He’d rather take a nap. And he’s really, really mad that everyone keeps telling him what to do! Luckily, Mama and Papa Duck are very, very patient, and soon, Duckling will join his siblings in the pond. Here is a charming story, illustrated with exquisite, up-close photos, that will help young readers learn to swim—or try anything new.

    Today they’re going for a dip in the big ocean. “This is going to be so great,” says Little Crab, splish-splashing and squelch-squelching along, all the way to the very edge. Then comes a first glance down at the waves. WHOOSH! Maybe it’s better if they don’t go in? With vivid colors, bold shapes, and his trademark visual humor, Chris Haughton shows that sometimes a gentle “don’t worry, I’m here” can keep tentative little crabs sidestepping ahead — and help them discover the brilliant worlds that await when they take the plunge.

    . . of a worm. Surprisingly, a worm not that different from you or me: He lives with his parents, plays with his friends, and even goes to school. But unlike you or me, he never has to take a bath, he gets to eat his homework, and because he doesn't have legs, he just can't do the hokey pokey -- no matter how hard he tries. Oh, and his head looks a lot like his rear end.Doreen Cronin, the New York Times best-selling author of Click, Clack, Moo and Giggle, Giggle, Quack, teams up with illustrator Harry Bliss for this hysterical journal about the daily doings and the hidden world of a lovable underground dweller.

    Reluctant sleepers will sympathize with the determined Alfie, even as they are lulled to rest by this gentle, charming tale.

    . . nine wood ducks hatch, one by one. "That's good!" says Mama. "We're almost done." One last egg is very still. . . . Finally, the smallest egg hatches. Then it's time for all the wood ducks to make the BIG jump from the tree, where their mother made her nest, to the water below. Ducklings One through Nine make the leap. But Duckling Ten isn't so sure. This adorable counting book highlights the giant leap that wood ducks must make on their second day in the world.

    until, at last, he falls asleep.

    Whether he learns it from the hoot of the wise old owl or the song of the jolly red robin, this wee little guy will see that being shy doesn't stop him from meeting a wee little friend.

    It's a fun-filled tale about discovering new friends and appreciating others' differences.Fans of Charles Fuge's Little Wombat will rejoice at the adorable creature's return--and at the introduction of an appealing new friend for his hero. And what an unusual animal Platypus is: he waddles when he walks, has a funny fuzzy face, and most special of all, can swim just like a fish. Little Wombat would love to do that too. But are wombats meant for the water...or is he better off staying on dry land?Every child who has ever eyed the swimming pool nervously will happily follow Little Wombat's success. Praise for Sometimes I like to Curl Up In a Ball!"With a repertoire of comic expressions worthy of Nathan Lane...[t]his book from a British duo is silly to the core, but it is also a pointed paean to the power of unscheduled play."---Publishers Weekly"This book celebrates the world of a preschooler with verve and excitement...Wombat is buoyant and darling, charming and fun."--School Library Journal

    He stomps and he roars and he gnashes his teeth―and he scares all the other dinosaurs right out of the forest.Only Edna, the very first chicken, is unafraid. She won't let that bully T. rex push her around! But will Edna's mighty beak and terrible flapping wings be a match for T. rex's mighty claws and terrible jaws?This hilarious tale of bravery will have readers clucking in triumph!Jed Henry's charming illustrations accompany Douglas Rees' upROARious tale.

    J. Funnybunny in this humorous and touching Beginner Book by Marilyn Sadler and Roger Bollen. It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny tells the “tail” of P.J. and his quest to become something other than what he is. Is it more fun to be a bear, a bird, or a pig? Read along as P.J. tries to determine who he is—and where he belongs. Originally created by Dr. Seuss, Beginner Books encourage children to read all by themselves, with simple words and illustrations that give clues to their meaning."Sick of being a bunny, P. J. Funnybunny takes off to become a bear. Hibernation gets dull, so he tries being a bird. And so it goes, with beavers, pigs, possums, and skunks--till P. J. realizes that bunnyhood is for him. The short, repeating text is ideal for beginners and the bright, humorous cartoons will get immediate attention."-- School Library Journal.

    A timeless classic to read aloud with little ones. Full color.

    A mountain standing alone in the middle of a desert plain asks a small bird named Joy to stay when she stops to rest. Joy promises that she and her descendants will return each spring, and over time, they transform the mountain into the perfect home.

    Much, much bigger than Mother Kangaroo's pouch. But Little Kangaroo would rather stay with Mommy, where it's safer, warmer and easier. Mom tries to show Little Kangaroo all that life has to offer. It does no good at first, but then...A splendid picture book about letting go in a loving way.

    Come deep into the forest if you dare...but beware the Terrible Bloodsuckling Toothpluckling Stonechuckling Spittler!

    But her inspiring story of spunk and determination captured hearts around the world. Cheer on smart, sassy, and fearless Fiona as she defeats the odds and becomes a happy, healthy hippopotamus.Fiona the Hippo teaches children:Anything is possible with positivity and perseveranceNever give up, no matter what the oddsLove and support from others are powerfulIn this whimsical and inspiring tale, children will:Laugh as they read about Fiona letting out a snort, wiggling her ears, and saying, "I’ve got this." Be delighted to meet Fiona’s lovable animal friends at the zoo Fiona the Hippo, by New York Times bestselling artist Richard Cowdrey (Bad Dog, Marley), is a heroine for children and adults everywhere, and she will steal hearts and give readers the courage to face whatever challenges they might have in their own lives.