He wanted a different kind of pet — one that could run and catch, or chase string and climb trees, a soft furry pet to sleep on his bed at night. Definitely not Norman. But when he tries to trade Norman for a "good pet," things don’t go as he planned. Could it be that Norman is a better pet than he thought? With wry humor and lighthearted affection, author Kelly Bennett and illustrator Noah Z. Jones tell an unexpected — and positively fishy — tale about finding the good in something you didn’t knowyou wanted.

    Would you like a banana?’ ‘What’s wrong with you, Brian? You’re a piranha.’ Brian loves bananas. Trouble is, Brian’s a piranha. And his friends aren’t happy about his fondness for fruit...

     ...because a snake would lose it, a billy goat would eat it for lunch, and it would always be wet on a walrus! This well-loved book by Judi and Ron Barrett shows the very youngest why animals' clothing is perfect...just as it is.

    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

    Subtly told, this beautifully illustrated book tackles a difficult subject with great sensitivity and depth.Praise for The Storm Whale:"A future classic and a must have for the discerning picture book fan" The Booksniffer"The Storm Whale is an evocative portrayal of a child's need for friendship, told through the sparest of text and imagery in this beautiful picture book." The ReadingZone"The Storm Whale is one of those rare picture books that evokes loneliness with such fragility, and that conveys such feeling and beauty that it cannot fail to move its readers… an absolute gem, do not miss out." Library Mice"I have to admit that I was fighting back tears by the end. It's just so incredibly sweet and really pulls the heart strings!" Being Mrs C"Charming and engaging this book gives lots of scope for child to adult discussion about feeling lonely and saying goodbye to something loved." Love All Blogs"Poignant, sensitive and understated […] this is a not to be missed tale where the narrative thrust and emotional span transcends the simplicity of its words." Droplets of Ink Benji Davies is an illustrator and animation director. From a young age he was often to be found painting at the kitchen table, a scene which can still be seen to this day.Benji studied animation at university, and has since worked on a diverse array of projects, from picture books and animated short films to music videos, commercials and title sequences. His books have been co-editioned in many languages and countries around the world. The Storm Whale is his first self-penned picture book. He lives in London with his wife Nina.

    But there is a special reward in store for a generous sheep in this story about the joy of giving.For extra fun, follow a winding strand of yarn through the pages of the book. Sheet music is included.

    Really bored. Her dad is fed up with being stuck in an office. Really, really fed up. So Bea and Mr. Jones decide to change places. Neither kindergarten nor the office will ever be the same.     Originally published in 1982, Bea and Mr. Jones, Amy Schwartz’s unforgettable debut picture book, was a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year and a Reading Rainbow selection. Now back with a fresh design, this charming favorite will inspire a new generation of children to see everyday life in a whole new light.

    

    Then there are others that make, well, unusual pets, like an octopus, a warthog, or an elephant. They’re too large, too messy, and maybe a tad too free-spirited with a tendency to break things like tables, floors, and even ceilings. But can you guess what makes the most unsuitable pet ever?

    . . well, actually thats what Stripes would like to be. Stripes is a small tabby cat. Young and rambunctious, he challenges his owner at every turnseriously testing his owners patience. He tears up the couch, he chases the dog, and he wreaks havoc everywhere. Finally, his owner has had enough! He takes Stripes to the zoo to see a real tiger. But both Stripes and his owner are in for a surprise, proving that things are not always as they seem, and most importantly, you should always follow your internal roar (or purr) . . . however loud or soft it may be.

    Sure, he may have paws and whiskers. And his quacks might sound more like…well, meows, but he lives among ducks, everyone he knows is a duck, and he’s happy.Then Quackers meets another duck who looks like him (& talks like him, too!)—but he calls himself a cat. So silly!Quackers loves being among his new friends the cats, but he also misses his duck friends, and so he finds a way to combine the best of both worlds. Part cat, part duck, all Quackers!

    Poor Frog's pond has dried up and he has nowhere to live. Luckily, he meets friendly Mouse, who is just starting to build a new house. "Everybody's welcome, no matter who they are," explains Mouse. "Wherever they may come from, whether near or far." As Frog and Mouse build a house together, they meet more animals without a place to live. Soon, they all join in to build a big, beautiful home where everyone is welcome, safe, and warm.In this sweet forest setting, children will learn how important it is to extend a generous hand to those in need, whether neighbors in crisis, a friend with a problem, or a family immigrating to a new country. It's a timely, vital, and comforting story that will elicit useful conversations about caring, charity, and empathy.

    Lucky for the bird, wolf, and tiger, who pass by his cave, Theodore isn’t hungry…yet. But then something new approaches. A boy. Has Theodore found a new favorite food? Or something more?

    Mama called the Doctor and the Doctor said:"Apple Juice, Orange Juice, Gooseberry Pies --Monkey needs some exercise!"Sleepy little monkeys everywhere will clap, stomp, shake, and cheer -- while chanting this rhythmic, energetic dance song based on a popular playground game. And as they move their heads, hands, hips, and feet -- everyone will be bursting with clapping energy -- and ready to start a new day!With humor, high energy, and Bill Martin Jr's trademark rhythm and rhyme, young readers will learn to name parts of the body. And the book makes a perfect exercise warm-up to start off a busy day of school!

    He has a fierce roar, gnashing teeth and mighty footsteps that thunder through the jungle. There's just one teeny, tiny thing that sets him apart...While the other T-rexes munched on juicy steak...Reginald the T-rex ate crunchy carrot cake! Made to feel that he doesn't quite belong, Reg sets out to find a new life...with disastrous results! But later on, when his friends and family get into trouble, Reg is the only one who can help. Will he be in time to save the day? Join Reg and his friends on a riotous romp through the jungle. This meaty story, served up with a generous helping of vegetables, is the laugh-out-loud tale of a dinosaur who dares to be different. A brilliant story which shows that real strength is on the inside and the bravest thing you can do...is have the courage to be yourself.