So he goes to ask Leo, the wise turtle. When he arrives, the turtle is struggling to dig in his garden, and Nikolai rushes to help him. As he finishes work, a violent storm rolls in. Nikolai runs for Leo's cottage, but on his way, he hears cries for help from an injured panda. Nikolai brings her in from the cold, and then rushes back outside to rescue her baby too.

    Thankfully, the bestselling duo of author Laura Numeroff and illustrator Felicia Bond -- creators of If You Take a Mouse to the Movies and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie -- have teamed up to show us the hijinks a whiskered school guest could cause.Starting with asking for your lunchbox, this critter is set for mischief. The feisty mouse asks for a snack for later (cookies of course), a notebook, and pencils, and wants "to share your backpack, too." After he arrives at school, the pushy classmate tries his hand (make that paw) at math and writing on the blackboard, afterward whipping up a messy, pink science experiment and building a "little mouse house" from blocks. The schooltime antics don't stop there, but a busy mouse tends to get hungry after so much playtime. Naturally his snack is in the lunchbox, which is stored "in a safe place" with his new picture book inside.Following the whimsical style of their previous books, Numeroff and Bond have done it again. Their high-adrenaline mouse will have readers cheering while their eyes comb the illustrations for extra nibbles of fun. Although the book's main human character looks positively exhausted at the end, we can only holler for more of the little guy with the huge school spirit. Matt Warner

    Now brought luminously to life by K. Y. Craft's lavish paintings, this new edition of a timeless favorite is sure to enchant readers both young and old. Fairy tale lovers have been eagerly awaiting Craft's next magical romance since the release of her Cinderella. With illustrations inspired by the magnificent style of Baroque painters, the sumptuous color and exquisite detail of this breathtaking interpretation make it a dream come true.

    But then he and his father find a beautiful tapestry for sale in a secondhand shop. Just the thing to cover the damaged wall and give the church a festive look! But then, amazingly, an old Jewish woman who is visiting the church recognizes the beautiful cloth. It is her discovery that leads to a real miracle on Christmas Eve. This timely tale of love and generosity between people of different religious faiths is a wonderful showcase for Polacco's art. It features snowy holiday scenes and a colorful tapestry that is almost a character in itself.

    . . what do snowmen do at night? This delightful wintertime tale reveals all! Caralyn Buehner's witty, imaginative verse offers many amusing details about the secret life of snowmen and where they go at night, while Mark Buehner's roly-poly snowmen are bursting with personality and charm. From the highly successful team that created such winning titles as Fanny's Dream, Snowmen at Night is fabulous, frosty, and fun!

    But even after the tea has been brewed and the corn has been popped, Bear just snores on! See what happens when he finally wakes up and finds his cave full of uninvited guests -- all of them having a party without him!

    But will the prince find Cinderella after her ball gown turns back into rags? This classic tale is retold by Ruth Sanderson with the very youngest of readers in mind.

    Harvey fireboat was the largest, fastest, shiniest fireboatof its time, but by 1995, the city didn't need old fireboats anymore. So the Harvey retired, until a group of friends decided to save it from the scrap heap. Then, one sunny September day in 2001, something so horrible happened that the whole world shook. And a call came from the fire department, asking if the Harvey could battle the roaring flames. In this inspiring true story, Maira Kalman brings a New York City icon to life and proves that old heroes never die.

    . . 'NO! It's not my fault! I didn't mean to! It was an accident!'" Whatever the situation, David's got a good excuse. And no matter what he's done "wrong," it's never really his fault. Soon, though, David realizes that making excuses makes him feel bad, and saying he's sorry makes him feel better. Once again, David Shannon entertains us with young David's mischievous antics and a lighthearted story that's sure to leave kids (and parents) laughing.

    Their favorite activities are eating, sleeping, and digging holes. Here, in the words of one unusually articulate wombat, is the tongue-in-cheek account of a busy week; eating, sleeping, digging holes . . . and training its new neighbors, a family of humans, to produce treats on demand. This entertaining book, with its brief, humorous text and hilarious illustrations, will endear the wombat to young children, who may recognize in the determined furry creature some qualities that they share.

    'But keep an eye on Duck. He's trouble.' Bob follows the instructions in Farmer Brown's notes exactly to the letter. He orders pizza with anchovies for the hens, bathes the pigs with bubble bath, and lets the cows chose a movie. Is that giggling he hears? The duck, the cows, the hens and the pigs are back in top form in this hilarious follow-up to 'Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type'.

