Recommended highly by pet lovers around the world, Dog Heaven not only comforts but also brings a tear to anyone who is devoted to a pet. From expansive fields where dogs can run and run to delicious biscuits no dog can resist, Rylant paints a warm and affectionate picture of the ideal place God would, of course, create for man's best friend. The first picture book illustrated by the author, Dog Heaven is enhanced by Rylant's bright, bold paintings that perfectly capture an afterlife sure to bring solace to anyone who is grieving.

    Elizabeth Brown doesn't like to play with dolls and she doesn't like to skate. What she does like to do is read books. And now that she's grown up, her collection has gotten so big all the shelves are collapsing. Her front door has disappeared entirely. What in the world will she do? The reclusive Elizabeth Brown surprises everyone wit her splendid solution. In charming verse and elegant watercolors Sarah Stewart and David Small celebrate one of America's grandest institutions. The Library is a 1995 New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year and Outstanding Book of the Year.

    With roots in American slave tales, Tops & Bottoms celebrates the trickster tradition of using one’s wits to overcome hardship. “As usual, Stevens’ animal characters, bold and colorful, are delightful. . . . It’s all wonderful fun, and the book opens, fittingly, from top to bottom instead of from side to side, making it perfect for story-time sharing.”--BooklistThis title has been selected as a Common Core Text Exemplar (Grades 2-3, Stories)

    Join the Jolly Postman with his mailbag of delightful deliveries for Dorothy from Oz, Alice from Wonderland, and other favorite storybook characters.

    But if you think you know where you are, guess again. For nothing is ever as it seems in Istvan Banyai's sleek, mysterious landscapes of pictures within pictures, which will tease and delight readers of all ages. "This book has the fascinating appeal of such works of visual trickery as the Waldo and Magic Eye books." —Kirkus Reviews "Ingenious." —The Horn Book

    He's particularly interested in the eating habits of other creatures found in the great outdoors, from the blue-feathere bird to a furry brown mouse. Until one day, he meets a big green animal with lots of teeth who finds wide-mouthed frogs simply delicious.

    Washington. Living in a West Virginia settlement after emancipation, nine-year-old Booker travels by lantern light to the salt works, where he labors from dawn till dusk. Although his stomach rumbles, his real hunger is his intense desire to learn to read.... [A] moving and inspirational story." - School Library Journal, starred review

    The only thing that could make her happy is something extra special for lunch, and that is: Piggie Pie! Gritch zooms off on her broomstick to find eight plump piggies -- where else? -- on Old MacDonald's Farm. Cleverly disguised pigs impersonate ducks, chickens, a cow, and Old MacDonald himself, as this uproarious, quick-paced story builds to an ironically surprising conclusion. Wacky, hip, and illustrated with bold, bright paintings, "Piggie Pie" adds a new twist to an old fairy-tale scene.

    But one brave act on Halloween makes Oscar a Grade-A hero, proving that a little wiener can be a real winner!

    A glorious picture book. -- The Horn BookRathmann is a quick rising star in the world of chidren's books. In this book, she again shows her flair for creating real characters, dramatic situations and for knowing what will make young audiences giggle and think. -- Children's Book Review MagazineRathman brings a lighter-than-air comic touch to this outstanding, solid-as-a-brick picture book. -- Publisher's WeeklyA five-star performance. -- School Library Journal

    Is there enough time? You have 3 shirts and 2 pairs of pants. Can you make 1 good outfit? Then you start to wonder: Why does everything have to be such a problem? Why do 2 apples always have to be added to 5 oranges? Why do 4 kids always have to divide 12 marbles? Why can't you just keep 10 cookies without someone taking 3 away? Why? Because you're the victim of a Math Curse. That's why. But don't despair. This is one girl's story of how that curse can be broken.

    is very picky about what she eats. She doesn't seem to like anything. Her dining out days with her family are cut short when she refuses to eat her salad and flings it to the floor. Will her table manners improve in time for her Grandma Thora's special dinner out? Text copyright 2004 Lectorum Publications, Inc.

