Best of
Childrens

1999

The Gruffalo


Julia Donaldson - 1999
    Little mouse goes for a walk in a dangerous forest. To scare off his enemies he invents tales of a fantastical creature called the Gruffalo. So imagine his surprise when he meets the real Gruffalo.

The Complete Brambly Hedge


Jill Barklem - 1999
    The way the mice live is completely natural, which is how I think life ought to be. They appreciate and use everything that grows around them. Theirs is a loving, caring society, but the mice are not just serious and worthy. They have FUN! The much-loved Brambly Hedge mice first made their entrance in 1980 when four seasonal stories were published. Since then, readers have loved exploring the miniature hedgerow world and meeting the families who make their home there. Jill Barklem's warm, traditionally styled illustrations which evoke both drama and a sense of humour, are richly detailed, gentle and touching, and appeal to readers young and old.For the first time ever all the Brambly Hedge stories are brought together in one glorious volume, an exquisite gift book that will delight committed fans and introduce new readers to the wonders of Barklem's hedgerow life.The collection is introduced by Barklem herself, who explains how the stories came about, and what the world of Brambly Hedgemeans to her and to her legions of avid fans. A perfect gift for anyone who has ever basked in the warmth of these simple, romantic stories, The Complete Brambly Hedge is also an excellent way of introducing new readers to the wonders of the hedgerow, and is ideal for younger readers to enjoy with their parents, or for older, more confident readers to enjoy alone. (Age 4 and over) --Susan Harrison

The Quiltmaker's Gift


Jeff Brumbeau - 1999
    When a generous quiltmaker finally agrees to make a quilt for a greedy king but only under certain conditions, she causes him to undergo a change of heart.

Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss


Pat Schwiebert - 1999
    Along the way she dispenses a recipe of sound advice for people who are in mourning.

Tarzan: A Read-Aloud Storybook


Victoria Saxon - 1999
    Full color.

Because I Love You


Max Lucado - 1999
    He talked to them and sang for them and told them stories. He gave them everything they needed. And with his own hands Shaddai built a protective wall around their village, rock by rock.He did all of this for just one reason--because he loved them.One day Paladin, the village's most curious child, discovers something troubling about the wall. Something that makes him wonder about Shaddai's love. Could there be a mistake?Young Paladin is about to discover the answer. And when he does, he will come to understand just how deeply he is loved.And so will you.Everything God does for your children, He does because of love. He protects them. He listens to their prayers. He provides for their needs. He even gives warnings and sets boundaries--for no other reason than love.As an adult you already know this. Now your children can know it too through this captivating tale, which was first published in the award-winning children's bestseller Tell Me the Story.Let this timeless story of a curious boy's choice and a caring man's sacrificial response help you make the infinite love of their Heavenly Father as real to your kids as your own love. Because they need to understand about Him what you have already learned--that everything God does throughout our lives, He does for one reason only, and for the best reason of all: Because I Love You.

The Magic School Bus Sees Stars: A Book About Stars


Joanna Cole - 1999
    A book about stars, from the animated television series on the Learning Channel.

Hooway for Wodney Wat


Helen Lester - 1999
    Poor Rodney Rat can't pronounce his R's and the other rodents tease him mercilessly. But when Camilla Capybara joins Rodney's class and announces that she is bigger, meaner, and smarter than any of them, everyone is afraid she might be right. Children will delight in--and relate to--the unwitting hero Rodney and how he uses his tiny but powerful voice to save the day.

The Official Pokémon Handbook


Maria S. Barbo - 1999
    Every character is detailed with their statistics, techniques, secret facts and training tips."

Just a Bully


Gina Mayer - 1999
    The bully then focuses his attention on Little Critter, but with a little help from Little Sister, Little Critter finally learns to stand up to the bully.

Just the Way You Are


Max Lucado - 1999
    But telling them once won't make it sink in. Kids need to be reminded of it over and over, until those words get inside their hearts.In the same way, children need to hear again and again that their Heavenly Father loves them and wants to spend time with them--even if they're not wonderfully talented or extremely smart or exceptionally popular.That message of God's unconditional acceptance and deep desire to enjoy a friendship with His children is at the heart of this book.Just the Way You Are, originally published by Crossway Books as Children of the King, has been newly illustrated to enchant a whole new generation of youngsters. At the same time, it gives parents and grandparents fresh opportunities to write God's never-changing desire on tender souls.Combining the warm narrative of best-selling author Max Lucado and the classic illustrations of award-winning artist Sergio Martinez, Just the Way You Are will entertain young readers as it teaches them a truth that can open their hearts to Christ.That truth--the assurance of God's delight in them--is a blessing that has eternal impact for all children of the King everywhere.

