Nancy Tillman Books in Order | Nancy Tillman Biography

Nancy Tillman’s Books in Publication Order

Books by Nancy Tillman in Publication Order

Biography of Nancy Tillman

Born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1954, Nancy mostly spent her early years in Columbus, Georgia. Nancy Tillman founded an advertising agency in Dallas, Texas after graduating from Rollins College in 1976 with a degree in English Literature.

She is married and has two children. She currently lives in Portland, Oregon where she continues to write books for children.

Her first book was published On the Night You Were Born, was published in 2005. Since then, she has written over 15 books including her most recent title Because You’re Mine which was published on September 29th of 2020.

List of Books by Nancy Tillman

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Guide to Nancy Tillman Books You’ll Love

Nancy Tillman’s first book was published in the year 2000, but it was the runaway success of On the Night You Were Born that launched her into stardom as an author and illustrator of children’s books.

That book, along with several others, has received numerous awards and has been translated into over 30 languages, making Nancy Tillman one of the most beloved authors in the business today.

Below, we’ve compiled a guide to all her books you’ll love!

The Wonder of You: A Book for Celebrating Baby’s First Year by Nancy Tillman

Ideal for Age: 0-3 years

First-year baby books are a dime a dozen, but few are as visually stunning as The Wonder of You. The book is filled with gorgeous illustrations and photographs of babies (especially multicultural babies) that will have you swooning and gushing.

Not only is it a lovely gift for expectant parents, but it’s also an excellent way to document your child’s growth throughout their first year in photographs.

Just be prepared: Once you see it, you won’t be able to stop staring at these darling kids—or reading about them.

On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman

Ideal for Age: 1-3 years

This sentimental book describes in poetic terms how a child has impacted your life. It will make you feel as if your child is truly unique, and that he or she is part of a magical world you will never fully understand.

This book makes for an excellent gift for a new parent. The illustrations are colorful and engaging, and they draw both kids and adults into an emotional story that has become very popular among parents all over the country.

This is certainly one of Nancy Tillman’s best books, perhaps because it speaks most deeply to those who have recently become parents themselves; however, children can also enjoy it as well. It’s hard not to love a sweet book that shows how much fun babies can be!

It’s Time to Sleep, My Love by Nancy Tillman

Ideal for Age: 1-3 years

Illustrated by Nancy Tillman, is a beautifully illustrated bedtime book for both parents and children. The story follows two hands that aren’t sure if they can sleep without each other. It’s an adorably soothing book to read together at bedtime and send your little one off into dreamland with warm thoughts.

Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You by Nancy Tillman

Ideal for Age: 1-5 years

A book about a mother and son who are separated in one way or another, but their love for each other never ends. The illustrations show Nancy’s quirky style of artwork and humor, with cute details such as rabbit drawings scattered throughout.

The rhyming text is soothing yet heartwarming; it reminds readers that no matter where they are in life, their loved ones will always be there for them.

Everyone can relate to being far away from someone they love and not being able to physically be with them; however, Nancy reminds her readers that even though physical distance may separate us from our loved ones, we’re never too far apart spiritually because they’re always by our side through it all.

Tumford’s Rude Noises by Nancy Tillman

Ideal for Age: 1-4 years

If you’re looking for a fun, silly read, then Tumford’s Rude Noises is just what you need. If a pig can honk and roar like an elephant, why not a turkey?

In Nancy Tillman’s Tumford’s Rude Noises, every animal makes its own rude noise… except for one poor poodle! This book will have you and your child giggling throughout. Have fun reading it with your kids before bedtime; they won’t be able to resist saying No along with Mr. Poodle!

The Heaven of Animals by Nancy Tillman

Ideal for Age: 2-12 years

The Heaven of Animals, you’ll explore a lush world filled with fluffy kitties, cuddly puppies, lovable little ducklings and sweet, snuggly sheep. Filled with soft watercolors, gentle rhymes and lovely details on every page.

The Heaven of Animals is a joyous celebration of loving friendship that will touch your heart as it teaches your child that they are never alone. The big cats purr like domestic house cats, but they don’t live in houses! Sweet lambs frolic in fields of daisies, while puppies romp at their feet.

Read: 15 Funny Animal Books to Read Aloud With Your Kids

Let There Be Light by Nancy Tillman

Ideal for Age: 1-5 years

One of Nancy Tillman’s most beloved stories for children, Let There Be Light is a story about seeing with love. This is one of Nancy’s personal favorites, and she frequently speaks from personal experience when speaking about why it’s important for us to read, listen, observe and be engaged in some form of creative expression every day.

Let There Be Light shows how even something as simple as a child drawing something can help someone express who they are and what they want in life. The world would be a brighter place if we all felt comfortable enough with our own creativity to share it.

Tumford the Terrible by Nancy Tillman

Ideal for Age: 1-3 years

Tumford is a big, scary dog, so it’s no wonder he terrifies everyone in town. He scares people when they see him, and he scares people when they hear about him.

When Tumford gets lost one day and winds up in a very new place with lots of dogs, though, his behavior is less frightening than baffling. How could anyone be afraid of such a good boy?

