Welcome to the Children’s Department
The Children’s Department of the Southbury Library provides a safe, nurturing and culturally stimulating environment for children and caregivers that encourages lifelong reading and learning.
Located on the second floor, we feature a circulation desk with library assistants to check out books, offer readers’ advisory assistance and place materials on hold. We are eager to assist you with any inquiries. A self-checkout station is available for simple transactions. Our library knight, Sir Read-A-Lot, is always at attention to watch over the day’s events.
We have puzzles, pictures to color, and a cornucopia of developmentally appropriate toys for our children to enjoy in our preschool area.
For our older children, we have a bank of computers for academic and recreational needs. Log on with a valid library card.
We offer a Drop-In Storytime year-round as well as seasonal sessions for a variety of ages. Children are encouraged to participate in 1000 Books Before Kindergarten. Other programs for elementary age children include STEAM and STEM, arts & crafts, music, movies and more.
The Friends of the Southbury Library have purchased passes for a variety of area museums that are available for checkout to Southbury patrons over 18 years of age. For a list of museums & discount information check the Museum Passes page.
Upcoming Events for Children
Please note: This is an online program for children Grades K-5 and their parents or caregivers
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.
Accompanying Adults
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.
Join Miss Jen for a morning filled with music and stories! Children will sing, dance, and experiment with simple musical instruments. This program is recommended for ages 5 and under.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.
Accompanying Adults
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.
Join Tiny Food Explorers for some fun with food! Come and explore new flavors and textures while playing games all about food and MyPlate! You’ll make a hands-on healthy snack that even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.
Food Allergies
We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.
Stop by the Southbury Farmers' Market and visit the librarians from the Southbury Public Library.
This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Southbury Public Library.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.
Join Food Explorers for a virtual baking class! You’ll be making Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cupcakes with a smooth cream cheese frosting.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.
Food Allergies
We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.
Join Jen at Southbury Parks & Rec for an all-ages storytime! We'll share books, rhymes, and songs and a craft will be available to take home.
All ages are welcome. No registration is required.
Disclaimer(s)
Accompanying Adults
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.
Babies & Books is a lapsit storytime for children 6 to 24 months and their parents/caregivers. Listen to short stories and songs.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.
Accompanying Adults
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.
Parents and caregivers are invited to join their toddlers ages 2 and 3 for a 30 minutes of theme based stories and songs.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.
Accompanying Adults
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.
Join Miss Jen for a morning filled with music and stories! Children will sing, dance, and experiment with simple musical instruments. This program is recommended for ages 5 and under.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.
Accompanying Adults
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.
New Children's Books
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In Our Garden
From the New York Times bestselling author of Be Kind comes an uplifting classroom tale about students who create a vegetable garden on their school's rooftop.
Millie has recently moved to a new city, from a place more than an ocean away. More than anything she misses the garden where her family used to grow food. Then one day she has an idea—the school has a fine flat roof, perfect for a garden. Soon her teacher and classmates are on board, but it takes more than ideas to build a garden. It takes supplies and hard work; it takes a lot of learning; and it takes a whole school—a whole community—coming together to help. And of course, it also takes a lot of waiting. But as Millie's teacher Miss Mirales says, “Be patient. Good things take time.”
From building the beds and planting the seeds to the first glorious harvest, here's the story of a garden—and a girl—in bloom, and what it takes for a new place to finally feel like home. -
Why Not You?
From Grammy-winning pop star Ciara and Super Bowl champion quarterback Russell Wilson comes a picture book to inspire young readers to see the value in themselves, be brave, and go after their biggest dreams!
Why not you? Amazing you! You’re a winner! You’re so strong! You are perfect and important—you and all your gifts belong!
We all have big dreams! Sometimes it’s hard to imagine our big dreams coming true. But what if someone saw all the amazing and spectacular parts of us—our winning smiles, our fancy feet, our warm hearts—and asked, “Why not you?”
Whether it’s becoming a football player or a pop star or the president or a scientist: Why not you?
In this picture book debut, superstars Ciara and Russell Wilson encourage readers to see themselves achieving their dreams, no matter how outrageous they may seem. It’s a lyrical celebration of self-esteem, perseverance, and daring to shoot for the stars. -
Hello, Puddle!
A nonfiction picture book exploring a deceptively simple but unexpectedly crucial resource for wildlife: puddles! This lyrical, gorgeously illustrated nonfiction picture book is perfect for young science learners and nature lovers.
Hello, puddle! Who's here?
A normal everyday puddle may not seem very special. But for a mother turtle, it might be the perfect place to lay her eggs. For a squirrel, it might be the only spot to cool off and get a drink when the sun is shining down in July. And for any child, it can be a window into the elegant, complex natural world right outside their window.
With lush, playful illustrations and fun facts about the animals featured, Hello, Puddle! is a joyful celebration of the remarkable in the ordinary, and the importance of even the most humble places in fostering life. -
Just a Girl
In this award-winning memoir translated from Italian to English, a Jewish girl grows up during a difficult time of racial discrimination and war, and discovers light in unexpected places. This classic, powerful story from Lia Levi is adapted for young readers, with beautiful black-and-white illustrations, a family photo album, and a powerful author’s note to readers.
1938, Italy. Six-year-old Lia loves to build sandcastles at the beach and her biggest problem is her shyness and quiet, birdlike voice—until prime minister Mussolini joins forces with Hitler in World War II, and everything changes.
Now there are laws saying Jewish children can’t go to school, Jews can’t work, or go on vacation. It’s difficult for Lia to understand why this is happening to her family. When her father loses his job, they must give up their home and move from city to city.
As war comes closer, it becomes too dangerous to stay together, and Lia and her sisters are sent to hide at a convent. Will she ever be “just a girl” again?
