Grouped in four progressive levels, Read and Share books - available individually for the first time - are specially selected for qualities that encourage literacy skills and a love of reading.Sixteen top-quality books with notes for extending reading fun inspire the confidence parents and children need to experience the joys of reading . . . together. Plus an informative Parents' Handbook!What is Read and Share??An expert selection of sixteen high-quality picture books by superb authors and illustrators, featuring a multicultural array of subjects, including poetry and rhymes, traditional songs, stories, and information books ?Four progressive levels - Beginnings, Early Steps, Next Steps, and Taking Off - each including four fabulous picture books?Two full spreads inside each book offering suggestions and activities inspired by the story, designed to help parents and children get the most out of each book - and build a foundation for reading success?A separate 24-page, full-color Parents' Handbook providing extensive practical information and detailed answers to many of the questions parents ask about encouraging their children's literacy

    Gumpy's Outing is a Boston Globe-Horn Book Award winner and an American Library Association Notable Children's Book. In England, illustrator John Burningham, with Mr. Gumpy's Outing, became the first artist ever to win England's Kate Greenaway Medal twice. Mr. Gumpy lives by a river. One sunny day he decides to take a ride in his small boat.It is such a perfect idea, for such a perfect summer day, that he soon has company: first the children, then the rabbit, the cat, the dog, the pig, the sheep, the chickens, and still others until-- Mr. Gumpy's outing comes to an inevitable but not unhappy, conclusion."Come for a ride another day," says Mr. Gumpy at the book's end. And young readers will return again and again to this sprightly story with its clever, captivating illustrations that reflect the sunlit quality of a lazy summer afternoon.An ALA Notable Children's BookA New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Children's BookA Child Study Association Children's Book of the YearA Library of Congress Children's Book of the Year

    Rey more than sixty years ago. Here you will find eight timeless stories about George, the man with the yellow hat, and their friends.In this hefty 192-page hardcover treasury, the eight stories are illustrated in the charcoal style of H.A. Rey by Martha Weston and Vipah Interactive*:'Curious George Takes a Train' (2002); 'Curious George Visits a Toy Store' (2002);'Curious George and the Dump Truck' (1999);'Curious George and the Birthday Surprise' (2003);'Curious George Goes Camping' (1999;'Curious George Goes to a Costume Party' (2001);'Curious George Visits the Library' (2003);'Curious George in the Big City' (2001). A wonderful collection for your own mischievous monkey. For more monkey fun, investigate www.curiousgeorge.com and discover all the latest on Curious George books, promotions, games, activities, and more!* Vipah Interactive comprises of: C Becker, D Fakkel, M Jensen, S SanGiacomo, C Witte and C Yu.

    JEREMY FISHERThe Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher, like Peter Rabbit, began life as an illustrated letter to a young child. It was written when Beatrix Potter was on holiday in Scotland where her father and his friends enjoyed fishing expeditions. Mr. Jeremy has a day full of the worst fisherman's mishaps when he sets out to catch minnows for his dinner.

    The moon stayed up till morning. The geese flew home to celebrate. Polar bears danced.On the night you were born you brought wonder and magic to the world. Here is a book that celebrates you. It is meant to be carried wherever life takes you, over all the roads, through all the years.This debut picture book by Nancy Tillman has touched the hearts of readers of all ages, from the youngest readers, to new mothers, to grandparents. A New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling book, On the Night You Were Born is sure to be a beloved addition to family libraries.

    Rosie the hen is enjoying a leisurely walk around the farm, but the stroll isn't nearly as pleasant for the fox who is trying -- unsuccessfully -- to navigate the obstacle course Rosie is unknowingly leading him through.

    Milo & Ze is the eagerly-awaited second illustrated children's book by Mark Watson and Pablo Michau, authors of the bestselling, "The Shark in the Park". "Milo is a cute bull terrier puppy who has been forgotten, locked in a kennel, until one night a blinding light comes out of the night sky and smashes his kennel creating a crater that the bull terrier braves his way to peer into and hears a mole who asks his name and the little bull terrier discovers a fallen star: `'Never again need you wish for a friend, he waits for you at your journey's end.' And off Milo goes on a journey, sees a truck, meets Big the Pig who invites him to his yacht which turns out to be a leaky barge but Milo jumps ship and ultimately comes ashore to see Big the Pig safe and free. Milo meets a pelican who gives him a ride. The next ride is on a camel but a sandstorm hits, covers the little bull terrier, but he is discovered by an elephant who helps him on his journey. But more adventures arise - a tiger, a mountain goat, a cavern and finally, the little bull terrier puppy arrives at the door where lives an Indian lad by the name of Ze: Milo finally has a friend of his own. Enchanting rhyming verse, exquisite illustrations and a heartwarming adventure that simply is restorative and makes the reader feel good. Searching for friends - a great goal and a wonderful destination. Highly recommended for children and art loving adults." Grady Harp, January 15

    Could it be a case of mistaken identity? This fast-paced comedy of errors, illustrated with Jez Alborough's quirky artwork, is guaranteed to have children—and bears alike—reaching for their teddies!

    No wonder the other elephants laugh at him!If he were ordinary elephant color, the others might stop laughing. That would make Elmer feel better, wouldn't it? David McKee's comical fable about everyone’s favorite patchwork elephant teaches readers to be themselves and celebrates the power of laughter.

    He cheekily tries to upset Gordon, accidentally leaves his coaches behind, and has a lot of trouble with the Troublesome Trucks, but in the end he learns many lessons about being a Really Useful Engine.

    A simple trip turns into a colorful adventure as Moomintroll meets Mymble, who has lost her sister, Little My. Along the way, they endure the hijinks of all the charming characters of the Moomin world, including the Fillijonks and Hattifatteners. Will Moomintroll ever make it home safe and sound? A beautiful and boisterous story by internationally acclaimed children’s author Tove Jansson, this picture book is sure to tickle the fancies of parents and kids as well as Moomintroll fans everywhere!

    Fortunately, Farmer Ben is a good neighbor, and offers Brother advice about standing up for what is right.

    You might be surprised.Great story to introduce the concept of empathy -- don't make assumptions about others, ask and observe. Perfect for girls and boys, ages 4-8.

    Masha lives in the forest with her dog, goat, and pig and every day Masha forces the forestal animals to play with her causing them to be afraid of her. The bear tries to get rid of Masha when he catches her making a mess in his home but is unsuccessful and he learns that Masha is very resourceful, smart, and mischievous--something that causes her to get into a lot of funny situations.

    Artist Sandra Boynton is back and better than ever with completely redrawn versions of her multi-million selling board books. These whimsical and hilarious books, featuring nontraditional texts and her famous animal characters, have been printed on thick board pages, and are sure to educate and entertain children of all ages.