Little Britta's heart is kind and sees the best in everything, even in trees. She is sure Apple and Magnolia (Britta has named her favorite trees, of course) are good friends, so when Magnolia begins losing her luster, Britta remains hopeful. This spunky character warms our hearts with actions of hope and optimism, even when possible seems impossible. Muted, wildly expressive colors and loose illu ...

When Mary Ellen gets bored with her reading, Grandpa knows a hunt for a bee tree is just what she needs. Half the town joins the exciting chase, but it's not until everyone returns home that Mary Ellen makes a discovery of her own: sometimes even the sweetest of things must be worked for. "Another charming piece of Americana from an artist of rare warmth and originality".-- "Kirkus Reviews", point ...

This tale stages a meetup between extraordinary and ordinary. The learning is messy and extraordinary turns out to be unconventional, but Bloom the magical fairy believes her new "ordinary" friend, Genevieve, can save the kingdom. Genevieve's confidence grows with each success under Bloom's gentle direction. Lively, airy illustrations capture the delight and strength of a heart and mind equipped t ...

Satisfying story of a boy and a garden who both blossom when curiosity takes them to unexpected places.

Jerry Pinkney's detailed drawings incorporate many shades of color that flow seamlessly across lightly-drawn outlines, conveying mood and emotion even before the story begins. Pinkney chose to tell this fable—Don't put off for tomorrow what can be done today—by contrasting a come-what-may Grasshopper musician with industrious, prepared-for-whatever Ants. Vibrant colors echo the chang ...

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 this wordless adaptation of one of Aesop's most beloved fables by an award-winning artist, an unlikely pair learns that no act of kindness is ever wasted. With vivid depictions of the landscape of the African Serengeti and expressively drawn characters, Pinkney makes this a truly special retelling.

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.

A witty, determined Marty compels readers to join her quest: to win the school’s “Save the Earth” science contest award. Author, Kate Messner masterfully grows and develops Marty’s character, showing readers that reaching a goal requires patience and determination; while it lacks the glamor and excitement of the beginning and end, the middle is where the most important wo ...

"Louisa is a young violinist from Toronto. But alas, her professional naturalist parents want her to spend her summer break with her uncle in the Tasmanian bush. Absolutely everything is strange and somewhat frightening from the dilapidated logging-camp home to the native animals including huge spiders. And to add insult to injury, a neighbor boy, Colin, with autistic social issues comes to live w ...

Don't miss the great similes and metaphors in the protagonist's dreams of the four seasons!

With beautiful words and stunning illustrations, author/illustrator LaMarche tells the story of a boy who has an unexpectedly wonderful summer of discovery when he visits his grandmother. Full color.

They perch high above gardens and fields, with borrowed coats and button eyes and pie pan hands that glint in the sun. What else is there to know about scarecrows? Perhaps more than we realize. Illustrations.

The dull, dreary lives of Kate and Tom are interrupted by their mysterious Uncle Herbert who sends them on an adventure aboard a magical steam train, the Silver Arrow. They cheerfully assume the tasks of conductor, fireman and engineer while boarding animal passengers who can talk to them and each other. As the story unfolds, Kate realizes all of the animals are really from endangered species and ...

In this middle grade novel, acclaimed author and illustrator Jean Craighead George tells the story of how one unusual spotted owl makes his way into the home--and hearts--of a family of loggers.

This companion to the Caldecott Medal-winning "The Lion & the Mouse" is Pinkney's most stunning masterpiece yet. Even the slowest tortoise can defeat the quickest hare, and even the proudest hare can learn a timeless lesson from the most humble tortoise: Slow and steady wins the race! Full color.