    It even sees a surprise celebration of light. But it is not until it discovers other fireflies that it finds exactly what it's looking for--a surprise sure to bring smiles to anyone who turn the final page!Lushly illustrated with Eric Carle's trademark vibrant collage art, soothingly told with a gentle read-aloud rhythm, and complete with a surprise sure to "light up" children's faces, The Very Lonely Firefly will fast become a storytime favorite. Read it with a flashlight in the dark or under the table--and watch those fireflies glow!

    offers a surrealistic view of the natural world. The two-page spreads present artful watercolors paired with such strange possibilities as "If zebras had stars and stripes...," "If the moon were square...," and "If worms had wheels...." Although some of the ideas and pictures are whimsical to the point of being downright creepy ("If caterpillars were toothpaste...," "If toes were teeth..."), the hypotheticals will surely inspire flights of fancy for readers of all ages. What could be more appealing for a 5-year-old than imagining the silliest suppositions and seeing them come to life in realistic paintings? Sculptor Sarah Perry creates a world to make us stop and think. One of her best illustrations depicts a large, hairy warthog with a sparkling crown and the text, "If ugly were beautiful...." With every if idea, the author encourages the kind of mental double take that comes naturally for children. (Ages 4 to 7, and adults, too) --Emilie Coulter

    . . something more to catch the eye. Peter and his family live among the Quinces in the cookery section of a mystical library, and at night, when the library comes to life, Peter ventures out of his home to find a missing volume: How To Live Forever.

    -- USA Today

    The youngest readers can share her adventure in these very special picture books adapted from Laura Ingalls Wilder's beloved storybooks. These classic Little House illustrations bring Laura and her family lovingly to life.

    They ultimately discover that not only can laughter redeem a weary world, it also can provide the best tonic for anyone facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

    Seeking someone to care for his motherless kittens, Sir Gatto, advisor to the Prince, hires a beautiful, but lazy girl, and then her plain, but loving stepsister.

    Zoom from an Egyptian pyramid to an exotic jungle to a sandy beach. But if you think you know where you are, guess again. For in Istvan Banyai's mysterious landscapes of pictures within pictures, nothing is ever as it seems.

    Instead, he makes wonderful things for his son from boxes--an airplane, a big castle, a go-cart built for two. In the tradition of Mama, Do You Love Me?, this heartwarming story offers a testimonial to the strength of parental love--and an affirmation that communication comes in many forms. Full color.

    All of it happens in one house that from year to year has grown and changed and gathered in one family. Love, caring and support has been passed down from one generation to the next. Beautiful pencil and watercolor illustrations enhance this delightful book of family.

    Book by Bott, Anita F.

    Occasionally the stagecoach rolled through, but it never stopped, because no one ever came to Riverbend and no one ever left. The day the stagecoach stood motionless in the center of town, Sheriff Ned Hardy knew something was terribly wrong. What was the mysterious substance on both coach and horses? It would not come off. Soon it was everywhere in the tidy little village. Something had to be done, and Sheriff Hardy aimed to do it.

    The many suitors who fail her challenge forfeit their heads, but when Calaf arrives, he falls in love with Turandot, answers the riddles, and wins her heart....Varied and dramatic in composition, the polished illustrations in cool hues have an underlying sense of elegance and musicality." Booklist. Author's note.

    So they decide that Hetty is old enough to go by herself. Although she practices walking smoothly up the hill so she won’t break the precious eggs, she can’t help running all the way down. Young readers will hold their breath as Hetty tries her very best to get those eggs home safely. “The story is remarkable for its evocative imagery, and the loving interchange between the characters sets a charming tone. The words are perfectly complemented by Lewis’s dazzling, impressionistic watercolors that show the joyous power of love and depict a warmly supportive world in which Hetty ventures forth toward independence. A fine book that speaks straight to the heart.”--Booklist

    Here he pairs his eloquent words with antique portraits of children from all over the world, reminding readers that when we celebrate these children, we celebrate ourselves.

