To help ease Chester's fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary. Since its first publication in 1993, this heartwarming book has become a children's classic that has touched the lives of millions of children and their parents, especially at times of separation, whether starting school, entering daycare, or going to camp. It is widely used by kindergarten teachers on the first day of school. Stickers at the back will help children and their parents keep their Kissing Hand alive.

    Arthur is thrilled when he gets a new puppy. He's had a lot of experience with pets so he knows they're as much work as they are fun. Even so, when Pal tears the living room apart, wets on everything, and refuses to wear his leash, Arthur gets worried. His parents are unhappy with Pal's behavior and even D.W. seems ready to banish the boisterous puppy to the garage. What if Arthur can't control Pal-and Pal gets sent away to live on a farm?Readers of all ages will laugh out loud as they follow Pal's progress from mischievious scamp to dog show material under the loving guidance of his owner, Arthur.

    Then she overhears two slaves talking about the Underground Railroad. In a flash of inspiration, Clara sees how she can use the cloth in her scrap bag to make a map of the land--a freedom quilt--that no master will ever suspect.

    Saving his money to build his very own barbershop was a dream that had to be postponed because of his generous heart and the Depression. Then one glorious day, on his 79th birthday, Uncle Jed finally opened the doors of his new shop. Full color.

    This award-winning book by Janell Cannon has sold over 500,000 copies and was on the bestseller list for more than two years.

    Everywhere Owen goes, his blanket goes with him. Upstairs, downstairs, in-between. Inside, outside, upside down. Everywhere! Owen’s parents are in despair—soon Owen will begin school, and he can’t take Fuzzy with him then. Whatever can be done?This Caldecott Honor Book will provide reassurance and laughs whether shared at home or during circle time. Every child uses some sort of security object, whether it’s a toy, a thumb, or a binky. For those not yet ready to let go and for those who have moved on, here’s a story about making compromises that speaks to us all.Everyone who’s ever had a favorite blanket will know exactly how Owen feels!

    When an enormous pumpkin falls off a truck and smashes in her yard, she shovels dirt over the pieces and forgets about them. But those slimy pumpkin smithereens sprout up in autumn, and Rebecca Estelle finds a sea of pumpkins in her garden.A heartwarming classic for more than twenty years, this story shows what happens when one thrifty gardener figures out how to make other people happy with the squash she can't stomach.Filled with colorful illustrations from a season of gardening, this is a perfect book for young gardeners and pumpkin lovers. Its wonderful lesson about helping others can be appreciated in the classroom or at home.

    But the little wolves' increasingly sturdy dwellings are no match for the persistent porker, who has more up his sleeve than huffing and puffing. It takes a chance encounter with a flamingo pushing a wheelbarrow full of flowers to provide a surprising and satisfying solution to the little wolves' housing crisis. Eugene Trivizas's hilarious text and Helen Oxenbury's enchanting watercolors have made this delightfully skewed version of the traditional tale a contemporary classic.

    A goat on the bed and a cow on the table tapping out a jig? My readers collapsed in heaps, and then had to have it read again. And again." - Vivian French in The Guardian

    Tired of playing alone, the repentant Franklin apologizes for being bossy and gratefully agrees to play along. Full color.

    It’s time for a wide yawn, a big hug, and a snuggle under the covers—sleep tight! “Working beautifully with the soothingly repetitive text, each painting conveys a warm feeling of safety and affection.” —School Library Journal

    Half the town joins the exciting chase, but it's not until everyone returns home that Mary Ellen makes a discovery of her own: Sometimes, even the sweetest of things must be worked for.* Polacco has created another charming picture book featuring a child learning from a grandparent in an idyllic pastoral setting . . . Both the writing and artwork are fresh and inviting. --School Library Journal, starred reviewThe newest gem from Polacco's treasure chest of family stories extols the virtue of reading--and of taking a study break . . . Like Mary Ellen, readers will emerge refreshed from this respite, ready to seek out new adventures. --Publishers Weekly Young readers will savor this. --The Horn Book

    At Christmastime, the flower blooms and flourishes, the quite exquisite red stars lighting up the countryside.This Mexican legend tells how the poinsettia came to be, through a little girl's unselfish gift to the Christ Child. Beloved Newbery honor-winning author and Caldecott honor-winning illustrator Tomie dePaola has embraced the legend using his own special feeling for Christmas. His glorious paintings capture not only the brilliant colors of Mexico and its art, but also the excitement of the children preparing for Christmas and the hope of Lucida, who comes to see what makes a gift truly beautiful.

