Literary Safari

Literary Safari We are an award-winning independent publisher, the creators of The Story Seeds Podcast, and an en educational consultancy. We are storytellers at heart.

We create media for children & families rooted in learning science, curriculum, and narrative design. We produce inclusive, thoughtful, and representational media for kids, families, and grown-ups. We value research and good storytelling and our work is rooted in finding ways to bring both together in innovative ways.

Come meet author Saanam Lalwani, author of Life is a Dance: Enjoy It! at the  Orlando Public Library Local Author Fair o...
05/03/2026

Come meet author Saanam Lalwani, author of Life is a Dance: Enjoy It! at the Orlando Public Library Local Author Fair on Sunday, May 3!

This Asian American Pacific Heritage Month, pick up a copy of her book which has multiple ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reviews on Amazon, including this one from early childhood educator Jena D:

“What an uplifting story! Readers young and old will be able to relate to the wide range of emotions that Saisha experiences throughout the book. A truly on point story that explores big feelings: anxiety, nervousness self doubt, frustration, embarrassment, friendship and love. The illustrations are bold and colorful, drawing readers into the tale. The glossary at the end will enlighten and support readers who are unfamiliar with the content. The story is an engaging and fun read. Life is indeed a dance...pick up this book and join in!“



Books about space and astronauts always capture children's imaginations (and ours too!). On the cusp of the historic Art...
04/01/2026

Books about space and astronauts always capture children's imaginations (and ours too!). On the cusp of the historic Artemis launch, we are proud to share this review of our latest picture book IT'S POSSIBLE: THE STORY OF RONALD MCNAIR by an award winning author-poet-photographer whose work we deeply admire. Like astronaut Ronald McNair, Charles Smith Jr. is an accomplished martial arts practitioner who understands the commitment, persistence, and discipline it takes to reach one's goals.

Thank you for taking the time to review our picture book biography of Ronald McNair, written by and illustrated by is now available wherever you order your favorite books from including bookshop.org, Amazon, B&N, the gift shop of Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center and our website [link in bio].

What inspired Chase Walker to illustrate our recently published  starred review picture book biography IT'S POSSIBLE: TH...
03/06/2026

What inspired Chase Walker to illustrate our recently published starred review picture book biography IT'S POSSIBLE: THE STORY OF RONALD MCNAIR?

In his own words:

"I was born in Liberia, West Africa and my early years were marked by the turmoil of civil war. I think what inspires me about Ron is that we both had a tough childhood- obviously we don’t share a war story but living in the era of civil rights was a war on its own. I think him seeing him literally reach for the stars inspires me every day as well that I can gave my kids a better life."

One of Chase's favorite scenes to illustrate was the wordless spread where young Ronald McNair is looking up at the stars, wondering what it's like to be up there and dreaming of becoming a astronaut. (Swipe left to check it out. It's gorgeous and one of our favorites too.)

Chase told us, "This particular scene or Ron lying under the stars was powerful to me. Surrounded by hardship at a refugee camp in Ghana, I used to sit under a tree and draw in the sand during the war because I didn’t have paper. At light we would see the bullets in the sky and I would pretend they were shooting stars."

Order your copy of IT'S POSSIBLE for your home, school, or public library and share Ronald McNair's inspiring story with the families and children in your lives. The book is now available at bookshop.org, amazon (worldwide), literarysafari.com, and in-person at the gift shop of the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center

Link in bio

What inspired author Rita Lorraine Hubbard  to write our recently published Booklist starred review picture book IT'S PO...
02/25/2026

What inspired author Rita Lorraine Hubbard to write our recently published Booklist starred review picture book IT'S POSSIBLE: THE STORY OF RONALD MCNAIR?

In her own words:

"I remember being in college and taking a break in the student lounge when the image of the Challenger explosion appeared on the television. Like all the other students, I was glued to the television as I learned the story of the seven crew members aboard the Challenger. Years later, it has been an honor to share Dr. McNair’s life with young students everywhere, thanks to an invitation to write his story from Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage CenterDirector of Education, Maranda Wilkinson.

During the 40th anniversary year of the Challenger tragedy, it’s important to remember ALL the crew members of the Challenger. All of them were special, but in my opinion, Ronald McNair’s story is singular because he rose up from poverty, segregation and preconceived opinions about minorities and accomplished many (if not all) his greatest dreams: a stellar education, music mastery… and a first-hand view of the stars."

