top of page
Traci VW Book Banner with my published books

My Books

Picture books, educational, graphic novel style, and more. I'm a versatile illustrator able to create in many styles. I'm also an author and you'll be seeing more books here that I have both illustrated and written. Happy reading!

Disclosure: I am an affiliate of Bookshop.org and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Itsy Bitsy Teddy Bear's Adventure Front Cover

Itsy Bitsy Teddy Bear's Adventure

Written by Marilyn Van Wagoner & Traci Van Wagoner

Illustrated by Traci Van Wagoner

Designed by Kurt Keller

Itsy Bitsy Teddy Bear’s Adventure is an endearing story time picture book for children ages 4-8. Itsy, Bitsy Teddy Bear Willie sets out on a dangerous quest to show the other teddy bear cubs that he is worthwhile even though he is very small.


Grab some cookies, cuddle your teddy bear, and snuggle in for the telling.

Book Details

Ages: 4- 8 years

ISBN: 9780578773445

Hardcover

Blue Bear Stories, September 21, 2020

Boomer the border collie stands among his happy sheep. In the background his sheep are in a row except for a sneaky wolf

Boomer, the Border Collie

Written by Lorraine Fitch


Illustrated by Traci Van Wagoner

Designed by Kurt Keller

If you like animal stories, and especially if you like stories about animals with unique personalities, you’ll enjoy this wonderfully written and richly illustrated picture book. Boomer the Border Collie, tells the story of a loyal farm dog, who gets his life (and the sheep) back in order after a disruptive visitor comes to the farm. Whether you have OCD or just like your ducks in a row, you’ll understand Boomer’s dilemma.

Book Details

Ages: 4- 8 years

ISBN: 979-8-218-14062-5

Hardcover

Blue Bear Stories, March 30, 2023

ClimateInCrisis_Cover-1.jpg

“One of the best ways to get kids excited about STEM is to show them how every aspect of daily life is intrinsically connected to science and technology. The reliable Inquire and Investigate series takes on this task by offering titles brimming with information...”


-Booklist Series Nonfiction Showcase

Ruth Asawa, A Sculpting Life Cover

Ruth Asawa

Written by Joan Schoettler

Illustrated by Traci Van Wagoner

In this extraordinary picture book, author Joan Schoettler imparts the life of a remarkable woman, teacher, and artist. From the Japanese-American internment camps to the creation of the San Francisco School of the Arts, Ruth Asawa's life journey is one filled with injustice, learning, and expression. Known as the "Fountain Lady" of San Francisco due to the many fountains she designed, Asawa experimented with unconventional mediums, using lines, space, and wire to create dimensional sculptures. The thorough research of illustrator Traci Van Wagoner is vividly apparent in the dynamic depictions of Asawa and her life that are sure to fascinate and inspire young readers.

Book Details

Ages: 6 - 9 years /32 pages
ISBN: 9781455623976
HC: $16.99
Pelican Publishing

A man and a woman stand on a dock holding beautiful white lace with a boat and the rising sun behind them.

The Mermaid's Gift

Written by Claudia McAdam

Illustrated by Traci Van Wagoner

Out of a bitter storm comes a gift that saves a village.

 

In this adaptation of an Italian folktale, the young fisherman Gianni braves the thawing, ice-bound lagoon of Burano to catch fish to feed the starving people of his island. His fiancée, Nicoletta, prays for his safety. Gianni, swept from his fishing boat, is rescued by a mermaid who whips the water into a length of elegant lace, which she gives to Gianni for Nicoletta's wedding veil. This gorgeously illustrated tale recounts the mythical origins of Burano lace, whose production has long been a vital part of the island's economy and vibrant culture, ensuring the islanders would never go hungry. The lace is still famed throughout the world for its scalloped, wave-like patterns.

Book Details

Ages: 6 - 9 years /32 pages
ISBN: 9781455621088
HC: $16.99
Pelican Publishing

Cody and Grandpa's Christmas Tradition Cover

Cody and Grandpa's Christmas Tradition

Written by Claudia McAdam

Illustrated by Traci Van Wagoner

A boy and his grandfather remember those who served.

