Molly Idle (she/her/hers)

Molly Idle is an award-winning author and illustrator best known for the Caldecott Honor picture book "Flora and the Flamingo" and the other books featuring Flora and her feathered friends. She also created the "Tea Rex" series, "Pearl", and "Witch Hazel". Her most recent book, "Off the Wall" (2026), was created with Juana Martinez-Neal. Molly lives and works in Arizona with her multigenerational family.

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Awards: Caldecott Honor Book

Communities: Arizona Author

Books:

Off the Wall

Making Stuff Together
Children
Neal Porter Books
May 2026
ISBN 9780823455539
Hardcover, 0 pages

A story about art, collaboration, and happy accidents from your favorite duo of Caldecott Honorees, Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal. Best friends Juana Martinez-Neal and Molly Idle know a thing or two about collaborative art. After teaming up to illustrate Julie Fogliano's I Don't Care, they set out to explore what it takes to make stuff together! Off the Wall is a joyful celebration of that very process. The day begins with one little girl, alone with a wall and a bucket of chalk. Then a friend comes along to play tic-tac-toe. Before you can say "look out!", there are five friends, a cat, a dog, and a splattered ice cream cone. Chalk is flying, hands are getting dirty, and the art on the wall gets bigger and, more importantly, better. Little artists and creative types of all ages will delight in the messmaking of a story that builds and builds to reveal what true friends make when they create together. Off the Wall reminds readers of the magic that happens when we play, experiment, and welcome the unexpected. More/less

Flora and Friends Colors

Children
Chronicle Books LLC
January 2024
ISBN 9781797200576
Board book, 0 pages

Brighten your day with the help of Flora and her rainbow of feathered friends, inspired by the Caldecott Honor-winning children's book Flora and the Flamingo. Birds of a feather learn colors together! An instant hit upon its release, Flora and the Flamingo now celebrates over ten years in print. In this vibrant new board book, Flora takes toddlers on a twirl through all the colors of the rainbow. Featuring big flaps to play with, this interactive board book will delight young children as they learn simple concepts in the charming company of Flora and her friends. FLORA RETURNS: The beloved star of Molly Idle's Caldecott Honor Award-winning Flora and the Flamingo is back in this new board book featuring birds of every color of the rainbow! LIGHTLY EDUCATIONAL: Parents and children will delight in this gentle introduction to early concepts that explore color, color-mixing, rainbows, and more in a simple and artful way. Each spread features birds of a different color, culminating in a beautiful rainbow of birds on the gatefold--and a surprise reveal of black-and-white penguins at the end. DURABLE TODDLER BOOKS: Rounded, thick board construction and sturdy, interactive gatefolds on every spread make this book resistant to damage and perfect for little hands and active minds. Readers will be delighted by a rainbow on the massive six-panel gatefold! BIRD BOOK FOR KIDS: For more feathery fun, pick up other preschool books from award-winning author-illustrator Molly Idle, including Flora and the Penguin, Flora and the Peacocks, Flora and the Chicks, Flora and the Ostrich, and Flora and Friends: ABC. Perfect for: Parents and caregivers seeking unique picture books with lift-the-flap interaction and beautifully flowing illustrations Gift giving for baby shower, birthday, holiday, moving up or graduation celebrations Fans of Molly Idle's Flora series and readers of Angelina Ballerina, Pinkalicious, Lola Dutch, and Ella Bella Ballerina books Bird lovers of all ages More/less