    Baba Yaga is a witch famous throughout Russia for eating children, but this Babushka Baba Yaga is a lonely old woman who just wants a grandchild?to love."Kids will respond to the joyful story of the outsider who gets to join in, and Polacco's richly patterned paintings of Russian peasant life on the edge of the woods are full of light and color." -- Booklist"A warm, lively tale, neatly mixing new and old and illustrated with Polacco's usual energetic action, bright folk patterns, and affectionate characterizations." --Kirkus Reviews

    "They can make your dreams come true." -- Thus Monsieur Bibot, the cold-hearted dentist, was given two ordinary-looking figs as payment for extracting a tooth from an old woman's mouth. Monsieur Bibot refused to believe such nonsense and proceeded to eat one of the figs for a bedtime snack. Although it was possibly the finest, sweetest fig he had ever tasted, it wasn't until the next morning that Monsieur Bibot realized it indeed had the power to make his dreams come true. While dragging his poor dog, Marcel, out for his walk, he discovered that his strange dream from the night before was becoming all too real. Determined to make good use of the second fig, Monsieur Bibot learns to control is dreams. But can he control Marcel? Once again Chris Van Allsburg explores the mysterious territory between fantasy and reality in an uncanny tale that will intrigue readers of all ages.

    In this book you will read stories about them and tubas, airplanes, balloons, skateboards, birthdays, boats, chores, dishes, naps, ants, toys, and cousin Stinky.

    “Exquisite artwork fuses with a compelling narrative--a concise endnote places the story effectively within a historical context--to produce a moving and polished offering.”--Publishers Weekly

    ‘Studded with inventive imagery.… A playful and most suitable setting for this winsome story with its timeless theme.’—Publishers Weekly. ‘ Bond’s cheerful illlustrations show a lively youngster exploring and enjoying the world around her.’—SLJ. 1993 "Pick of the Lists" (ABA)

    He warmly conveys his own love for his two countries and described the strong and constant desire to be in both places at once: When in one country, he invariably misses the other. His grandfather, he tells us, would understand.

    Arthur is unhappy about going on vacation with his family, but he shows them how to make the best of a bad situation when they end up stuck in a motel because of rain.

    A fictionalized retelling of the true story of three-year-old Sarah Whitcher, who, in 1783, became lost in the woods of New Hampshire and was protected by a bear until her rescue four days later.

    Young readers know that already, but they have just been reminded in a hilarious way". -- Horn Book--" (Gammell's) illustrations crackle with childlike energy". -- Publishers Weekly, starred review"Has humor, suspense, and just a hint of magic to beguile readers". -- School Library journal

    Gracefully told and gloriously illustrated, here is a picture book with enduring and universal appeal. Full color.

    She has lots of lovely outfits with matching hats, of course. But does she wear matching knickers?All is revealed in this warm and humorous book.'This is a knockout ... affectionate, funny and entirely delightful.' - Books for Children'A naughty charming book.' - Evening Standard'Pure fun.' - Mail on Sunday

    But why did Santa call? Now available in a new hardcover edition, this truly Joyce-ian crusade features villains and swashbuckling adventure, concluding with a most spectacular and touching Christmas celebration.A holiday extravaganza like no other, by the creator of Rolie Polie Olie, Snowie Rolie, Sleepy Time Olie, Dinosaur Bob and His Adventures wirh the Family Lazardo, and George Shrinks.

    In fact, Molly's horse barely earns her keep by carrying the young girl to piano lessons once a week. When Father wonders if they should get rid of Belle, Molly is delighted at the thought of prancing and galloping on a beautiful new pony. But one winter day on the way home from piano lessons, Molly and Belle become lost in a sudden blizzard. And Belle, old and stiff as she is, confronts the terrible storm with every ounce of will she possesses. No matter what, Belle will not give up until she brings Molly home.A moving and touching story of devotion and a heroic fight for survival.Maybe the most touching children's story ever about a little girl and the old horse who brings her through a blizzard. Charmingly written and illustrated. - Canadian Geographic

    Elmira Deeds waddles into Mr. Adolph's deli and asks for a pickle, chaos erupts! The pickle escapes from the jar, and a cast of zany characters, including a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and seventeen toasted almonds, joins in the chase to stop the pickle as it attempts to run away.

    She wonders why does her best friend, Lydia, have to wear a yellow star? Why are people in hiding and using strange names? What is Lydia afraid of? Touching upon the Holocaust with sensitivity and poignancy, Star of Fear, Star of Hope will help readers understand this difficult event in history.