    But do you have any idea how the age-old tale of the Spider and the Fly ends? Join celebrated artist Tony DiTerlizzi as he -- drawing inspiration from one of his loves, the classic Hollywood horror movies of the 1920s and 1930s -- shines a cinematic spotlight on Mary Howitt's warning, written to her own children about those who use sweet words to hide their not-so-sweet intentions.

    Instead of aspiring to get married, Ruby is determined to attend university when she grows up, just like the boys in her family. Based upon the inspirational story of the author's grandmother and accompanied by richly detailed illustrations, Ruby's Wish is an engaging portrait of a young girl who strives for more and a family who rewards her hard work and courage.

    In reality, Brotweiler is more like camp than prison, but still, Ike's not cut out for life without Mrs. LaRue. Finally, he runs away only to find himself back in Snort City -- just in time to save Mrs. LaRue's life.A classic picture book written and illustrated by How Do Dinosaurs...? artist Mark Teague.

    Although he can't understand her words, he returns day after day all summer to hear the woman read to him. Each night he carries the sound of her stories--of sailors and goddesses and far-off lands--back to his cave. The stories are from another world, but their sound touches him.

    Only Noah had been warned by God of the great floodand only Noah could save life on earth. This powerful story of salvation has fascinated people of all ages for centuries. Now, four-time Caldecott Honor-recipient Jerry Pinkney captures all the courage, drama, and beauty of this ancient parable in rich, glorious paintings. Full of sensitive detail and emotion, his art brings new life and meaning to an important message of peace. This elegant edition of Noah's Ark promises to give readers strength and hope for many years to come.

    With smart trousers, a smart shirt, stripy tie and shiny shoes, George is a new giant.But on his way home, he meets various animals who desperately need his help ... and his clothes!"My absolute favourite of this year's picture books ... Julia Thompson and Axel Scheffler are a combination made in heaven." - The Independent on Sunday"Who could resist?" - The Sunday Times

    First published to wide acclaim in 2002, this eye-opening book has since become a classic, promoting "world-mindedness" by imagining the world's population -- all 6.8 billion of us -- as a village of just 100 people. Now, If the World Were a Village has been newly revised with updated statistics, several new activities and completely new material on food security, energy and health. By exploring the lives of the 100 villagers, children will discover that life in other nations is often very different from their own. If the World Were a Village is part of CitizenKid: A collection of books that inform children about the world and inspire them to be better global citizens.

    Not on your HEAD baby baby baby, please! Vivid illustrations from celebrated artist Kadir Nelson evoke toddlerhood from sandbox to high chair to crib, and families everywhere will delight in sharing these exuberant moments again and again.

    Kids will relate, & parents & teachers will appreciate the story's deft handling of conflict resolution (which happens w/o adult intervention)Mean Jean was Recess Queenand nobody said any different.Nobody swung until Mean Jean swung.Nobody kicked until Mean Jean kicked.Nobody bounced until Mean Jean bounced.If kids ever crossed her, she'd push 'em and smoosh 'emlollapaloosh 'em, hammer 'em, slammer 'emkitz and kajammer 'em.Until a new kid came to school!With her irrepressible spirit, the new girl dethrones the reigning recess bully by becoming her friend in this infectious playground romp.

    Now this beautiful collection brings together nine of his best-loved stories, including the 1963 Caldecott Medal-winning book The Snowy Day and Caldecott Honor book Goggles!, plus Whistle for Willie, Peter's Chair, Apt. 3, and others. Also included is artwork from an unfinished picture book, The Giant Turnip, published here for the very first time. An introduction by celebrated critic of children's literature Anita Silvey outlines Keats's career and inimitable contributions. In addition, five of the most important writers and illustrators working in the field today share their thoughts on Keats and the legacy he left behind. An afterword describes his incredible life, from his childhood in Brooklyn to children's book legend.

    One morning Gossie can’t find her beloved boots. She looks everywhere for them: under the bed, over the wall, even in the barn. Preschoolers will enjoy helping Gossie find her red boots and delight in where Gossie finally finds them.

