Everything seems hopeless until the child returns to her room and sees the red tree. At that perfect moment of beauty and purity, the child smiles and her world stirs anew.With sensitivity and wonder, Shaun Tan's evocative images in The Red Tree open a window to our inexplicable emotions and tell a story about the power of hope, renewal and inspiration.

    The witch and her cat are happily flying through the sky on a broomstick when the wind picks up and blows away the witch's hat, then her bow, and then her wand!  Luckily, three helpful animals find the missing items, and all they want in return is a ride on the broom.  But is there room on the broom for so many friends?  And when disaster strikes, will they be able to save the witch from a hungry dragon?

    In this allegorical tale, Katie's parents, who are poor farmers, tell her that she is really a princess and must learn to be kind and moral so that one day she will return to her father, the king, in his Crystal Palace.

    So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she tells the class that she will choose a name by the following week.Her new classmates are fascinated by this no-name girl and decide to help out by filling a glass jar with names for her to pick from. But while Unhei practices being a Suzy, Laura, or Amanda, one of her classmates comes to her neighborhood and discovers her real name and its special meaning.On the day of her name choosing, the name jar has mysteriously disappeared. Encouraged by her new friends, Unhei chooses her own Korean name and helps everyone pronounce it—Yoon-Hey.

    

    But Death does arrive all the same, as it must. He comes gently, naturally. And he comes with enough time to share a story with the children that helps them to realize the value of loss to life and the importance of being able to say goodbye.

    At the Jungle Dance, the warthogs waltz, the chimps cha-cha, and the lions tango. "Giraffes can't dance," they all jeer when it's Gerald's turn to prance. But with some sound advice from a wise cricket, Gerald starts swaying to his own sweet tune.

    Lincoln is the coolest principal ever! He knows how to do everything, from jumping rope to leading nature walks. Everyone loves him . . . except for Eugene Esterhause. "Mean Gene" hates everyone who's different. He's a bully, a bad student, and he calls people awful, racist names. But Mr. Lincoln knows that Eugene isn't really bad-he's just repeating things he's heard at home. Can the principal find a way to get through to "Mean Gene" and show him that the differences between people are what make them special? With Patricia Polacco's trademark illustrations and gentle text, Mr. Lincoln's Way celebrates the unforgettable school principal who touches the lives of his students and truly empowers them.

    They're kissed and dressed and rocked and fed--and completely adored by the families who love them. With an irresistible rhyming text and delightfully endearing illustrations, here is an exuberant celebration of playing, sleeping, crawling, and of course, very noisy babies doing all the wonderful things babies do best.

    Graeme Base takes the reader on a journey of discovery, from the plains of Africa and the jungles of the Amazon to the woodlands of North America and the deserts of the Australian outback.

    This lively story captures George’s adventure of becoming the first space monkey from the classic Curious George Gets a Medal.

    A young woman losing her vision rides the subway with her dog in search of emotional healing.

    She believes she is in for brightly colored macaws, enormous butterflies, and "curtains of sweetly scented orchids trailing from the trees." Her British classmates warn her of man-eating alligators and wild, murderous Indians. Unfortunately, no one cautions Maia about her nasty, xenophobic cousins, who douse the house in bug spray and forbid her from venturing beyond their coiffed compound. Maia, however, is resourceful enough to find herself smack in the middle of more excitement than she ever imagined, from a mysterious "Indian" with an inheritance, to an itinerant actor dreading his impending adolescence, to a remarkable journey down the Amazon in search of the legendary giant sloth.

    This stellar volume holds seven of Jan Brett's gorgeous tales, all perfectly suited for the holiday. The Mitten, The Wild Christmas Reindeer, Trouble with Trolls, The Twelve Days of Christmas, The Hat, Christmas Trolls, and The Night Before Christmas all offer a warm retreat for family read-alouds and holiday gatherings. Brett's popularity stems from her talent for wonderfully depicting nature with precision and care. Match that with her attention to detail, powerful storytelling, and heartfelt appreciation of tradition, and it's easy to see why so many kids and adults can't get enough of this talented artist. Decorative borders fill each page of these tales, a charming detail that fans have come to expect. Offering a glorious frame for the exquisite illustrations, these borders draw young readers into a world of serenity. Every story is told with ease, with clear language and colorful characters. From the feisty trolls to the rambunctious forest animals, kids will giggle at the antics of these adorable creatures. From hedgehogs to hens, reindeer to rabbits, Jan Brett uses all the world's creatures to tell her classic stories. These timeless tales will warm the heart of every young reader.