The memoir is full of poignant moments of friendship and loss, dreaded tests at school, told in Lia's captivating voice, as she grows into a young teen. Just a Girl is an important addition to the WWII Jewish canon.
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Smitten With Kittens
Snuggly, fun, bouncy, and playful--who isn't smitten with kittens? A simple, rhyming story perfect for kitty loving kiddos everywhere!
Get smitten with kittens in this rhyming picture book perfect for read-alouds. There's so much to love about kittens--from their cute little mews to their unstoppable mischief-making! Turn to the back of the book for fascinating facts about cat behavior and care. -
We Belong
We all belong!
You and I, we're alike, / but we're different too. / That's not good. / That's not bad. / It's just what is true.
Explore and celebrate who you are and who others are too! Rhyming verse by Laura Purdie Salas invites others to notice the diversity of our world and affirm that we all belong, just as we are. Bright illustrations by Carlos Vélez Aquilera feature a diverse group of children, playing and learning in an urban setting.
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Blue Badger
Featuring beautiful, emotive illustrations, this is the first story in a series of picture books about a befuddled, lovable Badger and his search for happiness, friends, and love.
Who am I?
White and black.
Day and night.
Badger doesn’t feel quite right…
…and to make matters worse, he now has a blue bottom.
Badger is feeling sad. He can’t sleep. He asks the other animals one by one: “Am I white and black, or black and white?” Can he find an answer? Is anyone listening? Does anyone care? Can he find a friend?
He speaks to several other animals, from zebra to panda to penguin to skunk, as he tries to find out who he is, but along his journey he discovers that it doesn't matter whether he is black or white, just as long as he is kind.
Featuring wry wit, deadpan humour and a heartwarming ending, Blue Badger will endear himself to readers big and small, while touching gently on themes of sadness and identity. -
Little Cat Hide-and-Seek Emotions
Children will learn to recognize and respond to expressions of emotion through a fun matching technique.
Little Cat Hide-and-Seek Emotions: A Playful Primer to Learn about Your Feelings helps young readers recognize and respond to emotions in themselves and others. The book introduces a range of emotions such as happy, angry, sleepy, anxious, and surprised. Each emotion is featured in a spread in the book, and each spread has a variety of illustrations with cats expressing different emotions. Children will match the emotion to the illustration that most closely represents it.
The book also offers children a chance to engage with their own emotions, asking such questions as “How about you? What makes you happy?” and “Whisper in Little Cat’s ear the name of someone you love.”
Children will enjoy engaging with the character of Little Cat as he experiences a wide range of emotions in this playful, interactive book. -
Snow Struck
An historic blizzard is raging across the eastern seaboard, and three unsuspecting kids are about to find themselves smack in the middle of it! Perfect for fans of the I SURVIVED series who are looking for a high-stakes adventure!
Neither Elizabeth norher little brother, Matty, have ever been north of Georgia. They're used to sandals and shorts, not boots and parkas. So when they fly to New York City to spend the holidayswith their cousin Ashley, they want to experience one thing: SNOW!
Ashley can't wait to show her cousins how magical Manhattan is at Christmastime. But instead of a week of fun, what they get is an arctic blast that knocks out the power and plunges the skyscrapers into darkness. It's unreal: the blizzard covers the Statue of Liberty in ice and topples the famous Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center!
When Ashley's dog, Fang, gets lost outside, the cousins take matters into their own hands. . . and are caught in the storm's dangerous path as they chase Fang across the frozen city. Can the little Pomeranian survive the cold, snow, and ice blanketing Manhattan? Can they? -
Apple and Magnolia
Britta visits her two favorite trees, Apple and Magnolia, every day. Though she can't explain it, she's sure they are best friends! Then one day, Magnolias branches start to droop. Is there anything Brittaor Applecan do to help? After all, unusual friendships can be the most powerful of all.
With a lyrical story and vibrant art, Apple and Magnolia unveils the extraordinary connections between trees and the wondrous bonds between all living things. The book includes an authors note offering facts about how trees communicate with one another. A downloadable discussion guide with more information will be available February 2022 at flyawaybooks.com/resources.
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Karen's School Picture: A Graphic Novel (Baby-sitters Little Sister #5) (Adapted edition)
Another graphic novel in this fun series spin-off of The Baby-sitters Club, featuring Kristy's little stepsister!
Karen has to get glasses! She doesn't want them, especially because school pictures are going to be taken soon. But she picks out some pretty pink ones and thinks she looks very grown-up.
Then Yicky Ricky at school starts calling her names, like Owl Girl and Googly Eyes. If Karen wears her glasses for the school picture, Ricky will make fun of her. If she doesn't wear them, she'll feel like she's afraid to be herself. Glasses or no glasses, that Ricky is going to get it!
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Excellent Ed
Dog lovers will adore this imperfect yet endearing mutt and his quest for excellence
Everyone in the Ellis family is excellent--except Ed.
Ed wonders if this is why he isn't allowed to eat at the table or sit on the couch with the other children. So he's determined to find his own thing to be excellent at--only to be (inadvertently) outdone by a family member every time.
Now Ed is really nervous--what if he's not excellent enough to belong in this family?
This funny and endearing story offers a subtle look at sibling rivalry and self esteem, and will reassure kids that everyone is excellent at something, and that your family loves you, just as you are.
Praise for Excellent Ed:
***Winner of an Ezra Jack Keats New Author Honor Award ***"A dog lover's delight." --School Library Journal
"In Julia Sarcone-Roach's joyful, expressive paintings, we see Ed pondering how to demonstrate excellence. The answer is excellent, and entirely endearing." --The Wall Street Journal
"A warm, welcome reminder that everyone is excellent at something." --Kirkus Reviews starred review
"In a word? Excellent." --The Horn Book starred review
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That Egg Is Mine!
