Chalk the Walk [Hardcover]

A 2026 CHILDREN'S BOOK COUNCIL KIDS' FAVORITES SELECTION

Take to the sidewalk with this colorful picture book to inspire artistic expression and imagination!

A pair of adorable siblings explores the incredible power of a piece of chalk, transforming the world around them. With people of all ages from their neighborhood coming along, they use their bucket of chalk to make some sidewalk magic.

Rhyming text by Chelsea Tornetto and increasingly colorful illustrations by Laurel Aylesworth make Chalk the Walk a celebration of imagination. Grab a piece of sidewalk chalk and join in the fun!

Faded pavement.
Walls of gray.
Boring city streets?
No way!

Chelsea Tornettois a former world geography teacher who has loved writing ever since she was a kid. Her first book,Conquering Content Vocabulary, was published by Scholastic in 2018, but now her passion is picture books. She is the award-winning author ofGardens Are for Growing(Familius 2022) andGod Made You Too(WorthyKids 2022), with more titles on the way.

As an introverted kid growing up in Vermont, drawing came naturally toLaurel Aylesworth.Instead of going to the mall like most teenagers, you would find her in her room drawing scenes fromLord of the Ringsor copying her favorite characters from Elfquest comics. Later, her career path naturally led to graphic design, but something was missing (namely, elves and magic). She found her calling as an illustrator after becoming a mother and, hence, wading knee-deep in picture books from the library."Kids use bright chalk to enliven a drab urban brownstone block.

Sidewalks and walls go from dull to dazzling thanks to the handiwork of these young artists. Along the way, the children are cheered by their creations—and they inspire their neighbors to take part in enjoyable activities. Just watch that graylƒL