    What are all the fun things they can do at the beach?Beach Day is an original Little Critter First Reader for children ag

    Sixth-grader Perry Keet is missing, and Bob White, his co-worker at Tyle Park Zoo, will stand trial for the alleged murder. But Keet's disappearance is only the beginning of this legal thriller.The "real" story is told by twelve-year-old Lily Watson, a classmate of Keet's. Watson was selected to White's jury because of a new law requiring a juvenile juror to serve if the case involves a child victim.Part of Watson's duty will be to listen objectively to the testimony of Tyleville's wealthiest citizen, Rhett Tyle. His testimony is expected to be the key to White's conviction.White's fate now rests in the hands of Watson and fellow jurors Fawn Papillon, Anna Conda, and other Tyleville locals, as they try to uncover the truth before it's too late!

    Or sticking out his pink tongue--and pulling funny faces (now that can be fun)! And maybe he'll jump just as high as he can, and see how much noise he will make when he lands. But when the day ends and the sun starts to fall...he goes back home to mama and curls into a ball. Good night! Soft-toned illustrations portray an endearing little wombat and the warm and friendly world around him--and every page is filled with charming details that stand up to repeat viewings: cute mice, rabbits and turtles peering from behind tall grass, marching pigeons, and a menagerie of other adorable animals. The images, along with the lyrically rhyming text, combine to make a sweet-spirited bedtime story to ease young ones to sleep.

    Gray's party isn't just any party--it's a costume party, and George and the man with the yellow hat aren’t wearing costumes! No matter—there are plenty in an old trunk upstairs, and soon George is trying on all kinds of outfits. But it's not long before George gets in the bed sheets. His new look may give the guests a scare at first, but in the end George is the life of the party!

    The Lost Barkscrolls include the stories CLOUD WOLF, THE SLAUGHTERER'S QUEST, THE BLOODING OF RUFUS FILATINE and THE STONE PILOT.Unfortunately, this book is no longer in print. However, These four stories have now been included in the four most recent UK editions of the original books.- Cloud Wolf is now the first five chapters of The Curse of the Gloamglozer.- The Stone Pilot is at the end of Midnight over Sanctaphrax.- The Slaughterer’s Quest is at the end of The Last of the Sky Pirates.- The Blooding of Rufus Filatine is at the end of Freeglader.

    But when the Big Bad Wolf comes looking for a snack, he huffs and puffs the first little pig right out of the story . . . and into the realm of pure imagination! Dialogue balloons pepper a wide variety of illustration styles taking readers through a dazzling fantasy universe to the surprising and happy ending. You will never look at “The Three Little Pigs”—or artwork—the same way again!"A funny, wildly imaginative tale that encourages readers to leap beyond the familiar; to think critically about conventional stories and illustration, and perhaps, to flex their imaginations and create wonderfully subversive versions of their own stories." — ALA Booklist , Starred Review

    I am still wide awake at 9 and not at all tired at 10, 11 and 12 and I will probably still be perky even at 13 o'clock in the morning."Lola says she never gets tired.

    He presents no match for the spunky heroine and her quick-thinking cat TeJean, though, as they use some strong Cajun hot sauce to teach Claude a lesson he will never forget!The combination of hilarious rhyme and exaggerated art creates a highly original retelling of the classic fairy tale. A pronunciation guide/glossary accompanies a tempting dialect that begs to be read aloud or acted out again and again. This is Little Red Riding Hood as she's never been seen before: Cajun and ducky.

    Jones. This four-book collection chronicles the first four adventures in the highly popular series from award-winning writer Barbara Park. Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus, Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business, Junie B. Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth, and Junie B. Jones and Some Sneaky Peeky Spying are featured in all their hilarious glory.Junie B. is a feisty firecracker with her own sense of style, strong opinions, and a serious loathing for the stinky yellow school bus. Junie B. exhibits the many traits of a headstrong youngster, from her persistence to her amusing defiance. And just try and keep up with her raidly developing philosophy. Volumes can be written about this girlie's worldview, from cribs ("A crib is a bed with bars on the side of it. It's kind of like a cage at the zoo. Except with a crib, you can put your hand through the bars. And the baby won't pull you in and kill you") to water fountains ("No putting your mouth on the water spout. Or else germs will get inside you. And you will die"). Full of surprises and endowed with an extra-large sense of humor, Junie B. Jones is decidedly the funniest kindergartner in the world. (Amy Barkat)

    As a spider, though, Sophie has a hard time finding a welcoming place in which she can be free to live and spin. She's shooed and shuffled all over Beekman's Boardinghouse until one day she finally finds the warm, comfortable, safe home for which she always yearned -- and the inspiration for the masterpiece of her lifetime.

    Whether these buddies are climbing trees, playing basketball, or riding bikes, both parents and children alike will relate to this beloved story. A perfect way to teach children about being a good friend!