The first book in Duck & Cluck, a brand new funny graphic novel series for beginning readers--perfect for fans of Mo Willems and Elephant and Piggie.
Meet Duck and Cluck. They are friends. Mostly. But they do not always agree.
Duck has found an egg. Cluck thinks the egg belongs to her instead. And sharing? Out of the question!
This simple but hilarious read-aloud follows the two friends as they make their case for why the egg belongs to them. And in the end, they both learn important lessons about manners and sharing. That Egg is Mineis the perfect laugh-out-loud purchase for any kindergarten or first-grader learning to read, or for anyone searching for comic books for ages 6-8.
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Just Harriet
From the award-winning author of A Boy Called Bat comes a new young middle grade series in the tradition of Ramona and Clementine, starring an unforgettable girl named Harriet.
There are a few things you should know about Harriet Wermer:
- She just finished third grade.
- She has a perfect cat named Matzo Ball.
- She doesn’t always tell the truth.
- She is very happy to be spending summer vacation away from home and her mom and dad and all the wonderful things she had been planning all year.
Okay, maybe that last one isn’t entirely the truth.
Of course, there’s nothing Harriet doesn't like about Marble Island, the small island off the coast of California where her nanu runs a cozy little bed and breakfast. And nobody doesn’t love Moneypenny, Nanu’s old basset hound. But Harriet doesn’t like the fact that Dad made this decision without even asking her.
When Harriet arrives on Marble Island, however, she discovers that it's full of surprises, and even a mystery. One that seems to involve her Dad, back when he was a young boy living on Marble Island. One that Harriet is absolutely going to solve. And that's the truth.
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Amah Faraway
A delightful story of a child's visit to a grandmother and home far away, and of how families connect and love across distance, language, and cultures.
Kylie is nervous about visiting her grandmother-her Amah-who lives SO FAR AWAY.
When she and Mama finally go to Taipei, Kylie is shy with Amah. Even though they have spent time together in video chats, those aren't the same as real life. And in Taiwan, Kylie is at first uncomfortable with the less-familiar language, customs, culture, and food. However, after she is invited by Amah-Lái kàn kàn! Come see!-to play and splash in the hot springs (which aren't that different from the pools at home), Kylie begins to see this place through her grandmother's eyes and sees a new side of the things that used to scare her. Soon, Kylie is leading her Amah-Come see! Lái kàn kàn!-back through all her favorite parts of this place and having SO MUCH FUN! And when it is time to go home, the video chats will be extra special until they can visit faraway again.
Backmatter includes author and illustrator notes and a guide to some of the places and foods explored in Taiwan. -
Storm on Snowbelle Mountain: A Branches Book (Unicorn Diaries #6)
Bo discovers friendly yetis in this early chapter book from the USA Today bestselling author of Owl Diaries!
Pick a book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!In the sixth book of USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Elliott's Unicorn Diaries series, unicorn Bo and friends set out to explore Snowbelle Mountain and maybe run into some yetis! Bo and their friends disagree about the best way to go about their adventure, and Bo ultimately learns to appreciate living in the moment. With full-color artwork throughout and plenty of smiles, your young reader won't be able to put this book down!
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The Unforgettable Logan Foster #1
Packed with superheroes, supervillains, and epic showdowns between good and evil, The Unforgettable Logan Foster from debut author Shawn Peter shows that sometimes being a hero is just about being yourself.
Logan Foster has pretty much given up on the idea of ever being adopted. It could have something to with his awkward manner, his photographic memory, or his affection for reciting curious facts, but whatever the cause, Logan and his “PP’s” (prospective parents) have never clicked.
Then everything changes when Gil and Margie arrive. Although they aren’t exactly perfect themselves—Gil has the punniest sense of humor and Margie’s cooking would have anyone running for the hills—they genuinely seem to care.
But it doesn’t take Logan long to notice some very odd things about them. They are out at all hours, they never seem to eat, and there’s a part of the house that is protected by some pretty elaborate security.
No matter what Logan could have imagined, nothing prepared him for the truth: His PP’s are actually superheroes, and they’re being hunted down by dastardly forces. Logan’s found himself caught in the middle in a massive battle and the very fate of the world may hang in the balance. Will Logan be able to find a way to save the day and his new family?
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Inside In
A perfect book for STEM learning: Kids ages 8-12 will love these creepy X-Rays of bugs, reptiles, mammals, and more!
A Smithsonian Magazine Best Children’s Book of the Year
Using incredible X-ray techniques, Inside In displays creatures and their natural habitats in a never-before-seen way. Kids will learn the awesome answers to questions like:
- What does a bee look like under its furry coat?
- How does a seahorse protect itself with armor and a skeleton?
- How does a tree frog use its eyes to swallow?
This visually stunning and highly original book is perfect for keeping kids engaged during home-schooling and online learning:
- X-ray images are cool and fun to look at!
- Simple text helps kids understand the animals and plants in each image.
- Pops of neon colors make animals and plants come to life.
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The Snowman and the Sun
What happens to a snowman when he melts? Where does he go? What does he become? This unique picture book, told from the snowman's point of view, introduces thewonders of the water cycle to young children. The story prompts discussion around change and the impact of seasons on our natural environment and our place in it. It can also be read as a modern-day fable and offers opportunities for deeper reflection on the different stages in our lives.
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Fifa World Soccer Records 2022
FIFA World Soccer Records 2022 offers a unique presentation of facts and stats from the world of international soccer. Focusing simultaneously on all the major world and continental tournaments, national team records, exceptional matches and the stars who made it all possible, this exhaustively researched book tells the stories of these key moments and some of the tales behind them.
- Updated stats and facts for all recent major tournaments, awards and international teams.
