But no matter how hard he tries, the qualities that make him a cloud seem to get in the way of his duties. He blocks the sun at the park instead of helping people and obscures traffic at an intersection instead of directing it. Upset, the cloud starts to cry. And it's his streaming tears—which inadvertently put out a fire in a burning building—that lead him to his true calling in life: as a firefighter!

    As soon as there's a fire alarm, the engines start to roar. The firefighters jump aboard...it rumbles out the door." Jump aboard a bright red fire engine with a trio of friendly animal firefighters as sirens wail, lights flash, fire hoses squirt, and fires blaze -- in this story that blends action and rhyme with all the details kids want to know about one of their favorite machines. The mix of visual entertainment and lively wordplay ensures that young children will delight in the reading experience, as will the adults fortunate enough to read aloud these irresistible rhymes!

    But as the animal friends roll over to make more room, one animal after another gently tumbles out of the cozy den...until Little Mouse is left all alone. But Little Mouse misses his friends, so he comes up with the perfect solution to his problem.John Butler's charming version of a children's favorite countdown to bedtime features a simple but playful text and soft, pastel-colored illustrations of bright-eyed baby animals. The result is an irresistible read-aloud story that will invite delighted responses from young children.

    The spirited and irresistible itsy bitsy spider has captured the hearts of generations of children by climbing up that water spout. Now she's back—on a new magical journey!This all-new itsy bitsy spider has exciting encounters with a fan, a mouse, a rocking chair, a cat and a big maple tree. Finally, the itsy bitsy spider finds a lovely spot to rest and spin a new silky web. Children will enjoy time and again the delightful adventures of the energetic itsy bitsy spider.

    A muddy country road is no match for this little pick up--that is, until he gets stuck while pushing a dump truck out of the muck. Luckily, Blue has made a pack of farm animal friends along his route. And they're willing to whatever it takes to get their pal back on the road. Filled with truck sounds and animals noises, here is a rollicking homage to the power of friendship and the rewards of helping others.

    Naturally, cows make milk- but did you know they need to drink a bathtub-full of water every day? And of course turkeys gobble- but sometimes they purr like cats. Wendell Minor's bright, bold artwork and jaunty verse celebrate the wonders of our farm friends, and a list of fun facts gives curious animal-lovers even more to enjoy.Watch a Video

    Four happy bearson four small chairs.Four chairs. Four adorable bears. All is well until Big Brown Bear shows up -- what a stare! -- and wants a seat. Can these clever bears put their heads together (among other things) and make space for one more? With endearing, expressive illustrations and a sustained rhyme in every line, here is a cozy tale that makes it clear there is room for all.

    In this bright, bold picture book, a cast of animal characters are building a brand-new playground in a local park for their community! Each day of the week contains a different construction plan as the steam-rolling, digging, and planting gets underway.Tuesday! Mix day!Pipe and boards and bricks day.Stack, spin, pour it in.Give the fence a fix day.Wednesday! Load day!Take it on the road day.Hoist, haul, pull it all.Something being towed day!The construction project comes together for a joyful, rhyming walking tour of a neighborhood, where young readers can learn the days of the week while watching everyone work as a team!

    Hickory, dickory, dare, Dogs aren’t allowed in there. A sneaky peek through . . . Then a hullabaloo! Hickory, dickory, dare.Zack and his dog, Rufus, are best friends. So when Zack goes to school, Rufus follows along. And once he’s there, Rufus joins right in with painting, lunchtime, and even garden time — which makes for one messy pup when it’s time to go home! Engaging illustrations capture the people and playthings of a child’s day, with an array of analog clocks sprinkled throughout for good measure.

    Even when little dinosaurs are naughty, it's important to remind them that no matter what they do, they are always loved. In this book, readers will laugh aloud as parents cope with the typical antics of childhood, but in the end, hugs and kisses show your little one how much you care.

    But when you're a fun-loving, overactive pet gorilla, bedtime is downright hard. Who would want to go to sleep when Playtime is so much more fun? But the gorilla's responsible friend thinks enough is enough; no more fun and games. It's not Playtime--It's Bedtime! So the boy turns off the lights and the gorilla goes . . .Well, definitely NOT to sleep! Using only two words--Playtime and Bedtime--and an abundance of clever, giggle-inducing artwork, Playtime! is simple yet richly creative and bursting with childlike humor. Your own little gorilla will find it irresistible.Praise for Playtime?* "Young readers will enjoy watching a child take on the role of a parent, and sharing this book will be a delight for all. Multiple readings are sure to be demanded before bedtime finally comes."--Booklist, starred review"The gorilla’s naughty, sneaky smile is a thing of beauty. Just try saving this book for evening! Both younger and older readers will be looking and laughing throughout the day."--School Library Journal "A pleasant and action-filled going-to-sleep book, this selection may prove the perfect antidote for a sleepless night. A simple, fun-filled goodnight book."--Kirkus Reviews

    Meeow loves to draw, paint and make things.

    But what happens when Little Tug gets tired?  This simple, endearing book with a charming retro feel and an emotional punch is the first book for Roaring Brook Press by the acclaimed author of Polar Bear Night (New York Times Best Illustrated book) and Where's Walrus?

     Trucks bring blocks, books and bulldozers, dolls and socks." Through mountains and flatlands, past deserts and towns, the trucks are rolling! With its rhyming text and bold illustrations, Trucks Roll! invites kids along on a day in a trucker's life and shows that many things we enjoy depend on the trucker's work.

    Back to bed, no school today for Llama Llama! Instead, he's home with Mama. By lunchtime, though, he's beginning to feel a tiny bit better. But now someone else has the sneezes . . . Mama! And who will help her feel better? Why, Llama Llama, of course! Anna Dewdney's fun-to-read rhymes are sure to help children and their parents get through those under-the-weather days.