Nancy Tillman’s newest picture book offers a heartwarming lesson on how we might find some common ground with those who seem most different from us.

The Crown on Your Head by Nancy Tillman

Ideal for Age: 1-4 years

If you are looking for a children’s book that is highly recommended by child development experts, then The Crown on Your Head is an excellent book. Written by Nancy Tillman and it was published sometime in 2005 by HarperCollins.

The children’s book is 24 pages long. The child’s book has a variety of beautifully colored illustrations.

The Spirit of Christmas by Nancy Tillman

Ideal for Age: 1-6 years

The title of The Spirit of Christmas is not just a clever play on words. It’s an apt description of all that author Nancy Tillman has packed into her newest children’s book, which celebrates Christmas in a lovely way.

There’s a mix of religious elements and reminders about why we give gifts (and what it really means) – but it is also very family-oriented, loving and fun. Older children and adults will enjoy reading along with younger ones; younger children will love having such a delightful book all their own.

No matter your age or beliefs, however, The Spirit of Christmas can be enjoyed by everyone who wants to embrace holiday cheer – and spread some cheer along with it!

I’d Know You Anywhere, My Love by Nancy Tillman

Ideal for Age: 1-4 years

A classic Nancy Tillman book, children will love being read I’d Know You Anywhere, My Love. The book is designed for young children and is about a mother’s unconditional love for her child. Both sweet and adorable, it’s perfect for any occasion or just at bedtime.

You’re All Kinds of Wonderful by Nancy Tillman

Ideal for Age: 4-8 Years

This story is one of hope and inspiration. A young girl tries to understand why her mother has cancer and learns how she can show love to her mother when she is in pain.

It’s a book that helps children understand what cancer means, as well as how they can help those who are fighting it. With wonderful illustrations, a book that teaches kids that being different is good, and a strong female lead character, everyone will want to read about Allie in You’re All Kinds of Wonderful.

You’re Here for a Reason by Nancy Tillman

Ideal for Age: 1-6 years

Although Nancy’s books tend to be geared toward a slightly younger audience, one of my all-time favorites is You’re Here for a Reason. This beautiful picture book teaches children that just because someone isn’t who you expected doesn’t mean they can’t still bring about positive change in your life.

A Little Something Different by Nancy Tillman: If you have an artistically inclined child, I highly recommend picking up A Little Something Different. The illustrations in that book are breathtaking and make it a perfect choice for bedtime.

Then She Made Me by Nancy Tillman: My favorite of Nancy’s books is Then She Made Me, which tells stories from biblical times while teaching kids not to judge others based on their outward appearances.

You Are Loved: Welcome Wishes for New Babies by Nancy Tillman

Ideal for Age: 1-3 years

The beloved author of Wherever You Are, I Love You and On My Way has created a tender new book for parents and children to share on those special occasions that call for extra loving.

Young readers will be delighted by whimsical illustrations of balloons, hearts, flowers and more as they learn how wonderfully they are loved. Most importantly? Parents can be reassured that their child’s first encounter with storybooks will not be alone at bedtime when they tuck their little one in with these comforting books of devotion in hand.

You and Me and the Wishing Tree by Nancy Tillman

Ideal for Age: 1-4 years

This book will make you cry happy tears. It is a beautiful story about family and learning not to take what we have for granted, as well as being careful what we wish for.

The illustrations are beautiful and would be great as your next print project or framed on a child’s wall.

If you’re looking for a touching story that doesn’t talk down to children but still tells a meaningful story, definitely pick up You and Me and The Wishing Tree by Nancy Tillman.

I Knew You Could Do It! by Nancy Tillman

Ideal for Age: 4-8 years

I Knew You Could Do It! is a heartwarming tale about determination and believing in yourself. Although little squirrels get laughed at for their attempts to fly, one squirrel knows that he has what it takes to be a flyer, and he sets out with confidence in his plan.

By persevering through failure after failure, little squirrel does indeed learn how to fly. The message of I Knew You Could Do It! is simple: we can all do hard things if we have faith in ourselves.

Told simply and effectively with children’s rhymes, I Knew You Could Do It! will encourage readers young and old alike to reach for their dreams. This book is a perfect read-aloud story or bedtime story that’s guaranteed to warm your heart.

Because You’re Mine by Nancy Tillman

Ideal for Age: 4-8 years

Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle — if you have a child in your life, you should consider reading Nancy Tillman’s Because You’re Mine.

It’s a wonderful story that is bound to become a family favorite — and will help parents teach children how their actions affect others.

Before reading Because You’re Mine, I wasn’t sure what my son would make of it because it is so unlike other children’s books. But he was captivated by it! We read it several times, and we look forward to doing so again.

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FAQs

Conclusion

Nancy Tillman has written several books that have received critical acclaim, including three ALA Notable Children’s Books, three IRA Teachers’ Choices, and five School Library Journal Best Books of the Year awards.

Whether you’re looking for a gift to give someone who loves children’s literature or you simply love children’s books yourself, be sure to check out the above Nancy Tillman book recommendations to discover which ones are your favorites!

You can visit Nancy’s website here.

Happy Reading!