Each autumn, just before the onset of winter, a bear shows up in the rugged woodland behind a family farm.

    But first, Bear had a story to tell...Bear found his friend Mouse, but Mouse was busy gathering seeds and didn't have time to listen to a story. Then Bear saw his friend Duck, but Duck was getting ready to fly south. What about his friend Toad? He was busy looking for a warm place to sleep. By the time Bear was through helping his friends get ready for winter, would anyone still be awake to hear his story?This endearing story of friendship and patience is a worthy companion to Philip and Erin Stead's last collaboration, A Sick Day for Amos McGee, winner of the 2011 Caldecott Medal.Bear Has a Story to Tell is a Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Book of 2012. This title has Common Core connections.

    Arthur and his cohorts search desperately for a solution, and in the process learn a lesson about following rules and respecting others. Text copyright 2004 Lectorum Publications, Inc.

    In the middle of fall, the sky is nearly gray, the leaves have already turned, and all it takes is one gust of wind to turn the world yellow and red and orange.

    But Duck is a bit TOO enthusiastic… "No splashing! No fishing! No racing!" he quacks. Soon he puts up signs EVERYWHERE! "DIVING IS FORBIDDEN! (by order of Duck— in charge of the pond)" But then all his friends start leaving… Can bossy Duck figure out a way to share the pond with his friends?

    ("I brought pickles and bean burritos and more pickles and mashed potatoes and some pickles and . . .") But the friends soon find themselves in hot water when the dastardly Mr. Cougarpants stalks their campsite. Can Wordy Birdy talk them all out of this pickle? Grab your pack, grill up a s'more, and find out!Author Tammi Sauer (Chicken Dance, Nugget & Fang) will keep young readers and their parents giggling with this funny, chatty, boisterous adventure about the importance of listening AND the importance of speaking up for your friends!

    "How many seeds are in a pumpkin?" Mr. Tiffin asks his class as they gather around the big, medium, and small pumpkins on his desk. Robert, the biggest kid, guesses that the largest one has a million seeds; Elinor, sounding like she knows what she's talking about, guesses the medium one has 500 seeds; and Anna, who likes even numbers better than odd ones, guesses that the little one has 22. Charlie, the smallest boy in the class, doesn't have a guess. Counting pumpkin seeds is messy business, but once the slimy job is done... well, you'll have to read and find out!

    But then winter comes, and with it a wonderful surprise. Do you know what it is? Join Fletcher and find out. . . .Fletcher the fox is concerned about nature and wants to understand the changing of the seasons. Young readers will share the feelings of wonder and empathy as they curl up with a parent or gather in circle time to enjoy this beautiful picture book.

    But it is hard to seek closeness with others when you're covered with spikes that shoot off your back every so often. Elmore suffers rejection and heartbreak, but the goodness of his forest community ultimately shines through as the animals find a way to connect with this prickly bundle of love.Holly Hobbie is the creator of the beloved Toot & Puddle series and now brings us a character for the next generation. Just as charming, funny, and good-hearted as her little pigs, Elmore the porcupine will snuggle and prickle his way securely into the picture-book canon.

    Poor Miss Suzy is very sad. But soon she finds a beautiful dollhouse and meets a band of brave toy soldiers. How Miss Suzy and the soldiers help each other makes a gentle, old-fashioned tale that will capture the imagination of girls and boys alike. Enchanting illustrations by Caldecott Medal winner Arnold Lobel are sure to make the kind squirrel and the gallant soldiers the everlasting friends of all who turn the pages.

    When Halloween was over and the pumpkin was beginning to rot, Tim set it out in the garden and throughout the weeks he watched it change.

    "Truly a book for all seasons."--Horn Book.

    So when the first day of school comes, she picks a beautiful apple, turns it into a makeshift doll she names Susanna, and takes it along to keep her company. But her teacher tells her that dolls aren't allowed at school. Even worse, her sister says that Susanna won't last forever. Then Lizzy's mom shows her a way to turn Susanna into a real apple doll. And with the help of Susanna the Apple Doll, Lizzy overcomes her shyness at school and makes plenty of new friends to bring home to play in her beloved apple tree.Detailed, delightful collage illustrations accompany this sweet story about one girl's success in bringing together her home world and her school world. Instructions for making an apple doll just like Susanna are included!

    One by one the six rabbit siblings escape just in time, until finally there's only one bunny left, all alone. Can he make it back to his burrow before it's too late? He'd better hurry! Once again the bestselling author of I Went Walking delivers a lively concept book that's sure to captivate young children.

    Ehlert blends bold graphics, vibrant colors, and precise details in her watercolor collage alongside found objects like seeds, fabric, wire, and roots in this innovative work of early nonfiction. A special glossary explains how roots absorb nutrients, what photosynthesis is, how sap circulates, how to make a bird treat, and other facts about trees. Children and adults will feel inspired to take a closer look at the nature in their own backyards.