    With the flip of a page, a toad becomes a toadstool, a dog becomes a doghouse, a cow becomes a cowboy and a stage becomes a stagecoach in this rollicking story that?s a true page-turner?in every sense of the word! ?Noteworthy for its clever design, this amusing tale?illustrates how art and placement of text can affect a reader?s perception of a story.? --Booklist ?Compound words are split for comic surprises?A high-energy read-aloud.? --Publishers Weekly

    Mrs Jolly was the school caretaker by day and a witch by night! Dick King-Smith's kind and lovable witch uses her magic powers (very sensibly) to help her clean the school - until one night when she casts a rather unusual spell on the vacuum cleaner.

    Sure enough, everything he draws with it becomes real. As Newton's creations become more impressive, they cause more ruckus-until, heeding his mother's admonition, he flies the airplane he draws right out the window! The suspense of Newton's creative adventure will keep young readers glued to these pages, where the unexpected angles and daring perspectives of the luminous pastel illustrations underscore the sly humor of the text.

    When Tim repairs his broken piggy bank, he finds that coins no longer fit in the slot and Pig enjoys being a toy rather than a bank.

    Yet this shy mammal is in grave danger from man's encroachment on its environment. In this sensitive and informative story, children learn about all this through the experiences of J. Rooker, a manatee injured in a collision with a motorboat. The captivating watercolor illustrations are by Paul Brent.

    Housed between sturdy hardcovers, this Yorkshire village replicates all the charm of Herriot's Darrowby, with its quaint shops and storefronts tucked between the rolling dales of northern England. Includes a dozen punch-out villagers and animals.

    His body is scarred, yet his face is beautiful, and he leaps and swims as joyously as the dolphins. When the young man tells this to a passing stranger, he in turn is told a story of the days of slave trading.When one of his ancestors came to these islands aboard a slave ship, a pregnant woman was thrown off because it was thought she wouldn't survive the journey. It is said that she and her son live in the ocean to this day, and he is called "Freedom Child of the Sea." Only when there is harmony among all people will he and his mother be able to live on land as others do. Reassuring the young man that there is hope for all humanity, the stranger goes on his way.

    There his spiritual journey begins. Powerful illustrations make stunning use of northwest coast Native American motifs to create a compelling atmosphere of mystery and displacement. Over 50,000 copies in print! 1996 American Book Award winner 1995 Best Children's Book of the Pacific Northwest 1996 Washington State Governor's Award winner

    The loving Father image with which most children are familiar tells them much about our God, but it cannot say it all.

    For my birthday, my friend Patrick gave me a plastic Indian figure and my brother gave me an old cupboard. When I put the plastic figure into the cupboard, the figure came alive! This book has photos from the movie inside!

    With rolling rhymes and bold paintings, Gina Wilson and David Parkins create a rugged, raucous tomcat that readers won't soon forget.

    Mole and his family move to a new home and interact with all the villagers in this tale leading up to Christmas. The story culminates with the village gathering together to celebrate Christmas.

    A toy duck's recklessness ends his days as the fastest of all Tim's toys.

    After being nibbled on by mice and carried off by a cat, Timothy's frog loses all his rice stuffing, but ends up bigger and braver than before.

    Anne's grandfather tells how he became interested in flying in the early days of flight when barnstorming was popular.

    

    'God Made Kittens' by Marian Bennett and illustrated by Kathryn Hutton is a book for children to enjoy about the wonderful creation of God well known by children--Kittens!

    

    The illustrations make it appropriate for young kids, yet the message also addresses adults. It gives readers the opportunity to share feelings they have for others, but don't always express.

