Rescued by two kind librarians, Pumpkin Cat makes a home for herself in the large children's room. But the wooden sheep and the sock monkey never talk, and once the librarians leave for the day, Pumpkin Cat is lonely. Searching for what is missing, she makes a new friend in a neighborhood girl and receives a Halloween gift that fills her heart. Ann Turner's tender story, paired with Amy June Bates's cozy illustrations, explores the idea that sometimes for a home to be found, a home must be given. Ann Turner is the author of several books for children, including Red Flower Goes West, illustrated by Dennis Nolan. She lives with her family in Williamsburg, Massachusetts.

    Fans of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” will enjoy Little Bird's search for a just-right puddle after a rainstorm. He searches far and wide, but some puddles are too big, some are too small, and some are already crowded with bathers. When Little Bird finds a good-looking puddle in a city park, one surprise after another spoils his bath. A ball comes bounce-bounce-bouncing. . . . A little girl comes flip-flop-flapping. . . . And a dog comes arf-arf-arfing . . . straight through Little Bird's puddle. But soon, Little Bird finds the perfect puddle to call his own. Appealing illustrations and a rhythmic text filled with repetition and fun sounds make this an ideal choice for storytime or laptime.From the Hardcover edition.

    For example, her baby brother is "so "noisy he's as loud as a whistle, a horn, and even a fire truck! that she creates a picture of him with whistles for eyes, a horn mouth, and holding a fire truck. After the girl has described everyone in her family (including herself, in great detail), she asks, "What does "your "special family look like?" encouraging readers to create their own portraits. With a list of objects at the end of the book to use as a guide, this is the ideal choice for budding artists everywhere.Here's a wonderful exploration of simile and metaphor for young readers. And don't miss the companion book "My Best Friend is as Sharp as a Pencil"!"

    . . . In A Piece of Cake, LeUyen Pham puts a unique spin on a classic tale. Kids will love the unexpected and hilarious turn the story takes. Its strong picture support; story elements, including setting, character, and plot development; and identification of a problem and solution make this a strong Common Core title.Supports the Common Core State Standards

    After he ferries soggy fireflies, dripping hedgehogs, and other creatures over dangerous waters, his good deeds are repaid in full when a shift to hot, dry weather leaves him vulnerable instead. Written by Children's Poet Laureate J. Patrick Lewis and illustrated by acclaimed picture book artist Monique Felix, The Good Ship Crocodile is a charming story of friendship sure to inspire readers of all ages.

    And his owner, Harry, has all the best hopes that George will be a well-behaved dog when he leaves him alone for the day. But when George spies a delicious cake sitting on the kitchen table, his resolve starts to waver. You see, George loves cake. . . . Uh-oh. What to do now? It’s so hard to be a good dog when there are cats to chase and flowers to dig up! What ever will Harry say when he gets back? Chris Haughton’s fetchingly funny story and vibrant, retro illustrations are sure to lure dog lovers of all ages — and anyone who has ever met a temptation too good to resist.

    But then along comes Tiny Chick, who begs Baby Owl to read to him. Before you can say “once upon a time,” they're joined by a crowd: Tiny Chick's brothers and sisters and cousins and friends all want a story, too. Soon Baby Owl is smothered by lots of fluffy chicks. How can he EVER read? Fantastic fun with a favorite character.

    He's Fang—a swashbuckling protector of the high seas, a tiger waiting to pounce on unsuspecting prey, and a caped superhero ready to save the day. But do his "people," Mr. and Mrs. Biddle, acknowledge his greatness? Not even!So once in a good long while, Walter will answer to Wally or Kitten or even Snookums, but most of the time . . . he's Fang!With a hilarious text by Barbara Jean Hicks and fabulously fun illustrations by Dan Santat, Walter Kitty is one cat readers will not soon forget!

    (AAHH.) But wait—there are other creatures at the pond as well. (AH HA!) And some of them are out to get Frog. (AHHH!) Not to worry, Frog gets the last laugh. (HA HA!) Using only two letters, along with many brightly colored and lively illustrations, Jeff Mack brings his hallmark humor to this rollicking book that will leave young readers guessing, laughing, and on the edge of their seats.

    Some pets stay. Some pets fetch, And some pets play. Come one, come all, to the pet show! With dogs and cats, horses and chickens, hamsters and chinchillas—and many, many more!—this book celebrates animal companions of all shapes and sizes. Who will take home the coveted Best in Show ribbon? Join the fun to find out!

    . . . Supremely satisfying." — BOOKLIST (starred review)Mama Duck has a good hunch that the big brown creature waddling behind her babies is no duck! As the foxy impostor sneaks closer and closer to Mama Duck’s trailing brood, little ones will delight in shouting out his identity. Infectious rhythms and fresh, expressive watercolors liven up the pursuit, which ends when Mama Duck confronts the villain, beak to snout, and beats him at his own game.

    Cheerful Pug, proud Greyhound, calm Great Dane, friendly Dalmatian, and many others. Each spread is a story about an extraordinary dog’s personality, written with humor and drawn with love, giving details that children love so much!But the most important part is the end of this story. It will make your heart beat faster and moisten your eyes.This is a short story in verse that your little dog lover will ask to read again and again at bedtime. Or maybe you will take it to the park and find each breed described?

    Popular questions such as Does my pet miss me? Did he know I loved him? Can he hear me when I talk to him? Can he come back to visit me? and How will I be able to find my pet when I go home? are answered. The story begins when the spirit of Browne's dog, Jolie, leaves her body and goes home to live on the other side. Jolie runs, jumps, and plays with her eternal friends all around the world, devoid of the pain and suffering she was experiencing on earth. This is a comforting account of a pet's journey through one life and on to the next that explains how animals enjoy eternal happiness right alongside the people who love them.

    Please don?t tease Tootsie, or provoke Poochie . . . Just give her a little pat and pamper Dixie cat.Do you ever want to tease your kitty? Or provoke a pooch? In this very silly cautionary book about caring for furry friends, kids receive helpful hints on what not to do to pets. Then come loving suggestions for how Tootsie, Dixie, and Bitsy Bunny should be treated. A playful rhyming text and wonderfully wacky illustrations exude the fun and warmth that kids can share with all their friends?furry or slimy, four legged or web toed, of any size or shape.

    He sings, dances, exercises, and has a good time with his friends. He usually sleeps during the day, and during the evening, when most of the creatures are taking a rest or sleeping, he has fun doing his colorful activities.One day he woke up early, and as bored as he was, he set foot on another adventure. Poor Froblicious (Maybe not)! He tripped on a seesaw and sailed through the window of a little girl’s bathroom. The girl, called Ruby, wanted Froblicious to feel at home. But what happened to Froblicious? What did he think about Ruby? Was he scared? In this fun rhyme geared towards 2- to 6-year-olds, children will enjoy the beginning of a friendship between a little girl and a silly frog while learning through play. This story helps children: Build oral concepts Develop listening skills Nurture imagination and artistic skills Download you copy today!