- The latest record-breaking achievements of more than 35 featured nations from around the world, including a sidebar with key stats, as well as updates and records for most of the other 170+ FIFA members.
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Wombat Underground
Inspired by viral online stories during the 2019-2020 wildfires in Australia featuring wombats 'saving' other animals taking shelter in their burrows, here is a lyrical story about strangers in need of refuge.
Up on the hill, Wallaby licks a puddle's last drop. Skink slips into the shade. Echidna hides in grass as dry as tinder. Under the hill, Wombat carves out a cave that's all his own. Then--KABOOM!--lightning strikes.
Written in simple and concise language perfect for a read aloud, award-winning author Sarah L. Thomson invites readers to see through the eyes of a wombat as a fire rages through Australian outback. Nearly 3 billion animals were affected by the Australian wildfires of 2019-2020, and wombats played a crucial part in allowing their homes to transform as safe havens for other animals whose homes were destroyed in the fires. Paired with stunning and richly layered art by Charles Santoso, Wombat Underground teaches us that the time of greatest danger is also the time to open our door to those in the greatest need. -
You Are Not Alone
This empathetic and inclusive picture book empowers kids to love themselves and their identities, stand up to hate, and have each others' backs no matter what.
When I say something is unfair to me, but it's fair for you, what does that make it?
When I meditate, it all gets clear.
And if you listen, you will really hear.
I am not alone. I am enough.It can be scary to feel like you're all on your own, especially in the face of prejudice. But always remember: you are not alone! Based on the Grammy award nominated hip-hop group Alphabet Rockers' empowering song, "Not Alone," this uplifting picture book reminds kids that they always belong. Encouraging words invite readers to love their beautiful selves, celebrate their identities, and use their voices against hate, You Are Not Alone asks us to step up for each other and have each others' backs, no matter what.
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Sparks!
Sparks is a hero and man's best friend, but nobody suspects he's two cats!
This Super Dog is the Cat's Meow!August is a brilliant inventor who is afraid of the outside. Charlie is a crack pilot who isn't afraid of anything. Together these pals save lives every day. They also happen to be cats who pilot a powerful, mechanical dog suit!
Always eager to leap into danger, this feline duo have their work cut out for them as they try to thwart Princess, an evil alien bent on enslaving mankind. Don't let the fact that Princess looks like a cute, diaper-wearing baby fool you. She's clever, determined, and totally ruthless. So when Princess and the browbeaten fools she calls servants enact a brilliant and dastardly plan to conquer Earth, August and Charlie pull out all the stops to save the day.
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I Am Brave! An Acorn Book (Princess Truly #5)
Princess Truly is not afraid of anything, in these rhyming stories perfect for early readers!
Pick a book. Grow a Reader!
This series is part of Scholastic's early reader line, Acorn, aimed at children who are learning to read. With easy-to-read text, a short-story format, plenty of humor, and full-color artwork on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and fluency. Acorn books plant a love of reading and help readers grow!
Princess Truly knows how to be brave! She is going on a camping trip with her little brother Ty and her trusty dog, Sir Noodles. Nothing can scare Princess Truly: She is not afraid of the dark cave, the bugs and spiders, or even when something goes "bump" in the middle of the night. But when Princess Truly gets the hiccups, will Ty be able to find a way to scare his fearless big sister? These funny and empowering short stories promote believing in yourself, building confidence, and having a positive self-image, and foster imagination and curiosity. With full-color artwork and easy-to-read rhyming text throughout, this series is perfect for new readers!
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Pete the Kitty: Wash Your Hands
Join Pete the Kitty as he learns to wash his hands in this new I Can Read story from New York Times bestselling creators Kimberly and James Dean!
Splish, scrub, splash, rub! Keeping clean is groovy and fun!
Pete must wash his hands many times a day. He must wash them after he sneezes, coughs, plays with his friends, eats his food, and throws away his trash.
Beginning readers will love learning how to wash their hands with Pete!
This My First I Can Read book is carefully crafted using basic language, word repetition, sight words, and sweet illustrations—which means it's perfect for shared reading with emergent readers. The active, engaging My First I Can Read stories have appealing plots and lovable characters, encouraging children to continue their reading journey.
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The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy
From the acclaimed author of The Real Boy and The Lost Girl comes a wondrous and provocative fantasy about a kingdom beset by monsters, a mysterious school, and a girl caught in between them.
If no one notices Marya Lupu, is likely because of her brother, Luka. And that’s because of what everyone knows: that Luka is destined to become a sorcerer.
The Lupus might be from a small village far from the capital city of Illyria, but that doesn’t matter. Every young boy born in in the kingdom holds the potential for the rare ability to wield magic, to protect the country from the terrifying force known only as the Dread.
For all the hopes the family has for Luka, no one has any for Marya, who can never seem to do anything right. But even so, no one is prepared for the day that the sorcerers finally arrive to test Luka for magical ability, and Marya makes a terrible mistake. Nor the day after, when the Lupus receive a letter from a place called Dragomir Academy—a mysterious school for wayward young girls. Girls like Marya.
Soon she is a hundred miles from home, in a strange and unfamiliar place, surrounded by girls she’s never met. Dragomir Academy promises Marya and her classmates a chance to make something of themselves in service to one of the country’s powerful sorcerers. But as they learn how to fit into a world with no place for them, they begin to discover things about the magic the men of their country wield, as well as the Dread itself—things that threaten the precarious balance upon which Illyria is built.
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Northwind
This stunning novel from the survival story master, set along a rugged coastline centuries ago, does for the ocean what Hatchet does for the woods, as it relates the story of a young person’s battle to stay alive against the odds, where the high seas meet a coastal wilderness.
