Books On Board

Deborah Zemke Books in Order

  • 12 Books
  • 1988 – 2019 Published

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Reading order
3 of 3 reading orders shown

Recommended Reading Path: Where to Start?

For readers diving into the work of Deborah Zemke, the absolute best starting point is her signature Bea Garcia chapter book series. Beginning with My Life in Pictures (2016), this series perfectly showcases Zemke's unique talent for blending text with expressive, cartoon-like illustrations. It is highly recommended to read this series in publication order, as the events build on Bea's school adventures and friendships. Standalone picture books and early reader stories can be introduced afterward in any order.

Publication Order of Bea Garcia Books

The Bea Garcia books follow a young, creative girl who uses her doodles to process her emotions and narrate her daily adventures. Because of the continuity in Bea's relationships, reading them chronologically matches their publication order:

  1. My Life in Pictures (2016)
  2. The Curse of Einstein's Pencil (2017)
  3. Tale of a Scaredy-Dog (2018)
  4. The Tree and Me (2019)

Publication Order of Children's Standalone Books

Zemke's standalone children's books date back to the late 1980s. These are completely independent stories that do not require any reading order and can be enjoyed individually:

  • The Way It Happened (1988)
  • The Shadow of Matilda Hunt (1991)
  • Don't Feed the Babysitter to Your Boa Constrictor (2006)
  • Don't Bargain with the Tooth Fairy! (2008)

Publication Order of Picture Books

Her picture books offer delightful seasonal themes, animal perspectives, and humorous life advice for younger readers. There is no chronological link between them:

  • All I Want for Christmas (2008)
  • My Furry Valentine (2009)
  • How to Win Friends and Influence Creatures (2009)
  • Wishes For You (2009)

What to Know Before You Start: Style and Collaborations

Deborah Zemke is unique in children's literature because she is both a writer and a prominent illustrator, even creating the ITC Zemke Hand typeface. Her visual style is highly interactive, often utilizing drawings, doodles, and lettering guides to encourage young readers to try drawing themselves. In addition to her solo works, she frequently collaborates as an illustrator with other authors. A notable example is Robin Newman's Wilcox & Griswold Mystery series (starting with The Case of the Missing Carrot Cake), where her character illustrations add an extra layer of humor and investigation to the farmyard mysteries.

Frequently Asked

In what order should I read the Bea Garcia books?

You should read the Bea Garcia books in publication order, starting with My Life in Pictures, followed by The Curse of Einstein's Pencil, Tale of a Scaredy-Dog, and finally The Tree and Me.

Can the Bea Garcia books be read as standalones?

Yes, each book has a self-contained story, but reading them in order helps children follow Bea's personal growth and evolving relationships.

Are Deborah Zemke's picture books connected to each other?

No, picture books like My Furry Valentine and All I Want for Christmas are completely independent stories with no character or plot crossover.

What age group are Deborah Zemke's books best suited for?

Her picture books are ideal for ages 4 to 8, while the Bea Garcia chapter books are perfect for kids aged 6 to 9 who are transitioning to longer text formats.

Has Deborah Zemke illustrated books for other authors?

Yes, she has illustrated numerous books for others, most notably the Wilcox & Griswold Mystery series written by Robin Newman.