I was also involved in a great deal of children's literature in my job, before I retired a couple years ago.
I am not familiar with "Quilting Now and Then", but I love the "Quiltmaker's Gift" and the " Quiltmaker's Journey". They are beautifully illustrated children's books and great stories!
Also look for the accompanying books "Quilts from the Quiltmaker's Gift" and "More Quilts from the Quiltmaker's Gift". These two books give step by step directions on how to make many of the quilts from the story books. Great series of books!