The gray sky, the soggy wait for the school bus, they seem to make everyone grumpy. Everyone except her friend Sophie, who shows Molly the magic she has been missing.The simple, poetic language in this lovely book takes readers on a journeyfrom the girls' first tentative steps into the drizzle to a rain-drenched romp in a puddle. The lyrical text is perfectly matched by the joyful watercolor paintings, which capture not only the color and beauty of a rainy day, but the warm interactions of the girls' blossoming friendship. An exuberant homage to finding pleasure where it's unexpected, the power of imagination, and the joys of friendship, I Love the Rain will have readers singing, "Sun, sun, go away!"

    When he gets to school, though, he's not so sure he's ready for kindergarten. But before long Henry discovers that the only thing he's not ready for is how much fun he's going to have at school! This gently humorous, encouraging story will give children about to enter kindergarten an extra boost of confidence."Perfect for parents to share with their children, and the endearing Henry will offer reassurance to even the most hesitant prekindergartners."-Booklist

    You thought you knew the story of the “The Three Little Pigs”… You thought wrong. In this hysterical and clever fracture fairy tale picture book that twists point of view and perspective, young readers will finally hear the other side of the story of “The Three Little Pigs.”

    . . until they take so long that the picnic is gone!

    They were good friends, and one warm, sunny morning, for no particular reason, they decided to go for a row in the bay. Do you know who sank the boat? "The idea is funny, the pictures are splendid, and the easy text is just right for the very young."--The New Yorker "A bright, brisk tale, simply told, illustrated by cheerful, comical pictures."--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

    From Donald Crews, the Caldecott Honor artist and award-winning creator of Truck, Freight Train, and many other classic picture books for young children, this picture book is a fun introduction to basic math concepts.What can you do with ten black dots?One dot can make a sun, two dots can make the eyes of a fox, and three dots can make a snowman's face.And that's just the beginning in this unique counting book! Children will develop visual learning skills, explore creativity, and practice counting numbers, all in one deceptively simple—and fun!—picture book.A proven favorite at home and in the preschool classroom.

    But some of the cupcakes have gone missing! Who could have taken them?In this picture book adventure by New York Times bestselling authors James and Kimberly Dean, Pete and the gang solve the mystery of the missing cupcakes and learn that it’s cool to be kind.The Pete the Cat fun never stops—watch the groovin’ video online!

    Grouped in four progressive levels, Read and Share books - available individually for the first time - are specially selected for qualities that encourage literacy skills and a love of reading.Sixteen top-quality books with notes for extending reading fun inspire the confidence parents and children need to experience the joys of reading . . . together. Plus an informative Parents’ Handbook!What is Read and Share?—An expert selection of sixteen high-quality picture books by superb authors and illustrators, featuring a multicultural array of subjects, including poetry and rhymes, traditional songs, stories, and information books —Four progressive levels - Beginnings, Early Steps, Next Steps, and Taking Off - each including four fabulous picture books—Two full spreads inside each book offering suggestions and activities inspired by the story, designed to help parents and children get the most out of each book - and build a foundation for reading success—A separate 24-page, full-color Parents’ Handbook providing extensive practical information and detailed answers to many of the questions parents ask about encouraging their children’s literacy

    Will he find something he cares to write about or will his story be a big mess?

    David Miller's amazingly detailed cut paper sculptures are sure to inspire readers to compose some wacky goose verses of their own.

    Goodnight goon. Goodnight Martians taking over the moon."It's bedtime in the cold gray tomb with a black lagoon, and two slimy claws, and a couple of jaws, and a skull and a shoe and a pot full of goo. But as a little werewolf settles down, in comes the Goon determined at all costs to run amok and not let any monster have his rest.A beloved classic gets a kind-hearted send up in this utterly monsterized parody; energetic art and a hilarious text will have kids begging to read this again and again.

    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

    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

    Four Halloween mice dress up in costumes for a midnight romp in the pumpkin patch. But they hadn't counted on a Halloween cat! Children will applaud as the mice's clever plan scares the cat away-and the littlest mouse gets the last laugh.

    A baaaaaaaaaad seed. How bad? Do you really want to know? He has a bad temper, bad manners, and a bad attitude. He’s been bad since he can remember! This seed cuts in line every time, stares at everybody and never listens. But what happens when one mischievous little seed changes his mind about himself, and decides that he wants to be—happy?With Jory John’s charming and endearing text and bold expressive illustrations by Pete Oswald, here is The Bad Seed: a funny yet touching tale that reminds us of the remarkably transformative power of will, acceptance, and just being you. Perfect for readers young and old, The Bad Seed proves that positive change is possible for each and every one of us.