When a deadly plague reaches the small fish camp where he lives, an orphan named Leif is forced to take to the water in a cedar canoe. He flees northward, following a wild, fjord-riven shore, navigating from one danger to the next, unsure of his destination. Yet the deeper into his journey he paddles, the closer he comes to his truest self as he connects to “the heartbeat of the ocean . . . the pulse of the sea.” With hints of Nordic mythology and an irresistible narrative pull, Northwind is Gary Paulsen at his captivating, adventuresome best. -
This Is Still Not a Book
A playfully deceptive, joyously interactive board book for young readers aged 2-4 from the award-winning author and illustrator Jean Jullien - following in the footsteps of his global bestseller and much loved This Is Not A Book
Is this a suitcase? A bed? An elephant? Each spread in this engaging board book is actually something else entirely, sparking imaginations and encouraging the storytellers in readers of all ages. Turn the page and find a foldable shirt. Then turn the book to discover a flip phone that you can open, close, and "dial" to call your friends and family! This cleverly conceived board book with fold-out pages prompts children to think creatively about - and play creatively with - other objects in their daily lives. Perfectly designed for young readers aged 2-4.
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On Baba's Back
Baby koala Koko takes his first step toward independence in this endearing board book made for reading together.
Koko and Baba are a very close koala family, so close that Koko does everything on Baba's back--eats, plays, you name it! Until one day, when Koko wants to do something different, and he takes his first step off Baba's back to go explore. Families will love snuggling up together to read this sweet tale of togetherness, just like Koko and Baba as they curl up at the end of the night to celebrate Koko's big day. -
Dinosaurs on Kitty Island
A playdate between intrepid kitties and cautious dinosaurs doesn't go quite as planned in this hilarious story of friendship and compromise!
Life on Dinosaur Island is so boring. Who wants to watch stuff sink in tar pits all day? So the dinosaurs are escaping to Kitty Island to play with their new kitty friends, even though the level-headed narrator warns them that it will end in cat-astrophe. After all, the kitties are fearless and feisty! And these dinos? Well, cuddles are more their speed. Now these tiny kitties and hulking dinos need to find some common ground before their playdate and friendship go extinct. -
Brilliant Bea
Brilliant Bea is an endearing and empowering story that demonstrates that a learning difference like dyslexia doesn't define who you are. Despite her struggles with reading and writing, Beatrice is a natural and brilliant storyteller. With the help of a kind-hearted teacher, Beatrice uses an old-fashioned tape recorder so she can speak her words and then play them back, as a technique for learning in whole new way. With her new approach, Beatrice is able to show her classmates who she really has been all along.
This book is set in EasyReading, a dyslexia-friendly font -
Birds on Wishbone Street
A simple act of neighborly kindness and a bird that needs their aid helps former refugee Sami settle into his new community with new-found friend Moe
Moe's neighbors on Wishbone Street come from all over the world, and she's excited to meet the new boy who just arrived from Syria. Sami isn't quite ready to talk about his past, but he loves birds just as much as Moe does. And who wouldn't have fun in a parkette full of packing snow? When the children discover a female cardinal stunned by the cold, Sami uses his experience taking care of pigeons in Syria to help rescue the bird--an incident that helps Sami to feel more at home.
In Birds on Wishbone Street, author/illustrator Suzanne Del Rizzo demonstrates the power of an act of kindness, telling a story about finding home and making friends in new places. Illustrated with her signature polymer clay art, the story revisits characters from Del Rizzo's New York Times Notable My Beautiful Birds and reminds us that we're all more similar than we are different.
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Fox
From the author and illustrator behind the acclaimed Moth, a scientific look at the circle of life.
In the frost-covered forest of early spring, fox is on a mission to find food for her three cubs. As they grow, she teaches them how to survive in the wild. Until one day, fox dies. Her body goes back to earth and grass and air, nourishing the world around her and bringing the forest to life. Death is not just an end, it's also a beginning.
With gorgeous illustrations and lyrical, kid-friendly text, Fox: A Circle of Life Story answers the big scientific question: What happens when animals die? -
Pick a Pine Tree
A festive read-aloud brimming with all the joy and excitement of Christmastime -- beginning, of course, with picking out a tree!
Part of the magic of the Christmas season stems from the traditions that families and friends take part in every year: hanging up stockings; putting lights in the windows; and, one of the most important of all, picking out and taking home the Christmas tree. With style and warmth, debut author Patricia Toht and Jarvis, the author-illustrator of Alan's Big, Scary Teeth, evoke all the rituals of decorating the tree -- digging out boxes jam-packed with ornaments and tree trimmings, stringing tinsel, and, at long last, turning on those twinkling lights. Joyously drawn and rhythmically written, this celebration of family, friends, and the holiday season is as merry as the tradition it depicts. -
Merry Christmas, Gus
A hilarious Christmas picture book, starring the wonderfully grumpy Gus!
Gus the dog doesn't like Christmas. He doesn't like carols, or cake, or Christmas jumpers. And he certainly doesn't like mistletoe. To Gus, a tree is only good for one thing, and it's not for hanging baubles on. But can everyone's favourite grump learn to love the season of goodwill?
Brilliantly funny, Merry Christmas, Gus will appeal to everyone who loves Christmas . . . and to all those Scrooges who don't!
From Chris Chatterton, the artist behind the bestselling Ten Minutes to Bed series. -
Winter Lullaby
Rendered with reassuring words and pastoral scenes, this soothing lullaby of a story is sure to settle even the most restless of cubs.
Mouse is rushing to her nest.
In soft, dry grasses she will rest.
