The unwitting wolf proves to be no match for the good intentions of these itching-sweater-knitting, off-key-singing, burnt-cookie-baking neighbors. Here's one wolf that's off to live with his mother!"Off the wall fun."—Publishers Weekly"A winner."—School Library Journal

    When a rescue boat and a convoy of divers arrive to help the struggling humpback, a realistic and moving encounter bridges the human and aquatic worlds.

    Then one night, a flying whale wakes her and takes her on an amazing journey—where some of her questions are answered and even more created. This gentle, philosophical tale is a visual treat sure to fill curious little listeners with wonder.

    To select the animals of the zodiac, the Jade Emperor has called for a race between all the animals.

    The city is exciting (and there's so much to do!) but after a while Cat pines for the country with its trees and bright colors. Chicken takes Cat on fun adventures but Cat remains blue. How can Chicken make the city a brighter and happier place for Cat to live in? When Cat gets the idea to plant a garden in an empty lot, the city blooms, and so does Chicken and Cat's friendship. With perfect doses of charm and simplicity, emerging artist Sara Varon captures the intricacies and sweetness of friendship.

    In Fancy Nancy: Sand Castles and Sand Palaces, Nancy spends the day at the beach with her friends. They build the most magnificent sand palace imaginable! But when the tide comes in, what will happen to their beautiful creation? Fans of Fancy Nancy will delight in Nancy's sparkling creativity and imagination.

    Medallion Honoree * From the Midwest Book Review: "The Pajama Elves" is a delightful, creatively presented holiday tale that shares a family tradition of giving children magic pajamas secretly tailored by Santa's sewing elves, so they can sleep snug in their beds on Christmas Eve. Hayden Edwards is a special pseudonym for author/illustrator Julie Szabo, combining the names of her two sons and husband. Told in verse narrative and creatively illustrated with combination photos/prints in color, "The Pajama Elves" is all about keeping the magic of Christmas alive for young children. The author describes it as follows: "'The Pajama Elves' allows people to adopt and personalize the tradition in many ways, and it can be shared with family members who live far apart from one another." Sensitively done, "The Pajama Elves" is an ideal contemporary response to unique challenges faced by parents of young children today.

    Definitions range from wanting to know everything about cookies (curious) to thinking carefully about what kind of cookies to make for your friend (ponder). This is a tasty vocabulary list that will resonate well beyond the school years.

    Martha loves talking on the telephone. When she calls into a radio contest and wins a weekend getaway at the Come-On Inn, her family is ecstatic--until they realize dogs aren't allowed. Though they sneak her in, irrepressible Martha is not interested in staying hidden in the room. She thinks dogs should be able to have fun on vacation too. And when Martha speaks, people listen!

    They cruise down highway number 4 on their way to Shapeville, but they see an abandoned number along the way. Is it a 6? Is it a 9? And what's it doing on the side of the road? Once the trio reach Shapeville, there's another problem: a flood washed away all of the squares. Max and his brothers show the town that putting together two triangles will bring their shapes back together, and then they follow the residents on a trip to Count Town, where they put the missing number back in its place in the countdown to a rocket's blastoff.

    Ten birds are trying to figure out how to get to the other side of the river. The bird they call "Brilliant" devises a pair of stilts. The bird they call "Highly Satisfactory" engineers a raft. One by one, nine resourceful birds make the crossing until a single bird is left behind ? the one they call "Needs Improvement." This bird's solution proves surprising ? and absurdly simple. More than a counting book, Ten Birds is a witty story that highlights ingenuity, common sense and the inadequacies of labels. Cyb?le Young's intricate chiaroscuro pen-and-ink drawings depict a rich alternative world that both children and adults will marvel over.

    Paired with André Amstutz's charming illustrations, this is a story sure to be read over and over again. And it's all true.

    Mr. Frazzle forgets his trousers, Wags the dog can't find bone, and Annie and Ben bring fishing poles and towels to school instead of their homework. Not even Aunt Rosemary with her organizational tips can help. But one day Annie has an idea that combines rhyme, recall, and song into a melodic way to remember in this warmhearted tribute to compensating for weaknesses.

    But her mother and father say NO! What is Madlenka to do? It just takes some imagination . . . Madlenka's friends on the block all play along, remembering the dogs of their childhood, and in the end it seems quite possible that there's more to Madlenka's dog than we can see. With his considerable charm, Peter Sís uses lift-up flaps and peek-through windows to bring us into Madlenka's magical world where play and fantasy make wishes come true.Madlenka's Dog is a 2002 New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year and a 2003 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

    Includes a playable game!A 'growth mindset' children's picture book, The Gritty Little Lamb is a touching tale about joyful Lambie who loves playing games but has a hard time losing. His parents educate him about the value of hard work, perseverance and attitude to achieve his goal which, for right now, is beating Dad.With playful illustrations and spirited rhymes, this story teaches the value of determination and inspires every child to believe in the possibilities of their own abilities.Book details:*Beautifully illustrated in stunning detail.*An engaging and rhythmic read for adults with a story to which all kids can relate.*Several powerful and motivational quotes written in rhyme and easy to remember.*A great conversation starter to discuss attitude, patience, determination, goal setting, and losing with grace.*Includes a playable version of the same game that is seen throughout the book!*Great for bedtime, reading aloud, group discussion, and improving children's own reading skills.*Ideal for children ages 3-8.If you're looking for a heartwarming book that will teach your child important concepts while remaining fun to read, then The Gritty Little Lamb is for you. This engaging story will become a treasured part of your bookshelf which you and your kids will want to read again and again.