No Matter What


Debi Gliori - 1999
    I’m grim and grumpy,” says Small to Large, “and I don’t think you love me at all.” But nothing could be further from the truth--and Large knows just how to reassure Small.

Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type


Doreen Cronin - 1999
    Come join the fun as a bunch of literate cows turn Farmer Brown's farm upside down.

There's No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System


Tish Rabe - 1999
    It’s a reading adventure that’s out of this world!

It's So Amazing!: A Book about Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies, and Families


Robie H. Harris - 1999
    Once again, the Bird and Bee are up to their antics, but this time they're younger. In It's So Amazing!, these reassuring characters reflect the many moods of children age 7 and up: silly, serious, curious, embarrassed. Their voices echo the thoughts, questions, and concerns of a younger audience.

The Colors of Us


Karen Katz - 1999
    She wants to use brown paint for her skin. But when she and her mother take a walk through the neighborhood, Lena learns that brown comes in many different shades.Through the eyes of a little girl who begins to see her familiar world in a new way, this book celebrates the differences and similarities that connect all people.Karen Katz created this book for her daughter, Lena, whom she and her husband adopted from Guatemala six years ago.

Weslandia


Paul Fleischman - 1999
    He’s learned that each civilization needs a staple food crop, so he decides to sow a garden and start his own - civilization, that is. He turns over a plot of earth, and plants begin to grow. They soon tower above him and bear a curious-looking fruit. As Wesley experiments, he finds that the plant will provide food, clothing, shelter, and even recreation. It isn’t long before his neighbors and classmates develop more than an idle curiosity about Wesley - and exactly how he is spending his summer vacation.

Just Lost!


Gina Mayer - 1999
    When Little Critter stops to tie his shoelace at the crowded mall, he loses sight of his mother and is taken to the security office where he waits for his mother to be found.

Bark, George


Jules Feiffer - 1999
    "Bark, George," says George's mother, and George goes: "Meow," which definitely isn't right, because George is a dog.And so is his mother, who repeats, "Bark, George." And George goes, "Quack, quack."What's going on with George? Find out in this hilarious new picture book from Jules Feiffer.

What A Bad Dream


Mercer Mayer - 1999
    Whether he's tossing in his sleep or needing a warm glass of milk, both parents and children alike will relate to this beloved story. A perfect way to alleviate any fears of bad dreams!

Gingerbread Baby


Jan Brett - 1999
    He leads Matti's mother and father, the dog and the cat. And a whole colorful cast of characters on a rollicking chase through the village and into the forest, staying just out of reach, daring them to catch him along the way.But Matti's not with them. He's at home in the borders making what turns out to be a gingerbread house into which the Gingerbread Baby runs. Only Matti knows he is safely inside. And readers will too when they look under the lift-the-flap gingerbread house at the end of the story, and there he is!

Sector 7


David Wiesner - 1999
    Only the person who gave us Tuesday could have devised this fantastic Caldecott Honor–winning tale, which begins with a school trip to the Empire State Building. There a boy makes friends with a mischievous little cloud, who whisks him away to the Cloud Dispatch Center for Sector 7 (the region that includes New York City). The clouds are bored with their everyday shapes, so the boy obligingly starts to sketch some new ones. . . . The wordless yet eloquent account of this unparalleled adventure is a funny, touching story about art, friendship, and the weather, as well as a visual tour de force.

A Midsummer Night's Faery Tale


Terri Windling - 1999
    22 color photos.

Come On, Rain!


Karen Hesse - 1999
    Lyrically written and lovingly illustrated." - School Library Journal "Hesse's language is a quiet, elegant surge.... Muth contributes fine watercolor atmospherics." - Kirkus Reviews

David Goes to School


David Shannon - 1999
    From running in the halls to chewing gum in class, David's high-energy antics fill each schoolday with trouble—and are sure to bring a smile to even the best-behaved reader.

I Love You Because You're You


Liza Baker - 1999
    Cozy and sensitive watercolor illustrations from David McPhail are the perfect complement to Liza Baker's rhythmic, rhyming text. This book is sure to become a family favorite -- and an enduring classic of the genre.

Wish for a Fish: All About Sea Creatures


Bonnie Worth - 1999
    Undersea Glubber! Traveling down from the Sunny Zone to the Dark Zone to the Trench at the bottom, Captain Cat and his crew get up close and personal with the different life forms found at each level of the ocean. Along the way, they meet sharks, jellyfish, dolphins, manatees, whales, and sea cucumbers, to name just a few!

Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy


Carl R. Sams II - 1999
    Who is this Stranger? Why did he arrive after a winter storm and what wonderful surprises does he bring?Your children will love this photographic fantasy created by two noted wildlife photographers.You'll discover this tale is beta-carotene for the spirit in everyone.

Oh say can you say di-no-saur?