Geese are calling, a chilly wind is blowing, and the sky is turning gray. Winter is on its way. For Mama Bear and Small Bear, that means it's time to tuck into their den for a long sleep. But Mouse is scurrying by, and Chipmunk is still gathering nuts beside the lake. And look at Hare and Skunk, still romping through the leaves! Why can't Small Bear stay up, too? To each question, Mama Bear responds with the coziest of answers, finally painting a dreamy picture of the brightening colors and new adventures that will greet Small Bear in the spring. But first comes sleep, in this irresistible invitation to drowsy little cubs everywhere. -
Science Comics: Whales
Dive deep with Science Comics: Whales, a new and exciting volume of First Second's nonfiction graphic novel series!
Every volume of Science Comics offers a complete introduction to a particular topic—dinosaurs, the solar system, volcanoes, bats, robots, and more. Whether you're a fourth grader doing a natural science unit at school or a thirty-year-old with a secret passion for airplanes, these books are for you!
In this volume, Zip, an enthusiastic beaked whale, is eager to share everything he can about whale pods by broadcasting his very own undersea podcast! He will travel across the global ocean interviewing a diverse assortment of whales and dolphins about their amazing behaviors and habitats, as well as their interactions with the human world. Can this one small whale tell the story of the whole ocean and the interconnectivity that affects us all? -
Dogs Love Cars
For dog people of all ages, a jubilant ode to our canines and the many things they love with wild abandon—especially you-know-who.
From the yard to the park, from school to the market, from one end of the day to the next, dogs are full of joy. Ears flapping out the car window! Tug-of-war rope toy! Sprawling out on the couch! Getting those “good dog” treats! Wherever they go, whatever they see, dogs love it all. But what do they love most? Guess! This delightfully chaotic book from Leda Schubert and Paul Meisel portrays dogs of all shapes and colors in a laugh-out-loud celebration of our very best friends. -
Dad Bakes
Katie Yamasaki’s newest picture book is an intimate and tender story of the love between a father and a daughter.
Dad wakes early every morning before the sun, heading off to work at the bakery. He kneads, rolls, and bakes, and as the sun rises and the world starts its day, Dad heads home to his young daughter. Together they play, read, garden, and—most importantly—they bake.
This lovely, resonant picture book was inspired by muralist Katie Yamasaki’s work with formerly incarcerated people. With subtle, uncluttered storytelling amplified by her monumental and heartfelt paintings, she has created a powerful story of love, of family, and of reclaiming a life with joy.
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The 1619 Project: Born on the Water
The 1619 Project’s lyrical picture book in verse chronicles the consequences of slavery and the history of Black resistance in the United States, thoughtfully rendered by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and Newbery honor-winning author Renée Watson.
A young student receives a family tree assignment in school, but she can only trace back three generations. Grandma gathers the whole family, and the student learns that 400 years ago, in 1619, their ancestors were stolen and brought to America by white slave traders.
But before that, they had a home, a land, a language. She learns how the people said to be born on the water survived.
And the people planted dreams and hope,
willed themselves to keep
living, living.
And the people learned new words
for love
for friend
for family
for joy
for grow
for home.
With powerful verse and striking illustrations by Nikkolas Smith, Born on the Water provides a pathway for readers of all ages to reflect on the origins of American identity. -
The Longest Letsgoboy
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey meets Dog Heaven in this profoundly beautiful book about the special relationship between kids and dogs, the importance of language, and finding the meaning of life even in its final days.
Poignant, hopeful, and lovingly told, this dog's journey—told by the dog himself in his own unique words—proves that love abides beyond a lifetime, out of sight but never far away.
As a dog and his little girl go on their final walk together, he experiences the sights, smells, and wonders of this world one last time before peacefully passing on. But for such a good boy (oh yes, he is!) and his foreverfriend, that doesn't mean it's the end.
Offering a unique and noteworthy take on death, this book balances the somber topic with a dog's ever-optimistic viewpoint, all woven together with its unconventional yet fitting approach to language.
Family members, librarians, art-lovers, and educators alike will use this book as an accessible and comforting introduction to the ever-difficult topic of death, discussed and related in a new way with hopeful, uplifting, innovative language.
THE PERFECT BOOK TO TALK ABOUT LOSS: The perennial themes of grief, fear, and death are always relevant and classic discussion topics even in families not yet dealing with death. The perfect answer to kids' big questions about what happens when we die, this book will be a standard in every home library.
CREATIVE USE OF LANGUAGE: The words in this book are incredibly special, with phrases that conjure how the dog sees the world. The enjoyable challenge of matching up "letsgoboy" to a walk or "pufftails" to rabbits will make for meaningful discussions on a parent's lap or in a classroom reading circle.
TEACHES CHILDREN EMPATHY: Reading this story from the dog's perspective is the perfect way for young readers to understand that the way another character thinks and perceives the world is different from their own experience.
A BEAUTIFUL DOG STORY: Ideal for readers who love dogs, want dogs, or are going through a grieving process for their family dog, this book celebrates all that is most magical about these animals who are always by our side.
A COMFORTING MESSAGE: It's rare for a book about death to extend beyond the moment of dying. The continuation of the dog's story past this point makes it special and especially comforting.
Perfect for: parents and caregivers, dog lovers, educators -
Waffles and Pancake: Planetary-YUM
Inspired by his beloved CatStronauts series, Drew Brockington is going back in time to when everyone's favorite Catstronaut, Waffles, was a kitten! Fans of Narwhal and Jelly and Elephant & Piggie will love this fun, cat-tastic early graphic novel series.
One very special Saturday, Dad-Cat decides to take Waffles and his sister Pancake to the big city to go to the science museum! While they're there, the kittens see extraordinary things, like dino-cats, hairballs in 4D, and even the planetarium. But as the kittens learn about constellations and Neil Pawstrong, they get separated from Dad-Cat. Oh no!
