Each guide includes an author biography, chapter summaries, creative cross-curricular activities, vocabulary builders, reproducibles, and discussion questions.

    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.

    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.

    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

    Each answer is worded as if Jesus himself were speaking and is based on what Scripture teaches us about God's Son.

    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?

    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!

    Lavishly illustrated spreads feature historical photos, cutaway scenes and fascinating facts about life in America's past. Color illustrations throughout.

    Now repackaged with an updated look and feel. "This is a special book... it will move young readers. " -- Booklist, starred reviewHere is Cynthia Rylant's most memorable writing yet -- a spiritual novel about the wonders of life and the afterlife. In this book, a series of touching vignettes, she paints a moving picture of the stopping place between heaven and earth -- and in the process, she reminds us that life is an extraordinary gift, and that those we love are never really far away.

    Book by Jim Weiss

    Sixteen-year-old Stephanie, a visually impaired albino, gets help in adjusting to a new high school when she befriends several Christian kids, who point her toward a deep and satisfying relationship with God.

    An inspirational story, Puppies For Sale delivers a vivid message of human understanding for all ages.

    . . . But James's illustrations are the best feature of this inviting collection." —THE HORN BOOK (starred review)DAYS LIKE THIS is a book of celebration — whether it's the novelty of sleeping outdoors, the delight of picnicking on the beach, or the sheer joy of bouncing on the bed in the afternoon. These small poems, some familiar, some new, have been carefully selected by acclaimed author-illustrator Simon James, whose expressive line and watercolors portray an everyday world overflowing with wonder and possibility. With words and pictures given space to breathe, this is a collection of poems to read and revel in from beginning to end.

    Wonderful characters and delightful humor enhance the story's universal message about love and loyalty, making this one of Disney's best productions yet.

    In the last decade of the 19th century, the czar's harsh anti-Semitic laws forbid Masha, who is Jewish, from going to school. When her family immigrates to America, Masha not only achieves the long-desired education, but also gains success as a poet, and a love for her new country that will last all her life.

    So it's not surprising that he's only allowed on the school trip to Thundercliff Bay - home to pirate legend, chilling ghost stories and lost treasure - by the skin of his teeth. Or that strict Mr Risley-Newsome, who has his beady eye on him, makes him stay at the youth hostel for forgetting his walking boots. What is surprising is that a very special discovery made by Dominic saves the day when the whole class is in serious danger, and proves to everyone that sometimes he can be in the right place at the right time.

    David Macaulay's first book, CATHEDRAL, introduced readers around the world to his unique gift for presenting architecture and technology in simple terms, and for demystifying even the most complex of concepts. CATHEDRAL received a Caldecott Honor Medal and is now considered a classic. BUILDING THE BOOK CATHEDRAL includes the content of CATHEDRAL in its entirety. Here Macaulay traces the evolution of his creative process in "building" that first book, from the initial concept to the finished drawings. He introduces the basic elements of structure and sequence and explains why one angle of a drawing may be better for conveying an idea than another. He describes how perspective, scale, and contrast can be used to connect a reader with concepts, and how placement of a picture on a page can make a difference in the way information is communicated. Building the Book Cathedral provides an opportunity to examine Macaulay's unique problem-solving skills as he looks back over two and a half decades at the book that launched his distinguished career.

    Format: 8 tracks, Audio CDPublisher: Greathall ProductionsNarrator: Jim WeissISBN: 1882513290

    In 1914, Sir Ernest Shackleton and a twenty-seven-man crew set off on an expedition to reach and cross Antarctica. Just a month and a half into the voyage, their ship, the Endurance, was caught fast in heavy pack ice. The men had no radio contact, and no one knew where they were or even that they were in trouble. None of them should have survived the ordeal that followed-unstable ice floes, treacherous waters, freezing temperatures, and starvation. Only the extraordinary leadership, courage, and strength of Shackleton brought the whole team safely through. Elizabeth Cody Kimmel's clear, compelling text is illustrated with photographs, taken and carefully preserved by the ship's photographer, that record the stark condition and the day-to-day activities of the men. Hand-drawn maps that show the extraordinary route of the Endurance and her crew. Bibliography, index.