    Jones and the Yucky Blucky Fruitcake, Junie B. Jones and That Meanie Jim's Birthday, Junie B. Jones Loves Handsome Warren, " and "Junie B. Jones Has a Monster Under Her Bed."

    This sweet little tale is based on a beautiful lullaby, I Love You This Much, sung by a parent to a child, as a gentle reminder to children of just how much they are loved by their earthly parents — as well as their heavenly Father. Filled with picturesque illustrations that reflect the soothing melody and gentle words, you and your child will treasure the precious moments shared together with this wonderful story, I Love You This Much.

    Perfect for baby showers and other special occasions.This gift set includes Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny, illustrated by Clement Hurd. Margaret Wise Brown's beloved bedtime classics have lulled generations of children to sleep with their soothing sounds. Now these classic stories are packaged together into one gift set.These board books feature sturdy pages, just right for babies and toddlers. Together in the decorative box, this makes a thoughtful gift.

    But in her small African village, only children who can afford uniforms and books can go to school. Beatrice knows that with six children to care for, her family is much too poor. But then Beatrice receives a wonderful gift from some people far away -- a goat! Fat and sleek as a ripe mango, Mugisa (which means "luck") gives milk that Beatrice can sell. With Mugisa's help, it looks as if Beatrice's dream may come true after all.Page McBrier and Lori Lohstoeter beautifully recount this true story about how one child, given the right tools, is able to lift her family out of poverty. Thanks to Heifer Project International -- a charitable organization that donates livestock to poor communities around the world -- other families like Beatrice's will also have a chance to change their lives.

    Jones continues her hilarious adventures through kindergarten in four bestselling books packaged in an adorable boxed set. Includes Junie B. Jones Is (Almost) a Flower Girl (#13), Junie B. Jones and the Mushy, Gushy Valentime (#14), Junie B. Jones Has a Peep in Her Pocket (#15), and Junie B. Jones Is Captain Field Day (#16). About The Author: Barbara Park is beloved by millions as the author of the wildly popular Junie B. Jones series. Her Junie B. Jones books are consistently on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists. Her middle-grade novels, which include Skinnybones, The Kid in the Red Jacket, My Mother Got Married (and Other Disasters) , and Mick Harte Was Here , have won over 40 children's book awards. Ms. Park holds a B.S. in education from the University of Alabama. She has two grown sons and lives with her husband, Richard, in Scottsdale, AZ. From the Hardcover edition. ...

    It's 4:30 in the morning, and the "book woman" and her horse are already on their way. Hers is an important job, for the folks along her treacherous route are eager for the tattered books and magazines she carries in her saddlebags. During the Great Depression, thousands lived on the brink of starvation. Many perished. In 1935 President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Works Progress Administration under his 1933 New Deal initiative. The WPA was designed to get people back on their feet. One of its most innovative programs was the Pack Horse Library Project of Eastern Kentucky. Thoroughly researched and illustrated with period photographs, this is the story of one of the WPA's greatest successes. People all over the country supported the project's goals. But it was the librarians themselves—young, determined, and earning just $28 a month—who brought the hope of a wider world to people in the crooks and hollows of Kentucky's Cumberland Mountains.

    In spite of his gloomy surroundings, he dreams every night of a lively forest full of trees, birds, and animals. When he finds a broken light fixture that looks like a flower, his imagination is sparked. He begins to build a tin forest, branch by branch, creature by creature. In time, real birds arrive, bearing seeds, and soon the artificial forest is taken over by living vines and animals until it looks just like the forest of the old man's dreams.The rich, detailed illustrations and the lyrical text carry an important, empowering message for children and adults alike: No matter where you live or what your circumstances are, where there is imagination, there is hope.

    This is a retelling, set in the Art Deco period of the 1930s, of the familiar story of a girl who is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters, but still manages to meet her prince with the help of a fairy godmother.

    But it isn't long before the little monkey's curiosity gets him into trouble and he gets separated from his friend. Though he has fun seeing the tourist sites and all the sparkling decorations, what he enjoys most is finding his best friend and enjoying the city together. NEW bonus features include a drawing activity, word jumble, and spot-the-difference activity.

    Late at night after the festivities have ended, Mighty Bulbrock Badger sends the little ones off to sleep with the tale of the giant Snow Badger who comes on the first night of winter, bringing snow across the land. The grown-up Redwallers chuckle at the fanciful tale, but is it only a tale? Bungo the mole-babe isn?t so sure, and is determined to stay awake and find out!