    Each volume in this series accurately incorporates the most recent scientific knowledge, providing a detailed picture of the daily life of each dinosaur. These books will appeal to children as they contain the same realistic approach to paleontology as seen in the movies Dinosaur, Jurassic Park, and The Lost World.

    The Three Little Pigs and Rapunzel-two favorite fairytale classics-are richly retold with illustrations by award-winning artist Jim Harris.

    Relates, in simple rhyming text, a child's bedtime activities, from singing a song and brushing teeth to playing a game and counting sheep.

    A colorful introduction for toddlers to the sounds of the animal world prompts them to poke through the hole in each page in order to discover which friendly animal squawked, mooed, or cockle-doodle-dooed.

    Tired of being a kid, Andrew leaves home and gets a job as a cowboy so he can ride the range, eat beans and corn bread, and sleep under the moon and stars.

    Then old Mr. Hoffman comes to his house, selling his colorful ties, and tells a story about a Chanukah miracle that makes this a night Seth will never forget. Full color.

    Her keepsakes--all just the right size for a mouse--can be pulled out of their decorated pouches and poured over by curious youngsters. A tiny treasure is tucked away on each spread of this full-color pocket-sized mouse's album, a companion book to Mouse Letters and Mouse House. Watercolor and ink illustrations.

    Aladdin, Jasmine, and Iago go to the marketplace at night in order to find the thief who stole the Sultan's magic goblet.

    

    (from the book of Genesis 24-28). Illustrated by Duncan Maclaren.The Bibletime series by Carine Mackenzie have been praised for their accurate retelling of great bible stories. This timeless collection has been printed in many languages throughout the world and sold in their millions. They can be read over and over again.

    Of all music, jazz best represents the diversity and dynamism of twentieth-century America, and this sumptuous volume of duotone portraits pays homage to the virtuosos who have created this extraordinarily rich music. Here are contemplative photographs of such jazz greats as Oscar Peterson, Gerry Mulligan, and McCoy Tyner, and intimate portraits that reveal the warmth and humor of such artists as Ron Carter, Milt Jackson, and Joe Henderson. Great women musicians like Betty Carter and Shirley Horn are also pictured, as are today's most popular artists including Dave Brubeck, Ray Charles, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, Peggy Lee, and Artie Shaw.The text, by jazz connoisseur Cliff Preiss, traces the development of jazz from the turn of the century, illuminating those pictured through personal histories and anecdotes. Living legends like Sonny Rollins and Max Roach are featured, as well as innovators like Cecil Taylor and Wayne Shorter, whose genius sparked phases of jazz evolution. The text also discusses those virtuosos who have reached out and integrated other popular musical forms into jazz, and spotlights today's emerging artists.

    This beautiful book, magnificently illustrated, is a book for readers of all ages. Full color.

    Based on a true story of a gamekeeper's favourite elephant, this story highlights the animals' qualities: their dignity, intelligence, loyalty and compassion. The vivid landscape of South Africa is illustrated here.

    

    For his compassion in saving the life of a young lioness, Solomon is granted the power of understanding the speech of animals. Many years later, grown powerful and arrogant, Solomon is charged by a raging lion, and his power momentarily fails him. Pastel & watercolor illustrations.

    Dramatic storytelling and breathtaking illustrations bring to life the experience of what it takes to be a true leader. Full color.

    

    

    Of course, they hit some bumps along the way, but Poppa Whopper has luck, charm, and lots of ideas, and he always manages to talk them out of trouble and into exciting new adventures. Full-color illustrations.

    

    

    When a flute's owner believes it to be in need of repair, a little girl blows out butterflies, an owl, two fish, a nightingale, green leaves, and a great bunch of goose feathers.

    Illustrated in full color.

    Simple, brightly colored illustrations will capture the preschooler's interest and reinforce the counting concept.

    Using the punch-out kittens, children can help the felines travel from one intricate spread to the other--through the garden gate, a sliding door, and an open window--until all the mittens are found. Full color.