    Learn more about their exciting and inspiring lives in Barbour's Heroes of the Faith series.Perhaps no one man is more responsible for the spread of the gospel in China than Hudson Taylor, founder of the China Inland Mission.

    Now The Workshop, along with Stephanie St. Pierre--who grew up making crafts with her friends the Hensons--presents The Muppets Big Book of Crafts, a collection of 100 great projects plus trade secrets.Filled with full-color photographs and how-to line illustrations, The Muppets Big Book of Crafts is divided into chapters by technique and teaches the basics of drawing, sculpting, sewing, painting, dyeing, woodworking, quilting, puppetry, beading, and more. The results are amazing. A creepy-crawly spider piata filled with baby candy spiders. Elaborate tin can lanterns. A mosaic made of eggshells. Not to mention Groovy Glasses, Suncatcher Bugs, and Awesome Umbrae Scarf, a Wiggly Worm, and Marvelous Maracas. Throughout, tips, advice, and the running commentary of Muppet characters keep the book lively and entertaining.

    

    (I used to forget to put two s's in my last name.) Today is Saturday. I went to Nana's house. I always go to her house on Saturday when Mom works at the bookstore. Nana gave you to me, Journal. She gave me a very shiny red pencil, too. Spencer Allen Douglass--known as "Sparky" for his red hair--is lively and smart and has a great sense of humor. He also has ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), which can make life exciting, or a real pain! With a little help from his family and school, and by writing about his ups and downs in his journal, he's figuring out how to "manage his wiggles and keep all of his giggles."Told in a first person diary format, Sparky's week-in-the-life tale is optimistic and fun, and includes many valuable insights and ideas that can help kids with ADD and ADHD gain more control of their lives.The authors have extensive personal and professional experience in the field. Sparky will appeal to both children and adults and offer comfort, humor, and solid advice.

    Sitting on the front stoop of her house, she tells her neighbor, Rainbow Joe, how she combines red and white to make fish, and red and blue to make monkeys. Rainbow Joe explains that even though he is blind he can imagine colors. Not only that, he can make them sing.Eloise's mother says the blind man is just dreaming. It isn't until Rainbow Joe takes out his saxophone and plays colors that Mama and Eloise can see them. Big red notes and little yellow notes begin to fly as music fills the sky.

    Format: 7 tracks, Audio CDPublisher: Greathall ProductionsNarrator: Jim WeissISBN: 1882513479

    Pickle won't eat anything that isn't green or pickled. That is, until her stubborn niece, Sophie Claire, introduces Mrs. Pickle to a new, "non-pickle" ice cream flavor. Mrs. Pickle will never be the same again.

    When taking her students on field trips on the Cape, she discovered what sites and stories excited them most. Drawing on that experience, she created what one Cape Cod bookseller calls "the best Cape book we've ever had," and the first in a series of alphabet books that visit great American places. Journey Around Cape Cod and the Islands From A to Z is an alphabet book, but one that is equally enjoyable and interesting for children of all ages and for adults, as well. From Aptucxet to Zooplankton, it offers fascinating information about the Cape and its history, all of it illustrated with Zschock's beautiful watercolor work.

    A series of books offering each child an opportunity to progress at an individual pace -- with stories designed to appeal to a wide range of interests and abilities -- so that every beginning reader experiences success.

    This nondenominational lyrical picture book offers an answer. Whether angry and upset, or playing games and counting stars, every child is assured that they can pray when, where, and how they want, and they will always be heard.As an only child growing up in Concord, California, Susan Taylor Brown was forever asking questions that started with, "Can I?" and learned to look in books for all the answers. Susan is the author of several other children's books.

    Through words & pictures, they explore subjects ranging from child labor to racial integration to religious freedom, in an effort to foster a kinder, more tolerant world. In his introduction, Elie Wiesel notes that "Tikvah means hope & hope is represented by children." Whether joyous or provocative, stark or encouraging, the work collected in this volume represents these artists' firm commitment to human rights.