Bonnie Worth - 1999
    Then it's on to a tour through the Cat's own Super Dino Museum--a fabulous place where the correct pronunciation of a dinosaur's name wins you a peek at the real living thing! Beginning readers will love exploring the prehistoric world of dinosaurs with the Cat in the Hat as their guide!

Welcome with Love


Jennifer Prior - 1999
    The midwife arrives and the whole family prepare for the home birth.

Clifford's First School Day (Classic Storybook)


Norman Bridwell - 1999
    Clifford tries to fingerpaint and, sliding through the paint, makes a very creative masterpiece. Then, during water play, he is captain of the ship, until he tips over the mast and falls into the water! A bag of flour used to make cookies for snack time intrigues Clifford, until it falls on him, and covers him with white powder! Oh Clifford! However, he's not done yet. Outside, Emily Elizabeth puts him on a slide and, CRASH! He lands in someone's sand castle! But Clifford helps repair it and all is well. Emily Elizabeth's teacher asks her to bring Clifford back when he's a little bigger. As Emily Elizabeth says, "She should see him now."Featuring a full page of stickers!

That's Not My Puppy...


Fiona Watt - 1999
    The bright pictures, with their patches of different textures, are designed to develop sensory and language awareness. Babies and toddlers will love turning the page and touching the feely patches.

Letters from Camp


Kate Klise - 1999
    Not only are the campers forced to wear bizarre uniforms, eat gross food, and do chores all day, but the members of the family that runs the camp fight constantly--with each other. Are the campers in danger? Or--in spite of sibling wars--do they need to stick together to solve the mystery humming under the surface of Camp Happy Harmony?

The Dance


Richard Paul Evans - 1999
    Full color.

Chris Van Allsburg's Polar Express


Robert Kapilow - 1999
    Duration ca. 22 minutes.

A Children's Treasury of Milligan: Classic Stories and Poems by Spike Milligan


Spike Milligan - 1999
    The large format gives ample scope to make the most of Spike's own illustration, lovingly coloured specially for this book. The anthology comprises Silly Verse For Kids (1959), The Bald Twit Lion (1968), Unspun Socks From a Chicken's Laundry (1981), Sir Nobonk and The Terrible, Awful, Dredful Naughty, Nasty Dragon (1982) and Starting Verse For All The Family (1987). Spike does not regard children as small grown-ups, nut as an entirely different species who linve in a secret, magicalworld which very few adults understand. His poems were inspired by listening to his own children and subsequently his grandchildren, and marvelling at the way they could invent new words or incorporate sound effects into their everyday language. In 'borrowing' their language, Spike has created a range of poems and stories which are a delight to read to younger children, for older children to read themselves, or for grown ups trecapture some of the magic.

My Monster Mama Loves Me So


Laura Leuck - 1999
    That's how I know my mama loves me! At once tender and funny, this monster bedtime story is guaranteed to generate giggles, tickles, and plenty of monster hugs.

White Rabbit's Color Book


Alan Baker - 1999
    Soon the little rabbit is jumping from bucket to bucket and learning all about colors and how they mix. Quivering with excitement, Brown Rabbit nudges open a square gift box and finds five balloons which take on all sorts of shapes. Gray Rabbit and Black-and-White Rabbit have their own adventures as they discover numbers and the alphabet. Toddlers will have fun and learn with these concept books, warmly illustrated with meticulous detail by Alan Baker.

Mole Music


David McPhail - 1999
    When he first hears someone playing a violin, Mole realizes that he longs to make beautiful music, too.Through practice and patience, Mole learns to play. And even though he plays alone, in the privacy of his underground home, his music has an effect on others that is more magical than Mole will ever know.

The New Adventures of Curious George


Margret Rey - 1999
    A hardcover treasury of storybook adventures to keep curious little readers busy: Curious George Goes to a Chocolate Factory, Curious George and the Puppies, Curious George Makes Pancakes, Curious George Feeds the Animals, Curious George Goes to a Movie, Curious George and the Hot Air Balloon, Curious George in the Snow, and Curious George’s Dream.

Kensuke's Kingdom


Michael Morpurgo - 1999
    But he soon realises there is someone close by, someone who is watching over him and helping him to stay alive. Following a close-run battle between life and death after being stung by a poisonous jelly fish, the mysterious someone--Kensuke--allows Michael into his world and they become friends, teaching and learning from each other, until the day of separation becomes inevitable.Morpurgo here spins a yarn which gently captures the adventurous elements one would expect from a desert-island tale, but the real strength lies in the poignant and subtle observations of friendship, trust and, ultimately, humanity. Beautifully illustrated by Michael Foreman, Kensuke's Kingdom is a stylish, deceptively simple and magical book that will effortlessly capture the heart and imagination of anyone who reads it, ensuring that Morpurgo continues to stand tall amid the ranks of classic children's authors. (Ages 9 and over) --Susan Harrison

Paddington Treasury


Michael Bond - 1999
    Full color.

