So when Mittens hears a scratching noise behind the fence, he has to see what is on the other side. It may just be a new friend to play with!The playful kitten's tale is sure to appeal to beginning readers who like to explore new things and make new friends, just like Mittens!

    But as soon as Thomas starts to go fast—screech!—he has to slow down. A goat is in the way, the wind is pushing him back, the tunnel is very dark, and logs are on the track! As soon as Thomas gets past each delay, he gets to go fast—at last! But will they reach the show on time? Go, Thomas, go!

    His mommy says there is a better way. What is it? Beginning readers will learn proper manners with Alfie as his mommy teaches him to say the magic words.

    His friend Bunny will not smile, no matter what Big tries…so Big needs your help! With appealing comic-inspired speech bubbles and interactive storytelling that prompts kids to do everything from turning the page, to leaning in so Big can whisper an idea, to making their silliest silly face, beginning readers will giggle their way through this Level 1 Ready-to-Read!

    Rocket is ready to find new words for his word tree with his teacher, the little yellow bird. He finds a leaf, a hat, and a star . . . but when he finds a red boot, he doesn’t want to let go. What will make Rocket drop it? With predictable patterns, simple words, lots of repetition, and bright, colorful illustrations, young readers will love this new Rocket book, which they can read all by themselves!

    Paddington is thrilled to go to the beach with the Browns. He’s never splashed in the ocean or built a sand castle. Outfitted with a new set of beach toys, Paddington seems ready for whatever comes his way. But the biggest surprise of all sweeps Paddington off on a new adventure.Paddington Sets Sail is a Level One I Can Read book, which means it’s perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences.

    Papa even takes a shot as the team’s mascot!The Berenstain Bears: We Love Baseball! is a Level One I Can Read book, which means it's perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences.

    Roar! Is it a dragon? A great big dragon? He searches the woods and finds a surprise. Three very little dragons are almost ready for bed. But who will read to them, tuck them in, and kiss them good night? Is this a job for the Good Knight? Young readers, like the young dragons, will quickly fall under the Good Knight's spell."Stories of valiant knights slaying fearsome dragons are going to fall sadly flat after one reading of this bewitching tale." (Kirkus Reviews, pointer review)

    Each is trying to outdo the other--Ballet Cat with an elaborate dance routine (of course), and Goat with his amazing (amazingly lame, that is) magic tricks. Neither act goes off quite as planned, but it doesn't matter . . . because Grandma falls asleep during the performance! Oh well, at least Ballet Cat and Goat learn how to cooperate. (But Ballet Cat cooperates better!)Praise for THE TOTALLY SECRET SECRET: *"This early reader has simple, vivacious cartoon artwork done in inks with digital enhancements. Shea's signature style and bright bold colors add to the fun. Although the text is somewhat sophisticated and the dialogue is entirely in word balloons, the humor and theme of friendship and sharing will have broad appeal beyond the beginning reader set. VERDICT Move over Elephant and Piggie!"--School Library Journal (starred review) *"Tapping into the same barely restrained exuberance and visual energy that characterizes much of his previous work, Shea introduces Ballet Cat, a pearl-and-tutu-wearing feline who loves to dance as much as the author's Dinosaur and Cheetah characters love winning. Like Mo Willems's Elephant and Piggie, these two are a contemporary comic duo with staying power; Shea mines Ballet Cat's dialed-up enthusiasm and Sparkle's hangdog expressions for everything they are worth. Boldly contrasting backgrounds heighten the strong emotions at play and, luckily, after Sparkles reveals his 'secret secret' about dancing, this friendship is undiminished." --Publishers Weekly (starred review)An ALA Notable Book

    Tiny and his owner play in the snow and Tiny becomes a snow dog.

    But she isn’t anything at all like Jen. Or is she?Amelia Bedelia discovers that friends come in all shapes and sizes, in this easy-to-read book about friendship that is just right for beginning readers.

    Go, Fox, go!What is this winning trickster character doing, zooming over and under and around on his skateboard? His animal friends follow him home to find out—and get a big surprise!Fox Is Late is a My First I Can Read book, which means it’s perfect for shared reading with a child. Other Fox books include: Fox the Tiger, Fox and the Jumping Contest, and Fox and the Bike Ride.

    But it’s not easy being the tooth fairy for Pete when a tooth goes missing—will he be able to find the lost tooth before it’s too late?Beginning readers will love Pete's adventure as the tooth fairy in this My First I Can Read story, complete with original illustrations from the creator of Pete the Cat, James Dean. My First I Can Read books are perfect for shared reading with a child.

    Little Critter's love and patience is rewarded when he gets a special springtime surprise.I Can Read Books are designed to encourage a love of reading. Little Critter: Just a Baby Bird is a My First I Can Read book, and with basic language, word repetition, and great illustrations, it's perfect for shared reading with a child.