Books

Kathy signing books at Barnes & Noble in Florida.

Kathy’s books are available to purchase online.

Click on the picture of any book below to go to the ordering page.

My Washington D.C., a follow up book to My New York, published in 2016 by Hachette Book Group.

My Washington, DC, published 2016, written and illustrated by Kathy Jakobsen

Vibrant, lush paintings full of elaborate detail bring the capital city to life! A young girl and her friend explore all their favorite places in Washington, DC, from the White House to the Lincoln Memorial. They peek inside the National Air and Space Museum, glimpse the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives, and bask in the beauty of the cherry blossoms surrounding the Tidal Basin.

With two giant foldout pages, a map of the city, fun facts, seek-and-find challenges, and a poster of the Bill of Rights on the underside of this jacket, My Washington, DC is endlessly fun and educational. Kathy Jakobsen’s lavish paintings invite readers to return again and again to this dazzling tribute to America’s capital!

Praise for My Washington, DC:

“This merry work is a good choice for young readers who are curious about our capital as well as educators who want to introduce Washington, DC, before a trip or lesson.”

―School Library Journal

“Jakobsen depicts Washington attractions in intricately detailed oil paintings, including…an especially striking foldout image of the Washington Monument…. Crowded scenes invite close inspection (and readers are invited to locate particular items in the pictures), while ornate border artwork adds further visual dimension…. The rich illustrations provide a gratifying and grand tour of the nation’s capital.”

―Publishers Weekly

“The visuals and rather challenging hide-and-seek component will make this a popular introduction to or souvenir from the nation’s capital.”

―Kirkus Reviews
Every book includes a free Bill of Rights poster!

My New York, 10th Anniversary Edition
Written and Illustrated by Kathy Jakobsen

The beloved classic celebration of New York City by Kathy Jakobsen.

A young New Yorker writes to her friend from the Midwest to tell about the things they will see in the city… and gives a seek-and-find, kid’s eye-view of the Big Apple. 

Engagingly described and sumptuously illustrated with paintings full of details to pore over again and again, the city’s pleasures almost burst off the page: the thrill of riding your own special horse on Central Park’s colorful carousel, the magic of seeing the spectacular Fourth of July firewords explode over the New York skyline, and much, much more. Oversized fold-out pages of the Empire State Building, the dinosaurs at the Museum of Natural History, and Rockefeller Center at Christmastime add to the fun, while a map in the front and fun facts in the back make a helpful guide for visitors and locals alike.

“If you happen to like New York, you just may love Kathy Jakobsen’s vision of Manhattan.”

– New York Times Book Review

“A splendid tribute to the city that never sleeps.”

– Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“An exciting and informative picture of the best of New York City life and activity. A visual treat for children from all around the country.”

– School Library Journal

This Land Is Your Land, 10th Anniversary Edition
Lyrics by Woody Guthrie Illustrated by Kathy Jakobsen

Since its debut in the 1940s, Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” has become one of the best-loved folk songs in America. This classic ballad is now brought to life in a richly illustrated edition for the the whole family to share. Kathy Jakobsen’s detailed paintings, which invite readers on a journey across the country, create an unforgettable portrait of our diverse land and the people who live it.

“This beautiful homage to America and to a favorite folksinger is sure to be a family treasure.”

—Publishers Weekly

This effort is what great picture books are all about.”

—School Library Journal

“… An ambitious tribute to a popular song that will live as long as the American spirit.”

—New York Times Book Review

All and all, this beautifully designed book belongs in every school as a part of our musical history, as a tribute to the Dust Bowl era and the political activism that music can reinforce and encourage, and as an elegant example of picture book art.”

—Children’s Literature
Now re-released in 2020 with a new design!

Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” is one of the best-loved folk songs in America, inspiring activism and patriotism for all. This classic ballad is now brought to life in a richly illustrated edition for the whole family to share. Kathy Jakobsen’s dazzlingly detailed paintings invite readers on a journey across the country, creating an unforgettable portrait of our diverse land and the people who live it. It includes the complete lyrics and musical notation, a biographical scrapbook, and fascinating behind-the-scenes stories.

This Land Is Your Land, 1998
Lyrics by Woody Guthrie, Paintings by Kathy Jakobsen 

Winner of:

A Publishers Weekly Best Book

A School Library Journal Best Book

A New York Times Notable Book of the Year

A Parenting Book of the Year

Since its debut in the 1940s, Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” has become one of the best-loved folk songs in America. This classic ballad is now brought to life in a richly illustrated edition for the the whole family to share. Kathy Jakobsen’s detailed paintings, which invite readers on a journey across the country, create an unforgettable portrait of our diverse land and the people who live it.

“From California to the New York island, readers of all ages will be singing the praises of this picture-book tribute to a legendary folk musician and one of his best-known compositions.”

-Publishers Weekly

“A book that’s destined to become a favorite in libraries from coast to coast.”

—School Library Journal

Johnny Appleseed
By Reeve Lindbergh Illustrated by Kathy Jakobsen

Rhymed text and illustrations relate the life of John Chapman, whose distribution of apple seeds and trees across the Midwest made him a legend and left a legacy still enjoyed today.

Reeve Lindbergh is the author of many books, memoirs, and poems for adults and children, including several works featuring her father, world-famous aviator Charles Lindbergh. She is also involved with the Lindbergh Foundation, which seeks to improve the quality of life through a balance between technology and nature.

“Too many versions of the Johnny Appleseed legend make him into a superhero; this work shows him as a gentle, religious man on a mission, a lover of the land with a consuming interest in the environment.”

-Publishers Weekly

“Each scene glows with those incandescent colors that only an artist’s eye can see.”

-Children’s Literature

“This homespun book provides the perfect vehicle for the story of the legendary Johnny Appleseed. Lindbergh’s poetic narrative, related by an elderly woman to her grandchildren, tells the story of John Chapman’s life and travels, including tidbits referring to his kindness and piety, his nonviolence and bravery, and his respect for all living things.”

-School Library Journal 

My New York, 1993
Written and Illustrated by Kathy Jakobsen

A young New Yorker writes to her friend from the Midwest to tell about the things they will see in the city when Martin comes to visit her.

Meet Me In The Magic Kingdom
Written and Illustrated by Kathy Jakobsen

Anticipating the annual vacation that brings their families together, Kate looks forward to spending time in Disney World with her favorite cousin, and the two girls enjoy a wide spectrum of delights.