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Order your copy of IT'S POSSIBLE for your home, school, or public library and share Ronald McNair's inspiring story with the families and children in your lives. The book is now available at bookshop.org, amazon (worldwide), literarysafari.com/itspossible, and in-person at the gift shop of the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center.

⭐️ BOOKLIST REVIEW OF THE DAY ⭐️ We’re thrilled that It’s Possible: The Story of Ronald McNair is featured as Booklist’s...
02/09/2026

⭐️ BOOKLIST REVIEW OF THE DAY ⭐️ We’re thrilled that It’s Possible: The Story of Ronald McNair is featured as Booklist’s Review of the Day at booklistonline.com today!

Booklist’s Starred Review says: “Happily, this vibrant picture book provides an inviting introduction to a courageous American.”

Booklist starred reviews are a prestigious mark of distinction trusted by librarians, educators, and booksellers they are awarded to exceptional books that stand out in terms of originality, quality, and impact.

This picture book biography honors Congressional Space Medal of Honor recipient Dr. Ronald McNair—physicist, saxophonist, Black belt, and the second Black astronaut to fly in space—whose legacy continues to inspire generations to reach for the stars.

Illustrated by and illustrated by , this book is published by the independent publishing imprint of Literary Safari in partnership with the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center  

Available at bookshop.org and wherever books are sold! 🚀 Link in bio

alabooklist

It’s a gift to see our Booklist ⭐️ review newly published book in the hands  of children … It’s Possible: The Story of R...
02/05/2026

It’s a gift to see our Booklist ⭐️ review newly published book in the hands of children … It’s Possible: The Story of Ronald McNair by and illustrated by is now available in hard cover and paperback worldwide everywhere children’s books are sold online and in person with more museums and bookshops on the way!

Link in bio

Remembering Ronald McNair on the 40th anniversary of the Challenger mission. From Lake City, South Carolina to the stars...
01/29/2026

Remembering Ronald McNair on the 40th anniversary of the Challenger mission. From Lake City, South Carolina to the stars …

A brilliant physicist, NASA astronaut, accomplished musician, and learner, McNair’s life defied limits and expectations at every turn. His legacy continues to remind us what curiosity, discipline, and possibility can achieve.

It has been an honor to work on a new picture book biography - It’s Possible: The Story of Ronald McNair by with . We are looking forward to the book getting into the hands of kids & inspiring them too.

01/27/2026

It’s here! 📚✨ Unboxing ‘It’s Possible: The Story of Ronald McNair! So grateful to partner with to bring Dr. McNair’s inspiring journey to young readers everywhere. From South Carolina to space—this story reminds us that with determination and support, anything is possible. 🚀”

Written by and illustrated by , this beautiful book has a Booklist started review and is now available for purchase through link in bio.

And, if you are in the Chattanooga area - It’s Possible Book Signing. Join on the 40th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy for our It’s Possible: The Story of Ronald McNair book signing. Honor the lives of the Challenger Seven, recipients of the Space Medal of Honor. Pick up a book, and get it signed by Chattanooga native and award-winning children’s book author .

📍 2 W Aquarium Way, Suite 104, Chattanooga, TN
🗓️ Wednesday, January 28, 2026
⏰ 1PM–3PM EST

🚀 COVER REVEAL 🚀IT’S POSSIBLE: THE STORY OF RONALD MCNAIRBy  | Illustrated by Physicist. Astronaut. Saxophonist. Trailbl...
01/23/2026

🚀 COVER REVEAL 🚀
IT’S POSSIBLE: THE STORY OF RONALD MCNAIR
By | Illustrated by

Physicist. Astronaut. Saxophonist. Trailblazer.
As we near the 40th anniversary of Challenger, we honor Ronald McNair’s legacy of breaking barriers, pursuing dreams, and inspiring countless children to believe in their own potential—a story of courage and determination that reminds every child: anything is possible.

We are incredibly proud to publish this book in partnership with the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center Literary Safari Literary Safari is an award-winning creator of children’s media, and MOHHC shares of Medal of Honor and Space Medal of Honor Recipients with audiences of all ages as a reminder that we are all capable of the extraordinary.

⭐ Booklist Starred Review: “This vibrant picture book provides an inviting introduction to a courageous American.”

Publishing January 26, 2026

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New York, NY

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