Madeline in America and Other Holiday Tales


Ludwig Bemelmans - 1999
    With help from his mother and grandmother (the original Madeline!), Ludwig's grandson brings this delightful work to fruition. The book contains two additional holiday stories, warm family reminiscences, and holiday artwork lovingly selected from the family archives.

The Grannyman


Judy Schachner - 1999
    Suddenly Simon has a lot to do!

Greek Myths For Young Children


Heather Amery - 1999
    Beautiful illustrations by Linda Edwards bring the myths to life for children of all ages. Specially written for reading aloud Different colourful page design for each story Pronunciation guide at the back to help with Greek names Available in standard or mini format edition

O'Sullivan Stew


Hudson Talbott - 1999
    So bold, brassy Kate O'Sullivan takes matters into her own hands. But instead of saving the day, she manages to land herself--and her family--in trouble with the king. So Kate sets out to save their hides the only way she knows how--with a good story. Filled with imagination, wit, and a healthy helping of good old-fashioned Irish blarney, this is a hilarious tale that will keep readers coming back for more.

The Woeful Second World War


Terry Deary - 1999
    Find out who made a meal of maggots, or which soldiers were so smelly their enemies could sniff them out.

On Beyond Bugs


Tish Rabe - 1999
    Just wait… and you’ll soon see an insect go by!” With these words Dr. Seuss’ Cat in the Hat sets out to take young readers on a fascinating tour of the insect world – a world teeming with six legged critters from moths to fleas and fireflies. This title forms part of a series of books that takes an off-beat look at natural history through a fun combination of Seussian rhymes and zany illustrations. Aimed at early readers – from four to seven year olds – the books are designed to bridge the gap between concept books written for preschoolers and more formal non fiction titles that require fluent reading skills. By presenting the facts in a lively and rhythmic manner, they provide the critical foundation upon which complex facts and ideas can eventually be built.

The Story of the Blue Planet


Andri Snær Magnason - 1999
    Their planet is wild and at times dangerous, but everything is free, everyone is their friend, and each day is more exciting than the last.  One day a rocket ship piloted by a strange-looking adult named Gleesome Goodday crashes on the beach. His business card claims he is a “Dream.ComeTrueMaker and joybringer,” and he promises to make life a hundred times more fun with sun-activated flying powder and magic-coated skin so that no one ever has to bathe again. Goodday even nails the sun in the sky and creates a giant wolf to chase away the clouds so it can be playtime all the time. In exchange for these wonderful things, Goodday asks only for a little bit of the children’s youth—but what is youth compared to a lot more fun? The children are so enamored with their new games that they forget all the simple activities they used to love. During Goodday’s great flying competition, Hulda and Brimir fly too high to the sun and soar to the other side of planet, where they discover it is dark all the time and the children are sickly and pale. Hulda and Brimir know that without their help, the pale children will die, but first they need to get back to their island and convince their friends that Gleesome Goodday is not all that he seems. A fantastical adventure, beautifully told, unfolds in a deceptively simple tale. The Story of the Blue Planet will delight and challenge readers of all ages.From the Trade Paperback edition.

I Choose You


Tracey West - 1999
    With Pikachu at his side he sets off to capture and train every Pokemon he can find. Ash is determined, but there is one huge problem, Pikachu won't listen to a single thing Ash says.

Guji Guji


Chih-Yuan Chen - 1999
    In this engaging story about identity, loyalty and what it really means to be a family, Guji, Guji makes some pretty big decisions about who he is, what he is, and what it all means, anyway. Ages 4 and up.

Welcome Comfort


Patricia Polacco - 1999
    Even Christmas, the most wondrous time of the year, isn't so wondrous for Welcome, since he has no family, no presents, and no Santa Claus. But when Welcome meets Mr. Hamp, the school custodian, he finally finds a friend. And when Christmas comes around, Welcome is taken on an extraordinary adventure that changes his life forever."Sentimental but appealing, the story of a special inheritance is illustrated with lively pictures wrapped up in cheerful Christmas colors."

Auntie Claus


Elise Primavera - 1999
    She lives in penthouse 25C at the Bing Cherry Hotel and is "so "curioso! After all, Auntie Claus serves Christmas cookies all year long and her tree is always the best-decorated in the city. And then there's her annual "business trip," right around the holidays. This year Sophie is determined to get to the bottom of Auntie Claus's mysterious ways. Put on your mittens and bundle up for an adventure beyond your wildest dreams. "Ho, ho, ho!"

I Spy Treasure Hunt: A Book of Picture Riddles


Walter Wick - 1999
    With 24 million copies sold, the bestselling I Spy series is being relaunched with new designs and foil covers.This bestselling book features riddles that send readers searching for hidden objects in 12 photographs with treasure hunt themes.