    Some people say that you can search you whole life long and never find what it is you are looking for. But long ago when dreams were more real than they are today; there was a young boy who lived by the sea. He was called Wood Duck. His people had always lived beside the ocean. Its salty water flavoured their days. Its currents flowed through their nights. The power of the sea ran very strongly in Wood Duck. In his dreams, fish swam and sea birds flew.Told in English and Mi’kmaq

    It's a wonderful way to involve young readers and makes this book a great choice for sharing. The rich gold foil stamping and unique approach to storytelling make this a special gift.

    Full color illustrations enhance this heartwarming story.

    Illuminating the ways in which the land can renew and repair itself, the story of a plot of land--called a paddock in Australia--follows its history from its beginning as a lava field through the arrival of Aborigines and white settlers.

    

    Suitable for reading aloud or for children just learning to read, this colourful book has lots to talk about on the subject of size.

    Find the little mice and big elephant. Children will delight in exploring God's creation with My Adam and Eve Book of Opposites.

    Gabri's cheerful pictures glow with warmth, greeting readers with an explosion of bright color and simple shapes.

    A collection of scenes from Disney's Aladdin includes a tour through the Cave of Wonders and a magic carpet ride, and unfolds to create a three-dimensional diorama that can be read, displayed, or hung up as a mobile.

    They play in the garden and go to the shops and take their sleds out in the snow.

    A once-friendly giant becomes bitter and builds a wall around his garden where children used to play, but eventually he realizes how selfish he has been.

    

    

    A father tells his son, who is fearful of wolves, a story about people and wolves helping one another.

    Alvin Granowsky.

    Includes: Angels from the Realms of Glory * Birthday of a King * Deck the Halls * Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas * I'll Be Home for Christmas * It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year * Joy t

    Every day he does something stupid. But in the end, Lazy Jack manages to do something that no one else could, something very clever indeed ... Val Biro's popular illustrations add liveliness and humour to this traditional tale.

    They play together, share snacks together, and wherever Hannah goes, Jack is sure to follow. But when the family takes a trip to Grandma's, Jack must stay behind. Hannah misses him and can't seem to enjoy her visit, until she and Grandma come up with just the right way for Hannah to share her trip with Jack, despite the miles between them. Full color.

    

    Watch Zundel work his magic and turn his coat into a jacket, his jacket into a vest, his vest into a pocket, as it keeps Zundel company through his long and happy life. With its spirited, folksy illustrations, Bit By Bit is a heart-warming tale about the tradition of storytelling.

    Newly arrived from Denmark, Lars founded the town of New Hope when a broken axle kept him from going west. "Family and place are intertwined in a handsome chronicle about the history of a small town....An immensely appealing book."--Horn Book.

    So how will Santa deliver his presents?The golden kangaroo has a solution and every year he takes Santa on quite a journey!Sing along to the John Williamson CD for a uniquely Australian Christmas.

    When Mama Crow finds some seal meat on the beach, mischievous Raven sneaks a rock into her basket and steals the meat for himself. But Crow discovers the trick and sends her hungry babies to Raven's house to be fed! Color illustrations.

    

    When he hears that a reward is being offered to anyone who can cure the czar of Russia of a terrible illness, Yoshka sets out to test his skills in the world. As he makes his way to the czar's palace, every person he meets tries to trick Yoshka--but he outwits them all!

    - Eye-catching covers- Bigger, brighter photographs- Vibrant color- Informative text- Fact-filled captions- Conservation information

    

    But whether rich or poor, wherever they live, people share the same hopes and dreams and values: kindness, hospitality, love of children.These books, created with and for Oxfam, help us to discover what makes us different and what binds us together.

    Whatever's inside is hiccuping and rustling, but refuses to come out. That is, until Bear, who "was very old, and knew almost everything." uses kind patience and gentle encouragement to coax the mysterious creature out of its bag and right into James' heart. Full color.