Nielsen’s writing unfolds like a movie, using intrigue, suspense, drama, and emotion like brilliant-colored, textured paints that enliven a blank canvas. Readers feel the pain of impossible decisions, the darkness of misguided means for well-intended ends, and the victory of wisdom and perseverance. A masterful, breathtaking first in a trilogy. Content is best for middle-grade readers.

This tale has all the ingredients of a rewarding read: suspended reality (a bright blue mouse whose tap-dance keyboard messages forge a human-friend bond), heart-pounding adventure (of his 90+ siblings who escaped their lab-captors, Isaiah-the-bright-blue-mouse narrowly escapes recapture and plans a risky rescue), and rich vocabulary (urbane, dulcet, cowlicky, and so much more!). Every chapter beg ...

While Bella's story and its splashy, colorful illustrations evoke the 'crisp, crackly' feelings of fall, it also highlights the generosity of a skillful grandmother and the joy of a grateful grandchild. This one will be a frequent request by listeners as young as two years old, and an effective read to build vocabulary in readers up through Kindergarten.

This is a fantastic way to "show not tell" how punctuation works. What would happen if punctuation took a vacation? Stories get unruly and time no longer make sense. In fact, communication gets a little unruly. Humorous punctuation postcards convey messages that resemble a punctuation mark's purpose, helping readers understand their proper use. Clever, animated, and a way to make learning fun.

Compelling, life-sized, carefully-detailed illustrations, punctuate the depth of Frederick Douglass's devotion to justice and liberty for all. The dark pain of loss at a young age translated into grim determination to learn words because "...Frederick sensed that words had power. ...he traded food for words." In a world of fast food and e-books, Rappaport reminds us to value the influence of speak ...

Although Ella and Maddy's playtime is threatened by Toby's wild antics, Marmalade (the girls') cat can't help falling under his wild, fun-loving charm. But when Toby's "help" accidentally douses Marmalade, she runs to a tree's precarious safety. Cooperation proves a powerful key to rescue both a cat and a friendship. Young readers will cheer this triumph of patience, self-control, and cooperation. ...

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 ...

The ability to focus on one task at a time is a learned skill. When the solution to Leo's growing to-do list appears as a multiplication of Leos because surely many hands lighten the load, the tasks multiply. Exhausted, Leo finds refuge in sleep and a dream made only for one. An adult-sized lesson, "What if I did less, but did my BEST?" written as a parable for kids. Classic Peter Reynolds.

A satisfying allegory told with rich vocabulary and a satisfying conclusion.

Anne Rockwell presents interesting and important details about clouds in an engaging, easy-to-read format. A great choice for young science or meteorology fans!

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!

Curiosity can take a young boy anywhere, even down the bathtub drain! This imaginative story entertains and gently promotes asking questions and pursuing answers.

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.

A fantasy that every reader ever left in the care of an older sibling will understand. Fantastic illustrations add to the story and its mystery.

Features many layers of information. The main text provides a general survey of the defining traits of hummingbirds. The illustrations and captions provide additional details, such as the names of different types of hummingbirds. At the book's conclusion, each illustration is presented in a smaller format with a very detailed paragraph of explanation. As a result, the book provides options that wi ...

Features many layers of information. The main text provides a general survey of the defining traits of raptors. The illustrations and captions provide additional details, such as the names of different types of raptors. At the book's conclusion, each illustration is presented in a smaller format with a very detailed paragraph of explanation. As a result, the book provides options that will keep re ...

Features many layers of information. The main text provides a general survey of the defining traits of mountain habitats. The illustrations and captions provide additional details, such as the names of different mountains and animal inhabitants. At the book's conclusion, each illustration is presented in a smaller format with a very detailed paragraph of explanation. As a result, the book provides ...

Features many layers of information. The main text provides a general survey of the defining traits of penguins. The illustrations and captions provide additional details, such as the names of different types of penguins and their habitats. At the book's conclusion, each illustration is presented in a smaller format with a very detailed paragraph of explanation. As a result, the book provides opti ...