    May have some markings and writings. Note: The above used product classification has been solely undertaken by the seller. Amazon shall neither be liable nor responsible for any used product classification undertaken by the seller. A-to-Z Guarantee not applicable on used products.

    A biography of Sir Ernest Shackleton which includes details of his 1914 expedition to Antarctica which ended in a fight for survival.

    But their leaky mole hole provides the perfect place to build an indoor oasis, complete with swimming pool!

    Parents trust these colorful books to teach their children Bible stories from Genesis through Acts in a fun, memorable way.The Arch Books series of 100 titles is conveniently divided into 8 sections that include related stories for an organized journey through the Bible.

    Successful sitters share their secrets, and there are helpful inserts such as emergency instructions, business cards, and client lists.

    Her poetry is an invitation to be witty, expressive and creative, and her words demonstrate just how much fun poetry and everyday life can be. Topics range from sending out an SOS for delicious sausages, imagining what it would be like to have a brudda named Brad and keeping the mozza-keetos away, to indulging in laaaaaziness. Lesynski’s infectious fun with sound, rhythm and beat are guaranteed to win over the most reluctant anti-poetry student.

    This is the story of Tuan and his father, who endure danger and difficulties when they escape by boat from Vietnam, spend days at sea, and then months in refugee camps before making their way to the United States.

    Thought provoking questions and fascinating answers encourage children to look at famous paintings and helps to understand what they see.

    By the end of the day, Lalo discovers the most important step to making a sweater, which brings him and the boy together.

    Through spring, summer, and fall, Jody watches her plants sprout, flower, and grow lots of beans. Soon, as Jody’s parents await a new baby, Granda and Jody are picking the beans - and waiting for next spring.From the Trade Paperback edition.

    In Crime Science, 16 forensic science activities - from comparing lip prints to checking tire tracks and bite marks - explain how forensic scientists solve crimes in the real world.The book combines an entertaining, easy-to-read story with step-by-step instructions for hands-on detective activities. Playful illustrations add to the fun of the chase, while answers at the back of the book let readers know if they are on the right track.

    In the latter part of the 19th century, more than half a million pioneers headed west to carve out a future on an unknown frontier. Some were drawn by the offer of cheap land and the promise of religious freedom while others had high hopes of finding gold. Thrilling, authentic photos and full-color illustrations recreate what life was really like for these cowboys, adventurers, and immigrants in this rough-and-ready era in our history.Immigration of the poor, starving, and persecuted to the unsettled North American West spelled opportunity for them but disaster for the Native peoples. Who Settled the West? takes a balanced look at the history and people describing: -- how the colonies changed hands between countries-- the dangerous journey by ocean and wagon train-- why different people left their homelands-- where certain ethnic groups settled in North America-- how they staked their claim and built their homes-- how Africans were captured in their home countries and forced to work on American plantations

    

    Breathtakingly beautiful illustrations accompany rich storytelling of three Native American tales: Her Seven Brothers, The Gift of the Sacred Dog and The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses.

    While she is still an apprentice her grandfather and tutor dies, slain by a mysterious creature in the Between World that is blocking access to the Upper World's Gate. Without a spirit singer her village cannot survive, so Amarynth embarks on a hazardous quest to find out what the creature is, how it can be defeated, and how she can become a full-fledged spirit singer--a quest that takes her not only from her tiny seacoast home to the soaring mountains of the south, but across the even more rugged terrain of her own soul.

    Classroom teachers will find that the explanations of artistic elements and principles of design, as well as examples and project directions, provide everything a busy teacher needs. Complete with bibliographies and lists of related fine art, this curriculum also relates the projects to the Core Knowledge Sequence Content Guidelines for Grades K-5. Teaching Art with Books Kids Love is an invaluable resource for teachers required to teach art and art instructors looking for fresh ideas.

    Explores the history of the early civilizations of Greece, as well as their architecture, art, poetry, drama, and music.

