Over the ice, through the water, past Arctic animals and even a human…where is he going? What does he want?

    As Baby Hippo wanders through the jungle, he hears Kiss, kiss! from all the other animal parents and babies. Finally he realizes what it is he forgot to do.

    There are beaver pups, heron hatchlings, and lots and lots of ducklings. Everyone is out and about, swimming, flapping, chirping, and quacking—except for one family of geese. When, oh when, will their last little one break on out and join the waiting world?

    . . . Lisa Campbell Ernst celebrates the awakening of life that comes with Spring. Her playful words and pictures resonate with the cheeriness that rises with the season.

    And he has a wonderful time of it - sliding off the back of a shiny pink pig, hopping along with frogs, skipping with a flock of frisky sheep, and imitating all the sounds these animals make. Full of playful detail, John Lawrence’s bold, energetic engravings will keep toddlers smiling, long after the oinking, mooing, baaing, and quacking are over.

    Joe instructs his buddies to be as quiet as possible. They tiptoe--as well as they can on their hooves, claws, and furry feet--through a field, across a fallen log leading over a stream, through the woods, and up a hill. When they arrive at Joe's, he shows them something very special. It's his brand-new baby bear cubs, fast asleep! Tiptoe Joe is a great pick for parents who want to acclimate a child to a new baby brother or sister, and perfect for bedtime or story hour. Charming full-color illustrations by Laura Rankin bring Tiptoe Joe and the rest of the animals to life.

    Breathe. This simply told story follows a young whale on a journey of discovery as he experiences his first day at sea on his own! He swims, explores, and makes friends in his marine habitat. After a day of independence, this little whale delights in returning home to his mother. Young readers will be drawn to Scott Magoon’s reassuring story of adventure.

    Rock-a-bye Squirrel, high in the tree, in Mommy's arms, cozy as can be. The familiar lullaby takes on a new life in Jane Cabrera's cozy rendition. In the branches and beneath the roots, tucked into nooks and nests, different animals, large and small, are getting ready for bed. The baby bat nestles with its mother, the bunny burrows in safe and warm--even a cheerful, fuzzy spider settles on its sparkling web. At the end, a human father and his baby watch the tree from a distance, joining in on the sleepy song.With clever new lyrics and bright, sweet illustrations of all kinds of animals, this is an irresistable addition to Jane Cabrera's library of refreshed nursery rhymes. . . and perfect to share with little ones you love.

    But then that frog (who’s sleeping on a log) is in for a similar surprise! He’s attacked by a cat…who needs to jump away from a dog…and on it goes, until not even a shark is free from getting a little fright! Building on repetition that’s fun to read and fun to listen to, Jump! is a rip-roaring, read-aloud with simple rhymes and lively illustrations that leap off the pages.

    Clickity! Clickity! Happy feet!Introducing a get-up-and-dance toddler book-so catchy and rhythmic, you'll almost want to sing it.Lindsey Craig's rollicking text features funny sound words (Tippity! Creepity! Stompity! Thumpity!), dancing animals, a singsong beat, and a guessing element just easy enough for preschoolers to anticipate. Marc Brown's artwork is bright, textured, and joyful, a collage of simple shapes for kids to find and name.So grab a partner and tap your feet to this read-aloud picture-book treat.

    There is so much for Big Bear to teach her new cub as they step out into the forest. Together they eat, swim, fish, and play as one season becomes the next. With Big Bears help, Little One grows more and more confident, until winter comes once more and it's time to head home. With gentle text and stunning black and white illustrations, Jo Weaver reveals the wonder of nature, the first steps of independence, and the strength of parental love.

    What is that pupup to?That pup digs.And digs.And digs some more.What is that pup looking for?And why shouldthis squirrel care?

    At last she does, and they all bounce up and down with joy, welcoming her home.

    . . but not when it’s in a bath.   Small Elephant’s mommy tries to make the bath more fun with toys and bubbles, but he is not fooled.   He is too busy to take a bath. He has said no many times. He is getting very cross.   And then he disappears! (Elephants who cannot be found cannot take baths.)   But Small Elephant’s daddy has a way to make the bath fun. He may look silly doing it—but it just might work!   With spare text and sprightly illustrations, Tatyana Feeney, three-time author of gently funny books for the youngest readers, takes on another very important toddler topic—bathtime!

    When Caterpillar tells Bear that he is making a cocoon, Bear is worried. Will Caterpillar be safe? Will he be warm? Will he stay dry? Throughout the long winter, Caterpillar reassures him that all is fine. But the day comes when Caterpillar's cocoon is empty and Bear begins worrying all over again. Until a beautiful silk moth lands on his paw. "Don't worry, Bear," he says. "I'm right here." Incredibly touching in its simplicity, Don't Worry Bear reveals the very heart of friendship.