It's Christmas Eve, and Cody's family has all gathered for their traditional Christmas party--all except Grandpa, who is sitting quietly in his room, looking out his window at the cloudy sky. Grandpa tells Cody about his time in Vietnam and the Christmas Eve when a bright star appeared through the clouds, giving the soldiers hope. All of the men promised to look for the star every year and remember each other and those who didn't come home. Cody makes a new tradition: now the whole family will join Grandpa in looking for the star. This touching family story, accompanied by rich illustrations, tells the importance of traditions and honoring those who served their country.

Book Details

Ages: 6 - 9 years /32 pages
ISBN: 9781455621705
HC: $16.99
Pelican Publishing

Ellie and Her Emotional Dragons Front Cover
Ellie and Her Emotional Dragons: Ellie's First Day of School Front Cover

Ellie and Her Emotional Dragons series

Written by Joseph E. Goodrich

Illustrated by Traci Van Wagoner

Wisdom House Books November, 2018

Ellie the elephant has four magic dragons: Naz, who assists her when she's afraid; Nali, who consoles her when she's sad; Tully, who helps her check her anger; and Hani, who shares her happiness.

Nelson Beats the Odds book cover
Tameka's New Dress book cover

Nelson Beats the Odds series

Written by Ronnie Sidney, II, MSW

Illustrated by Traci Van Wagoner

Designed by Kurt Keller

Creative Medicine

A series of graphic novel style picture books for the older age set addressing tough issues teens face in our world today.

Rest in Peace RaShawn Reloaded Book Cover

Booker T. Bear, Let's Go Series Presented by The Library Store,

Written by Jen Miller
Illustrated by Traci Van Wagoner and Kurt Keller
Designed by Kurt Keller

Adventures at home in Juneberry Square prompt Booker T. Bear and Dahlya Dragonfly to jet to real-life destinations around the globe. All senses are ignited as Booker, Dahlya, and readers explore and experience the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures of foreign places and cultures. Along the way, Booker’s backpack bulges with all the things an adventurer needs: Bee-Nutty Snacks, ‘Magination Maker camera, Let’s GO! Travel Guide, Booker’s travel journal, and more.

Mrs. Whynot, a creative teacher, encurages her students to use their imaginations

Anything Can Happen in Mrs. Whynot's Room

Written by Jane E. Peters

Illustrated by Traci Van Wagoner

In Mrs. Whynot's classroom writing is magical; pencils hover and clay characters come to life. But... everyone has something they find difficult and Marcy is no exception. She would like to do ANYTHING but write. She has NOTHING to write about. By talking to her classmates, playing with words and listening to stories, Marcy realizes she has lots of tales to tell.

Book Details

Ages: 4- 8 years

ISBN: 9780992114411

Paperback

Puddle Duck Publishing

Daddy Did I Ever Say, I Love You, Love You Every Day Cover

Daddy Did I Ever Say?
I Love You, Love You, Every Day

Written by Daryl K. Cobb

Illustrated by Traci Van Wagoner

Designed by Kurt Keller

Kirkus Reviews calls Daddy Did I Ever Say? Love You, Every Day a] charming tale. A cute, curly-haired, kindergarten-aged girl opens the story by asking her father if she's ever told him how much she loves him. She loves him, she explains, because of how he plays, tickles, squeezes, chases, even roughhouses with her. She loves him because whenever she's afraid at night, she knows she can always find him, and he'll make her feel better. ... T]he sentiment is sweet and Van Wagoner's illustrations are eye catching, though it's the little girl's expression that shines through on every page. The verse Cobb has penned is appealing and... t]he idea behind the story of the little girl and her doting father is charming .] --Kirkus Reviews

Book Details

Ages: 4- 8 years

ISBN: 9780615746081

Hardcover

Ten 2 Two Books

bottom of page