    He and his father have journeyed to the city of Sanctaphrax – a great floating rock, bound to the ground below by a chain, its inhabitants living with their heads literally in the clouds.But the city hides a dangerous secret: deep inside the great rock, something horrible lurks. With his father away, Quint may be the only one who can save Sanctaphrax from the dreaded curse of the gloamglozer . . .The Curse of the Gloamglozer is the first book of the Quint Saga – first trilogy in The Edge Chronicles, the internationally best-selling fantasy series, which has featured on the UK and the New York Times best-seller lists and sold more than 3 million copies. There are now 13 titles and four trilogies in the series, but each book is a stand-alone adventure, so you can read The Edge Chronicles in any order you choose.

    He and his friends will carve a jack-o'-lantern, bob for apples, and go trick-or-treating! But there is one problem-Corduroy needs to choose a costume. What will he wear?

    Maybe Days is a straightforward look at the issues of foster care, the questions that children ask, and the feelings that they confront. A primer for children going into foster care, the book also explains in children's terms the responsibilities of everyone involved - parents, social workers, lawyers and judges. As for the children themselves, their job is to be a kid - and there's no maybe about that.

    The tales are told with glorious full-color illustrations, making this handsome edition a treasure for all ages.

    This is a book of musical scores.PVG Licensed Art & SoundtrackThis super songbook contains six hits penned by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley from this imaginative movie, a perennial favorite for kids and adults alike. Includes: The Candy Man * Cheer Up, Charlie * I Want It Now * I've Got a Golden Ticket * Oompa-Loompa Doompadee-Doo * Pure Imagination.

    Jones Is Not a CrookJunie B. Jones Is a Party AnimalJunie B. Jones Is a Beauty Shop GuyJunie B. Jones Smells Something Fishy

    Included, too, are facsimiles of the memorable original illustrations for the Alice books by the eminent English artist, Sir John Tenniel. Tenniel's drawings won instant renown for their perfect integration with the text. Other illustrations in this richly satisfying collection are by the well-known artist, Henry Holiday.

    Children will learn along with Little Critter and his classmates that being considerate of others is the key to having good manners.

    She lives a hard and lonely life in the dusty village of Ash Grove -- until she finds a scarred, skinny mare in the forest. Against the wishes of her guardian, mean-spirited Simon Pratt, Heart adopts the mare and names her Avamir. Heart is thrilled when she realizes Avamir is in foal. But when the colt is born weak and disfigured, Simon decides to sell Heart's beloved horses to be slaughtered by the town's soapmaker. Can Heart find a way to protect them -- and the only love she has ever known?

     "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and "I've Been Working on the Railroad"? Well, forget 'em! Songwriter and comedy writer extraordinaire Alan Katz has turned those and other old favorites on their ears and created new nonsense songs kids will love. With zany, spirited pictures by illustrator and cartoonist David Catrow, this kooky collection guarantees laughs and plenty of silly dillyness for kids everywhere!

    Alfred said he liked sleeping in the sun, dog food, and scratching. Rex did too. Rex said he hated baths and going to the vet. Alfred did too.A little pug dog learns he's lovable just the way he is.Alfred the pug dog thinks he's unlovable. Other dogs make fun of his tiny legs and funny face. The cat and the parrot and even the goldfish tease him. Then a new dog, Rex, moves in next door. Because Alfred wants a friend so badly, he tells Rex a little fib about himself. But what will happen when Rex learns the truth? Will he find Alfred unlovable too?Dan Yaccarino has created a charming story about a little pug who learns the true meaning of friendship.

    Mimi, a little girl from a painting nearby, comes to help Katie, but when Mimi's dog Zazou comes too disaster follows! This imaginative fantasy about a mischievous character is an original and fun way to introduce children to art. A page of notes at the end gives background information on the artists. Includes reproductions of five famous post-Impressionist masterpieces: Sunflowers by Vincent Van Gogh Breton Girls Dancing by Paul Gauguin Cafe Terrace at Night by Vincent Van Gogh Still Life, with Apples and Oranges by Paul Cezanne Tahitian Pastorals by Paul Gauguin

    And he had lost his smile. So he did a huge tigery stretch and set off to find it. Stunning illustrations celebrate the beauty of the world and the simple happiness it brings us when we open our eyes to it. An imaginative book for children who love to explore the world around them.

    Betty Doll saw her through happy and sad times, thunderstorms and parties, weddings and births. Now, when Mary Ellen’s daughter Trisha needs Betty Doll most, she rediscovers the sweet old doll, along with a letter written by her mother before she died. This touching story is a reminder of the power of a mother’s love and the joy of life’s precious moments.

    This is the first picture book biography of Dr. Seuss, written especially for his young fans who want to know what made him tick. The animals in the zoo that his father ran and his fondness for drawing them, the injustices he suffered as the child of German immigrants, and his inherent sense of humor all fed into the imagination of this boy. He was a square peg in a round hole until he found that he could make a living doing exactly what he pleased—doodling and writing funny things about the world as he saw it.The last section of the book outlines the important events in his adult life. In addition to the evocative paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher, the book is profusely decorated with art from Dr. Seuss books.

