So the shortest day came, and the year died . . . As the sun set on the shortest day of the year, early people would gather to prepare for the long night ahead. They built fires and lit candles. They played music, bringing their own light to the darkness, while wondering if the sun would ever rise again. Written for a theatrical production that has become a ritual in itself, Susan Cooper's poem "The Shortest Day" captures the magic behind the returning of the light, the yearning for traditions that connect us with generations that have gone before—and the hope for peace that we carry into the future. Richly illustrated by Carson Ellis with a universality that spans the centuries, this beautiful book evokes the joy and community found in the ongoing mystery of life when we celebrate light, thankfulness, and festivity at a time of rebirth. Welcome Yule!

    Darker adaptations of familiar nursery rhymes.

    Foomp, his tires pumped up, and vroom, his engine revved, andKa-Boom!muddy old Clarence transformed into the mighty-fast, mighty-strong, mighty-awesome Mighty Truck! With his laser-bright headlights and turbo speed, Mighty Truck can take on any challenge.Mighty Truck is an all-wheel-drive adventure illustrated by Troy Cummings and written by award-winning, bestselling author Chris Barton.

    To find the answer to their question, the Super Readers fly into the classic story Twas the Night Before Christmas?. While in the story, the Super Readers meet Santa and discover that he visits all the children because it makes both him and them happy.

    Richard Scarry introduces toddlers to the nursery rhymes of Mother Goose! Featuring his unmistakable art (now restored to its original glory) and fifty of Mother Goose's most beloved rhymes, Scarry's timeless collection, now celebrating its fiftieth anniversary, is a must-have for readers of all ages.

    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!

    And everywhere that Mary went, the lamb was sure to go. It follows her to school one day—and then the fun really starts! Illustrations rendered in acrylic, gouache, and fabric collage bring a fresh look to this classic children’s nursery rhyme A note about the poem’s origin is included.

    These outrageous rhymes will appeal to reluctant readers, eager readers, silly readers, and the whole family together!

    They have ungrounded apprehension about whether or not the blind bobcat is a real cougar cub . By the end of the tale, they realize that they really ARE the same, overlooking their fears and differences as they embrace their new friend. Eighteen watercolors.

    Meet a sheep who can't sleep, a lonely night owl and some naughty aliens who just want to play. Full of fun and adventure, these short and sweet tales are ideal to snuggle up with!

    A PRETTY story I will tell, Of Nib, a little Mouse ...

    Lullabies often play an important role. This best-selling version of the beloved lullaby Hush Little Baby is now available in a sturdy board book making it perfect for sharing with the youngest children.

    Full color.

    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

    Tied zip to zip, the game is a pitchers' duel until the Green Sox's hothead manager goes snout to snout with the dodo umpire and gets tossed out. The Sox respond with their veggie-powered bats and score three runs! Momentum swings back to the Reds before the seventh inning stretch, and they're all tied up in the bottom of the ninth. Will this game need extra innings, or will Apatosaur save the day?