    To trust in a way that you cannot see That's what faith must be. "Why?It is every child's most frequently asked question. And a common one with adults, too! But children are unique because they wonder about "everything. You know the questions: Why is the sky blue? Why do birds sing? What makes flowers smell good? Who made God?Eventually, though, their wonderings take on a more serious tone: Why can't we all be nice to each other? Why isn't the world a better place? Why do we have to die?The answers are never simple. Especially when it comes to the essential questions of life. But as adults we do have one answer that can soothe even the deepest concerns of a young heart. We can offer our children the eternal assurances of God--and more importantly, God Himself.This fifth book in the best-selling, highly awarded " Tell Me" series affirms the value of asking tough questions by taking on seven that kids are bound to have. Bringing together songwriter Michael Card's imaginative story and artist Ron DiCianni's moving artwork, "Tell Me Why ultimately points to the great hope youngsters can have in Christ--and reveals how He is the answer to all that they will encounter in life.

    Along the way, they'll show you how to play the games they play and make the toys and crafts they make. Make your own apple pandowdy and whip up a batch of tasty gingerbread. Send top-secret messages in Morse code, gather materials for crafting evergreen wreaths and pinecone turkeys, and sculpt a miniature sheep out of homemade clay dough. Play the exciting African game of mankala--that is, if you have time after making your own potato-print wrapping paper, papier-mache bowl, and marzipan decorations. Civil War Days is filled with interesting historical information and facts about growing up in days gone by. Discover how different--and how similar--life was for American kids in history. Watch for Victorian Days, the next exciting book in the American Kids in History?(TM) series! Also available: Pioneer Days, Colonial Days, and Wild West Days For Children Ages 8 to 1

    But Tere's mother has different ideas for her only daughter. She wants her to be part of La Sociedad, "high society," and go to a fancy private school. At first Tere doesn't want to leave her school friends to follow her mother's dream. She knows her parents can't afford the luxuries the rich girls take for granted. But when Tere gets into trouble and has a fight with Ana, she quickly changes her mind. Now she finds herself caught between two worlds.

    He’s walking strangely and even falls asleep at night--something ghosts never do. Henry’s worried friends rush him to the hospital, where Dr. Ouch makes the diagnosis: Henry’s internal clock is broken and he needs an operation. Thanks to Dr. Ouch and his ghost buddies, Henry is soon back to . . . almost normal.

    But when Jean-Claude pays more attention to Tommy and his friends than to her, Angelica comes up with a plan to drive the baby-sitters out of the house -- and the babies have to help!

    Who can resist her charms?

    Presents true-life accounts of ghosts in such categories as Short-lived Spectres, Persistent Phantasms, and Homemade Spooks.

    Enter the mysterious underwater world of the shark and see how these fascinating creatures have adapted perfectly to the world in which they live.

    She feels sad and angry, she's tired of giving her things away, and shes tired of being taken advantage of. But with a little help, she learns how to be friendly while taking care of herself at the same time.

    From auditions through daily classes to rehearsals and performances, renowned dance photographer Camilla Jessel gives young readers an intimate glimpse inside life at England's Royal Ballet School. Illustrated with several full-color photos on each spread, Ballet School describes the daily routine of classes and exercises, and the repetition and hard work of training. It also provides a history of ballet and its most famous choreographers. Photographed inside the school itself, the book will enthrall readers with its depiction of what it takes to become one of the world's greatest dancers.

    Book, in words and paintings, captures the feeling of opening to page one -- for the first or the fiftieth time - and entering the worlds of drama, imagination, and fun promised beyond it. A girl in red flannel pj's reaches toward a panel in the night sky. The panel, one of four, bears a B. Light floods the girl's face, all anticipation, for she is all readers.And then she is inside, inside the B-O-O-K, words streaming toward her, beckoning, circling her, music in their meaning and their sound A castle, a cave - its walls dancing with wild ponies, one of which joins the girl on her journey -- these are passing wonders on the way to the source. Writer and reader meet "as the gate of the book swings wide, " a culmination caught in a breathtaking sequence of spreads. Look at the girl on the jacket for a hint of how Book feels, a sensory adventure that ends with a benediction: "May it hold you. May it set you free."

