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 ...

Heartwarming watercolor illustrations depict the delight Harry Coleburn, military veterinarian took in his new charge, Winnifred the black bear. While the storyline follows the endearing role Winnie played among soldiers at military camps, it conveys the critical role animal health played during World War I, a time when horses played the role of today's heavy equipment. The well-woven story comes ...

Fogliano draws the reader into the memory of each season's sensory delights and opportunities for reflection: hot sand on the edge of the sea in summer, November showers that are "practice for snow". Poems are concise and rhythmic for sharing aloud and each is dated to further draw young readers into a journal-like experience of the year in all its glorious variety. A beautiful addition to the par ...

An eight-year-old girl accompanies her grandmother on a singing tour of the segregated South, both of them knowing that Grandmama's songs have the power to bring people together. Full color.

Get ready to be inspired! Have you ever had an idea that leaves you puzzled, not quite knowing what to do or think? Delightful metaphors and literal interpretations dance through these pages as readers follow the birth of a young boy's idea, the challenges it presents, the opportunities it offers, and above all, the potential it embodies. "I liked being with my idea. It made me feel alive...It ...

From the same author and illustrator as the #1 nationally best-selling What Do You Do With an Idea? comes a new book to encourage you to look closely at problems and discover the possibilities they can hold.

At 4 years old, Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews found the music of his New Orleans hometown irresistible. He joined crowds of musicians, mimicking them with homemade instruments, and eventually playing right along on a found, beat-up trombone. His insatiable appetite for playing music sends a powerfully important to readers; hard work doing something you love and are gifted to do is not only fulfil ...

The simple, life-affirming story told in rhyme shares a father-bear's barely-contained joy at the 'secret' of his new cubs. Tiptoe Joe introduces simple onomatopoeia and includes new discoveries to be made on second and third readings, including a color-coded map of the journey he makes to gather his friends. Perfect for very young readers and listeners, from 2 to 5.

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.

Lawrence's beautifully illustrated, exuberant little chick leaps from the page into your living room, ready for adventure. While a rhyming, rhythmic roll accompanies familiar animal sounds to entice the very youngest listeners—even the baby who can't sit still long—humor and repetition engage older toddlers and preschoolers. It's easy for this rhyme to become part of daily life toget ...

The extreme simplicity of The Storm Whale's text belies layers of symbolism that emerge with second, third, and fourth readings — father's reawakening to his son's need for friendship; the treasures that can be left behind by a storm. Readings are more like experiences, as Davies' cinematic illustrations draw readers in with visual details and varying scope. A new favorite that's repeatedly ...

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!

While the story gently follows a pet duck through growth and friendship, the book's strength lies in interesting, descriptive details, both in text and in the charming photographs. Each page includes an action, moving the simple storyline quickly to its winsome conclusion.

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

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.

Lighthearted humor defines the antics in this chicken caper. Tail the Squirrel, paralyzed with fear, can't clearly convey the sight he's seen, so the chickens, by fastidious notetaking and deductive reasoning (based on limited experience), try to discover the frightful source of Tail's worry. A hilarious kerfuffle results. A fun read with rich conversation, narration, and storytelling that illustr ...

While it borders on the silly, who can resist a tale with chicken detectives named Dirt, Sweetie, Poppy, and Sugar? Although humorous wrong assumptions complicate their investigative strategy, the Chicken Squad bumbles its way to finding the "weird blue chicken's" missing home, restoring peace and order in their community. Very entertaining — a good choice for reluctant readers.

Rich descriptors establish this memoir’s compelling setting so that readers feel the African heat , the desperation of starving families seeking sustenance from dry, barren farmland, and the wind’s power to help a helpless community. Against this backdrop a small, young boy with an insatiable appetite for knowledge lets curiosity drive his desire to help his family and his village. T ...