Neoteny Books
Deep enough for kids.
Made for everyone.
Picture books that help us grow wiser without losing our sense of wonder.
I Can Be an
Instrument of Peace
By Mary Jo Burchard
Illustrated by Leanna ZeibakA hopeful retelling of the well-loved Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi.A child discovers that making peace can start with small acts of love, courage, and kindness.
Take a look inside.
Books that deepen without growing old.
We make picture books that help children and grown-ups talk about hard things in beautiful ways.Our hope is simple: more courage, more kindness, and a little more wonder. Books that help us mature while leaving room to dream, play, and begin again.
Mary Jo Burchard
Writer and co-founder
Mary Jo brings her work in humane leadership and her love of hopeful stories to Neoteny Books.Leanna Zeibak
Illustrator and co-founder
Leanna is a writer and illustrator in Washington. She loves making thoughtful ideas feel approachable through words and art.
Say hello.Questions about the book, bookstores, or a collaboration? We’d love to hear from you.[email protected]
© Neoteny Books. All rights reserved.
Text by Mary Jo Burchard. Illustrations by Leanna Zeibak.