But they did.' When pirates move in next door, life on the farm is bound to get interesting. Will the unadventurous Sanders family be able to handle the pirates' bad manners, ghastly grub, and outrageous antics? Or will they learn the importance of loving one's neighbor and help the graceless pirates find their 'land legs'?

    An ugly duckling spends an unhappy year ostracized by the other animals in the barnyard before he grows into a beautiful swan.

    Good for new chapter readers. Someone has been stealing Adam's underwear. He knows exactly who- a blue, furry monster! The monster then begins stealing other things. Adam knows the monster must be stopped. But how do you trap a monster that can appear and disappear in an instant? It doesn't quite end how Adam thinks it will!

    But which one? Gregory wants to do it but so does his twin, Greta.The two draw straws and Gregory wins. Right before the big day Gregory loses his glasses, so it's Greta to the rescue. Together, the twins announce "Spring is coming!" and everyone celebrates.

    Handsome, yes- and hefty, because poor Charles is being fattened for Christmas dinner by the farmer next door. Will the gander of Petunia' s dreams be served up roasted, with applesauce on the side? Petunia' s determination to save Charles, even if it means posing as Santa Claus, results in " one of the simplest, funniest, and most original of Christmas stories, " wrote the Chicago Tribune when this book was originally published in 1952. A yuletide classic by a Caldecott Medal winner, Petunia' s Christmas is still making children laugh as it shows the true spirit of Christmas.

    And then it's time for Olivia to have Francine over...but what will Francine think of her family's casual table manners?

    He's too busy preening and playing, splashing and spinning, dunking and dipping . . . and always, always dreaming. But he's in for a surprise: There's a crocodile waiting for a duckling lunch to swim by. When Mama quacks a warning, suddenly Dawdle Duckling isn't such a dawdler after all! A cheerful, reassuring tale of youthful rebellion and parental protection-perfect for Easter, Mother's Day, and every day. Illustrated by Margaret Spengler.

    And then came the rat that ate the cheese and the cat who killed the rat. Caldecott Medal?winning author and illustrator Simms Taback brings his distinctive humor and creativity to the beloved story of Jack and the house that he built.

    . .Sith vs. Jedi!Darth Maul gets more than he bargained for when he's sent to capture Padme Amidala. Two Jedi, one force-sensitive orphan, and a whole Queen's entourage: so much for a simple kidnapping mission!

    CASTLES! On their latest field trip, Fly Guy and Buzz learn all about castles: from drawbridges and dungeons to kings, queens, and knights! Award-winning author/illustrator Tedd Arnold brings nonfiction to life for beginning readers. There are humorous illustrations and engaging photographs throughout. The front cover features eye-catching holographic foil!

    Yes, even the postman. She has everything a child could want, but not the one thing every child - and every grownup, too - needs. Love. Desperate for a friend, Emmeline makes a wish upon a magical star. It is a wish that will change the lives of everyone she knows forever.

    It is love at first sight as the two fall head over heels for each other, despite the influence of Justine's jealous friend, Simone. While Simone tempts Lucas with her raw sexuality, he struggles to keep his old ways in the past. Lucas and his partner, Noah, accept a dangerous undercover assignment that will topple the empire of the notorious drug lord, Nine. Can Lucas and Noah survive this dangerous bust? Will Lucas revert to his player ways with Simone's constant temptation? It's a race between love and lust, and what goes around definitely comes around as KARMA takes its toll.

    What else can protect your treasure . . . impress your friends . . . make diamonds out of coal . . . work as a model for coats of arms . . . heat your home? Kids who enjoy whimsy will be delighted by this beautifully illustrated owner's manual for dragon fanciers. It tells about the wide range of different dragons available, the characteristics of each, and the equipment and supplies that every dragon owner should have on hand. (For instance, a fire extinguisher.) The book is a fanciful blend of dragon lore and colorful art, the latter including diagrams of parts of winged and non-winged dragons, portraits of sea serpents, depictions of Asian dragons, and many others. More than 250 color illustrations in all.

    After all, she is gray, has big ears, and a thin tail. But then she meets some other mice, and her confusion only grows. Why are they smaller than she is? And why can't she do the same things the other mice do? Only a trip to the zoo will set this mixed up animal tale straight ... or will it? This delightfully funny story about mistaken identities is sure to get giggles from young listeners.

    Here's his leash. There's the door. But try as he might, he can't get anyone to pay attention to him. The humans in the house don't rush out the door after breakfast as they normally do. And, most confusing of all, strangers arrive to pack all the things in Boomer's house into boxes. There's definitely something unusual going on.The simple text and heartwarming pictures charmingly depict Boomer's confusion, anxiety, concern, and ultimate delight on this day familiar to allmoving day.