A well-meaning snake interacts with the orchestral instruments, scares the musicians and conductor, and causes general chaos in this sweet and funny book by Johanna Wright, author of Bandits and Bunnies on Ice.A Neal Porter Book

    But how will his roaring go over at the library? Has Dinosaur finally met his match in Storytime? By combining everyone's favorite feisty red dinosaur with a variety of animals and a celebration of reading, author-illustrator-designer Bob Shea has created another irresistable romp for toddlers and parents to enjoy together.

    But even though they're far away, stars are part of your world, too! Just lift up your eyes to see. Anne Rockwell explains the universe with bright pictures and simple text in a book that will delight any curious child's mind!

    She also loves solving mysteries. That’s why she’s a nature detective! When she and her turtle, Alfred, notice that their new friend, Frannie the caterpillar, has vanished, Pipsie is on the case. She grabs her magnifying glass, goes to her tree-house headquarters, and begins to search for clues. It’s time to make this mystery history!Bursting with personality, this engaging story introduces a spunky new girl detective, a scooter-driving turtle who loves to eat, and a string of simple scientific clues that will keep kids turning the pages until the mystery is solved. Two pages of nature fun facts at the end of the story offer even more information for young nature detectives.

    But according to her mom, there is just NO ROOM in their very small apartment. Then one day, when she and her grandma are visiting a friend who is giving away puppies, Mia falls in love with a small spotted pup who crawls into her lap. She knows she just has to convince her mom to let her keep him! With help from Grandma --- and some of her pet-owning friends --- can Mia show her mom how much room there really is in their apartment?In this charming picture book from Elizabeth Suneby and Laurel Molk, an I-want-a-dog story meets the Yiddish folk tale about how things could always be worse --- to comic effect! With a narrative and illustrations that are action-packed, this is a terrific read-aloud. The timely messages about the importance of gratitude for what one has, the need for generosity and the inclusion of others --- “there's always room for one more” --- resonate. This book makes a wonderful social studies resource for discussions about families and communities, with an intergenerational storyline full of endearing characters --- Mia, her mother and her grandmother live in the same apartment building, along with a diverse cast of neighbors. It also works for character education lessons on kindness, perseverance and initiative.

    Ho, ho, ho! It’s Christmas Eve, and Mama wants to teach the Bears that there’s more to the holidays than just television specials.The Berenstain Bears’ Night Before Christmas, a heartwarming retelling of Clement Clark Moore’s classic Christmas tale, is an enchanting addition to this New York Times bestselling series.With its focus on family fun and wholesome lessons, the Berenstain Bears is the perfect series to retell a classic Christmas tale like The Night Before Christmas.

    If you see a cuddly kitten, say ahhh! If you see a dozing dormouse, say shhh! But what if you see a spooky spider...or a cranky crocodile?From a pretty peacock (oooh!) to some slimy slugs (yuck!), this simple, interactive look at various animals and the reactions they evoke will coax giggles and spirited responses from young children as they follow along.From acclaimed author-illustrator John Butler, If You See a Kitten is the perfect read-aloud book young children will want to hear again and again.

    A follow-up to the successful I Love Trucks!, this rhymed picture book introduces the preschool set to trains and the jobs they do.

    Meanings are illuminated in this different kind of dictionary, which is every bit as heartwarming as the experience of baking cookies with someone you love.Amy Krouse Rosenthal's sweet little lessons, mixed with warm and inviting illustrations by mother-daughter duo Jane Dyer and Brooke Dyer, make for a book that will hit the spot! Go ahead, have another bite! (And another.)A lovely Valentine's Day present, especially with some home-baked cookies.

    Sam is as busy and worried as ever, and Stella almost always has her nose in a book these days, but she finds time to help him out, while sharing her new pastime with contagious enthusiasm.Sam has gathered a wagonload of branches to build a doghouse for Fred, and he wonders if the book Stella is reading tells you how to make one. It doesn't (although it is very funny), but Stella is more than willing to give Sam a hand. As soon as the doghouse is built though, Sam worries that a wolf might come along and blow it down. Stella breezily banishes his fears, suggesting a picnic at Lily Pond. Stella cools her feet in the water, reading a story, while Sam tries to catch a frog. Are there frogs in Stella's book, he wonders. No, Stella tells him, but there is a toad wearing a velvet jacket…With her characteristically light touch, Marie-Louise Gay imparts the pleasures and importance of reading to her young audience, whether it be humor, fiction, nonfiction or poetry. Her detailed, beautifully rendered and often-amusing watercolor illustrations (spot the tiny bunny reading a book!) show yet again that Marie-Louise Gay is one of the very best artists creating picture books today.

    It's time for Meg and Annie's first-ever riding lesson on Jill's farm, followed by a Pony Scouts sleepover! With so many fun things planned, the girls couldn't ask for any more excitement . . . until a small surprise turns out to be their biggest thrill of all. Young readers will love this sweet new addition to the I Can Read! Pony Scouts series. With easy-to-read text and beautiful, vibrant art, pony scouts: really riding! is the perfect story for pony lovers everywhere.

    Baby explores the wonders of winter in this seasonal lift-the-flap board book from Karen Katz!It’s wintertime!What will Baby see?What’s outside the window?Look! Giant snowflakes! Little ones will love lifting the flaps in this book to reveal a red sled, a giant snowplow, a cute furry groundhog, and everything else that Baby loves about winter! The sturdy format and easy-to-lift flaps are perfect for parents and children to share.

    Luckily, Dixie sniffs out the problem and Emma’s mom figures out the solution—but will the pair make it to school before it’s too late?Dixie stars in another I Can Read title, a tasty treat for all beginning readers.

    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!

    W. Alley?s warm and silly illustrations, this picture book is a fun and reassuring way to tell kids about what police offi - cers do.?With a well-crafted text spiced with sound effects, this appealing picture book is highly recommended.?? Booklist, starred review for Red Truck