Mama wishes for a milking cow, so Papa finds his pocket knife and heads toward town with his son Samuel. When the pocket knife becomes two lanterns, then a gilded book of stories, a sheep, and more, Samuel begins to understand his father's resourcefulness and respect for the needs and cares of others. A charming story where a young boy grows in wisdom, patience, and maturity and is joyfully reward ...

Readers first met the Herdman kids, the notorious troublemakers of Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, in Barbara Robinson's hilarious novel "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." Now the Herdmans return in an even funnier sequel in which they start a riot at the laundromat, kidnap someone's baby brother for fun and profit, and create a diversion at the school talent show.

On the first day of kindergarten, everyone is new at school--even Sam!

What can fear keep us from discovering? Friendship? Adventure? S'mores? Ernestine learns that overcoming fears can definitely open up new worlds of fun. A beautiful book that will have young readers and listeners cheering for Ernestine and wanting to conquer their own apprehensions.

Clarence Brazier kept a big secret for nearly one hundred years: he didn't know how to read. This picture book tells the true story of his journey to learn--and then love--to read. As a young boy, Clarence cut class and took over the farm work when his father was blinded in an accident. Clarence worked as a logger, maintained his own successful farm, and became a father and a grandfather. All the ...

RThe author of "Escape from Memory" and the Shadow Children series has penned another suspenseful novel guaranteed to keep readers riveted.S--"Booklist."

A young girl discovers that growing up brings challenges and surprises. Full-color illustrations.

When Henry's mom limits his bike-riding exploration to around the block, he assumes he's in for a boring ride. However, the action he sees—conveyed through rich verb use and energetic illustrations—transforms his ride into an exciting adventure. Enticing for very young readers.

Thirteen-year-old Rosie Beckett embarks on the adventure of her life when her family takes a trip to the World's Columbian Exposition, a.k.a. the Chicago World's Fair, in 1893. An ALA Best Book for Young Adults.

Which is greater: a story's need for a reader? or a reader's need for story? William Joyce's tribute a late patron of libraries forms the basis for an imaginative story in which books transform worlds, and writers capture worlds in books. Deserving of all the critical attention it receives, this is a must-have for home, school, and public libraries!

At fourteen Langston is uprooted from his home in rural Alabama to post-war inner-city Chicago. He is utterly lost with no friends or family for comfort and only his overworked father to help him through the difficulties of city living. But one day running from ever-present bullies, he accidentally finds his first oasis, a public library, where he begins to find himself.

At fourteen Langston is uprooted from his home in rural Alabama to post-war inner-city Chicago. He is utterly lost with no friends or family for comfort and only his overworked father to help him through the difficulties of city living. But one day running from ever-present bullies, he accidentally finds his first oasis, a public library, where he begins to find himself.

When a tennis ball lands in a prairie dog burrow, it creates quite a fuss! A creative book about discovering new things, with a message about sharing, bullying, forgiveness, and second chances.

On the first day of class at his new school, Cody tells his classmates that he's an ace on rollerblades. But when someone throws a skating party, Cody might be caught in his fib!

Ira is thrilled to spend the night at Reggie's until his sister raises the question of whether he should take his teddy bear. "An appealing picture book which depicts common childhood qualms with empathy and humor."--"Booklist." Full-color illustrations.

In this "Publishers Weekly" Best Book of the Year, Iris hates her new neighborhood in the country until she discovers a treehouse--and maybe a new best friend. Full color.

"This excellent addition to the series is a perfect choice for newly independent readers." --School Library Journal Iris and Walter are excited about performing in their first school play. Walter helps Iris make her costume. Iris helps Walter remember his lines. But when Iris wakes up sick on the morning of the play, she's in for a big disappointment. Will the show go on without her?

Working up the courage to take a big, important leap is hard, but Jabari is almost absolutely ready to make a giant splash. Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He's finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he's a great jumper, so he's not scared at all. "Looks easy," says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, J ...

"This simple and sincere tale of working up courage to face fears makes quite a splash." -- Kirkus Reviews Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He's finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he's a great jumper, so he's not scared at all. "Looks easy," says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes ba ...

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.