. . before."Jack was running like mad in the dark woods with a hen under his arm.Previously, he had stolen the hen and climbed down a beanstalk."But do you know what was Jack doing before he climbed down the beanstalk?Or what Jack and Jill were arguing about before they went up the hill? And what happened before that? Every story, every person, and every thing started somewhere, and now the inventive and whimsical Allan Ahlberg explores what all your favorite storybook characters were up to previously, aided by Bruce Ingman’s energetic illustrations.

    Alfie doesn't want a bath. He just wants to play.Read along as Alfie turns this nightly chore into a fun, imaginary adventure. From safari hunts to slaying dragons, bath time will never be the same.This is the perfect book to read before bed or bath!

    Henshaw is handing out eggs for hatching. "Mine looks different," says Sally. "Don't be difficult," says Mrs. Henshaw. When Sally's egg cracks, what emerges is something green and scaly with big yellow eyes. Argus isn't like the other chicks;he isn't small and fuzzy, and he doesn't like seeds and bugs. He'd rather eat other chicks (or children, as he grows even bigger). Watching the other kids playing with their identical chicks, Sally wonders, would she be better off without Argus? With sly humor and a subtle tug at the heartstrings, Michelle Knudsen hatches a story about learning not just to tolerate, but to love what is different, while Andrea Wesson's endearing illustrations bring the tale to life with quirky details and offbeat charm.

     It's time for bed... Hip hip hooray! Let's all give a cheer! The day is through. We've had such fun. Now sleepy time draws near. Before you drift away to dream, let's check in at the zoo. I hear they're having a parade and a pajama party too!  Who's the favorite tonight? Happy Oliver the Octopus in his snazzy red PJs? Or maybe Polly Panda and her bright yellow jammies? It could the very sleepy Wally Walrus!Each night, little lovable zoo animals walk through vibrant illustrations with whimsical, engaging rhymes by author Agnes Green, making bedtime an amusing adventure. Just like Kimberly Koala, who indeed is a snuggle bug, cuddle up with your little one and get ready for a good night's rest with this entertaining, educational story.Sleepy little zoo babies march off from A to Z in beautiful illustrations that tell an endearing bedtime story and create a truly engaging learning experience.

    Maxwell is one contented cat. He has just been promoted. And what better way to celebrate than by going to his favorite restaurant, the Paw and Claw? He decides to live a little and order the house specialty --- a live mouse. When the headwaiter asks if they should kill the mouse, Mr. Maxwell says that isn't necessary. He knows the Paw and Claw's mice are bred for politeness!But this particular live mouse can't keep quiet --- would Mr. Maxwell like to add a little salt? Or order a glass of wine? Would he mind saying a little prayer before eating? My, what a bold and wordy mouse! Mr. Maxwell hopes the mouse doesn't give him indigestion ...Richly illustrated and full of surprises. Mr. Maxwell's Mouse is a David-and-Goliath story with claws, whiskers and tails.

    Discouraged by his wood-eating family and friends, he decides to follow his dream to the big, bug city. There he meets a slew of not-so-creepy, crawly characters who spark in him the courage to build a community for them all.With stunning collage illustrations and witty text, the creator of the bestselling The Night I Followed the Dog, Private I. Guana, and When Pigasso Met Mootisse brings to life a funny and inspirational story that will encourage readers of any age to build their dreams.

    When he launched himself into the air in his balloon made of Grandma's afghans and patchwork quilts, his journey took on a life of its own and his boring day turned into the adventure of a lifetime. From award-winning author/illustrator Philip C. Stead, comes another timeless adventure with his trademark whimsical illustrations and an unwavering spirit.A Neal Porter Book

    The story tells all about young Marco, who leads a charmed life if anyone ever did, starting off as nobody special and ending up king. Not that it's an easy path, the most dangerous part being an errand that takes him down into Hell. But thanks to the Devil's grandmother, as good an old girl as grandmothers everywhere, it all comes right in the end.

    Lemony Snicket is an alleged children’s author. For the first time in literary history, these two elements are combined in one book. People who are interested in either or both of these things will find this book so enjoyable it will feel as if Hanukah is being celebrated for several years, rather than eight nights.

    Gekko learns that teamwork can make a strong hero even stronger! After the story, kids will love the three punch-out masks of Catboy, Owlette, and Gekko that they can use to have their own heroic adventures! PJ Masks © Frog Box / Entertainment One UK Limited / Walt Disney EMEA Productions Limited 2014

    Everything he has is little, from his little pinwheel to his little tricycle. His brother Pete and his sister Mary are big. Everything they have is bigger and better than what Titch has. Their kites fly high above the houses and trees, and their bicycles are large and fast. But when Titch plants a little seed, it begins to grow…and grow…and grow!

    Any wolf who tries to eat her sheep had better watch out. But Zimmo is no ordinary wolf—he's a hungry wolf, with a plan!In her first picture book, Newbery Honor author Gail Carson Levine puts her own spin on a traditional tale, while Scott Nash brings a comic sensibility to this hilarious retelling. The result will tickle, delight, and even leave readers with a moral or two, or three....

    . . . But the brightly colored pictures tell a different story. - KIRKUS REVIEWSIt’s time for bed, and Cornelius P. Mud knows what that means — putting his toys away, brushing his teeth, putting his pajamas on, all the things we do every night. Right? Wrong! Bedtime at Cornelius’s house is no ordinary event. Whether it’s stuffing toys in the fridge or playing rodeo in the bathroom, this plucky piggy has his own ideas. So no, Cornelius isn’t quite ready for bed — he’s having too much fun!

    A turtle afraid of small dark places, and therefore of crawling into his shell, asks a variety of animals for advice, only to find out that each has a fear of its own.

    The class rides into a whitelight pinball machine to learn about the dazzling wonders of color and light.