Readers immediatley feel the pull of Gerald's crazy tale, predicting the cause of his trunk incident. But a clever plot twist offers an unexpected explanation, and an unexpected consequence. Another funnybone tickler.

Nate's silver-lining-outlook brightens even the staunchest pessimistic argument. An encouraging reminder of how a positive outlook offers a vastly different view of most anything.

Jealousy breaks out in the henhouse when peacock arrives. Farm business picks up as peacock entertains passersby, but the hens have had it. So, when a confrontation ends in a role-switch, everyone learns the disappointment of being something other than they should be, and the peace when living as they are designed. An accessible truth told with bright color and humor.

This is a beautiful celebration of individuality. Giving perfect personification to the idea that different is beautiful, this delightful character invites readers on an unforgettable journey to discover what makes them unique and to embrace it. Skillfully written, the story also allows readers to pause and consider how to treat others who are different and the role the opinions of others should b ...

"You can read a book more than once, you know. You might even find a book inside the book...When you read a book again and let your imagination take over, it can take you to new stories, so it's like a book inside the book!" Thus begins a celebration of the power of imagination. This book unfolds as a dream might unfold for a child picturing a scene from a story and then imagining, "what if?" ...

Simple statements accompanied by clever illustrations communicate a powerful message about what it means to be courageous daily. In a most delightful, instructive way, the illustrations are just as important as the text. Picture a roller coaster at its final descent (with a few green faces) with its caption: Courage is going on it again; and, a car full of riders followed by: Courage is a scenic c ...

Through the story of a little boy named Felix, this charming book explains to children how being kind not only helps others, it helps them, too. Illustrations.

Rich watercolor illustrations entice young book lovers to this interactive, lift-the-flap book. There is no gimmick here; each spread presents a simple riddle that describes an animal's home. Rich vocabulary — I weave my secret nest...honeysuckle tree...oval hideaway...I nibble sweet berries and gnaw on hazelnuts—delights and inspires inquiry. The text requires a young nature lover t ...

This story exudes beauty. It is a study in kindness and grace. It shows what knowing how to see beyond personal needs, penchants, and shortsightedness looks like. Nana's wisdom teaches readers to look with eyes that see beyond the surface to love the potential of each individual and to give. Because that is where joy begins. CJ: "How come it's always so dirty over here?" Nana (smiling and poin ...

Rich color and exquisite detail, though not overdone, illustrate a deeply meaningful lesson in kindness. Creatures young readers recognize - birds, rabbits, mice - portray human traits, planting seeds with hopes for a delicious harvest. This gardening metaphor cleverly illustrates how reaping and sowing have everything to do with each other. Sparse but carefully-worded text takes a back seat to Ka ...

In a forest of seedlings, only one refused to let go of its leaves season after season. The tree's sad, cowering posture helps early grade school readers see that fear hinders the little tree's growth. Eventually with coaxing and reassurance, it lets go and is able to realize its full potential—to grow and to serve. A wise message, simply illustrated for easy comprehension.

It was said of Diva: "…if anything ever happened, no matter how big or small, Diva would yelp and run away. Diva was very good at her job." And of Flea: "A great flaneur (someone who roams the streets to see what there is to see) has seen everything, but still looks for more, because there is always more to discover. Flea was a really great flaneur." So, when the two crossed paths, there was ...

What a beautiful way to introduce young minds to metaphor and their power to convey empathy. The narrator wishes nothing but the best for the child on each page — "I wish you more ups than downs,...more treasures than pockets,...more will than hill..." Simple text and rich vocabulary balance joyful drawings that help young minds see comparison and contrast in action and experience the hope ...

Beautifully illustrated rhythmic story of a whole family adventuring together outdoors. Littlest ones will love pointing out repeated features in the illustrations, and can even join in with 'Oh no!' Older children will soon be able to recite the whole book--useful for car trips and adapting to your own group adventures!

Obstacles are simply opportunities in disguise. Marisol refuses to let disappointment cloud her ability to solve a problem; instead she opens her eyes to see the familiar as new. Maybe if challenge didn't stand in our way, we'd never have the chance to see differently -- to live a little more richly and create something better from having had the experience. Reynolds offers a refreshing tale of po ...

Each page's white background is a clean slate for comic-like, over-simplified illustrations of Elephant and Gerald (his pink pig friend). Elephant can hardly wait for Gerald's surprise — young readers can easily recognize expressions of impatience, anticipation, and frustration. Even an the exaggerated word illustration: GROAN! takes on a life of its own. A celebration of friendship, trust, ...

"Giraffes Can't Dance" is a touching tale of Gerald the giraffe, who wants nothing more than to dance. With crooked knees and thin legs, it's harder for a giraffe. Gerald is finally able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend. Full color.

A hungry bear finds himself in the big city...or does he? Text with just enough figurative language for early listeners, and active, painterly pictures complement each other beautifully. A humorous surprise ending provokes thought about narrator's voice, truthfulness and perspective—and compels you to "Read it again!"...and again.