    While visiting the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., four contemporary children are transported back in time through the power of their imaginations to experience history firsthand!-- Stories creatively juxtapose modern-day kids with fascinating historical settings and people.-- A historical background note and glossary of key terms enhance every story.-- Audiocassettes feature dramatized narration plus authentic sound effects and original music.-- Toys authenticated by Smithsonian Institution curators for realism and educational value.Emma finds herself escaping from the South with her family along the Underground Railroad.

    This children's book is written by the author of This Is My Hair.

    Wayne and his diving colleagues have befriended Baby's lively dolphin pod and named each one. But their peaceful life is in danger. Baby's father is found bleeding from a gaff would. Soon Wayne realizes that poachers have come to prey on Baby and his family. Can Wayne do anything to save Baby and stop the poachers from netting wild dolphins.

    Joining them is an array of colorful folk you may not have met before: Mrs. Murphy, for instance, and My Aunt Jane; Freda the American Beauty, Bonny Bobby Shaftoe, and Dusty Bill from Vinegar Hill—each of them well worth getting to know, as we're sure you'll agree!

    Apparently some, er, others have been asking the same question, and have sent a crew of explorers into space to search for an answer. Three brave astronauts and a mascot blast off, full of hope and full of yearning for intergalactic friendship. They endure a dizzying array of dangers in their quest and are about to give up when they make a surprising discovery. Young readers will be just as surprised -- when they hop on board this white-knuckle ride through the perils of the planets. Author and pilot Carol Diggory Shields is at the controls. Illustrator and navigator Scott Nash is responsible for the astonishing view out the window! Prepare for a far-out adventure, brought to you by the author and illustrator of the wildly popular prehistoric dance party, Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp, winner of a best-book award from the acclaimed Please Touch Museum for children.

    Travel back in time to the period of extraordinary growth and vitality that was Renaissance Europe.  Meet Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and the Medicis.  Experience the daily life and workings of a Renaissance town.  View some of the most beautiful and important art works in the world.  In glorious full-color photographic spreads, Renaissance documents Europe's emergence from the Dark Ages into an era of unparalleled enlightenment and creativity in the realms of politics, arts, literature, technology, and innovation.

    Three children remake their grandpa's quilt so it will fit him better.This series meets the following Reading First initiatives: - Phonics- Vocabulary- Comprehension- Fluency

    Their adventures take them from their mole hole to the top of the world and back again.

    The entire outcome of the American Revolution rested on this final battle.

    Beginning with a description of the habitat, the book then looks at the plants and animals that live there. Young readers are introduced to: -- the relationships that exist between groups of organisms and their environment -- important ecological concepts, such as producers, consumers, decomposers, and food webs, explained and illustrated with examples -- activities that encourage children to investigate ecosystems closer to home -- tips on observing safely without disturbing nature or endangering themselves Visit the rocky shores of A Tidal Pool and find out about seaweed, shells, and the diverse number of animals that make tidal pools their home. Spectacular photographs and easy-to-understand text show how different conditions during high-, mid-, and low-level tides determine which plants and animals live in which part of the shore. A trip to a tidal pool outlines rules for observing nature without endangering creatures, plants, and young observers. Concepts are explained such as: -- food chains and webs -- camouflage -- breeding -- survival in a constantly changing coastline

    Readers will learn about storm patterns, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions in this in-depth series.-- Supports science and nature curriculum-- Brilliant photographs bring nature alive-- Full-color charts and graphs enhance the informative text

    Years later, when he finally returns, he is an unrecognizable stranger. Using the lore of generations of women, Sylvania and her daughters set out to heal him and recover the man they love.Incorporating stories as disparate – and as connected – as the story of Ruth and Naomi, the Great Pan, and Sir Gawain and the Loathly Maid, Joan Bodger weaves a masterful and unique work, the culmination of her lifetime as a storyteller.

