Medallion Honoree * From the Midwest Book Review: "The Pajama Elves" is a delightful, creatively presented holiday tale that shares a family tradition of giving children magic pajamas secretly tailored by Santa's sewing elves, so they can sleep snug in their beds on Christmas Eve. Hayden Edwards is a special pseudonym for author/illustrator Julie Szabo, combining the names of her two sons and husband. Told in verse narrative and creatively illustrated with combination photos/prints in color, "The Pajama Elves" is all about keeping the magic of Christmas alive for young children. The author describes it as follows: "'The Pajama Elves' allows people to adopt and personalize the tradition in many ways, and it can be shared with family members who live far apart from one another." Sensitively done, "The Pajama Elves" is an ideal contemporary response to unique challenges faced by parents of young children today.

    Which should most certainly be a MOO-MOOO-MOO-MOO.Moo Who? is a raucous read-aloud for the youngest noisemakers.

    Life is good—fresh fish to eat and seagulls to chase all day long. At night he stares at the stars that chart his ship's course.Though the ship makes stops all over the world, Vincent has never been home. In fact, he wonders what "home" is. Then, when one final stop is made and the crew return to their families, Vincent takes his first steps on dry land and discovers where his home truly lies...

    Now two young whale watchers each set out to find the whale, one armed with sound-recording equipment, the other with a camera. When their boats collide, they pool their resources to capture incontrovertible proof that the mythical whale exists. The eventual sighting is a magical moment, especially when the children discover that it was their own grandparents who first glimpsed the whale fifty years ago. The Murrows’ spectacular wordless adventure is brought to life with stunning graphite drawings that convey the drama and haunting beauty of the ocean and capture the majesty of the awe-inspiring whale.

    Readers will find very different worlds living side by side at a picnic, in the ocean, in the freezing Arctice, even inside the same two-story home! Award-winning illustrator Sue Redding's bold illustrations include lots of fun and mischief.

    The intricately detailedillustrations reveal new wonders with each viewing. Neither children noradults will ever tire of this wonderful testament to imagination,memory, and dreams.

    Why? Because on every other day of the week, McToad mows Big Island, but on Thursdays, McToad mows Tiny Island. To do so, he puts his mower on the back of a truck, which drives to a train, which goes to a helicopter, which flies to a boat, which uses a crane to put the lawn mower onto Tiny Island. There McToad mows and drinks some lemonade, and before you know it, it’s time to turn around and go back home. But first, the mower has to get lifted by a crane, to get put back on a boat, which is lifted by a helicopter, and . . . well . . . you get the idea. From master storyteller Tom Angleberger and celebrated illustrator John Hendrix comes this playful narrative that treasures the journey over the destination, with lots of planes, trains, and automobiles to boot. Also available by John Hendrix: Miracle Man

    He made it out of a can, a cork, a yellow pencil, and some white cloth. The boy and his boat are inseparable, until one day when the wind pushes the toy boat out into the wide lake. Alone now, the little boat must face fierce waves, a grumpy ferry, a sassy schooner, and a growling speed boat. How the little boat misses the boy! But if he is going to survive, he must figure a way to do it on his own.Loren Long has a timeless and magical touch. As he did with The Little Engine That Could, he creates a world of toys and children that go right to the soul. Toy Boat will sail into young hearts and stay there.Praise for TOY BOAT* "With plenty of buoyant charm and imaginative artwork, this contemporary Little Toot has an abundance of child appeal."--Booklist, starred review"A resonant tale with wide appeal."--Publishers Weekly

    You can trap all of the superheroes in a cage with hungry lions or sail the ocean and keep all the treasure for yourself. You can even eat your little sister’s brain… But this little bad guy is about to learn a valuable lesson from an unlikely culprit. Hannah Barnaby’s humor and spare text are brought to life by Mike Yamada’s bold illustrations in this charming picture book about the special bond between brothers and sisters.

    Includes a playable game!A 'growth mindset' children's picture book, The Gritty Little Lamb is a touching tale about joyful Lambie who loves playing games but has a hard time losing. His parents educate him about the value of hard work, perseverance and attitude to achieve his goal which, for right now, is beating Dad.With playful illustrations and spirited rhymes, this story teaches the value of determination and inspires every child to believe in the possibilities of their own abilities.Book details:*Beautifully illustrated in stunning detail.*An engaging and rhythmic read for adults with a story to which all kids can relate.*Several powerful and motivational quotes written in rhyme and easy to remember.*A great conversation starter to discuss attitude, patience, determination, goal setting, and losing with grace.*Includes a playable version of the same game that is seen throughout the book!*Great for bedtime, reading aloud, group discussion, and improving children's own reading skills.*Ideal for children ages 3-8.If you're looking for a heartwarming book that will teach your child important concepts while remaining fun to read, then The Gritty Little Lamb is for you. This engaging story will become a treasured part of your bookshelf which you and your kids will want to read again and again.

    Who will you meet on the river?This vibrant picture book from Brazil depicts the joy of the journey, showing in simple yet detailed illustrations the people you might meet along the way, the sights you might see and the food you might eat. Readers will delight in identifying recurring details when rereading. Reminiscent of the highly acclaimed Jimmy the Greatest!, which received six starred reviews, Along the River is a celebration of community bonds and shared experiences.With strong social studies curriculum connections, Along the River introduces young children to an alternate form of transportation, as well as to some of the customs and culture of Brazil.

    This particular book is the side story for Orangey the Goldfish (Book 1). If you enjoyed Book 1, you'll enjoy this quick and fun book for kids!

    However Francine is not a huge fan of the Great Outdoors and is less than excited about the mud, the bugs, and the idea of sleeping in a tent. It's up to Olivia to help Francine get in touch with her inner nature lover in this funny story that's based on an episode.

    When it journeyed through its magical realm, it took on the shape of a fantastical golden sailing ship. One day the ship was captured by a Great Enchanter and put under his spell. After he became bored with the Snail, the Enchanter banished it to the Ends of the Earth so no one else could ever sail in it. There it remains until a new master comes to claim it. Could a young boy named Wilbur be the next master?Featuring Graeme Base's visually stunning signature art (packed with details, including a hidden snail and crossbones to search for in each picture) and a bonus mini book (bound in, nonremovable), The Legend of the Golden Snail is an adventure unlike any other.

    With a great deal of courage and motivation, he turns Noah into a petting zoo, and by doing so, he helps his friend Noah to be saved.The story demonstrates to children how to crusade for what they believe in; to be more environmental friendly; to help one's fellow man; what true friendship is; and of course, to like and to play with all of the adorable animals in the story. Your kids will enjoy amazing paintings of a house full of all sorts of animals (dogs, cats, monkeys, turtles, giraffes, cows, horses and many more) and a very cute yellow tractor. Your kids will learn how to be more:• Social and friendly• Self-motivated• Environmental friendlyThe story is with simple rhyming text for children ages 3-8.