    Drawing mustaches on the characters, pasting telephones into the rooms, and cutting out Prince Charming and the royal thrones had seemed like good fun. But then Herb never imagined he'd fall into the book one night. After contending with a petulant Goldilocks, a very angry wicked stepmother, and a disappointed Cinderella, all Herb wants to do is find his way off the page. If only he can escape the book, he can make everything happily ever after again... sort of. With exuberant collage illustrations and a hilarious text, award-winning author and illustrator Lauren Child has created a wild and irreverent romp through the land of fairy tales.

    She spins round with her hippo, blows bubbles in the bath with giraffe, and picnics on brown bread and honey with her bear when it's sunny. And, did you ever meet a leopard in top hat and tail? He's simply the best, as anyone can see. It's the most delightful menagerie imaginable, and the sweetest story--with a little twist at the end.

    When she decides to pick them for her neighbor, Mrs. Bishop, she starts a chain reaction that multiplies around the world.

    But this year, the trolls are in for a surprise: a boy and his pet ice bear on their way to Oslo have come in from the cold. And once the ice bear is finished with the trolls, you can bet they won't come knocking next Christmas Eve!Once again, Jan Brett creates an original Christmas story full of warmth and magic. Featuring beautiful borders, intricate illustrations, and a stunning display of the Northern Lights, Who's That Knocking on Christmas Eve? will rightfully take its place among Jan's Christmas favorites with the whole family.

    Every night, when the little boy went to sleep, his teddy bear was right there next to him. When the little boy went on a trip, his teddy bear went too—until one terrible day when the teddy bear was left behind . . .A compassionate tale of friends lost and foundThis is the wonderful story of a friend who is lost and found and lost and found again, and of a little boy who begins to understand the meaning of compassion.

    This stunning picture book is the perfect gift for art enthusiasts of all ages.When her mother was worn out from caring for her five sisters, her father gave her lessons in brushwork and color. When polio kept her bedridden for nine months, drawing saved her from boredom. When a bus accident left her in unimaginable agony, her paintings expressed her pain and depression - and eventually, her joys and her loves. Over and over again, Frida Kahlo turned the challenges of her life into art. Now Jonah Winter and Ana Juan have drawn on both the art and the life to create a playful, insightful tribute to one of the twentieth century's most influential artists. Viva Frida!

    When Ivan-Tsarevitch, youngest son of the Tsar, goes on a quest for the amazing bird, he finds himself flying over mountains and woods on a talking wolf, confronting a wicked Baba Yaga, and rescuing an enchanted princess from Koshchei the Immortal. But when he returns from his magical journey, he brings home the most precious treasure of all. Gennady Spirin brings this original version of the Firebird tale from his native Russia and has illustrated it in his trademark rich, luminous style. This retelling of a classic is sure to become the new standard.

    When the people of an island find a man sitting on their shore, they immediately reject him because he is different. Fearful to the point of delusional paranoia, the islanders lock him in a goat pen, refuse him work, and feed him scraps they would normally feed a pig. As their fears progress into hatred, they force him into the sea. The charcoal illustrations complement the sparse and beautifully understated narrative.

    Whether mommies work far away or at home, cook or order pizza, they are all lots of fun and filled with love.This is the perfect book for celebrating mommies on Mother's Day, and all year round.

    Biddlebox rolled overOn the wrong side of her bunk.Mrs. Biddlebox is having a really bad day. The birds are screeching, her belly is grumbling, and even her crumpets are stale. What is she to do? Then, suddenly, Mrs. Biddlebox has the most bewitching idea!With a pinch of magic and just the right amount of humor, Linda Smith and Marla Frazee have whipped up an enchantingly original tale that will charm anyone who's ever woken up on the wrong side of the bunk.

    With the support of his dad, the barber, and the other men in the barbershop, Miles bravely sits through his first haircut.

    But you will laugh at what he has to do to get the family's attention. They are, after all, turkeys. And rarely has a story about them been told with such warmth and cleverness. Or with such witty pictures.

    They splash in the rain, play hide-and-seek, and they dive in the pond together. Everywhere Gossie goes, Gertie does too. Or does she? With charming illustrations and gentle text, Olivier Dunrea has created two lovable, sweet characters that will appeal to the youngest listeners.

    Everything they do will be in honor of Jasper --- sort of like a birthday. But it isn't Jasper's birthday. The old dog's cancer has gotten really bad. Riley knows they can't let him suffer any longer, but letting go will be the hardest thing he's ever had to do.Marjorie Blain Parker's tender story is filled with smiles, tears and the joy of special memories, and Janet Wilson's gentle pastels capture the depth of love shared by a boy and his dog. Together, they speak of acceptance, remembrance and the importance of cherishing life's every moment.

