He was looking for dinner. But then he gazed into the round, sweet, glistening eyes of Myrtle the fish, and he knew. "Impossible," he said. "I am in love with my food source." As for Myrtle, her first desire was: Please don’t eat me. But soon her heart awakened to a future she could never have imagined. The inseparable duo played hide-and-seek and told each other stories, but everyone said that was not the way of the otter. Could their love (and Myrtle) possibly survive? Aided by Chris Raschka’s illustrations in a fresh faux-naïf style, James Howe tells a warm, witty tale about finding kindred spirits in the oddest of places-and having the good sense to keep them.

    She had a coat-pocket poodle, a beagle, Chihuahuas, a Great Dane, and more, but her favorite was a boxer named Mister. Mister was always there to bolster her courage through good times and bad, even before her legendary appearance at New York’s Carnegie Hall. Newton’s stylish illustrations keep the simply told story focused on the loving bond between Billie Holiday and her treasured boxer. An author’s note deals more directly with the singer’s troubled life, and includes a little-known photo of Mister and Lady Day!

    The surprise ending will have children laughing and asking for the story to be read again and again.

    Bouncing texts full of fun wordplay and adorable illustrations feature animal parents of every shape and size, and encourage little readers to express big love. Go ahead and hug a bull!

    A big idea: they would turn their empty apartment courtyard into a playground!This is the uplifting tale of how the author’s aunt and mother first learned to persevere in the face of disappointment and turned a dream into reality. This is a story of children’s ability to make a difference and of a community coming together to transform their neighborhood.

    A landlocked duck is very sad. One day, an egg rolled out of a nest and right into a deep pond. Now that egg is a little duck, and the water is still very scary. Jumping into the pond at all seems impossible, never mind swimming in a line with all his brothers. "You're a duck, and ducks don't sink," Big Frog points out. Practicing in a puddle helps a little, while backrubs and snacks from his mother help a little more. Big Frog offers to hold his friend's wing and dive in together, but our little duck knows that some challenges need to be faced alone. Even when they are very scary!

    Gavin expects a long day of boredom and being pestered by distantly related toddlers, but his cousin Rhonda has a different idea: make a break for it — out of the kids’ room to the swing set in the backyard! Gavin isn’t so sure, especially when they encounter vicious guard dogs (in homemade sweaters), a hallway full of overly affectionate aunts, and worse yet, the great wall of butts! Will they manage to avoid the obstacles and find some fun before turkey time? Or will they be captured before they’ve had a taste of freedom?

    . . until, one day, the book is lost. Will the boy get back his good little book?Will the good little book survive on its own without a proper jacket? Open up this good little book to find out.

    . .just for a bit.Somewhere comfy, NOT itchy-fuzzy, somewhere quiet, NOT buzz-buzzy.The little reader in this book is having a hard time finding the ideal reading spot. Everywhere has noise, or smells, or is too hot or cold . . . and our reader finds himself with lots of company in each reading spot he considers.But soon we discover the truth about reading books: A book is best anywhere . . . a book is best when you SHARE. Join one small book lover's search for the perfect place to read in this beautifully illustrated picture book by the talented Leigh Hodgkinson.

    Their hilarious housekeeping efforts and endearing friendship with the heroine make this a warm-hearted pick. Ages Preschool - 8

    But little do Miles and his band know what the alligators plan for them at the close of their jubilant all-night ball! Inspired by a traditional song, this vibrant picture book is "ebullient, fast-paced, and funny."1985 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award for IllustrationA Reading Rainbow Featured SelectionChildren's Books of 1984 (Library of Congress)

    When they see a sign for chickens that need a home, Mommy says they don't need to live in the country to raise chickens. And what could be better--pets that lay eggs! So they prepare the coop, tell their friends, and soon enough, the chickens arrive. But it seems that no matter what the children try, these chickens don't want to be pets, and they refuse to lay eggs. Can anything change their minds? Will the chickens ever feel at home?With bright, funny illustrations and an informative note from author Barbara Samuels, The Chickens are Coming! is a story about doing something new, learning to be patient, and welcoming new members into the family.

    “You’re a big boy now,” Granny says. “Time for you to learn.”At Granny’s, Sunday isn’t Sunday without a big family gathering over a lovingly prepared meal. Old enough now, our narrator is finally invited to help cook the dishes for the first time: He joins Granny in grating the cheese, cleaning the greens, and priming the meat for Roscoe Ray’s grill. But just when Granny says they’re finished, her grandson makes his own contribution, sweetening this Sunday gathering—and the many more to come.

    Mommy says that today, you are going to be the King of Kindergarten!Starting kindergarten is a big milestone--and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! He's dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can't wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he's up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! And afterward, he can't wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements--and then wake up to start another day.

    It is Little Rabbit's first day of school, and he has decided to bring along his favorite toy, Charlie Horse. The busy classroom is crowded with little rabbits and lots of activities. His new teacher, Mrs. Morag, seems very happy to see him and Charlie Horse--that is, until Charlie Horse disrupts story time, dances on top of the desk during music time, and jumps into the cake batter at snack time. At the end of the day, even Little Rabbit realizes that Charlie Horse may not be ready for school after all.Harry Horse hits all the right notes in this gently humorous, reassuring story that depicts how children cope with a big transition. Young readers will identify easily with the young character's conflicting desires for independence and reassurance.