So when a little girl's parents announce that it's time for the family to simplify, downsizing from a huge home in the city to a tiny house in the woods, it's quite a blow--after all, she's grown quite fond of her pet poodles, cats, tarantula, snake, hedgehogs, mice, birds, fish, octopus, rabbits, pony, pig, and turtles. Fortunately, she finds them all good homes, and she has to admit that she enjoys her new simpler life. There's just one thing: She still really wants just one pet. At first the answer is no. But using a little scientific savvy, she finds one that could be just the right fit--how could anyone turn down a pet smaller than an ant's eye that doesn't need special food or toys or walking, and will always be small enough to squeeze into their home, no matter how much they downsize? Jessie Hartland creatively blends fantasy and science in a far-out story that bursts with exuberance. Her whimsical art celebrates one very thoughtful, persistent little girl and introduces readers to the tiny tardigrade, with its fascinating array of survival skills.

    This Step into Reading boxed set includes 12 full-color phonics readers featuring the pups of Nickelodeon’s PAW Patrol! Each book features a specific phonics concept that will give boys and girls ages 3 to 7 the tools they need to begin reading on their own.

    . . . and her town's overwhelming response. After her wonderful birthday party, Grace sits down to write thank-you letters to friends and family for all their lovely gifts. But why stop there? She writes to thank Mr. Jones for teaching her to read and write. She thanks her dog for his waggy tail. She even thanks the sky for being so perfectly blue.This sweet story about the power of gratitude encourages young readers to write their own letters, and share their joy with friends, family, and loved ones. For anyone who has ever wanted to encourage children to write thank you notes, Grace's sweet letters and the joyful way everyone in town receives them is the perfect, gentle lesson, and models how to respond to all kinds of gifts--including the intangible ones.When Grace returns home after delivering her notes, she finds a wealth of affection--cards, letters, and notes from her neighbors and friends, expressing their love for Grace and appreciation for her letters. A beautifully illustrated gatefold page shows how deeply her letters have touched the hearts of everyone around them.Beloved storyteller and illustrator Jane Cabrera's vivid and textured acrylic paintings are filled with joyful cuteness and warmth. Collage elements, including patterns from the inside of envelopes, smartly add to the epistolary theme. This delightful celebration of mindful thankfulness and community togetherness is perfect for curling up in a cozy spot and sharing one-on-one.

    What if he doesn't know the answer at school? What if he messes up? But as he sets out that morning, all it takes is a few reminders from his mom and some friends in the neighborhood to remind him that a new day is a good day because...HE IS SMART,HE IS BLESSED,AND HE CAN DO ANYTHING!

    I am a terrier. I bark. I bark at anything and everything and all the time." As he goes through his day -- barking, eating, outsmarting the dumb animals on the farm, putting up with a visit to the vet -- Murphy never loses his doggy enthusiasm, even when he has to sleep out in the barn. In her charming new tale, acclaimed author and illustrator Alice Provensen shows that every dog -- even a bad dog -- has his day.

    In fact it’s dangerous and difficult. It requires planning. First, Crocodile and Anna practice their secret-keeping faces. Then Anna lifts Crocodile up, to be sure she’s strong enough to carry gold. Together, they draw the whole world, with an X to mark the spot. Now Anna fetches the boat, and off they sail. What will they discover?

    But a strange buzzing sound coming from inside Berlioz's double bass causes him to steer the mule-driven bandwagon of musicians into a hole in the road. Who will rescue the wagon? Readers will be surprised at the answer. "Quintessential Brett and a pleasure to behold."--Booklist. Full color.

    He wished his ruinous little sister was never born and it comes true when time starts going in reverse! If he doesn’t think of something fast, he’ll disappear entirely. Otto is a modern Benjamin Button who reminds us to love the ones we’re with.

    But even in such a hardscrabble place, they had created something they could be proud of: over the years they had collected the biggest ball of string in the world. Folks came from miles around to see it. But one night, a flood carries their prized string away and washes it ashore near the town of Cornwall. Rather than return it, the Cornwallians decide to keep the string for themselves. They start to make plans to dedicate the string in its new gazebo, but their celebrations could be short-lived, because, having discovered the deceit, those resourceful piglets from Rumpus Ridge have begun to make some plans of their own . . .

    And so he planned a horse race—one that would determine the next king. But this race was an unusual one: The brother whose horse was last to cross the finish line would be the winner. How in the world could they finish this strange race? With puns on every page, exuberantly goofy artwork, the classic battle of hero versus villain, and even a riddle for the reader to solve, this featherbrained story is terrifically clever fun.

    Each book tells the story of one of America's icons in a lively, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers and that always includes the hero's childhood influences. At the back are an excellent timeline and photos. This volume features Walt Disney, who makes dreams come true for himself and countless kids around the world. Walt Disney used his imagination and creativity to tell stories that have become beloved by families everywhere. From his failures to his successes, this book celebrates the work and the man behind the happiest place on earth.

    Claus head for sunny Mistletoe Island, where they surf, golf, and learn the hula. They even start eating healthy. (No more cookies and milk!) Vacation is so much fun that Santa decides to retire, much to the reindeer and elves’ dismay. Can there be a Christmas without Santa—and can Santa be jolly without Christmas?

    "Bloop, Bloop!" Goes the Poop is based on the true story of a little boy who is confused about the rumbling noises coming from his tummy. He needs to know what to do to stop those noises! Help him make it to the potty in time while having fun with sounds.

    With a twinkle in his eye, Santa sees a solution and wonders how well can cows, sheep, goats, pigs, and an old hound dog fly? OH, WHAT A CHRISTMAS! is an upbeat and humorously sweet holiday story about Santa's soon-to-be-classic wild and crazy sleigh ride one special Christmas Eve.

    The pond is dry, and she doesn't want to roll in the mud with Pig, sing with Rooster, doze with Tortoise, eat laundry with Goat, or join any of the other animals in their pastimes. To make matters worse, the gray cloud that's following Duck is growing bigger by the minute, and now her friends are feeling gloomy as well. What will it take to cheer them all up? Two prolific picture-book creators look to the skies for a humorous tale of not-fair-weather friendship.