Welcome to Kirsten's World · 1854: Growing Up in Pioneer America


Susan Sinnott - 1999
    Each offers new perspectives on the past as it really was during the times of the American Girls -- from major historical events to the details of everyday life. Filled with exquisite photos, illustrations, and cutaway scenes, these large-format books also feature letters and diaries of real girls and women, boys and men, that bring the voices of yesterday to life for today's readers.

Welcome to Felicity's World · 1774: Growing Up in Colonial America


Catherine Gourley - 1999
    Each offers new perspectives on the past as it really was during the times of the American Girls -- from major historical events to the details of everyday life. Filled with exquisite photos, illustrations, and cutaway scenes, these large-format books also feature letters and diaries of real girls and women, boys and men, that bring the voices of yesterday to life for today's readers.

Frank Was a Monster Who Wanted to Dance


Keith Graves - 1999
    So he put on his hat, and his shoes made in France...and opened a jar and put ants in his pants! So begins this monstrously funny, deliciously disgusting, horrifyingly hilarious story of a monster who follows his dream. Keith Graves' wacky illustrations and laugh-out-loud text will tickle the funny bone and leave readers clamoring for an encore.

Little Miss Spider


David Kirk - 1999
    But where is her mother? Lucky for Little Miss Spider, kind and caring Betty Beetle is there to fill the role. In this new mini-book format, genious storyteller and artist David Kirk has brilliantly created a lively and sweet adoption story in which Miss Spider searches high and low before happily discovering that a mother's love can come from many sources.

Welcome to Samantha's World · 1904: Growing Up in America's New Century


Catherine Gourley - 1999
    Each offers new perspectives on the past as it really was during the times of the American Girls -- from major historical events to the details of everyday life. Filled with exquisite photos, illustrations, and cutaway scenes, these large-format books also feature letters and diaries of real girls and women, boys and men, that bring the voices of yesterday to life for today's readers.

Little Bo


Julie Andrews Edwards - 1999
    Julie Andrews Edwards's best-selling book, Little Bo, is packaged with a read- along audio by this famous Broadway voice -- the perfect gift for Christmas.

The Okay Book


Todd Parr - 1999
    Full color.

Bathtime for Biscuit


Alyssa Satin Capucilli - 1999
    For fans of Clifford and Spot, welcome everybody’s favorite little yellow puppy, Biscuit, in an I Can Read adventure!Woof, woof! Biscuit needs a bath!Everything is ready for Biscuit's bath; everything except Biscuit! He wants to roll in the mud and play with his friend Puddles! Will Biscuit ever be clean? Join Biscuit in this bathtime fun-filled adventure.Bathtime for Biscuit, a My First I Can Read book, is carefully crafted using basic language, word repetition, sight words, and sweet illustrations—which means it's perfect for shared reading with emergent readers.

Bulging Brains


Nick Arnold - 1999
    Fact files, quizzes, teacher tests and cartoons are included.

When the Moon Forgot


Jimmy Liao - 1999
    He takes it home and cares for it, slowly helping it heal. They become inseparable companions, exploring the world together both day and night. But when the world needs the moon to remember its place in the sky, the boy must help it find its way back home.This is an unforgettable tale of an unusual friendship by world-renowned illustrator Jimmy Liao. Gorgeous, evocative illustrations tell an imaginative story of love and courage; the world will never forget the time when the moon forgot.

Cloud Tea Monkeys


Mal Peet - 1999
    When her mother falls ill, Tashi goes alone to the plantation, hoping to earn money for the doctor. But she is far too small to harvest the tender shoots, and her clumsy efforts anger the cruel Overseer. She is desolate, until — chack-chack-chack! — something extraordinary happens. Inspired by a centuries-old legend of tea-picking monkeys, here is a richly told tale full of vivid characters: the heartless Overseer, the enigmatic Royal Tea Taster, and — far away — an empress with a penchant for tea.

I Miss You, Stinky Face


Lisa McCourt - 1999
    Through the boy's lively imagination, Mama braves hungry sharks, terrible pirates, spaceships lost in time and much more to assure her son that nothing can keep her from coming home to him.

Grandad's Prayers of the Earth


Douglas Wood - 1999
    We didn't walk very far. Or very fast. Or very straight. While we walked, I would ask him questions about things I wasn't sure of. One day, I asked Grandad about prayers."'Did you know, boy, ' Grandad whispered, 'that trees pray?'"Grandad is the boy's best friend. Being with him always makes the world seem right. And how vast that world is. A world of tall trees that reach for the clouds and sun and moon and stars--and what else is reaching for heaven but a prayer?Each time that he and Grandad walk in the woods, the boy listens for the prayers of the earth. And while he isn't always sure he hears them, Grandad's words inspire him to keep listening.Finally, the boy asks the hardest question of all: "Are our prayers answered, Grandad?"And, one day, long after Grandad is gone, after many, many prayers, after the boy is grown, he understands Grandad's reply: "Most prayers are not really questions. And if we listen very closely, a prayer is often its own answer."Douglas Wood, author of OLD TURTLE, has written a wise and moving story for readers of all ages. With paintings by acclaimed artist P. J. Lynch, this beautiful and uplifting picture book just may change your life forever.

