All seems quiet. But soon the leaves change color; then comes the snow. A cat creeps into the house and curls up in the woodbox. A mouse tucks himself into a cupboard. When spring comes, the garden awakens, and by summer the house is bustling with human life once more. This unusual story about a summer house that welcomes all sorts of guests in the off-season celebrates the rhythm and cycle of the seasons, and reminds us all that we share our world – even our homes – with other living creatures.

    . . . Its one blood-red eye burns with an undying rage.After reading about the slimy Nixie, the angry Black Shuck, and the creepy Lantern Man in his beloved Book of Monsters, Alfred decides to invite the monsters to teatime with his crusty old aunty, who thinks monsters are an improper obsession for a respectable young boy.

    He drools more than a teething baby sucking on a piece of Jello. Dog people will recognize him as a Great Dane. Chick and Pug know him only as . . . The Dude.When the larger-than-life Dude ambles into Pug's territory and steals Pug's favorite chew toy, Chick is ready to take down the slobbering scoundrel. However, that would require making Pug get up first. . . . Will Chick save the day? Will Pug nap through all the best parts? And will we ever see what's at the top of The Dude's incredibly long legs? Stay tuned!

    The animals are at a loss, until they come up with a plan to scare away the builders using sticks, burlap, power tools—and a gigantic dinosaur. Have these seven endangered friends got what it takes to save their home? Turns out they do . . . in ways they never expected.

    In this instance, an aardvark named Grant and an armadillo named Antoine see its potential for something magnificent: a time machine! Under the supervision of their friend Samantha, an anteater, they cobble together a bunch of thingamabobs and hoozie-doozies to turn the empty box into a marvelous device for traveling through time. Can three adventurers actually turn back the clock? Suzanne Bloom's comical story features three endearing characters with vivid imaginations.

    Mama is hurrying to get Billy to school and make it to work on time. With Billy dawdling and fussing over his stuffed rabbit, it seems they might never get there. And when they finally do arrive at school, Mama rushes off, forgetting two really crucial things!The familiar frenzy of getting ready is warmly portrayed in this comforting tale. The affirmative ending will reassure children that no matter how busy parents are, they always remember what's most important.

    He is so excited that he vows to wait by his mailbox, day and night, until his prize arrives. But will his free toy be worth the long wait? Find out in this hilarious original story!

    So Gus heads south, the way birds do, to escape being part of someone's dinner. He's surprised to see where he ends up, but most of all he's surprised to find he's a Pilgrim, too. Full color.

    But what does this mean for rusty, old Trike?Trike is a rusty little fellow, a trusty little fellow, on three worn-down wheels. Now that Lulu has outgrown him, he’s lonely in the garage. But then a newcomer shows up. He’s shiny and big and has FOUR wheels. It’s BIKE! Gulp. Trike worries that Bike won’t know how to take care of Lulu. Bike won’t listen, and challenges Trike to a race. It’s ON!Who will win?

    But Mom is always so busy with Oliver, Ruby’s baby brother — feeding him, changing him — and Ruby is tired of waiting. She has already looked at tons of books, but only Mom can do all the funny voices. Ruby has painted so many pictures and even dressed her dog, Rory, in a very fetching blue sweater. Babies are so boring! Maybe if Ruby puts her imagination to work, she can invent a way to make Oliver disappear to a place far, far away. Or would it be even more fun if she and Mom climbed aboard and went along for the ride?

    Their hilarious housekeeping efforts and endearing friendship with the heroine make this a warm-hearted pick. Ages Preschool - 8

    In this new book from the celebrated mother-daughter writing team of Patricia MacLachlan and Emily MacLachlan Charest, a mother reflects on the many things she loved best “before you came.” In lyrical prose, she explains her joy at being able to share all those things with her child, who is now her most treasured thing of all.This gentle, wonder-filled celebration is the perfect gift for parents, children, and all those who have discovered the joy of sharing their world with someone new.

    He's far too busy learning to fly to help with any of the farmyard chores, and he keeps making such a mess! Then they have an idea - they make him a trampoline! Surely now there will be no more trouble from Ping Pong Pig - will there?

    She can't wait to go apple picking with Mommy and her dog, Monster, wear big fuzzy sweaters, and play touch football with her friends. But Birdie can't stop thinking about Halloween! One year she was a robot, and another she was a mummy-princess. But this year, nothing is feeling quite right... until Birdie visits her local museum, and is INSPIRED by everything she finds. Sujean Rim offers another winning story about being yourself that's rich with warm fall colors, beautiful collage, and unforgettable images of Birdie dressed as everyone from Albert Einstein to Sandra Day O'Connor to the first female President!

    Perfect for bedtime reading, Karen Henry Clark’s poetic text, reminiscent of a lullaby, and Patrice Barton’s textured and gentle-hued illustrations capture the great love between parents and children and the miraculous journey of adoption.