     Whether your dad walks you to school or walks you to the bus, whether he wears suits or two different socks, whether he has a lot of hair or a little, Todd Parr assures readers that no matter what kind of daddy you have, every father is special in his own unique way. With his trademark bold, bright colors and silly scenes, kids will learn that while no two dads are exactly alike, "all daddies love to hug and kiss you," and that is what is so special about them! Perfect for young children just beginning to read, The Daddy Book is designed to encourage early literacy, enhance emotional development, celebrate multiculturalism, promote character growth, and strengthen family relationships.

    Hassan has only recently arrived in the United States after he and his family were forced to flee Somalia, and he deeply misses the colorful landscape of his former home in Africa. But with the help of his parents, an understanding teacher, and a school art project, Hassan finds that by painting a picture of his old home and sharing his story, his homesickness and the trauma of leaving a war-torn country are lessened. And he finds that there are many things to like about his new home in America. The colorful, impressionistic illustrations are a perfect complement to the wonderful text by Mary Hoffman, author of the highly acclaimed Amazing Grace. Together art and text make this poignant story accessible and affecting for a young audience.

    His quest to recover it leads him to a remote seaside hotel visited by some remarkable guests. Illustrated by the masterful Roberto Innocenti, this book celebrates the wonders of the imagination.

    They can't decide what they like best: the great feast (with zillions of meatloafs and gazillions of Jell-O salads), the softball game, the storytelling . . . the yearly rituals go on and on. But this year, Gramma has a new surprise in store: She promises to teach the grandchildren to catch lightning in a jar. Lightning in a jar! Trisha can't wait to find out what she means. It's a secret she will pass down to her own grandchildren one day, along with the family stories handed down with love through all the generations.

    Painted in acrylics this is a delightful picture book which ends with a wonderful Christmas surprise - the promise of a new friendship between a tiny mouse, and a big bear, who doesn't seem quite so scary after all.

    The woodburning stove provided warmth and comfort, delicious soups, and hot potatoes to warm cold hands on frozen winter mornings. It provided a glowing screen for a young girl's imagination, and protection from the howling ice monsters in the night. But most of all, it was the true heart of the home -- one the young girl never knew how much she would miss until it was gone.

    First there's Mommy to find, with Daddy not far behind. Then Puppy comes peeking around the corner, and a favorite toy train brings the toddler to Grandma and Grandpa. Isadora's brilliant, joyful pastel illustrations capture the familiar and cozy people, toys and animals that will delight babies.Join this sweet toddler in the morning fun, sharing words your baby can repeat and pictures your baby will recognize. Then find out what this toddler sees next. It could be you!

    There's always something happening in percy's park! Here are four adventures of everybody's favourite park keeper and his animal friends. Featuring: The Secret Path The Rescue Party After the Storm One Snowy Night with music and sound effects.

    The lively, simple text follows George’s day as he discovers the wonder of plants. Eye-catching illustrations are coupled with photographs of grasses, fruits and plants to make a highly original book, building awareness in children of the natural world.

    As the feather travels through the pages of the book, it becomes a whisker for a cat, a quill for a porcupine, and a tail for a dog. A real purple feather inserted in the back of the book makes the ending especially surprising and satisfying. Created out of everyday objects such as pickles, forks, buttons, and ice-cream cones, Piven's illustrations will amaze readers young and old.

    As with every project, he starts his final masterpiece by clearing away the years of debris left behind by the many pigeons who nest in the nooks and crannies of Rome’s great architecture. There, among the sticks and feathers, he discovers a wounded bird. Finding no safe place to leave her, Angelo becomes the bird’s reluctant savior. As the church nears completion, Angelo begins to worry about the future of his aviary friend. “What will become of you? Where will you go . . . where will you . . . live?” he asks her. Realizing what he must do, Angelo returns to the church to add one final finishing touch. Through his artistry as a master craftsman he answers the questions about his humble friend and assures that he will not be forgotten. With his expressive illustrations, filled with detail and humor and infused with the warm, terra-cotta glow of the Mediterranean, David Macaulay will once again capture his readers’ hearts and imaginations with this poignant story of enduring friendship.