    Haktak digs up a curious brass pot in his garden and decides to carry his coin purse in it. When Mrs. Haktak's hairpin slips into the pot, she reaches in and pulls out two coin purses and two hairpins--this is a magic pot!

    

    Planning to be very, very good, Willie (in the way of all four year olds), actually gets into yet another situation he can't get out of -- but it's Grandma to the rescue! A wonderful story about a boy's relationship with his beloved grandmother, and about the love we feel for the special people in our lives.

    

    Recognized around the world for their excellence in writing, illustration and design, Creative Editions' titles will introduce your students to some of the finest books published today, from wonderful original works to the best-loved classics. Enchanting, exquisite and entertaining, each and every one of these stories will be a prized possession for you and your readers.

    His father has turned their yard into a pigsty! What Iggy creates out of all the bits and pieces is beyond what anyone would expect -- come and see!A happy, rhyming environmental tale by one of the world's favorite singers, Olivia Newton-John (with Brian Hurst), with endearing pictures by popular children's book illustrator Sal Murdocca is just what budding environmentalists (and their families) will enjoy.

    Linda Jennings tells Buster's story with sensitivity, sympathy, and humor, and Catherine Walters' marvelous illustrations capture perfectly a dog's-eye view of life. A heartwarming Christmas fable, "Buster" reminds young readers that the holidays aren't for humans alone.

    Classic illustrations accompany this great story of God's love.

    

    The winsome story and 32 gouache and charcoal paintings will capture every dog lover's heart.

    She wouldn't listen to the Wizard who told her to enjoy who she is, be happy and enjoy life because she is a beauty and has special gifts.

    What big, brown eyes you have! says her mom. All the better to see you with! says Kate. But Kate doesn't know what other people can see, and no one thinks to ask her exactly what she sees, until on day on a crowded beach . . . Full-color illustrations.

    

    An illustrated collection of familiar prayers written for children.

    Because his mother is sad all the time, Stephen and his father learn about depression and how to cope with his mother's illness.

    

    

    Comprises a collection of forty-five well-known poems illustrated with thirty-five famous paintings.

    30 illustrations.

    Simple text and pictures make this story ideal for sharing with the very young.

    The monster is only visible when the lights are out.

    As a grandfather wanders with his grandchild through a landscape of breathtaking beauty, he finds just the right words to express the many sizes and shapes of love

    Inside she meets more cats than she bargained for, including some stuffed ones. Her adventures are a tale in themselves and also act as an introduction to what a child would enjoy seeing in a museum.

    Edwina Riddell makes it easy with these two delightfully illustrated volumes. Both books are filled with full-color pictures that babies will learn to recognize -- and every picture is labeled with the word that parents can repeat to toddlers first learning to speak. 100 First Words has picture spreads showing members of the family, parts of the body, in the car, at the supermarket, at the park, and more. My First Ballet Class tells about Katy's exciting first day at ballet school. A delightful introduction to ballet for the very young.

    

    Using the 15 sturdy, beautifully-rendered punch-out figures, children can assemble their own creche and enact the story of the Nativity. Full-color illustrations.

    This volume contains more than 70 puzzles. A Rebus Book.

    Simple enough to be understood by young children, yet compelling enough for adults, they are gentle, beautifully presented cautionary tales. You'll want to read them again and again - and you'll learn a few words of the Shishalh language while you're at it.

    But when granny starts to behave like a proper granny Tim is not sure he likes it.

    Night-fishing is fun, but when the tide begins to turn and a storm brews, the boys must navigate their way home safely. Charcoal drawings throughout.

    After many Saturday outings at the expense of Great Uncle Max, Amanda takes him for a surprise treat to what she calls the palace of stars.

    His four grandchildren are determined to think of a way to keep their beloved grandfather at home. An Italian folktale with an intergenerational story of love and dependence. Full-color illustrations.

    With Fox as their leader - assisted by Badger & Owl - the animals set off on a perilous journey. An exciting series of books starring your favorite characters - 8 Animals of Farthing Woods titles available in Buzz Book Collection.

    Three silly sisters, who earn their living darning socks, go on a journey to recover seven socks and a darning egg, and meet a king and a dragon.

    By her sweet and caring ways, Tilly the goose turns a grumpy rhinoceros who threatens the economic life of the village into a delightful, helpful friend to all.

    Every cuddler in your house will want to read it again and again.

    A spunky old woman's request and a rather unusual dream convince Crabby Clarence the sign painter to make the most glorious and magnificent sign of his career and then give it away.