    New York Times Bestseller in children's book and selected as Children's Book of the year (2007) at London Book Festival. Translated by Lee Sa Rang.

    After her cat, Tiger, dies, Kate needs another companion to love, someone to keep her feet warm at night. "Let's get a pup!" she proclaims as she bounces in bed with Mom and Dad. The young parents are quite cool with the idea and scan the papers until they find a Rescue Center. There they find a wide assortment of pooches: "sniffers, sleepers...fighters and biters...happy dogs, sad dogs." And then they see Dave. Dave is perfect -- small, cute, and brand-new. Content to leave with the new member of the family, they spot another dog, Rosy, who is old and gray and can barely stand up. But, as Graham so beautifully states, "she radiated Good Intention." Now they want Rosy too, but they can't save every dog, right? So, they reluctantly leave. That night the family can barely sleep, and only due in part to Dave's crying. They know what they have to do -- they go to the shelter and get Rosy.Graham uses pen-and-ink and watercolor to reveal the close-knit and very hip family. With Mom's tattoo and nose ring, and Dad's ear-pierced, funky look, this parental duo reflects the times. And their house, filled with the tiny details that make up our lives, makes for cozy reading. Uneaten toast on the counter, with shoes and toys strewn on the floor, will be familiar to young readers who don't have Donna Reed as a mother. Graham's signature watercolors are a perfect match for this easygoing and loving group. The text also complements the pace of the story. When they see their new pup, the name "Dave" is in bold, and is the only word on the page. And when they leave Rosy behind, white space and a minimum of words convey their heartbreaking decision.With expert storytelling and humorously endearing illustrations, Graham once again creates a loving family with unconventional folks. Their love of pups, and each other, is sure to tug at the heartstrings of every young reader. (Amy Barkat)

    

    As he sets about the forest in search of hugs, Bobo, the lonely chimp, is obliged by all of the animals as they give hugs and snuggle with him from time to time, yet it never seems to be enough and so no one knows what to do to make him satisfied

    Garcia, and Grandma C.But what happens when the grownups are too busy to cheer? Don’t you worry—Annie pulls herself up by the bootstraps and realizes that the best “hip, hip, hoorays” come from herself and caring for others.•As an added bonus, readers can try to spy the “hidden” horseshoes in each illustration!Lexile: 800L

    This collection contains 14 of the best-loved titles of the Reverend W Awdry’s classic Railway Series and includes the most famous adventures of Thomas and his Really Useful Engine friends. These exciting and funny tales, over 55 of them, are enhanced by the original artwork in this stunning new gift edition.

    The sturdy format and easy-to-lift flaps in this delightful interactive book are perfect for parents and children to share.

    In ancient China, a powerful man who believes the only way to be greater than others is to be above them constructs a great wooden tower. He soon discovers that acts of kindness make a person truly great. Full-color illustrations.

    Because with Ted, just about anything's possible!

    As television, video games, and the Internet threaten to distract young people from the solitary pleasures of reading, Bloom presents a volume that will amuse, challenge, and beguile readers with its myriad voices and subjects. Here are old favorites by beloved writers of children's literature, as well as exciting rediscoveries and wonderful works penned by writers better known for their adult classics, such as Herman Melville, Leo Tolstoy, Edith Wharton, and Walt Whitman. Encompassing the natural world and the supernatural; childhood, romance, and death; pets, wild animals, and goblins; mystery, adventure, and humor; the selections reflect the passion and erudition of our most revered literary critic. Arranged by season, Stories and Poems for Extremely Intelligent Children of All Ages is a must-have anthology, sure to delight readers young and old for years to come.

    Will the "moon aliens" be safe from this blundering duo's plan? Will Sandy get her rocket back in one piece? Join SpongeBob and Patrick for an out-of-this-world adventure!

    The ancient Story Giant, collector and keeper of all the world's stories, enlists the help of four children to find the one missing tale that will keep his collection from fading away.

    As in Holly Hobbie's earlier Toot and Puddle, Toot has the travel bug while Puddle contentedly tends the home fires. In his postcard from Scotland, Toot promises to be home for Christmas. But ice storms and delayed flights threaten to spoil the holiday plans... until an unexpected fellow traveler saves the day. Hobbie's marvelous illustrations are filled with telling details and subtle wit: Toot caroling his heart out in an Edinburgh blizzard with a few sheep buddies; Puddle curled up in an armchair with crayons and holiday cards (signed with a blank space before "and Puddle," in anticipation of Toot's signature). The devotion the pigs share for each other is sweet, never sickly, and young readers with best friends will know exactly how they feel, being apart at a most important time. Several more Toot and Puddle titles will also enchant, including A Present for Toot and You Are My Sunshine. (Ages 3 to 7) --Emilie Coulter

    Contents includes "Stegosaurus," "At the Beach," "Nature Close-Up," "House on the Hill," and more!More than 300,000 copies of I Spy Year-Round Challenger have been sold!

