Byrd gives the class homework for the weekend, Gilbert just can't seem to find the time to do it. That's because it's almost Christmas, and Gilbert has other important things to do, like decorating Christmas cookies, ice skating with his friends, and helping his family find the perfect Christmas tree. What will Gilbert do when Monday morning comes?The joyous holiday feeling around Gilbert's house comes alive in this funny, festive story that's perfect for anyone who's ever put off a chore.

    Myra and Kassy have discovered that the library inside Lavender Hall is magic. An evil witch is taking characters out of the books. She tricks them into entering tall stone towers. Once inside the tower, the characters forget who they are. The words from their books disappear and the world forgets about them. Myra and Kassy have to save the characters, and their stories, before the magic library is lost forever. Book 1 - Pirates A flying book leads Myra and Kassy to a beach where they find a message in a bottle. They soon discover a magic cave which takes them to a band of pirates. The pirates have been tricked by The Witch Of A Thousand Towers and are stranded on the island. Can Myra and Kassy help the pirates escape from the island?

    Your child will delight in reading this funny tale over and over again as you learn different colors and sizes. The bright illustrations and easy to read words will have your child reading along and chanting "I'm still hungry!"

    Horrid Henry reaches a younger generation of readers in a new picture storybook.

    He hops up some steps and finds himself in a place filled with light and warmth and a tall, sparkling tree. He begins to sing but is scared into silence by two voices, one big and one small. It is then that he makes a marvelous discovery. Eve Bunting’s text is filled with her customary tenderness and charm, and Timothy Bush has captured its mood in his luminous illustrations. Together they create a memorable holiday book about a cricket who discovers that though he may be small, he is not insignificant.

    The aim of these editions is to be as close as possible to Beatrix Potter's intentions while benefiting from modern printing and design techniques. The colours and details of the watercolours in the volumes are reproduced more accurately than ever before, and it has now been possible to disguise damage that has affected the artwork over the years. Most notably, The Tale of Peter Rabbit restores six of Potter's original illustrations. Four were sacrificed in 1903 to make space for illustrated endpapers, and two have never been used before. Of course, Beatrix Potter created many memorable children's characters, including Benjamin Bunny, Tom Kitten, Jemima Puddle-duck and Jeremy Fisher. But whatever the tale, both children and adults alike can be delighted by the artistry in Potter's illustrations, while they also enjoy a very good read. Because they have always been completely true to a child's experience, Potter's 23 books continue to endure.

    . . always. Alison McGhee, author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Someday, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds, gives voice to the love that knows no bounds in this gentle and poignant picture book about friendship, loyalty, and most of all, love.

    But as Willimina and Wallanda, they're free and clear . . . or are they? These cleverly disguised wolves think they can fool an entire flock with their womanly wool-wear, but three savvy sheep expose their plan. It looks like another close shave for these baa-aad boys!

    Inspired, Early Birdy wants to catch one too. But catching a worm isn't as easy as it looks. Join Early Birdy on an exciting and funny adventure set in a beautiful springtime forest environment created by illustrator Bill Bolton.

    Come and go with Olivia! In this enchanting board book, toddlers will join everyone's favorite piglet as they learn about opposites.

    But after he lavishes care on his bean for a week and nothing happens, Jasper fears it will never grow. So when it finally does sprout, and grows into an enormous beanstalk, Jasper is jubilant. He's also sure that there's a giant at the top! Full color.

    A small blue whale sits in a silver sea . . . wishing, wanting, waiting for a friend. Waiting is hard, but he doesn't mind; he's sure a friend will be worth the wait. First, the whale meets a quiet pink cloud, and he thinks this might be the friend he's been waiting for. But when he finds himself in trouble, a group of penguins comes to his rescue and the small blue whale finally gets his wish. This heartwarming story about friendship--what it looks like, sounds like, tastes like, and feels like--will have readers agreeing that a true friend is definitely worth the wait.

    Full color.

    But a closer look reveals a world of activity—mayflies dart, beetles dive, frogs spring, skunks shuffle, and owls swoop. As a young girl watches, the circle of life unfolds. Betsy Franco’s rhythmic, cumulative text makes this a lively read-aloud, and rich, luminous paintings by Stefano Vitale capture the bold beauty of nature. Young readers will be inspired to journey into their own backyards and discover the wonder of the living, breathing world around them.

    Day after day those animals tease and taunt him until, finally, he decides to cook up some gumbo just like Maman used to make. But who will help him boil, catch, sprinkle, and chop? Certainly not rude Mademoiselle Possum, ornery Monsieur Otter, or sassy Madame Skunk. But when the gumbo is ready, they're more than eager to enjoy the result of Gator's hard work and as they run to get a taste - "Slurp! Slip! Plop! Them animals go into the pot." "Mmm-mmm," says Monsieur Gator. "Now, this is gumbo just like Maman used to make."Illustrated with wit and whimsy, this mischievous tale will have young readers laughing out loud.