. . "and to the wee puppet" . . . "one nation, and a vegetable" . . . What was that again? Children in the United States of America have been reciting the Pledge of Allegiance since 1892 - and for about that long, they’ve found its big words confusing. Now, beloved children’s book author Bill Martin Jr (BROWN BEAR, BROWN BEAR, WHAT DO YOU SEE?), fellow literacy expert Michael Sampson, and Caldecott Honor-winning artist Chris Raschka give America’s children a hand, and explain this patriotic poem once and for all. Written especially for children, the Pledge of Allegiance was first recited on October 12, 1892, by 12 million children across the country and has been memorized by generations of children ever since. Isn’t it time they understood the meaning behind its words?

    An experience with a slingshot and a sparrow helps him realize that it's okay to cry when you are sad, but it's best not to cry when you're mad.

    Patrick Lewis that honor and play off of the original poems in a range of ways. For example, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” is paired with “Stopping by Fridge on a Hungry Evening” to hilarious effect, whereas the combination of Emily Dickinson’s “‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers” with Lewis’s “‘Grief’ is the thing with tissues” is profound, and both David McCord’s “This Is My Rock” and Lewis’s “This Is My Tree” hum with a sense of wonder. This playful introduction to classics will inspire imagination and wonder even as it tickles funny bones.

    That's how Tess starts her letter. You don't have to bring me any toys this year. The only thing I want is a real gnome. Full of anticipation, Tess looks forward to the day her new friend arrives: a friend she can take everywhere, and with whom she can share everything. With Grandpa and Grandma's help, she gets everything ready. Grandpa builds little pieces of furniture, Grandma sews a little blanket, and Tess prepares a welcome meal. And then it's finally Christmas Eve ... Will Santa bring a real gnome? A heartwarming picture book with wonderfully funny illustrations.

    Patient and observant, she takes in all of the wonders that make up her landscape from ferns and feathers, to bugs and butterflies. Readers will linger over the luscious and intricate illustrations soaking up all of the delicate details created by author and illustrator Isabelle Simler.

    A gypsy girl who gets the opportunity to live in a palace as a princess finds she prefers her gypsy life after all.

    When Peep visits Ducky on a rainy day, the little pals have no trouble finding things to do. Inside, there is a tent to build and a pillow fight to be had. And outside, with the help of galoshes and umbrella, it’s fun to captain a boat—until a whoosh of wind and a clap of thunder sends them running back in! Perfectly tuned to a toddler sensibility, this exuberant tale will enchant both listener and reader.

    When Owly asks his mother question after question about the world, she finds just the right ways to help him find the answers.

    When Miss Biscuit, a retired nanny, decides that they should go live in the country, Violet Pickles, a rag doll, is very unhappy at the prospect.

    Here she stars in a back-to-school story that will give any young school attendee the giggles. Out for an early walk, she finds a big, fancy "barn" complete with a flag out front and paper-cutout window decorations. With typical featherheaded flair, Minerva discovers that she has a lot to learn. Full color.

    But Grandpa and Grandma will understand — really. With his trademark vibrant, energetic illustrations, Petr Horácek introduces us to a delightfully enterprising child, some wisely laid-back grandparents, and the most endearing elephant you’ll ever want to meet.

    With her camera at the ready wherever she goes, she finds inspiration for movies everywhere she looks. But when her colorful parents and colorful classmates just don’t “get” her, she’s ready to give up—until a lucky encounter with a film curator at The Museum of Modern Art in New York changes her perspective. Inspired by the films she sees at MoMA and stories of other pioneering directors, Charlotte gets to work. And it’s hard work! But when her movie finally premieres at the Museum, Charlotte is thrilled to be doing exactly what she loves best. A follow-up to Frank Viva’s Young Frank, Architect and perfect for film lovers, aspiring directors, and artists of all stripes, Young Charlotte, Filmmaker is an inspiring tale.

    But without the seventh brother's most unusual talent, all of their efforts would have been in vain.

    This calls for hugs around the neck while reading, so be sure to share it with someone special.

    Wilkin's beloved illustrations capture the poetry of childhood, and bring out the magic of over 30 poems that have delighted generations of children, including works by Langston Hughes, Aileen Fisher, A. B. Shiffrin, Christina Rossetti, Sarah Coleridge, Robert Louis Stevenson, Kate Greenaway, and many more.