    Throughout the day, children come through the farm stand, picking out their pumpkins. But when the stand closes, only the Littlest Pumpkin remains. Just then, a group of mice scurry around the stand and make the Littlest Pumpkin's dreams come true. Full-color illustrations.

    Older siblings may find it hard to understand the needs of the new baby, as well as the demands placed on mom and dad. Based on the attachment-parenting theories of the foremost authorities on parenting and childcare, William Sears, M.D., and Martha Sears, R.N., this book clearly explains baby's needs. The text emphasizes how siblings can be helpers to both baby and parents, while forging their own relationships with "their baby," and outlines the positive aspects of being an older girl or boy. Here is a warm, insightful book that will help the whole family joyously and lovingly welcome the newest member into their lives.

    Here are six of the best known tales retold with more than a twist or two, by that master of the comic and the bloodcurdling, Roald Dahl.Dirty BeastsMeet Roald Dahl's ghastly menagerie of wonderful comic animals. The collection includes the poor toad that jumps to France, the pig who ponders on the meaning of life, and the anteater who gets the wrong end of the stick.

    Cuddles and kisses will surely abound when reading this aloud!

    somebody... somewhere had heard."He makes a bargain with a fiendishly funny monster. First the deal is simple: the monster will eat the boy's peas in exchange for his soccer ball. But with each new encounter, the monster's demands escalate. Eventually, our hero faces a daunting decision--can he conquer his loathing for peas or will he lose his most prized possession?Matt Faulkner's uproariously detailed illustrations and Danny Schnitzlein's Seuss-inspired verse combine to create a clever story about how far we are willing to go to avoid doing the things we hate.

    But which witch will Arriman choose? Warty, wicked, or just plain rude-witches galore enter his spell-casting competition. Poor Belladonna doesn't have a chance. Her spells conjure up pink begonias or ice-cream sundaes, not a single viper or toad. But with the help of a mysterious orphan and a worm named Rover, Belladonna just might do something really sinister.The Secret of Platform 13A forgotten door on an abandoned railway platform is the entrance to a magical kingdom--an island where humans live happily with feys, mermaids, ogres, and other wonderful creatures. Carefully hidden from the world, the Island is only accessible when the door opens for nine days every nine years. A lot can go wrong in nine days. When the beastly Mrs. Trottle kidnaps the prince of the Island, it's up to a strange band of rescuers to save him. But can an ogre, a hag, a wizard, and a fey really troop around London unnoticed?Island of the AuntsWhen the kindly old aunts decide that they need help caring for creatures who live on their hidden island, they know that adults can't be trusted. What they need are a few special children who can keep a secret-a secret as big as a magical island. And what better way to get children who can keep really big secrets, than to kidnap them! (After all, some children just plain need to be kidnapped.)

    A man of pure determination, he created the first life-size models of dinosaurs! This brilliant book is a fantastic nod to the genius of one man, and a glimpse into the beginning of an important era.As a boy in England, Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins always wanted to be an artist. His passion led him to animals, and soon he was drawing and painting them with fervor. This eventually led to his true calling -- creating models of dinosaurs as they actually must have looked when they roamed the earth! With the help of scientist Richard Owen, he checked the fossil remains of dinosaurs against living animals and constructed a gigantic model. Among the first to witness his creation were Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who reacted with pure amazement.In order to impress England's leading scientists with his work, Waterhouse Hawkins staged a lavish New Year's Eve dinner party and hosted the gala inside the body of his model! He also wanted the public to learn about the dinosaurs and their history, so he built smaller models, illustrated books, and lectured on the subject. His fame spread to the United States, and he was invited to New York, where he began to create model dinosaurs for a proposed Paleozoic Museum in Central Park. However, a corrupt politician put an end to the project, and vandals later broke into Waterhouse Hawkins's workshop and destroyed his models. Though distraught, he moved on to Princeton, where he built skeletons and created paintings about life on earth in the age of the dinosaurs. Eventually, Waterhouse Hawkins returned to England and continued his work, some of which can still be seen in Crystal Palace Park.Writer Barbara Kerley and illustrator Brian Selznick have weaved a spirited account of this largely forgotten man. Plenty of textual detail, research, and a good dose of wonderment make Kerley's narrative a delightful experience. And the awesome illustrations, which combine Waterhouse Hawkins's own grandeur with Selznick's talent for the bold and the beautiful, made the pages come to life. The fusion of scientific allure and sensational images is a stroke of brilliance. This phenomenal book stands as true testament to the devotion and power of an individual -- it would have made Waterhouse Hawkins proud. (Amy Barkat)

    Three classic children's stories from Sylvia Plath are collected together in one volume for the first time: "The Bed Book", "The It-Doesn't-Matter Suit", and "Mrs Cherry's Kitchen".