    His search leads him on a remarkable adventure, and to new summits of friendship. As ever, Holly Hobbie's extraordinary watercolor illustrations are at once funny and moving as they bring to life this whimsical tale of the inimitable Toot and Puddle.

    So Boy spends most days alone, in the fenced backyard, feeling vaguely unloved and growing fat- until the day he decides to dig himself out. With sensitivity and skill, Susan Boase reminds us that every dog deserves his day- and perhaps, if we are truly fortunate, at day's end, we will find companionship and love.

    Full-color illustrations.

    They did everything together -- until one day, everything started to change.This beautiful and touching story shows that even as life takes different turns, friendship endures.

    At least it seems crowded until Green Cat shows up. He’s going to show us what a really crowded room can look like. By the time he piles in everything from a toaster to a giraffe, the amazed siblings are ready to admit that sharing a room is not so bad after all.

    Now with DOG FOOD, the duo turns its talents to the canine realm, wittily reworking familiar doggy phrases for a whole new level of humor and meaning. These pepper pooches and mango mutts are guaranteed to charm dog owners, dog lovers, and even -- dare we say it -- cat fans. Chow down!

    The objects featured in this book were made by Williams, reflecting his inimitable style. Strange objects a-plenty. A fitting successor to his previous publications, including the international bestseller, Masquerade.

    

    Each day they clear, plant, and harvest the land, leaving little time for anything else. Without ply or the joy of creation, their lives have become somber and colorless, until one day when a young girl, inspired by the dreams that will not leave her and lured by the discover of a magical link to the past, changes her own life and the lives of those around her.An old wooden chest is unearthed by the villagers. Disappointed by its worthless contents, they toss the chest aside and resume their work. But, young Maddie cannot forget the image of the beautiful painted chest and the mysterious objects within it.The Painted Chest is a story of hope and inspiration. It is for all who truly believe that we cannot live by bread alone and that the creation of "food for the spirit" can only enhance and enrich our lives.

    A modern-day Aesop, author Gayle Nordholm weaves an eloquent yet simple story that illustrates the importance of appreciating one's own self rather than envying others. Artist Jennifer Frohwerk captures the mystery and magic of the fable, with watercolors that cause the reader to linger and enjoy both word and picture. With its clever story line and visual appeal, as well as a page of fascinating Tiger Facts, this book entertains on may levels, making it a joy to read for both children and adults.

    Windy is excited about flying her blue kite on a blustery morning, but when it gets away from her, she must search the town to find it.

    I want a pony more than anything in the world. At the heart of Susan Jeffers's exquisite picture book lies the idea that in her imagination, a child can journey anywhere and do anything-even fly through the stars on her very own pony.

    The cups were bigger than he was, but he was too thirsty to care.Redd is small, even for a beetle. He's too small to reach the mailbox, too small to fly, too small even to dance at the famous Boll Weevil Ball. But when Redd sets his mind on something, nothing can stop him. Starring a very small but hugely determined beetle, this charming picture book proves that little people -- or insects -- can do great things.

    But sometimes that place isn't easy to find. You could look under a bush in your own backyard, where the world seems far away...and you could be a pirate on a desert island. Or you could sit on an old stump in the woods amidst the glittering sunlight and mossy shadows and be a timber wolf. You could look by the sea or in the desert or in a cool dark cave, but if none of these places are right, you could come home and discover another quiet place. Perhaps the very best quiet place of all -- the one that's inside of you. In poetic and gently philosophical prose, acclaimed author Douglas Wood explores what it's like to find that special place where we all can think our own thoughts and feel our own feelings. Dan Andreasen brings exquisite imagination and thoughtful wonder to words that will inspire readers of all ages to seek out their very own quiet place.

    In this famous love story, a young brave must leave his betrothed to lead a war party against the Blackfoot. Heartbroken by his absence, she falls sick, calls out for her love, and dies. Cree elders say that if you go out onto the prairies and listen, you can still hear the brave searching for his lost love, calling out "Qu'Appelle" -- who is calling?

    Features illustrations that convey the deep bond between an old man and his six cats while teaching the reader about the cycle of life.

