Working with Bellen Woodard has been such a rewarding experience for me. It’s not every day that you get to meet such a young and fierce mind eager to change the world. The day I met Bellen and her mom, Tosha, was the day I knew that loads of kids would get to feel the bright light of her influence. Whether it be through teaching empathy with her Crayon Activism or calling attention to some traditions that can afford to be changed, Bellen has used her voice to inspire people to be the change they want to see.
Together at Scholastic, we have published 2 picture books and a guided journal. Formats that both tell Bellen’s story and share her inclusive way of thinking with kids, everywhere!
Ballet Brown Picture Book
✨On sale May 6, 2025! ✨
Bellen has always loved to dance and has been a ballerina since she was a little girl. However, as she moves through dance, she notices that pink leotards, pink shoes, and pink (or white) tights ― often referred to as ballet pink ― are synonymous with ballet. But what about brown tights and shoes? Back with her second picture book, Bellen tells the story of when she used her voice to make significant and necessary change in one of the places she loves the most.
Author: Bellen Woodard
Illustrator: Fanny Liem
Design and Art Direction: Salena Mahina
Editor: Lori Wiezorek
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
More than Peach Picture Book
In her first ever picture book, Bellen Woodard shares the origin story of her crayon company “More than Peach” and shares what led her to be the World’s First Crayon Activist™.
Author: Bellen Woodard
Illustrator: Fanny Liem
Design and Art Direction: Salena Mahina
Editor: Lori Wiezorek
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
More than Peach: Change the World! (Activity Book)
Who doesn’t love a guided journal?! Especially one that is snazzy and 2-colored like this one? We worked with Lucia Types on this book and had such a blast learning about how to set up files for a 2-color interior while working with a photographer to coordinate outfits and a photo shoot for Bellen’s front cover image.
With so many moving parts, things never really go as planned, but I was glad to have a team of people who could help make the cutest book, featuring mindfulness activities, writing prompts and dynamic coloring pages to help kids de-stress and spark creativity.
Plus! There are four exclusive, double-sided More than Peach colored pencils, both “skin-tone” and “rainbow!” included. I mean…come on.
Author: Bellen Woodard
Illustrator: Lucia Types
Design and Art Direction: Salena Mahina
Photographer: Rodney Choice Photography
Editor: Lori Wiezorek
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