    What other granddaughter-grandmother duo could successfully drive the getaway car for chickens rescued from a journey to the slaughterhouse, paint a whole house shocking pink, and operate their own personal secret-letter post office? So, when Miss Eula leaves for Hawaii to visit her new grandbaby, Ruby is sure that she will have a lonely, empty, horrible summer in boring old Halleluia, Mississippi. What happens instead? She makes a new friend, saves the school play, writes plenty of letters to her favorite (and only) grandmother...and finally learns to stop blaming herself for her grandfather's death. Not too bad, for a nine-year-old.

    With pages full of tummy-tempting foods, the books in the World Snacks series are a delicious way to introduce even the littlest eaters to cuisines from all around the globe.

    Diggs, he sees six cats, six bowls of food, and six warm beds. There's clearly only one thing to do. Confronted by the cats' intense scrutiny, Widget meows, purrs, plays with a toy mouse, and uses the litter box. Having eventually convinced his new family of his felinity, Widget is soon living so happily he sometimes forgets his true nature. But when Mrs. Diggs takes a fall and doesn't get up, it's up to Widget to save the day with a particularly canine solution.A very simple text and droll pictures make Widget a book to read again and again.

    All of it. He snacks on a bouncing ball that belongs to Uncle Bennie's dog Buster, and then makes a meal out of the rest of the alphabet. From glue sticks to underpants, Pete works his way through all twenty-six letters in Maira Kalman's creative take on traditional alphabet books. Packed with Kalman's trademark bright artwork and a hilarious story filled with wordplay and repetition, this alphabet book is pure fun from A to Z.

    With solid content from Kathy Bostrom and the endearing art of the Care Bears artist, this chunky board book will entertain young children as they learn that God loves them just the way they are--no matter what!

    This inspiring collection of saints’ stories explains how saints become saints, why we honor them, and how they help us even today. Featuring more than sixty saints from throughout history and from all over the world, Loyola Kids Book of Saints introduces children to these wonderful role models and heroes of the church. Ages 8-12.

    This is a tale of one such girl who was caught up in ballet's mesmerizing spell and became one of the greatest ballerinas of all time.In a story drawn from her memoirs, Anna Pavlova describes her first visit to the ballet to see the "Sleeping Beauty." With simple, childlike language, she captures her love for her mother, the splendor of the ballet, and the moments that changed her life. The words are matched with paintings, pastels, and drawings of the French Impressionist Edgar Degas, to give this story all the magic of a fairytale.Complete with short biographies of Pavlova and Degas, "I Dreamed I Was a Ballerina" will delight any child with ballerina dreams.

    The set includes The Bad Beginning, The Reptile Room, and The Wide Window.Book Details: Format: Box Set Publication Date: 10/2/2001 Reading Level: Age 8 and Up

    She lovingly teaches her children that all creatures - from big elephants and playful dolphins to flightless penguins and human beings - are important members of her family of Earth.

    Keene called all the students and teachers together and said, "This is a fine, fine school! From now on, let's have school on Saturdays too." And then there was more.School all weekend. School on the holidays.School in the SUMMER!What was next . . .SCHOOL AT NIGHT?So it's up to Tillie to show her well-intentioned principal, Mr. Keene, that even though his fine, fine school is a wonderful place, it's not fine, fine to be there all the time.

    Why is the sky blue? Why does my stomach g-r-r-owl? Why do cows moo? Curious kids want to know, and no adult has all the answers. The tenth anniversary edition of Why? provides child-friendly explanations for nearly 100 of these everyday mysteries for a whole new generation of children. Why? takes young readers inside the kitchen and out to the park, from the farm to the supermarket, and from bathtime to bedtime. Bright, playful illustrations by Scot Ritchie are the perfect complement, setting the scenes for the common questions that children ask.

    As well as favourites such as Cinderella, The Snow Queen and Jack and the Beanstalk, DK's A First Book of Fairy Tales also includes some wonderful stories that you might not know, such as The Fisherman and his Wife and Diamonds and Toads. Introduce your little one to the characters that enchanted you as a child and the nostalgic stories you could not put down! Mary Hoffman's charming retellings use simple language, ideal for reading or hearing aloud, while Julie Downing's stunning illustrations bring the characters to life, so children can follow and enjoy the fairy tales through the pictures. If your child loves disney and their princesses such as Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty, or if they love stories about giants and spells, this children's book would make the perfect gift for them! Step inside this fairy tale kingdom and get ready for some magic!

