'm a writer and the author of 24 children's books. I Love Doing School Visits. What Day May I Visit YOUR School?! Email me at hfjames@san.rr.com
Interests camping, reading, writing, children's books, travel, movies, having lunch with my friends
Favorite movies To Kill a Mockingbird, The Wizard of Oz, and Gone With the Wind
Favorite music I love a range of music from country to classical.
Favorite books Charlotte's Web was read to me by my fourth grade teacher and Island of the Blue Dolphins was read to me by my fifth grade teacher. They remain favorites of mine. I also was a BIG Nancy Drew fan!
Nana Loves You, Sleepyhead
Helen Foster James, author
Petra Brown, illustrator
Sleeping Bear Press
https://sleepingbearpress.com
9781534111394, $18.99, HC, 32pp
https://www.amazon.com/Loves-Sleepyhead-Helen-Foster-James/dp/1534111395
Synopsis: Nana and her little bunny finish up a day of fun and get snuggled in for bedtime. With a book, a cuddle, and a sprinkle of sleepy dust, Nana's sleepyhead is off to dreamland.
Critique: A tender celebration of the loving bond between nanas and their snoozy little bunnies "Nana Loves You, Sleepyhead" by the team of author/storyteller Helen Foster James and artist/illustrator Petra Brown is a wonderfully charming and impressive charming bunny rabbit themed picture book that is a strongly recommended and memorable pick for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children ages 1 to 7 years. It should be noted that "Nana Loves You, Sleepyhead" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $18.04).
Editorial Note #1: Helen Foster James (http://www.helenfosterjames.com) has been an educator for more than twenty years, and is now a lecturer at San Diego State University. She received her doctorate from Northern Arizona University. One of her goals is to travel to all 50 states, and she has already visited more than half.
Editorial Note #2: Petra Brown's work (https://www.petrab.co.uk) includes the popular Loves You! series and the soon-to-be-released Bevan.
Please Note: Illustration(s) are not available due to copyright restrictions.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2023 Midwest Book Review
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/cbw/index.htm
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
"Nana Loves You, Sleepyhead." Children's Bookwatch, Sept. 2023. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A769157589/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=5245f2e6. Accessed 23 June 2025.
Brown, Petra I LOVE YOU, JINGLE BELL BABY Sleeping Bear Press (Children's None) $18.99 8, 1 ISBN: 9781534113121
Christmas and bunnies: What could be sweeter?
A grownup rabbit and an adorable youngster prepare for the holiday. They decorate their home and get in some tobogganing. They bake pumpkin pies, plum pudding, cake, and star-shaped cookies adorned with red and green sprinkles, then wrap presents and hang mistletoe. There's still more holiday prep to do, and some activities involve joining with others. They play, dance, sing, and ring bells; build snow bunnies and snowballs from freshly fallen snow; and gather with family and friends to sing carols, ending the evening by sipping hot cocoa and preparing for bed. The adult helps the little one wish on a star and utters the best words a child can hear at Christmastime oranytime: "Jingle bell baby, I love you. Sleep tight." This is a delightful holiday tale, expressed in lilting verse, and just right for reading all cuddled up with one's own "jingle bell baby." It will work better, however, as a personal purchase rather than a library one--and as a lovely Christmas gift--because the book's opening page invites inscriptions and the final two pages include one on which a parent, grandparent, or other loving caregiver is encouraged to write "A Special Letter to My Favorite Bunny" and one on which to paste a photo. The cheery, colorful illustrations are as soft, warm, and lush as rabbit fur.
A sweet family Christmas purchase that will be treasured through the years.(Picture book. 3-6)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
"Brown, Petra: I LOVE YOU, JINGLE BELL BABY." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Sept. 2024. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A808343173/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=b9137408. Accessed 23 June 2025.
James, Helen Foster SOME BUNNY LOVES YOU Sleeping Bear Press (Children's None) $18.99 1, 15 ISBN: 9781534112988
A sweet Valentine's Day-themed tale for every bunny out there.
A grown-up rabbit and a young bunny head into nature for a day "packed with play." They draw, jump, run, sail toy boats, build a fort, and make necklaces out of berries. Other animal pairs join them for picnic-party fun and games. The bunnies bake cupcakes for their neighbors, which sends a lovely message about the importance of honoring community. That evening, after the others bid them farewell, the adult sings "silly songs" while rocking the child to sleep. Proffering a Valentine's Day card, the grown-up whispers those words all children, bunny or otherwise, want to hear most: "I love you." Receiving a tender kiss, the young rabbit snuggles up with a stuffed bunny toy and drifts off. The delightful final scene depicts the pair flying a heart-shaped kite. This warm story, expressed in gentle though at times treacly verse, is well suited for young audiences on Valentine's Day or any occasion when adults want to assure little ones they're much loved--and that's at any time. The inclusion of pages to write on (and an invitation to affix a photograph) makes this book better suited as a personal purchase rather than for schools and libraries. The colorful illustrations are as lushly delicate as bunny fur.
Earnest and heartfelt.(Picture book. 3-6)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2025 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
"James, Helen Foster: SOME BUNNY LOVES YOU." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Feb. 2025. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A825128446/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=102719d4. Accessed 23 June 2025.
I Love You Jingle Bell Babyby Helen Foster James (text) & illus. by Petra BrownSleeping Bear Pr. Aug. 2024. 32p. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781534113121.COPY ISBNToddler-PreS–This story shows that the true meaning of the holidays is family and togetherness. An adult and child bunny decorate their home to prepare for Christmas. The pair bond while making gingerbread houses, pumpkin pies, pudding, cake, and cookies. They also go outside for sledding and to create snow bunnies from the falling snow, then join in caroling with family members who have come over to celebrate. This story is told in rhyming verse that will bring a smile to readers’ faces. Images of snow-covered trees and bright Christmas colors throughout the bunnies’ home put readers into the holiday spirit. James’s familiar bunny characters depict the wonderful bond between loved ones. This Keepsake Edition includes pages that invite personalization, including a blank letter-writing page in the back matter. VERDICT A great addition to children’s library collections based on the story line, but note that personalization elements may make it more suitable for gifting instead of lending. Reviewed by Annmarie Braithwaite , Aug 02, 2024