Will the kittens be able to find their (possibly invisible) Dad-Cat? Or will they get stuck living in the museum and eating star tots and tuna melts fur-ever?! This early graphic novel series is chock-full of educational facts about space—perfect for young readers. -
Our Table
Creative visionary of The Word Collector, Happy Dreamer, and The Dot, #1 New York Times bestseller Peter H. Reynolds creates a tender, lyrical story of multigenerational love, tradition, and family coming together with gratitude and thanks.
Celebrated, bestselling creator Peter H. Reynolds brings his signature touch of love and kindness to this special, timely picture book, as families now, more than ever, are rediscovering and reevaluating what means the most: time together with one another.
Violet longs for the time when her family was connected: before life, distractions, and technology pulled them all away from each other. They used to gather at the table, with food and love, to make memories, share their lives, and revel in time spent together. But now her family has been drifting apart, and with nobody to gather around it, the table grows smaller and smaller.
Can Violet remind her family of the warmth of time spent together, and gather around the table once more?
A mystical fable that feels at once timeless and utterly of the present moment, Our Table is renowned, bestselling creator Peter H. Reynolds at his best. Exquisite, expressive watercolor tells a tender story, growing from monochrome into luscious, joyful color as Violet's family is reunited around the beloved table. An ode to traditions that unite families, Our Table brings readers together with a universal message of gratitude.
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The Leaf Thief
Perfect for fans of Fletcher and the Falling Leaves, The Leaf Thief is a funny picture book that teaches kids about autumn, adapting to change, and the seasons.
Squirrel loves counting the leaves on his tree--red leaves, gold leaves, orange, and more. But hold on! One of his leaves is missing! On a quest to find the missing leaf, Squirrel teams up with his good friend Bird to discover who the leaf thief could be among their forest friends.
With vibrant art and captivating characters, the magic of autumn is captured beautifully on each page as readers tag along Squirrel's forest adventure. Is there truly a leaf thief afoot, or is something else going on in Squirrel's forest? A perfect exploration of change--both seasonal, and the anxiety that change sometimes causes. Bonus material explaining about the changing of the seasons. Poised to be a new fall classic.
Pick up The Leaf Thief if you are looking for:
- A classic read for ages 4 and up
- Back to school books, ideal for your classroom, homeschool curriculum, and more!
- Seasonal and educational stories about the changing seasons
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Sweater Weather
What a perfect autumn day! Papa Bear tells his cubs to bundle up in the cozy sweaters he knitted for them—but that is easier said than done. Award-winning author-artist Matt Phelan has created a hilarious and warmhearted ode to fall, patience, and knitting. Sweater Weather will be adored by fans of Anna Dewdney and Tad Hills.
Sweaters on? Not yet!
The air is crisp, and the leaves are bright—it’s the perfect autumn day to enjoy the outdoors. Papa Bear instructs his cubs to put on their sweaters, and patiently waits downstairs. When he checks on them, he learns that getting ready is no simple task. But even if this lovable bear family misses out on their planned outing, the evening sky still holds a beautiful surprise.
Acclaimed author-artist Matt Phelan’s rhythmic, repetitive text and his warm, expressive watercolor paintings are both humorous and rewarding. Brimming with laughter and love from this large bear family, Sweater Weather is an irresistible choice to curl up with during storytime, no matter what the weather is.
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Maya and the Return of the Godlings
In this highly anticipated sequel, Maya and the godlings must return to the sinister world of The Dark to retrieve the one thing keeping the veil between the worlds from crumbling: her father's soul. Perfect for fans of Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky and Willa of the Wood.
The threat from The Dark is far from over. Twelve-year-old Maya knows this. After crossing the veil between the two worlds, saving her father, and narrowly escaping the sinister clutches of the Lord of Shadows, tensions between the human world and The Dark are higher than ever. And even worse, Maya's orisha powers as a godling are out of control.
Now a guardian in training, Maya spends her days patching up veils with her father and cleaning up near-disasters like baby wormholes that her erratic powers create. But when Maya and her friends discover that something went terribly wrong during their journey to bring her father back to the human world, they are forced to return to The Dark and restore what they left behind, the one thing keeping the veil from falling: her father's soul.
The Lord of Shadows is mobilizing his forces for an all-out war against the human world. And this time, Maya and her friends will need all the help they can get. Even if that means teaming up with their greatest enemies, the darkbringers.
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Change Sings
A lyrical picture book debut from presidential inaugural poet Amanda Gorman and #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Loren Long
"I can hear change humming
In its loudest, proudest song.
I don't fear change coming,
And so I sing along."
In this stirring, much-anticipated picture book by presidential inaugural poet and activist Amanda Gorman, anything is possible when our voices join together. As a young girl leads a cast of characters on a musical journey, they learn that they have the power to make changes--big or small--in the world, in their communities, and in most importantly, in themselves.
With lyrical text and rhythmic illustrations that build to a dazzling crescendo by #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Loren Long, Change Sings is a triumphant call to action for everyone to use their abilities to make a difference. -
What's in Your Pocket?
Charles Darwin, George Washington Carver, and Jane Goodall were once curious kids with pockets full of treasures!
When you find something strange and wonderful, do you put it in your pocket? Meet nine scientists who, as kids, explored the great outdoors and collected "treasures": seedpods, fossils, worms, and more. Observing, sorting, and classifying their finds taught these kids scientific skills--and sometimes led to groundbreaking discoveries. Author Heather Montgomery has all the science flair of a new Bill Nye. Book includes the Heather's tips for responsible collecting. -
A Walk in the Words
"A beautifully rendered and deeply inspiring book for everyone who has ever read slowly--myself included! Hudson shows us the beauty and magic that can come from taking our time. Brilliant."--Jacqueline Woodson
Hudson Talbott's inspiring story vividly reveals the challenges--and ultimately the rewards--of being a non-mainstream kind of learner.When Hudson Talbott was a little boy, he loved drawing, and it came naturally to him. But reading? No way! One at a time, words weren't a problem, but long sentences were a struggle. As his friends moved on to thicker books, he kept his slow reading a secret. But that got harder every year. He felt alone, lost, and afraid in a world of too many words.