    The doors and shutters are creacky, there's only a wood stove for cooking and heat, and the garage is filled with the discards of many years. But as he and Grandma establish their special rapport, exploring the beach and testing the icy surf, playing checkers and snuggling in to wait out a storm, Ben begins to understand the magic of this place that holds the memories of many happy summers.

    See chocolate bars, lollipops, and buttercreams being mixed together, shaped, and packed. Discover the fascinating history of chocolate and find out how different kinds of chocolate are created.

    Includes many fun facts about crayons and colors.

    And now, with these new editions, all the books are available in paperback, in a reduced trim size, and at the right price for kid and teacher purchases.Ride with Paul Revere and watch fifty colonists sign the Declaration of Independence. Witness the storming of the Bastille by Parisian mobs and find out why King Louis XVI lost his head. Get Lenin's thoughts on planning a revolution and march with Mao to a new China. Revolution News covers the American, French, Russian, and Chinese Revolutions, and offers a two-page overview of major events worldwide.

    To avoid a bloody battle, they wear masks and play drums that set the water of the sea trembling.

    Silly Goose and Dizzy Duck agree to play hide and seek with Clever Fox, but they do not realize that he plans to eat them.

    It all depends on your attitude. Whether she's helping one of her sisters tackle a problem or lending a hand to a friend, you can be sure that everyone has a smile in the end!Danni loves to play the piano. In fact, sometimes Danni thinks that playing music is the only thing she can do right. It isn't until guest author Barbie visits her class that Danni discovers that there are many different ways to learn.

    We want young children to WANT to read! Star Wars has become a familiar part of our culture with children instantly recognizing the characters on book covers, TV and in the movies. Now they can add more Star Wars action to their collections! Star Wars: Darth Maul Sith Apprentice introduces older readers to the sinister secrets of the Sith warrior, Darth Maul. They will learn about his mission to defeat Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi, and his deadly array of vehicles and weapons like his Sith speeder bike. Watch out for his double-bladed lightsaber!

    

    -- 24-page, full-color paperback-- Over 90 rubber stamps-- Over 90 stickers-- Multicolored ink pad-- 6 colored pencils

    Beginning with a description of the habitat, the book then looks at the plants and animals that live there. Young readers are introduced to: -- the relationships that exist between groups of organisms and their environment-- important ecological concepts, such as producers, consumers, decomposers, and food webs, explained and illustrated with examples-- activities that encourage children to investigate ecosystems closer to home-- tips on observing safely without disturbing nature or endangering themselvesUnder a Stone describes the curious creatures that live under rocks in different climates around the world. A look under a stone on the prairies reveals the insects and lichen that live on the ground, the worms and fungi that live in the topsoil, and the animals and insects that burrow deep underground. A special section shows young readers how to safely investigate plants and insects that live near stones without doing any harm.Fantastic fact boxes describe: -- what different creatures eat-- how they prey on each other-- how they hide to protect themselves

    Color illustrations throughout.

    This laugh-out-loud chapter book is based on the popular CatDog children's TV show.

    - "Words to Know" glossary clarifies subject-specific vocabulary- "Learning More" section encourages independent study- Index makes navigating subject matter easy

    These books help develop fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.

    But for Barbie, the best part about solving a mystery is getting the chance to help others!Broadway producer Barbie is doing research for a play at the Manhattan Central Library. But soon she is piecing together ghostly clues that have everyone thinking the library is haunted. Leave it to Barbie to solve the mystery - and just in time for opening night!

    A hairdryer from a windmill? No problem A toaster from rocket parts? A matter of minutes A chef to cook his meals? A maid to do his dishes? A day or two at most What Buzzy can't seem to build, however, is the perfect life. Something is definitely missing, and even the wife that he took a whole week to build doesn't fill the gap. What's a lonely genius to do? With the help of his neighbor, Miss Jane, Buzzy finally figures it out in this madcap story that will make young readers laugh out loud.

