An ugly duckling spends an unhappy year ostracized by the other animals in the barnyard before he grows into a beautiful swan.

    Good for new chapter readers. Someone has been stealing Adam's underwear. He knows exactly who- a blue, furry monster! The monster then begins stealing other things. Adam knows the monster must be stopped. But how do you trap a monster that can appear and disappear in an instant? It doesn't quite end how Adam thinks it will!

    The strongest, wisest, bravest bear in the world, he is also the smallest, no bigger than the size of your thumb. Other animals of the forest stand in awe of him-except one: a mustached monster who captures four of Urso's bears and puts them in his zoo, but who learns all too soon that the Little Father is truly a force to be reckoned with. On his way to rescue the lost bears, Urso Brunov matches wits with a tribe of boars, teaches manners to a billygoat, skims across the Deep River on a wooden flute, and finally confronts the Lord of All Sands. He'll get those bears back, never fear-believe him, for he is Urso Brunov!

    The old woman had only one wish: to celebrate a real Christmas, with a tree and presents and candles and food. Just once.High up in the heavens, Star Mother’s youngest child makes a wish, too. “Mother!” he wails, “just once I want to celebrate Christmas like they do down there!” So Star Mother sends him to earth, where he finds a hut and knocks on the door . . .In this original, heartwarming fable, Louise Moeri tells the story of an unlikely friendship and how it made two Christmas wishes come true."In three words I can state clearly why I wanted to be a part of the children's book field: Trina Schart Hyman. In 1975, the year I graduated from college, I won a literary prize for my own writing and with the money I bought books. One book in particular altered the course of my life: STAR MOTHER'S YOUNGEST CHILD. Both the story and Trina's heartfelt illustrations propelled me to be a part of the wondrous world of children's books. I still have my first edition copy, a bit tattered from frequent readings and poring over Trina's artwork. Whenever I needed encouragement this book, with all its magic, gave me that artistic boost." Olivier Dunrea, author.

    Especially when there's nothing very special to say about her house or her family or herself. But with the help of her older brother, Melissa borrows a bottle from her father's dental office to take to show and tell. The teacher is appalled, but the children are intrigued. David Catrow's hilariously zany illustrations reveal that there is nothing ordinary about Melissa Herman, or her house or her family. The bright artwork is laugh-aloud funny and will have children begging to hear the story again, or maybe invent their very own tale.

    As ever, Mister Wolf is in hot pursuit, but he can’t think which story Preston’s red coat and hood reminds him of, and so he can’t remember what he is supposed to do…“This will be very popular with three-to-seven year olds.” —Daily Telegraph

    Fierce Molly is out to show ferocious Captain Firebeard and his motley crew just who really rules the high seas in PIRATE GIRL. And brave Ben, THE WILDEST BROTHER, battles moldy green ghosts and slime-belching monsters--until the sun goes down. That's when he seeks the protection of his big sis! Children everywhere will cheer for the feisty heroes in this happy collection. Meyer's witty artwork and Funke's perfect balance of humor and truth make it a treasury to cherish.Book Details: Format: Hardcover Publication Date: 4/1/2008 Pages: 96 Reading Level: Age 4 and Up

    Does she love him when he's gentle? Does she love him when he's not? Does she love him when he jumps in puddles wearing his new sneakers? Simple, charming, and disarming, Ann Stott's story will resonate with little listeners and adults alike. Matt Phelan's funny, poignant drawings capture the child's behavior, both good and bad, and the mother's unconditional love.

    With a jazzily rhthmic, rhyming text and quirky, funny illustrations, this version of hte familiar favorite is irresistible.:This ultracool version of the fairy tale . . . updates the classic with singular flair."--Publishers Weekly

    The critically acclaimed artist Charles Fuge joins writer Angela McAllister to create a charmingly illustrated, deeply reassuring tale about getting lost and found again.An endearing little wombat and his friends love playing hide-and-seek--even though Wombat doesn't quite understand all the rules of the game. When it's his turn to seek, he hides once more, then calls out "Two, TEN" and opens his eyes. So Rabbit and Koala suggest he count 10 flowers and then search for them. But Wombat doesn't count the pink blossoms nearby; he wanders far away, over the hill, looking for yellow ones. Suddenly, the little animal realizes he's very, very alone...But you can always depend on friends-and mom--coming to the rescue.Cuddly, sweet-faced, and personality-filled animals in Fuge's inimitable style, plus a comforting story that kids will really empathize with, add up to a winning combination.

    They do everything together--eat, sleep, play, even dream. Then school starts, and for the first time the little girl has to leave her beloved companion behind at home. Without the ticky-tacky doll by her side, she grows more sad-eyed and lonely each day. Luckily, Grandmama knows just what to do. . . .

    Yes, even the postman. She has everything a child could want, but not the one thing every child - and every grownup, too - needs. Love. Desperate for a friend, Emmeline makes a wish upon a magical star. It is a wish that will change the lives of everyone she knows forever.

    . . .But you have ruined everything.Welcoming new siblings isn't the easiest thing to do. But if you give them a chance, you'll discover how much fun they are. So maybe there is room for another king or queen?Linda Ashman and David McPhail share the creative spotlight in this humorous and charming picture book about adjusting to a new sibling.

    How he wishes his mother would serve up a nice platter of his favorite dish: Boy! But Boy is hard to come by these days. As Little Wolf trudges home from school one day, he decides to postpone his boring dinner by shouting "Boy! Boy!" But what will happen when a real boy finally comes along? In this hilarious twisted tale, Little Wolf learns the same timeless lesson that the boy who cried "Wolf!" did so many years ago.

    Goldilocks lives with the seven dwarfs, a princess kisses a reluctant dragon, and she and her prince rescue the Wicked Witch of the West...until all mischief is sorted out and everyone lives happily ever after. Jean Little and Maggie de Vries' whimsical text and Phoebe Gilman's magical illustrations make this a magnificent feast for anyone who loves a good story — even when it's wrong!