During the brutal Civil War, it was music that kept up his spirits and those of his fellow soldiers. So when the war ended and peace was restored to the country, Patrick had an idea. He would create the biggest, boldest, loudest concert the world had ever known to celebrate. A peace jubilee! But with twelve cannons, forty church bells, one thousand musicians, and ten thousand singers, just how would all of this sound? Matt Tavares’s spirited illustrations burst with sound words in perfect harmony with Alicia Potter’s triumphant story of the joy of music.

    One likes nuts, and the other likes worms! But both of them are happy to try something new. And together, they make the very best of friends. A beautiful tale of an unlikely friendship, brought to life with sweet illustrations.

    A mysterious silver gift-wrapped box is under one of the trees. The old lot owner notices their intrigue and what he tells them, not only marks the beginning of a new family tradition, but also brings meaning and understanding into their Christmas celebration. In The Legend of the Christmas Tree, children ages 4 to 8 will discover the wonderful story of how the evergreen tree first became a symbol of Christmas and a way to tell people about God. The beautiful illustrations by Bill Dodge add a wonderful richness to the story and help bring meaning to one of our best-loved traditions---decorating the Christmas tree.

    Harvey fireboat was the largest, fastest, shiniest fireboatof its time, but by 1995, the city didn't need old fireboats anymore. So the Harvey retired, until a group of friends decided to save it from the scrap heap. Then, one sunny September day in 2001, something so horrible happened that the whole world shook. And a call came from the fire department, asking if the Harvey could battle the roaring flames. In this inspiring true story, Maira Kalman brings a New York City icon to life and proves that old heroes never die.

    Baffled and with his tummy rumbling, he consults the other animals. But Sloth is too busy, Toucan is clueless, and Crocodile has his own mouth full. Maybe the ants will know—and maybe the answer isn't quite as obvious as you may think! A delightfully silly tale that little ones will return to again and again.

    And in the middle of this arid land there is a village filled with people who need more than just a few buckets of rainwater to survive. Fortunately for them, Tobias lives nearby. He owns the only wellspring in the desert, and it pours forth clear, cool water--water he and his son happily give to everyone who asks. He is lovingly called the Watermaster, and he believes that the water should be a free gift to all.But when the Watermaster goes on an unexpected journey, the people realize in a whole new way the amazing gift he's been giving them. The only gift they really need.God's grace is a gift more precious than water in a desert. It is all you and your children ever need. As our bodies cannot live without water, so our souls cannot truly live without God's grace. It is by His grace alone that we can come to Him and ask for the Living Water, which is eternal life. His grace poured out at Calvary cleanses our hearts and souls. So marvelous and matchless is this gift--a gift we do not deserve, a gift we cannot buy or earn--yet we need only ask and believe.This poignant tale, first told in the popular Crossway book Tell Me the Secrets, and its rich illustrations uniquely capture the wonder of God's amazing grace. Let it help you share this vital truth with your children, that they may know the real Watermaster and receive His Living Water.

    And where there are rules against such things. In fact, cuteness of any kind is considered downright criminal.   But one boy is brave enough to face the adorable doggies, and he just may turn things around for this narrow-minded town.

    He runs away during the big scavenger hunt. But his friend's need Arthur's help to win against a rival camp. Where did Arthur go?

    Unfortunately, all sorts of creatures, including a bird, a porcupine, and a beaver, lose their homes in the process, so Jim gives them a home in his beard -- until one day it all gets to be too much. Time for Jim to come up with a better solution! This funny story carries a green message.

    Millet’s class are putting on their annual nutrition pageant. Every kid plays a food. Every kid gets a line. It is a big deal. But this year, there aren’t quite enough parts for everybody. So the class is cast: Fish, Cheese, Broccoli, Blueberry, Banana, and . . . Second Banana. Second Banana feels rotten. She wants to be the ONLY banana!In this deliciously original school story, Blair Thornburgh and Kate Berube recognize the dreadful disappointment that a casting list can cause—as well as the power of friendship, creative thinking, and a good attitude to turn a rotten situation into one that’s quite ap-peel-ing. Showtime!

    This richly detailed book ingeniously shows how food, technology, and even families have changed throughout American history. In 1710, a girl and her mother in Lyme, England, prepare a blackberry fool, picking wild blackberries and beating cream from their cow with a bundle of twigs. The same dessert is prepared by an enslaved girl and her mother in 1810 in Charleston, South Carolina; by a mother and daughter in 1910 in Boston; and finally by a boy and his father in present-day San Diego. Kids and parents alike will delight in discovering the differences in daily life over the course of four centuries. Includes a recipe for blackberry fool and notes from the author and illustrator about their research.From the Hardcover edition.

    A perfect basic concept books for eager young learners from the author of Tons of Trucks. Then cruise into bedtime!Rest cars, Hush carsNo more rush, cars. Cars pull in, turn off the light. Sweet dreams, sleepy cars...goodnight!Filled with vibrant art, adorable animal characters, and cars of all kinds from love bugs to the demolition derby, Calling All Cars is for every child who loves to read about things that go! Surprise bonus -- follow one long road throughout this vividly imagined world and don't miss the hidden clues in the artwork!

    Consistent new sounds are added gradually, until young readers have read books with all letters of the alphabet (except Q). Short vowels and three-letter words in simple sentences make Bob Books Set 1 a fun confidence builder. With little books, come big success. (TM)

    PBS’s successful animated show Wild Kratts follows the adventures of zoologists Chris and Martin Kratt as they travel to animal habitats around the globe. Along the way, they encounter incredible creatures while combining science education with fun. Boys and girls ages 4 to 6 can join the Kratt brothers as they activate their Creature Power Suits to creep, crawl, and slither with amazing reptiles!Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. For children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.

    Franklin also designed the lightning rod, suggested the idea of daylight savings time, and invented bifocals-all inspired by his common sense and intelligence. In this informative book, Gene Barretta brings Benjamin Franklin's genius to life, deepening our appreciation for one of the most influential figures in American history.Now & Ben is a 2007 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.