Happy Halloween, Biscuit!


Alyssa Satin Capucilli - 1999
    What kinds of silly surprises are in store for them?Pull back the flaps to find out!--- Summary from Back Cover

The Troll With No Heart in His Body and other Tales of Trolls, from Norway


Lise Lunge-Larsen - 1999
    Some live under bridges, others deep inside caves. They can carry their heads under their arms or hide their hearts inside wells. They can walk across oceans and fly over mountains. Trees and shrubs may grow from their heads, and their noses can be long enough to stir soup. There are troll hags, troll daughters, and elderly, shrunken trolls. Old or young, they are quarrelsome, ugly, and boastful, and they love to trick princesses and children. To defeat them, children must rely on the strengths of their humanity-persistence, kindness, pluck, and willingness to heed good advice

The Last Straw


Fredrick H. Thury - 1999
    Voices roll across the desert sands to Hoshmakaka, a curmudgeonly old camel, whispering that he has been chosen for the great responsibility of carrying gifts to the new baby king. With reluctance, Hoshmakaka accepts his task. Every day in the heat crossing the desert, his pack grows ever more burdensome as the crowds of people, anxious to welcome the new king, give him their gifts to carry. He is as strong as ten horses as he proudly tells the younger camels. But, oh, his gout! Oh, his sciatica! Nevertheless, Hoshmakaka plods on until he reaches Bethlehem. In the end he realizes the great honor of his task and never again is there a burden too heavy for him to carry.Vlasta van Kampen's gorgeous illustrations of the hot desert sands and the cool, star-filled night sky transport readers on the journey to Bethlehem to see the new baby king. The beautifully detailed illustrations of the loveable Hoshmakaka masterfully change as his pack of gifts grows impossibly huge.The endearing Hoshmakaka is also available as a plush toy to be a companion at storytime. Nine inches tall and adorned with his precious pack of gifts, Hoshmakaka will be a great reminder of the rewards of giving all year long!

The Ocean Within


V.M. Caldwell - 1999
    In The Ocean Within, Elizabeth knows she is adopted and feels she cannot trust the welcome offered by her new family, the Sheridans. As she and her new siblings and cousins head to the beach for a vacation at Grandma's house, Elizabeth is secretly thrilled at the chance to finally see the ocean. On the other hand, she feels the Sheridans are just too much - too prone to hugging, too loud, too enthusiastic. And there are so many of them!Beautifully re-creating the dynamics of a large family and revealing the heart of a young girl, The Ocean Within tracks the storm brewing within the usually sunny Sheridan summer home, as Elizabeth and the matriarch she calls the "Iron Woman" test wills - one resisting with all her strength the love and structure offered by the other.

Tea with Milk


Allen Say - 1999
    The story of his mother and her journey as a young woman is heartfelt. Vividly portraying the graceful formality of Japan, this book effectively captures the struggle between two cultures as May, the young girl in the story, strives to live her own destiny. Full color.

Grandmothers' Stories: Wise Woman Tales from Many Cultures


Burleigh Muten - 1999
    Tales from around the world about adventurous, wise, daring, and magical grandmothers.

Otto: The Autobiography of a Teddy Bear


Tomi Ungerer - 1999
    A powerful and beautiful book told first-hand by Otto, a German-born teddy bear who is separated from his Jewish owner, lives through World War II, and is reunited with his original owner 50 years later.

Toot & Puddle: You Are My Sunshine


Holly Hobbie - 1999
    The sun is shining, the birds are singing . . . and Toot is moping. So, Puddle makes Toot's favorite dessert at dinnertime, takes him out for a little adventure, and even throws a party, but nothing seems to cheer up his friend. Then a big thunderstorm with lots of mud rocks Woodcock Pocket and changes everything. With light-hearted humor and exquisitely detailed watercolor paintings, Holly Hobbie tells the story of two pigs and their enduring friendship.

How Are You Peeling?


Saxton Freymann - 1999
    And leaves you feeling great no matter what the answers are!"Who'd have dreamed that produce could be so expressive, so charming, so lively and so funny?...Freymann and...Elffers have created sweet and feisty little beings with feelings, passions, fears and an emotional range that is, well, organic."-The New York Times Book Review

Mr Twiddle in Trouble Again


Enid Blyton - 1999
    Mr Twiddle is a kind old soul with the best intentions, but he is extremely forgetful, very lazy and more than a little bit silly.

