If you were a boy named Henri Matisse who lived in a dreary town in northern France, what would your life be like? Would it be full of color and art? Full of lines and dancing figures?Find out in this beautiful, unusual picture book about one of the world's most famous and influential artists by acclaimed author and Newbery Medal-winning Patricia MacLachlan and innovative illustrator Hadley Hooper.A Neal Porter Book

    Knowing the havoc it will cause, all the animals try to prevent the elephant from sneezing.

    The woodland animals awake from their deep winter's sleep to discover the first sign of spring'a flower blooming in the snow.1950 Caldecott Honor Book

    The two become quick pals. But what happens when the polar bear?s muddy splotches wash off? Will the two bears stay friends? From the much lauded author of Be Gentle with the Dog, Dear! comes a clever take on a timeless theme. With plenty of heart and humor?plus a gratifying surprise ending?kids are sure to flip back to the beginning for more.

    -Charlotte Agell, author and illustrator of Dancing Feet This delightful story is a wonderful example of both the subtle directness and the deep awareness of our relation to the natural world that characterizes the very best American Indian traditional storytelling. Allen's voice is both gentle and strong. I can't think of a book I could recommend more highly for anyone who wants to give a young reader a true picture of the Native way of seeing, teaching, and understanding. -Joseph Bruchac, a storyteller and writer whose work often reflects his own American Indian (Abenaki) ancestry. His recent books for young readers include the award-winning novel Skeleton Man and the picture book Jim Thorpe's Bright Path

    Seuss. When the Berenstain Bears set out to find the perfect spot for a picnic, Father Bear says he knows just the place. But each ideal location turns out to be a complete disaster, with a train roaring past or hordes of mosquitoes. At last they find a place with no pesky crowds or noisy planes, and nary a mosquito . . . until it starts to rain. With The Bears' Picnic, literary legends Stan and Jan Berenstain provide a red-and-white-checked tablecloth to enhance a giggle-filled escape.Originally created by Dr. Seuss, Beginner Books encourage children to read all by themselves, with simple words and illustrations that give clues to their meaning.

    But the people of this land aren’t so easy to find. Because Erkenwald is ruled by a cruel Ice Queen and you must stay hidden or risk becoming another of her prisoners.   Join Eska, a girl who breaks free from a cursed music box, and Flint, a boy whose inventions could change the fate of Erkenwald forever, as they journey together in search of an ancient, almost forgotten, song with the power to force the Ice Queen back.   This is a story about an eagle huntress, an inventor and an organ made of icicles. But it is also a story about belonging, even at the very edges of our world . . .

    Full color.

    Children bundle into snowsuits and race outside into a sparkling world of white to build houses of snow bricks, catch snowflakes on their tongues, and make snow angels. Almost as much fun as playing in the snow is coming back indoors to toast toes in front of the fire and share a story before snuggling in bed. As cozy as soft flannel sheets, here is a joyful celebration of childhood - and of the perfect snowy day.

    One, two three.Why won't someone play with me?Heidi is a stick insect, long and thin like the twig of a tree. It's her first day at Bug School, where she hopes to learn lots and make new friends. But no one will talk to her . . . and no one will play with her at lunch. No one notices her at all - not even her teacher Miss Orb. Perhaps she's blending in with the branches a little too well! Finally, Heidi speaks up for herself and Miss Orb comes up with a plan to help Heidi stand out.

    Sixty-four of her favorite animal friends are here, from hamsters to monkeys, geckos to mountain goats--and with its clever combination of fact and wordplay, this stunning volume is as fun to read as it is to look at.Includes an author's note. Visit www.HarcourtBooks.com/LoisEhlert for activity sheets and more!

    He assumes he isn't missing much. However, his friends are determined to prove otherwise! Will Tortoise sleep through another winter, or will his friends convince him to stay awake and experience the frosty fun of winter? Best-selling author Katy Hudson's charming picture book will have everyone excited for winter.

    -- For beginner readers - phonics-based text is cleverly blended with a funny story-- Includes phonics guide for parents...and some pages have fold-out flaps!

    But big-brother penguins, just like human ones, sometimes think that little brothers are pests. Flip wants to play with a buddy his own size, someone like Hip, the polar bear. And that leaves little Flop out in the cold.How Flop finds a friend of his own -- and a game that everyone can enjoy -- makes for an endearing tale, written and illustrated with snowy sparkle.

    Also includes Sight Words. Not too long ago, Princess Celestia sent Twilight Sparkle to Ponyville so she could learn about friendship. Now the book-lover has a crown all her own! Learn all about her new life in this charming reader illustrated with fun and fabulous stills from the hit TV show, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic! © Hasbro