    The Bear, the Deer, and the other big animals think they are too small to compete. In this ancient Cherokee story the little animals find a way to play in the Great Ball Game.This is a story about courage in the face of adversity, the thrill of the game, and the joy of victory. Teaching the virtues of creativity and determination, it takes us to a magical time when the animals talked and wonderful things happened in our world.Murv Jacob's beautiful drawings bring the characters of Cherokee legend to life, and Deborah Duvall's dialogue explains the ceremonial preparations and the rules of stickball, a game integral to Cherokee culture that is played enthusiastically to this day.Visit the authors' website at www.jacobandduvall.com

    Who is this terrifying creature named Storm? Huddled in the barn, the animals anxiously wait for his arrival. But when the sky gets darker, growling fiercely and flashing bright lights, the animals are relieved. The sky must be trying to protect them by scaring away Storm! Young children will relish the simple humor of this farm tale, made all the more delightful through its dynamic, expressive illustrations.

    Meet the mice who live in Squeak Street.There's Old Bun in Number One,One-Shoe in Number Two,Fee-Fee in Number Three...and many more, from Pink-Paw in Number Four to Adeline in Number Nine.But who lives in Number Ten?

    To the shock of the other animals, who ridicule him mercilessly, Gordon proudly walks around with his security blanket. Full of energy and tenderness, the story explores bullying and teasing as well as strength and acceptance through amusing song-like refrains and colorful images.

    Full-color illustrations.

    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.

    Arnold gives young children page after page of fun-filled hide-and-seek adventure, illustrating creatures one by one and then hiding them in their natural surroundings for kids to find.

    

    Yellow Blanky is full of delicious smells, of Mummy, and Baby Joe's mashed banana, and Pickett, the dog. Then Yellow Blanky is washed - and smells of nothing! Ages 3+

    Charming illustrations and fascinating information!

    And he has a wonderful time of it - sliding off the back of a shiny pink pig, hopping along with frogs, skipping with a flock of frisky sheep, and imitating all the sounds these animals make. Full of playful detail, John Lawrence’s bold, energetic engravings will keep toddlers smiling, long after the oinking, mooing, baaing, and quacking are over.

    Inspired by the original three bestselling titles by Jez Alborough Where's My Teddy?; It's the Bear!; and My Friend Bear, Eddy and the Bear will soon be appearing in their very own animated television series, to be screened later this year on CITV, and there's a whole range of new titles and merchandise for Eddy and the Bear fans too!

    Eddy is a little boy who has all sorts of funny adventures with his very silly bear.

    A lively, full-color celebration of an automotive era that began with '30s-fashion cars and ended with recognizably modern vehicles. It's also the story of how America's automakers helped the Allies win World War II. Uses the proven picture-caption format, with over 1,400 photos of every major make of 1940s American car, plus classic independents, such as Hudson and Studebaker. Also includes period "lifestyle" photos, contemporary auto ads, and compelling war-production art. Shows how carmakers emerged from the Great Depression, turning out guns and fighting aircraft before basking in a postwar seller's market.

    But his hard work is about to pay off in a way he never imagined!

    So Gregory draws the line straight, and draws it thick, and draws it thin, and draws it in reds and yellows and blues and mixes them all together. But the line gets bored so Gregory draws squiggles, zigzags, squares, circles and triangles that turn into houses and suns and pyramids and wonderful animals and people with funny faces. And Gregory finds himself swooping and diving with the line over more and more exciting scenes, until the line gets tired and Gregory puts it back in the red pencil and says goodnight A wonderfully fresh and inventive story that tells children about shapes and colours and will inspire them to draw, this is the first book by a new author-artist whose crayony pictures, warm colours and appealing characters have great charm.

    For lack of witnesses, the merchant is acquitted by the cadi. What is that eventually gives him away? This thrilling story, taken from the famous 'Arabian Nights', tells how a bright young boy is able to help the Caliph solve the crime.

    Children's Book: Early Readers helping at home with reward coupons on back page (Amazon).

    No one has time to cook Jim's favorite eggy or read, and Jim is very cross indeed. But, that's until one night when he's the only one who hears little Jane crying.

    "The mouse’s night is magical, full of gentle rustlings and protective shadows. A leaf gives temporary shelter from the rain, and the open air calls out for leaping and twirling. It’s a wary time—there are hungry owls about—but with a mouse’s quick eyes on the watch, it’s also a time full of secrets ripe for exploring.In lively poems and luminous illustrations, Joanne Ryder and Maggie Kneen capture a second side of the day, after the sun goes down and the mice get up. Nighttime, dream time, play time—this is the time of the mouse tail moon.

    Full color.