The Legend of Mackinac Island


Kathy-jo Wargin - 1999
    A beautiful tale of the painted turtle Makinauk, his animal friends, and their discovery of new lands and long-lasting friendship.

Honest Pretzels: And 64 Other Amazing Recipes for Kids


Mollie Katzen - 1999
    Her first cookbook for little chefs (PRETEND SOUP) has been a best-seller and kids' favorite since 1994, and her new book for slightly older cooks shows every sign of being another winner. This isn't gimmicky kid stuff, this is honest food made with real techniques. And of course, it's 100% kid-tested. And 100% vegetarian.

Next Stop Grand Central


Maira Kalman - 1999
    Chidchester, head of the Lost and Found, finds lost dogs. Marino Marino makes oyster stew, while thinking up interesting math problems. A man in a porkpie hat buys cherry pies. Maira Kalman's stylized artwork, along with entertaining text, brilliantly captures the excitement of Grand Central Station, "the busiest, fastest, biggest place there is."

Brothers of the Knight


Debbie Allen - 1999
    They know their all-night dancing wouldn't fit with their father's image in the community. Maybe Sunday, a pretty new nanny with a knack for getting to the bottom of household mysteries, can crack the case. This modern, hip retelling of the classic tale The Twelve Dancing Princesses bursts with vibrant artwork and text that's as energetic as the twelve toe-tapping Knight brothers themselves. "A funky, fresh adaptation." —Publishers Weekly"This is a high-flying alternative to the tale's usual dainty renditions." —Kirkus Reviews

That's Not My Teddy...


Fiona Watt - 1999
    As each page is turned, a different texture is waiting to be discovered. Bright and simple illustrations add to each title''s appeal'

Water Come Down: The Day You Were Baptized


Walter Wangerin Jr. - 1999
    --Publisher's WeeklyPaired with exquisite and vibrant artwork, this beautifully written lyrical story by award-winning author Walter Wangerin Jr., introduces children to the beauty, joy, and meaning of baptism. From the sun and clouds to the wind and the seed, all of creation celebrates the Child of God being washed in the water and given a new name.With a dedication page to commemorate the special occasion, there's also a thorough and enthusiastic explanation of baptism coupled with Scripture references found in the back of the book to round out this dynamic offering. The perfect gift from grandparent, godparent, family member or friend, this gorgeous book is sure to make a child feel special and affirm they are part of the most wonderful family in the world. Water Come Down is a wonderful introduction to the significance of baptism, its roots in the biblical story, and its meaning for life today.

Let's Find Pokemon!


Kazunori Aihara - 1999
    Fans of the Pokaemon television series and video game may search for their favorite pocket monsters among the bustle of the illustrations, find their way through the mazes, and solve other puzzles."

My Big Dog (Family Storytime)


Janet Stevens - 1999
    Each title features eye-catching design, quality editorial content, and vivid illustrations -- all at a great price of $9.95!These terrific original stories by contemporary authors, along with redesigned classics, await discovery by a new generation of children, and will make storytime the best part of the day!

Ten Tall Tales


Dr. Seuss - 1999
    Seuss’ tallest tales, taken from three of his best-loved storybooks – The Sneetches, Yurtle the Turtle, and I Can Lick 30 Tigers Today! Packed with zany pictures and hilarious rhymes, the tales make enchanting bedtime reading.Children will be tickled pink to meet the Star-Bellied Sneetches – whose bellies bear stars – and their rivals the Plain-Bellied Sneetches – who have none upon thars! Or King Looie Katz, king of Zatzen-stein, who makes his courtiers follow him round so his beautiful tail won’t drag on the ground.Then there is the little sister who thunks a glunk in The Glunk That Got Thunk and gets more than she bargained for. Or the stubborn Zax who would rather have highways built over them than budge in their tracks.With Dr. Seuss’s unique combination of outlandish storytelling and bold illustrations, these and a host of other characters are hilariously brought to life in this wonderful paperback book.

The 12 Bugs of Christmas


David A. Carter - 1999
    What could be better than one Bug of Christmas? Twelve of them! Bug fans of all ages will get in the spirit and join in the holiday fun with this pop-up extravaganza!

Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs


Ian Whybrow - 1999
    He cleans them up and makes them his own, carefully (and accurately) naming each one. Harry and his dinosaurs go everywhere together. But one day, after an exciting train ride, Harry accidentally leaves the dinosaurs on the train. Silly, charming illustrations accompany this whimsical text of a child being a child.From the Hardcover edition.