    And then in 1799 a French soldier in Napoleon's army in Egypt stumbled across the Rosetta Stone, an ancient inscription recorded in Greek, hieroglyphs, and demotic script. Many of the brightest scholars of the time--Egyptologists, historians, and linguists--as well as detectives, professional code breakers, and plain amateurs, all set out to decipher the forgotten words. Carol Donoughue tells us the fascinating story of the hieroglyphs and the race to decipher them, explaining how this curious writing system began with simple drawings of everyday objects. She compares the hieroglyphic system to modern alphabets in an entertaining narrative complemented with numerous photographs and drawings, maps, historical timelines stretching from ancient Egypt to Napoleon, a glossary, and numerous sidebars. The book culminates in an edge-of-your-seat description of how the brilliant French archaeologist Champollion finally succeeded in deciphering the hieroglyphs. A final section displays an alphabet of "hieroglyphs" and offers some fun activities for children based on hieroglyphic writing.

    Parents and teachers continually search for innovative and refreshing ways to build that foundation. These delightfully uncomplicated stories, populated with inquisitive and friendly animal characters, allow young readers to gently confront fears and misconceptions, explore relationships with family, friends and strangers, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves. In addition, author and poet Jacqueline Sweeney gives us stories that aid in the building of vocabulary and the strengthening of phonic skills through the repetition of sounds, rhymes and rhythms. This series, whether used for read alouds, read alongs or read alones, is a valuable asset for beginning readers.

    Not only is Fisher-Price the leading brand of toys for toddlers and preschoolers, it is also a name parents trust. Now parents can turn to Fisher-Price for all their children's developmental needs -- including learning to read.

    Full color.

    Jennie can "hear" what her neighbor's sheepdog, Sam, is thinking! And what Sam is usually thinking is how to find fame and fortune as a world-famous detective. With Sam: Dog Detective as their fearless leader, the girls snoop their way into trouble, but quick thinking and swift action always lead them to safety. In The Ghost of Captain Briggs, Sam and Beth join Jennie's family on their summer vacation at an old mansion built by a fierce pirate. Sam's convinced that where there's a pirate, there must be a buried treasure and a ghost! "

    He is well-behaved. And his parents are very proud of him. But whenever Whiff goes off to make new friends, he comes home in disgrace. Whatever can the matter be?

    Filled with details about pioneer life, each story gives insight into the difficulties, challenges, and joys faced by families building a new home on a rugged, new land. Young Archie's observations offer a different perspective on that life, one tinged by a child's wonder and sense of adventure. These heartwarming stories about Christmas pageants, starting school, summer jobs, and the exciting potential of owning five pennies were told to author Irene Morck by her father. She has captured the spirit and humour of his memories and brought them together in this entertaining collection.

    Everybody knows the dinosaurs were BIG, but how big is BIG? As big as a fire engine? As small as a chicken? Patrick O'Brien's marvelous illustrations place dinosaurs side by side with modern-day animals, vehicles, and people so that children can easily grasp how the dinosaurs would stack up if they were around today.

    Her name was Hitty and she was no ordinary doll. Hitty's first owner, Phoebe Preble, takes her from Boston to India. From the hands of Phoebe Preble, Hitty travels on with a snake charmer, a Civil War soldier, a riverboat captains daughter, and a former slave. Along the way she meets presidents and painters, relating each adventure in vivid detail. Rachel Field's masterful novel "Hitty: Her First Hundred Years" was first published in 1929; it was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1930. In this full-color adaptation, the award-winning team of Rosemary Wells and Susan Jeffers has taken Hitty down from the shelf and dusted her off for a new generation of younger readers. The short, fast-paced chapters and pictures on every spread bring life to this beloved classic, and make it perfect for sharing with the whole family.

    Feeling that something is wrong with her life, a successful, but dissatisfied pig discovers happiness with other pigs in the country.

    The author's own immigrant family background gives her book the warm, intimate tone of a memoir.

    Bears chase honey bees, donkeys think they rule, monkeys do as monkeys please and goats kick up their heels.

    Young boys and their fathers will relish this book that celebrates the ordinary things dads and kids can do together. Full color.