But when they get to kindergarten, they discover that the girls play with the girls, and the boys with the boys; suddenly Ivy and Fletch find themselves apart on the playground, on the Princess Team and the Pirate Team. It isn't until Fletch steps in to rescue Princess Ivy from pirate capture that they realize they miss playing together. Can they desegregate their playground?This lighthearted story of cooperation and open-mindedness will resonate with kids, parents, and teachers everywhere.

    So Santa tried just about everything -- from a chimney sweep to a postman to a circus performer. But none of these worked out. It wasn't until he met a group of elves who helped him use all his special talents, that Santa was able to find his dream job.

    First published in 1921, the poem's message about the individual worth of those often overlooked strikes a familiar chord in a society struggling to come to terms with its own victims of homelessness, drug abuse, and alienation.The poem is made new with the addition of Greg Newbold's illustrations. Newbold's images -- which are rich in detail, and made even more so by his use of color and light and his painterly style -- evoke a bygone era that is old-fashioned, small-town, pleasantly nostalgic. Newbold's work in Touch of the Master's Hand has already been recognized by the Society of Illustrators and Communication Arts magazine with a 1996 Award of Merit.

    It grew from love.The animals and humans always knew their tree was special. The trunk was the best place to host championship bingo tournaments, and the branches were perfect for swinging in the shade!But when the tree gets sick, neighbors new and old will have to join forces if they have any chance of saving their treetop home.A touching tale based on the true story of one special tree, and the community that brought it back to life.

    A lonely tree stands in an empty field on Christmas Eve. Will the Christmas star grant his only wish? Written for children, but enjoyed by all.  New for 2012: A fully illustrated version is now available.  Just search "The Lonely Christmas Tree (Illustrated)".

     But then one day she paints, and she paints, and she paints some more, until she runs out of things to paint. Or does she? Don't Paint the Cat is a silly story about embracing the things we love, but also recognizing that even fun things must have their limits. It also teaches that even mommies can say, "I was wrong."Perfect for kids from 4-9, and parents of all ages.

    When the other little chameleons turn green, yellow or blue -- he turns red, purple or orange! Leon doesn't turn the opposite color on purpose. He just can't help it. Being different makes Leon feel lonely. One day, the little chameleons go exploring and lose their way. As the parents anxiously search for their little ones, they suddenly spot a speck of color far off in the distance. It's Leon! And thanks to his brilliant hue, the little chameleons are rescued. This time, being different makes Leon feel proud! Leon the Chameleon is a charming story that also explores the basic elements of color. At the end of the book, a color wheel displays primary colors and their complementary hues.

    Their nighttime ritual includes bathtime, brushing teeth, hugs, and a storybook read aloud. Once tucked under the covers with stuffed animals, the child is lulled to sleep, watched over by her night-light and puppy friend. This is a wonderful bedtime story with sweet text by Deborah Lee Rose, complemented by the warm illustrations of Dan Andreasen. Praise for Someone's Sleepy "There will never be a magic book that puts every child to sleep, but this hushed cadence is certain to soothe"—Kirkus Reviews"This soothing story, which includes graphite, ink, and digital illustrations of yawning pets and toys, will remind children that bedtime is a time for quiet and dreams."—School Library Journal"For parents and caregivers who have exhausted Goodnight Moon."—Booklist

    Show me helping. Show me sharing when we play. Show me NOISY, Show me quiet. Show me putting things away. From the team that created A Kiss Means I Love You, this new book of engaging photos will “show” early learners simple actions and concepts that all children learn as they begin to socialize and communicate. Lively, charming photos illustrate real kids doing common activities like helping and sharing or pushing and pulling. A perfect companion to the first book, Show Me Happy is a delightful read-aloud that will make any story time expressive and fun.

    . . .”  Nothing takes the place of splashing in a puddle or jumping into a pile of autumn leaves. Along with the mud and sand that gets tracked indoors come memories that live forever! Mary McKenna Siddals has written a joyous anthem that encourages children to play in the dirt. It will surely resonate with today’s overscheduled as well as sedentary kids, and their parents.

    Here's the story of a magic potion called Robo-Sauce. It's all happy fun times until robots take over and transform this very book, right before your eyes. Get ready for a surprise ending, the likes of which humanity has never seen!

    They dig, they plant, they play, they wait . . . and wait . . . until at last, the brown becomes a more hopeful shade of brown, a sign that spring may finally be on its way. Julie Fogliano's tender story of anticipation is brought to life by the distinctive illustrations Erin E. Stead, recipient of the 2011 Caldecott Medal.

    But sweet Bebe won't sit still! He toddles after the waves, chases a bouncing pelota, and even surfs on a sand sculpture. When Bebé finally tuckers out, Mama gets her chance to soak up el sol.Mama and Bebe spiced things up in their first book together, Bebé Goes Shopping--and now they're at it again!Includes a glossary of Spanish words.

    Well, maybe just the feet . . . hee hee! And the tummy . . . pbbbb! And, oh no — not the armpits . . . har, har! Eee-hee! A spirited tickle fest winds up as a sweet family cuddle in a story sure to tickle kids’ funny bones.

    Pearl breaks the big we-need-a-sandcastle problem into smaller steps, then uses conditionals, loops, and other basic coding concepts to tell Pascal exactly what to do. But building a sandcastle isn’t as easy as it sounds when surfboards, mischievous dogs, and coding mishaps get in the way! Just when it looks like the sandcastle might never work, Pearl uses her coding skills to save the day and create something even better: a gorgeous sandcastle kingdom!