Darien's Rise


Paul McCusker - 1999
    Suddenly, a scream erupts! Crashing through the floor, they dangerously tumble down beneath it. But when they pick themselves up amid the dust and debris, they find themselves in a strange and mysterious new world - a place nothing like their hometown of Odyssey!Bewildered by their new surroundings, Kyle and Anna are soon entangled in a web of intrigue, betrayal, and danger - a struggle to the death between a power-mad king and his valiant young general - a fight to determine who will rule the Kingdom of Marus!Despite their best efforts, the ultimate outcome rests in the hands of the powerful and mysterious Unseen One, and the lives of Kyle and Anna will never be the same. Will they ever find their way back home? Or are they destined to live forever in this strange new land?

Buzzy the Bumblebee


Denise Brennan-Nelson - 1999
    He travels over the stream and through the high grass, back home where his parents with love and support tell him, "You're doubting yourself./ Fear is in the way./ Listen to your heart Buzzy/ Not what others say./ Ignore labels and limits Buzzy./ They seldom do good./ You start to think, 'I Can't, '/ when you should be thinking, 'I Could.'" Its vibrant illustrations and clear, thoughtful message make Buzzy the Bumblebee a motivating and heartwarming story for all ages. "He stopped doubting himself/ And didn't need to know, 'Why.'/ He believed once again/ And was able to FLY.

The Puffin Book of Utterly Brilliant Poetry


Brian Patten - 1999
    Each poet's work is illustrated by a different artist such as Emma Chichester Clark, Fritz Wegner and Korky Paul.Brian Patten came to public attention with the publication of THE MERSEY SOUND in 1967. He is a very popular performance poet, always in demand for conferences and school visits. Collections of his own poetry are published in Puffin and he is the editor of the PUFFIN BOOK OF TWENTIETH CENTURY VERSE. Brian lives in London.This collection features poems and illustrations from:Spike Milligan; Kit Wright; Michael Rosen; Charles Causley; Roger McGough; Benjamin Zephaniah; Brian Patten; Jackie Kay; John Agard; Allan Ahlberg; Emma Chichester Clark; Korky Paul; Alison Jay; Lydia Monks; Ali Chatterton; David Mostyn; Sue Williams; Sheila Moxley; Fritz Wegner

M is for Mitten: The Michigan Alphabet


Annie Appleford - 1999
    "Author Annie Appleford has written "M is for Mitten: A Michigan Alphabet" to acquaint children with the most important people, places and items that have helped mold Michigan into the tremendous state it is. Rich with gorgeous paintings by Michigan artist Michael Monroe, "M is for Mitten" is both educational for older children and entertaining for youngsters who will surely be dazzled by the diverse and colorful illustrations from cover to cover.Kids can climb an Evergreen tree, hop on the back of a Robin, fly with him of the Mackinac Bridge through the Upper Peninsula for a visit to Isle Royale, before going to Detroit to drink Vernor's and then to Battle Creek to eat Kellogg's cereal. They can paddle in a birch bark canoe with Native Americans in and out of our many Harbors and then head to Lansing for a visit to the Capital. "M is for Mitten: A Michigan Alphabet" is an all expense paid trip from shore to shore through the Great Lakes State, and you won't need a map -- just look at your hand!

Where Do Kisses Come From?


Maria Fleming - 1999
    No matter what kind of kisses they are, all kisses come from love. Illustrated with family scenes of adorable animals, this charming book is perfect for Valentine's Day and beyond.

Beauty and the Beast: A Read-Aloud Storybook


Ellen Titlebaum - 1999
    The complete retelling of favorite Disney movies in a true read-aloud style.

Beauty and the Beast (Disney Princesses)


Ellen Titlebaum - 1999
    Since that time, this story about the capacity of love to release an inner prince has metamorphosed into hundreds of books, movies, TV shows, plays, and dances. This Disney Classics version captures its magic for fledgling princesses and princes.

The Big Book Of Knowledge


John Farndon - 1999
    Countless topics are featured, including: - Weather - Space Travel - Sound - Trees and plants - Mammals, reptiles, and amphibians - And much more! A perfect resource for the young and curious!

A Night Without Darkness


Timothy M. Robinson - 1999
    Fast shipping...(td)

Little Bear's Dragon and Other Stories


Jane Hissey - 1999
    In Little Bear and the Jolly Dragon, the toys come across a fearsome dragon sleeping in a den under the chair wearing Little Bear's trousers! Could it have really eaten Little Bear? Or perhaps this little dragon isn't quite as fierce as it seems.

The Emperor's Egg


Martin Jenkins - 1999
    While his mate is off swimming in the ocean and catching loads of fish, he stands around in the freezing cold with an egg on his feet for two whole months, keeping it warm and waiting for it to hatch. This charming, oversize picture book is full of fabulous facts about nature’s most devoted dad.

Elsie's Endless Wait


Martha Finley - 1999
    Can the proud and willful Horace Dinsmore learn to love his only child--a little girl whose first allegiance is to God?