    Not sure how to entertain the kiddies? Surprise them with tummyticklers like Pickled Spines of Porcupines and Hornets Stewed in Tar. There's no better way to liven up a party than to dine on Lizards' Tails and enjoy a delicious Liquid Chocolate Mixed by Waterfall. Like anything by Roald Dahl, it's sure to be extraordinarily funny! illustrated by Quentin Blake

    and your heart!The creators of 'The Gruffalo' stand and deliver another masterpiece, in this rollicking rhyme inspired by Alfred Noyes' much-loved poem, 'The Highwayman'. "a classic picture book ... great to read aloud' - Radio 4's Front Row

    Whether it's Humpty Dumpty's wall or Mother Hubbard's cupboard, the old woman (who once lived in a shoe) and her children (who once lived there, too) just can't seem to find a new home big enough for their growing needs. So where will they turn for a cozy night's rest? The perfect place is only a step away -- no moving van required!

    The richly illustrated hardcover offers a glimpse into Kit's world. Inside, this book features even more full-color illustrations and words of inspiration that will delight girls who love Kit.Full set of books equals 440 pages

    Every night Dish and Spoon run away. And every night they return--until tonight! Where can Dish and Spoon be? The rhyme can't go on without them, so Cat, Cow, and Dog set out to search for their missing friends. But where to start? Should they go north? East? Northeast? They'll just have to read Fork's map, ask directions, and try not to get lost in Little Boy Blue's haystack or under Miss Muffet's tuffet or in Big Bad Wolf's kitchen--"FEE, FI, FO . . ." Oh no. Could that be the giant?

    Roger McGough made the final selection and wrote the introduction.

    Third Fable for Our Times by Carol Lynn Pearson shows the love and bond that is eternal between a mothers and daughters.

    Unfathomable Success from the Sea...A quirky comedy about a bubbly, off-beat sea sponge has been keeping kids from diapers to college completely entertained for over two years; and there's no stopping in sight!

    It never rains rain and it never snows snow and it never blows just wind. It rains things like soup and juice. It snows things like mashed potatoes. And sometimes the wind blows in storms of hamburgers. Life for the townspeople of Chewandswallow is delicious! Delicious, that is, until the weather takes a sudden turn for the worse in Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. The town is suddenly plagued by damaging floods and storms of huge food, and the people fear for their lives. Something has to be done -- and in a hurry! Find out what happens when something is done in Pickles to Pittsburgh, where siblings Kate and Henry discover that the townspeople of Chewandswallow have big, BIG plans in place.

    Beautiful, double-page illustrations with amazing cross-sections and cutaway details explain the construction and mechanical details of this gigantic ship and reveal life onboard for passengers and crew. Each new illustration reveals different aspects of life in the early 20th century, and the text highlights hidden details for you to spot. As you follow the pictorial story of this world-famous liner, you will discover how she was built and equipped, what kind of passengers and crew she carried, and what facilities she offered onboard. You will also find out how she struck an iceberg and met with disaster,why she sank so quickly, how many people were saved, and how many lives were lost. You can compare the differences between the Titanic's passengers-from the first-class millionaires to the third-class emigrants-and find out how they dressed, where they ate and slept, and what they did to amuse themselves during the voyage. You can also take a closer look at some of the passengers and crew,and follow their different fates from the exciting start of the voyage to its tragic end.

    Daily chores and seasonal activities become infused with special meaning when they are performed by this adorable creature. Kuma-Kuma Chan goes about his days in contented solitude, engaged in activities such as eating breakfast, gazing at clouds, listening to the rain, writing letters, and wondering where to go with his new bag. At night he watches the sky darken and brushes his teeth before bed. He gardens in the spring, trims his hair in summer, composes a love song in the fall, and seeks a warm, sunny spot on the floor in the winter. Children and adults alike will take delight in repeating aloud the name of their new, steadfast storybook friend and look forward to spending more time in his imagined world.

    Filled with fairy surprises, this book includes pages with golden glitter, envelopes that hold secret fairy letters to be lifted out and read, and giant flaps that reveal special fairy instructions. There's even a large, sparkly, pop-up Felicity Wishes on the last spread. All of these magical details bring Felicity and her fairy friends to life and will provide hours of imaginative play for little girls.

    'Small girls will love listening to these delightful stories... Emma Chambers has the right touch for reading and each is perfect listening at bedtime' - Carousel Unabridged.

    They are his pride and joy, but despite all his care, he wakes up one day to find that they are coming loose!

    

    One day his Aunt Dora arrives to give him some schooling. Noah doesn't think he needs it. What use is reading on the prairie? But what Noah discovers will change his life forever.