He's wanted to be in it for as long as he can remember. At last he's old enough to try out. But at the auditions, the first part goes to someone else. So does the next. And the next . . . Will there be a part left for Wombat?

    And today he's building a box car from scratch to race downhill in the Wacky Whatever Race. He needs to pick out a box, wheels, and a paint color for his car. Can you help him?With the same bouncing rhythms, fun choice rhymes, and daredevil antics that made the picture books so popular, this original Level 2 reader will be a sturdy stepping-stone for Hot Rod Hamster fans as well as series newcomers as they move on to independent reading. The years Ms. Lord spent as a first-grade teacher have given her the perfect sense for what language and storylines work best for emerging readers. This new adventure skillfully emphasizes word families and rhyming structures with pedal-to-the-metal flare! Little boys and girls will race to collect this latest story from their favorite furry friend.Hop into the early-reading driver's seat and join Hot Rod Hamster and his buddies for a fun-filled race day with a thrilling surprise at the finish line!

    Fuzz is a possum. From their first meeting in a hollow log to playing pin-the-tail-on-the-turtle, from collecting rocks to dodging falling pinecones, Cork and Fuzz are always up to something unusual. The gentle humor and simple story will entertain beginning readers, while warm, expressive illustrations add just the right amount of visual cues to help them along.

    But one family is having trouble getting its act together. Once again, Natasha Wing follows the rhythms and meter of Clement Moore's classic Christmas poem, yet gives it her own entirely original twist.

    He gathers his reindeer, feeds them parsnips and berries, and polishes his bells and his sled. Then lovingly, he chooses toys for every child in the world. For Santa loves them all, and he knows what each child at heart wants most. Then, with the thrum of magic that makes reindeers fly, he spreads the Christmas joy and warmth throughout the world--as he always has -- and always will until the end of time. Lauren Thompson is known for her uncanny ability to reach the hearts and minds of the youngest readers. Jon J Muth's luminescent watercolor strike all the perfect chords in this warm, reassuring Christmas story.

    But building a huge snowman alone is hard! They work and work, but their snowmen just aren't big enough. Soon they have an idea. As the day of the contest approaches, Clayton and Desmond join forces to build the biggest snowman ever.

    There will be some caves, dark tunnels, and lots of digging--maybe even for gold!

    Who says cats and dogs can't be friends?

    PBS’s hit animated show Wild Kratts follows the adventures of zoologists Chris and Martin Kratt as the duo visits animal habitats around the globe. Along the way, they encounter incredible creatures while combining science education with fun. Boys and girls ages 4 to 6 will dive into this deluxe Step 2 Step into Reading leveled reader with the Kratt brothers as they activate their Creature Power suits to creep, crawl, and cuddle with amazing animal babies of all kinds! This deluxe Step into Reading leveled reader features animal trading cards and eye-catching foil on the cover. Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. For children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help

    Not only does this mean that the cars will soon be running on fumes, but it also makes it impossible for the town's postal trucks to deliver everyone's Christmas letters to Santa Car! Mater's determined to get his letter to Santa, though. Luckily, Fillmore has just enough of his special Christmas gasoline for Mater and Lightning McQueen to make the trek to the North Pole, while the rest of the town investigates the mysterious missing fuel. But when Mater finally meets Santa Car, he learns that Christmas might actually need to be cancelled this year...unless Mater and McQueen can save the day! This 48-page picture book with foil stamping and embossing on the cover is sure to become a Christmas classic!

    But Arlo has something else: a little pal who’s not afraid to tell him when he’s being insufferable!In the first of three episodes, a battle of the brains and bird-to-bird banter soon turns into an unexpected friendship. Arlo and Pips' adventures include a visit the big city and the beach on their hunt for shiny things and French fries. Crow facts are included throughout the book.

    At Christmastime, the flower blooms and flourishes, the quite exquisite red stars lighting up the countryside.This Mexican legend tells how the poinsettia came to be, through a little girl's unselfish gift to the Christ Child. Beloved Newbery honor-winning author and Caldecott honor-winning illustrator Tomie dePaola has embraced the legend using his own special feeling for Christmas. His glorious paintings capture not only the brilliant colors of Mexico and its art, but also the excitement of the children preparing for Christmas and the hope of Lucida, who comes to see what makes a gift truly beautiful.

    . .So begins a sweet rhyming story in which a group of animals recounts the events surrounding Jesus' birth in the manger, and the parts some of their ancestors played in it. This is also a counting book.

    in full color. A madcap band of dancing, prancing monkeys explain hands, fingers, and thumbs to beginning readers.

    Nick and his elves.Greg Paprocki works full-time as an illustrator and book designer. He has illustrated several Curious George books, as well as The Big Book of Superheroes for Gibbs Smith. He began his career as an advertising art director after studying fine art and graphic design at the University of Nebraska.