    Polar bears are nearby. Even so, she sneaks out to explore a nearby iceberg. Sure enough, an equally curious polar bear cub is also out on the ice. It is not long before they find each other in the setting sun.Soon the worried parents -- human and bear alike -- discover their missing young and set out to find them, father with his rifle and mother bear with her claws. Tragedy is narrowly averted by the universal love of parents for their children.Out on the Ice in the Middle of the Bay is a thoughtful tale of mounting suspense, gloriously illustrated by Alice Priestley's luminous artwork. This book is a triumph of storytelling that has been called "one of the best picture books around."

    Hector is so hot that he has to live all alone by a volcano until he meets Gilda the Viking Adventurer who takes him home to her village.

    Once more, the photographs are highly appealing, balanced....One can almost hear the giggling as children are bursting to shout the answer....A winner!--School Library Journal.

    

    Edward Lear, Eleanor Farjeon, Jack Prelutsky, and Margaret Mahy are among those included....The friendly, lighthearted qualities of [this] aquatic world...will appeal to young readers."--School Library Journal.

    The illustrations...work well with these poems, quietly and simply illuminating childhood thoughts and dreams....A happy collaboration."--School Library Journal.

    Dog tired from working as president of a corporation, Buckledown vacations at a farm where he learns the joys of living like an ordinary dog.

    The first fable shows that the tortoise that just kept going as best he could won the race, and the second fable shows that true friends face trouble together.

    Grusha's happy life is interrupted when the bear is captured and forced to work in the circus, but despite this unpleasant situation, he grows to love his trainer, Peter.

    Her parents thought enough was enough and decided to move. Everyone cheered. Everyone except Alison. You can move. I love it here and I'm never going to leave. That's what Alison said.

    When Old Betty tries to advise Ezra on how to survive the cold winter nights, Ezra rebuffs her concerns because he has his own private source of warmth.

    

    Just the right size for small hands and big imaginations. Full color.

    

    Then one day a visitor arrives at his doorstep asking for directions. "How embarrassing!" Mouse says. "As owner of the sun, I really should be more knowledgeable". So the next morning, Mouse sets out exploring. Full color.

    So when Hackaliah Bailey's amazing Old Bet performed, the crowds gazed in wonder. As Old Bet's popularity grew, so did Hack's show--and the American circus was born. Faithful to history and filled with rollicking illustrations. Full color.

    Pop-up ABC

    “The two girls are irresistible characters, unique and likable. Stevenson’s cartoonlike illustrations give just the right touch to the stories-the girls skip, skate, and splash through their friendship, ponytails and shoelaces flying. The stories are wise and humorous, a pleasure to share.”-The Horn Book

    Traces Jewish roots in America from the mid-seventeenth century to the present, discussing their experience of prejudice, the contributions they have made to American culture, and the breakdown in their religion.

    Now, 26 of them have been selected and retold for children by Miriam Chaikin and illustrated with exquisite full-color drawings by Yvonne Gilbert, acclaimed illustrator of Baby's Book of Lullabies and Cradle Songs.

    After the children of Murky Wood go home for the night, monsters take over their school.

    Finlay tries, Hazel and Clover, the two white goats, are always escaping. One summer morning they get into more than their share of mischief, and give Angus and Mr. Finlay a very busy day.

    On Halloween night, Carly and Ryan meet a mixed-up witch when they are out trick-or-treating.

    

    The world's spirit answered, "Every song must have a singer. And each singer must find one who understands his song". With its strong, evocative illustrations, this lyrical conservation tale speaks to the growing concern for the fate of our old-growth forests. Full color.

    Features movable flaps.

    Illustrated in colour by Stephen Cartwright.

    Full-color illustrations by the author.

    So what do they do? Why, fly to the beach, of course! The islands are a paradise at first, but now the dragons are hungry. When the dragons leave the tropics and discover Burger Hut, it's a full-fledged, ferociously fearsome fast-food festival. Full color.

    As he traveled long and lonely distances between villages, Isaac made men out of stone to keep him company. And once, in a moment of danger, Isaac's ingenuity and his stone friends were able to save the townspeople of Bruria. Full color.

    But Laura Lee is afraid. The waves roar like a monster. Seaweed grabs he feet. Her brother, Randy, chases her with a clam. With the help of her family, can Laura Lee learn not to be frightened?For children ages 4-8.

    

    By the author/illustrator of Jake, Cloudy and Custer.

    A heartwarming story about a Hispanic family who works together to keep the family tradition of having tamales for Christmas dinner.

    Complemented by lovely and appealing illustrations, this story follows the exciting adventures of ten adorable bunnies, while the pictures and the text teach young children the alphabet from A to Z.