So the child asks some animal friends to gather ingredients, one by one: the chicken an egg, the bear some flour, the cat the butter and milk, the pig a pinch of salt, the dog some sugar, and the monkey a bunch of cherries for the top. After they all share the fun of making the cake, it's even more fun to eat it! Helen Oxenbury's winsome illustrations and simple, repetitive text make this an ideal gift for the youngest of children.

    Jumping junebugs, very vivid violets, entertaining earthworms, and other friends of Miss Spider gather to celebrate her birthday in this alphabet book.

    When Owen was stranded after the Dec 2004 tsunami, villagers in Kenya worked tirelessly to rescue him. Then, to everyone's amazement, the orphan hippo and the elderly tortoise adopted each other. Now they are inseparable, swimming, eating, and playing together. Adorable photos e-mailed from friend to friend quickly made them worldwide celebrities. Here is a joyous reminder that in times of trouble, friendship is stronger than the differences that too often pull us apart.

    The "lovable muttonheads" are off to the store in search of the perfect birthday gift in this latest in the sheep series of rhymed read-alouds.

    There’s just one hitch: Spencer’s new pet is a balloon. And that means No. Sharp. Objects. No drooling dogs at the park. No prickly porcupines at the vet. And absolutely no pinning tails on any donkeys! Spencer’s New Pet is a story of pure fun about a boy, his dog, and a friendship that endures life’s sharpest...and most unexpected twists.

    She's making something special. It's red and lacy and very pretty. Snip! Snip! Snip! What will it be?

    They’re going trick-or-treating with their favorite babysitter, Lulu. Mama reminds her, “Don’t lose the rascals!” But soon those mischievous monkeys meet other costumed friends and decide to try “the best Halloween trick ever!” Will Lulu be fooled? Or will the five little monkeys get tricked by their own monkey business? Vibrant, silly, and perfect for reading aloud, this non-scary Halloween story will delight fans of this best-selling series. Includes recipes for “eyeballs” and “worm juice” for kids to try at home.

    Birds and beasts from all walks of the animal kingdom are gathered here, beautifully illustrated in Lois's signature bold and bright collage style. Complete with an Author's Note about the how-and-why of animal spots-and-stripes.

    This book helps children discover why farmers like the praying mantis, how the water spider breathes underwater, and other intriguing facts about the world of bugs and insects.Jerry Pallotta's lighthearted text and Ralph Masiello's vivid illustrations make this alphabetic exploration of small animal life both fun and informative.

    As soon as the sun goes down, the animals are up! ("Sheep can't sleep. Sheep can't sleep. Sheep can't sleep 'cause they got that beat!") Before long, there's a giant farmyard dance party, complete with funny animal sounds. But what happens when all the racket wakes up Farmer Sue? Here's a colorful bedtime story that begs to be read aloud.

    Mmm, something smells good in the kitchen. Big Brown Bear is curious—what are those little bears up to? Are they making something special? No peeking, Big Brown Bear! Floppy and Fuzzy, Yellow and Calico have a cake to bake and a gift to wrap, then it’s finally time for the birthday surprise. Delightful rhymes and huggable bears are just the right ingredients for a cheerful birthday read-aloud.

    Is that right? No, that's wrong! They should walk so that no one gets hurt. At the seesaw and slide, the silly mishaps continue, with pals like Elephant and Chimpanzee playing dangerously (in funny ways), then safely. Hippo bounces a ball off of Penguin's head (BOINK!), and Rhino throws sand in Lion's fur. But by the end of the day, the friends have learned the rights and wrongs of playground play, and they even pick up their toys before heading home!

    The luminosity of the moonlit sea is captured in muted shades of blue that create a soothing mood for the dramatic verse.”—School Library Journal “Westerman captures the tone of the poem in a fittingly traditional way. . . . a pleasing rendition of an old favorite.” —Booklist “Westerman’s inventive design elements provide a soothing accompaniment for the familiar text, a staple for bedtime reading.”—Publishers Weekly

    Lots of people come to give her lovely presents and wish her a happy birthday. But Grandpa and Grandma bunny give her the most special present of all.

    When everyone was fast asleep, the Fog Maiden sent a cat to carry two sleeping children off for a fantastical evening highlighted by a palace ball.