    Narrated by a pair of comical castle mice, this dynamic retelling features an unforgettable cast of characters, plus pop-ups and movable parts on every page."

    Rhyming text and picture clues enable your child to be part of the reading experience, and soon he or she will be “reading” to you!

    Children will love following the snail's trail as Stan goes in search of his friend, Sam.

    Puddleman loves playing in the mud-especially after he's scared off the Glassgrinder twins and made the nosy lady next door feel faint. But when Puddleman yearns for a peanut butter sandwich, he discovers that Michael's mother won't feed muddy monsters. Puddleman is left to sulk and fume-unless he can figure out a way to transform himself back into . . . Michael! This is an endearing story for young readers who love playing in the mud - and who also like peanut butter sandwiches.

    Also it rhymes. This lovely volume is a terrific gifty object (hey, have you ever tried to write book jacket copy?) as varied and delightful as a fine box of chocolates, yet with the decided advantage that there aren¹t any of those icky little pineapple jelly things.

    Author and illustrator D. B. Johnson revives the 19th-century writer's desire to live a simple life with this brilliant picture book starring one determined bear. Henry the bear wants to build a cabin in the woods. As he gathers his materials and begins his project, friends stop by and offer him advice. The small frame of the beams prompts his friend Emerson to observe, "Henry, your cabin looks too small to eat in!" Henry replies, "It's bigger than it looks." He explains that the bean patch behind the cabin shall be his dining room. When his friend Alcott notices it's a bit dark inside the cabin, Henry states that the sunny spot next to the house will be his library. Miss Lydia's remark that there is barely enough room to dance inspires Henry to dance in the curved path to the pond, his "ballroom with a grand stairway." When the cabin is finished, Henry enjoys his dining room and other amenities to the fullest. When a rain shower falls, Henry fits snugly in the walls of his cabin and says, "This is just the room I wear when it's raining!"Johnson evokes the true sensibility of Thoreau's actions. Enjoying nature and using it's bounties, Henry lives outside of his material world. Young readers will learn that constrictions of the world are only in their minds. Johnson uses colored pencil and paint on paper to illustrate the mighty Henry in the woods. Warm colors and an excellent use of angles and lines allow kids to see Henry's work from various perspectives. Youngsters will love seeing the meditative bear linger around his newly built home, reading in his "library," and eating beans in the "dining" room. The beauty of nature fills every page, from the greenery of the forest to the animals in the woods. Johnson makes every effort to illustrate the joy Henry experiences while living in his cabin.This creative retelling of one man(bear)'s quest to live in harmony with Mother Earth is sure to inspire young readers to explore and appreciate their very own green ballroom in their own backyard. (Amy Barkat)

    "This book will delight bothchildren and parents." Van Cliburn

    What if he falls off the jungle gym because of his slip-slidey-fluffy-feet? And what if he can't hear the teacher because of his fuzzy ears? But mum has an answer to all his excuses and Haybillybun soon finds himself in the classroom. And when his worried mum sneaks back to see if he's all right, Haybillybun is a having a wonderful time.

    

    Images of angels, teddy bears, pajama-clad children, and more decorate the pages accented with snuggly blanket borders.Interior pages include a space for photos of the child's parents, grandparents. Also included is a space for the parent or grandparent to write a bedtime prayer for their little one, and a page to record one of the child's very own prayers.

    Living sheltered on a lighthouse island with only her parents for company, Maita always longed for a sibling-longed not to be the only child the ragged island knew. And then one icy night, howling winds blew wave after wave against the shore, and from that fearsome storm came a sea chest-a gift that would change Maita's life forever. From a beguiling Maine legend, newcomer Toni Buzzeo has fashioned this exquisitely lyrical, intimate tale, illustrated in vibrant oil paintings by Mary GrandPre. Together they have created a book of classic beauty and resonance.

    Award-winning New Zealand children's author Tessa Duder has compiled the collection, with stunning paintings by young artist Anton Petrov. Together they have created a new classic of children's literature, full of the natural rhythms, images and metaphors of the Pacific world.

    

    A boy plants a pumpkin seed and watches the plant grow.

    The glossary in back encourages children to add new words to their vocabulary. Parents and caretakers will enjoy this 32 page 'fresh as the ocean air' spin on the universally beloved ABC book.

     With gracious text and enchanting images, Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant and acclaimed illustrator Wendy Anderson Halperin invite readers home -- to remind us why there's no place like it!