Amber's mountain is a beautiful but lonely place, until the day Anna arrives, bringing both her friendship and the will to teach Amber how to read. Suddenly, Amber's world is filled with new magic--and new challenges. But when Anna returns to the city, will Amber be able to keep reading on her own? "Heartwarming".--"Publishers Weekly", starred review. Full color.

"A rousing, rowdy tale pulsing with the rhythm of country music . . . The bouncy rhyme will be a pleasure for listeners and tellers as they pick up the twang and the barn-dance beat."--"Booklist."

The gentle, poetic way in which Rylant describes the exciting birth of seven summer puppies, a fall fishing excursion between a father and son, and an unexpected winter blizzard provides a breath of fresh air for readers of any age. The pure, strong familial tie speaks more in actions than words, perhaps restoring hope to a disillusioned reader.

Ann Hamilton's family has moved to the western frontier of Pennsylvania, and she misses her old home in Gettysburg. There are no girls her age on Hamilton Hill, and life is hard. But when the Hamiltons survive a terrible storm and receive a surprise visit from George Washington, Ann realizes that pioneer life is exciting and special.

In words and pictures, this book captures all the excitement and adventure of the Wild West. Gibbons's colorful watercolors deftly recreate cowboys clothing, equipment, and lifestyle, and the lively text includes descriptions of famous cowboys and cowgirls, as well as historical facts. Full color.

Wiles has created a unique, funny, and utterly real cast of characters in this heartfelt, and quintessentially Southern coming-of-age novel. Ten-year-old Comfort Snowberger will charm readers with her wit, her warmth, and her struggles, as she learns about life, loss, and, ultimately, triumph.

Expect the unexpected! Houses, apartments, underground lairs, giant shoes and hollow trees capture the imaginations of young readers dreaming of home. Ellis encourages children to ask and answer questions (‘Whose home is this?’ ‘Why would someone live here?’) in a way that evokes wonder and inspires creativity. Kids will be redecorating their rooms and building forts afte ...

The comic genius of McCloskey and his wry look at small-town America kept readers in stitches for generations. Readers follow along as a boy named Homer Price foils four slick bandits using nothing but his wits and a pet skunk. 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.

The gentle narrative shows how dreams can come true in unexpected ways and in unusual places.

This classic children's story offers a memorable portrait of a friendship between a boy and a wild animal. "Everyone should knock off work, sit beneath the nearest tree, and enjoy Rascal from cover to cover".--Chicago Tribune.

When a carload of their relatives pay a visit, a beleaguered family cannot tell one cousin from another. A Caldecott Honor Book.

Marian called it Roxaboxen. There across the road, it looked like any rocky hill--nothing but sand and rocks, some old wooden boxes, and cactus--but it was a special place, where all you needed to gallop fast and free were a stick and a soaring imagination. Full-color illustrations.

The Melendys live with their father, who is a writer, and Cuffy, their beloved housekeeper. Enjoyed by readers for more than 50 years, Enright's Melendy Quartet captures the lively adventures of a family as they move from the city to the country. Now this beloved series is back in new paperback editions. Illustrations.

The simple but delightful story focuses on the fun of friendship. However, the photographic illustrations elevate the book, making it an extraordinary reading experience. (Be sure to read the interview with the author at the book's conclusion!) Readers will be longing for friends of their own, possibly of the tree-climbing and nut-loving variety!

Caldecott Honor Book! An evocative remembrance of the simple pleasures in country living; splashing in the swimming hole, taking baths in the kitchen, sharing family times, each is eloquently portrayed here in both the misty-hued scenes and in the poetic text.-Association for Childhood Education International