Fortunately, his love of stories wouldn't let him give up. He started giving himself permission to read at his own pace, using the words he knew as stepping-stones to help draw him into a story. And he found he wasn't so alone--in fact, lots of brilliant people were slow readers, too. Learning to accept the fact that everyone does things in their own unique way, and that was okay, freed him up and ultimately helped Hudson thrive and become the fabulous storyteller he is today. -
The List of Unspeakable Fears
The War That Saved My Life meets Coraline in this chilling middle grade historical novel from the author of the acclaimed The Story That Cannot Be Told following an anxious young girl learning to face her fears—and her ghosts—against the backdrop of the typhoid epidemic.
Essie O’Neill is afraid of everything. She’s afraid of cats and electric lights. She’s afraid of the silver sick bell, a family heirloom that brings up frightening memories. Most of all, she’s afraid of the red door in her nightmares.
But soon Essie discovers so much more to fear. Her mother has remarried, and they must move from their dilapidated tenement in the Bronx to North Brother Island, a dreary place in the East River. That’s where Essie’s new stepfather runs a quarantine hospital for the incurable sick, including the infamous Typhoid Mary. Essie knows the island is plagued with tragedy. Years ago, she watched in horror as the ship General Slocum caught fire and sank near its shores, plummeting one thousand women and children to their deaths.
Now, something on the island is haunting Essie. And the red door from her dreams has become a reality, just down the hall from her bedroom in her terrifying new house. Convinced her stepfather is up to no good, Essie investigates. Yet to uncover the truth, she will have to face her own painful history—and what lies behind the red door.
Children's Holiday Books
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If You Lived During the Plimoth Thanksgiving
What do you know about the thanksgiving feast at Plimoth?
What if you lived in a different time and place? What would you wear? What would you eat? How would your daily life be different?
Scholastic's If You Lived... series answers all of kids' most important questions about events in American history. With a question and answer format, kid-friendly artwork, and engaging information, this series is the perfect partner for the classroom and for history-loving readers.
What if you lived when the English colonists and the Wampanoag people shared a feast at Plimoth? What would you have worn? What would you have eaten? What was the true story of the feast that we now know as the first Thanksgiving and how did it become a national holiday?
Chris Newell answers all these questions and more in this comprehensive dive into the feast at Plimoth and the history leading up to it. Carefully crafted to explore both sides of this historical event, this book is a great choice for Thanksgiving units, and for teaching children about this popular holiday.
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What Was the First Thanksgiving?
Learn more about the history of the feast that started off as a harvest celebration and has now become a national holiday.
After their first harvest in 1621, the Pilgrims at Plymouth shared a three-day feast with their Native American neighbors. Of course, the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag didn’t know it at the time, but they were making history. -
We Are Thankful
The Robin Hill School first graders learn about being thankful in this Level 1 Ready-to-Read!
It’s almost Thanksgiving, and Mrs. Connor asks the class to think about what they are thankful for. Reza and his mama make a list together. He can’t wait to talk to his class about his family, his dog, his bike, and so much more! But then at school, everyone takes turns saying what they’re thankful for, and the other kids say the same things Reza wanted to say! Can Reza think of something else he’s thankful for before it’s his turn to speak? -
Duck for Turkey Day
It's almost Thanksgiving, and Tuyet is excited about the holiday and the vacation from school. There's just one problem: her Vietnamese American family is having duck for Thanksgiving dinner - not turkey Nobody has duck for Thanksgiving - what will her teacher and the other kids think? To her surprise, Tuyet enjoys her yummy thanksgiving dinner anyhow - and an even bigger surprise is waiting for her at school on Monday. Dinners from roast beef to lamb to enchiladas adorned the Thanksgiving tables of her classmates, but they all had something in common - family Kids from families with different traditions will enjoy this warm story about "the right way" to celebrate an American holiday.
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Giving Thanks
A beautifully illustrated collection celebrating the joy of gratitude: “A book to be picked up throughout the year and savored and discussed.” —Booklist (starred review)
Newbery Medal winner Katherine Paterson and cut-paper artist Pamela Dalton, creators of Brother Sun, Sister Moon, give fans of all ages even more to be thankful for with Giving Thanks, a special book about gratitude.
Paterson’s meditations on what it means to be truly grateful and Dalton’s exquisite cut-paper illustrations are paired with a collection of over fifty graces, poems, and praise songs from a wide range of cultures, religions, and voices. The unique collaboration between these two extraordinary artists flowers in this important and stunningly beautiful reflection on the act of giving thanks.
“A joyfulness of spirit permeates the compilation.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Amen.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) -
Over the River and Through the Wood
Matt Tavares's lavish illustrations illuminate this definitive edition of a beloved seasonal classic.
The horse is ready, the air is bracing, and everyone is bundled into the sleigh. So let the wind blow and the snow start to fall! This family is off to Grandfather's house for a delicious feast. Matt Tavares, with his keen eye for detail, fresh and surprising perspectives, and all the warmth and coziness of a big holiday dinner, illuminates the original text of Lydia Maria Child's verse about Thanksgiving Day, which has marked the start of the holiday season for generations of children. -
Around the Table That Grandad Built
A beautifully illustrated celebration of bounty and gratitude, family and friendship, perfect for the holidays and every day.
This is the table that Grandad built.
These are the sunflowers picked by my cousins,
set on the table that Grandad built.
In a unique take on the cumulative classic "This Is the House That Jack Built," a family gathers with friends and neighbors to share a meal around a table that brims with associations: napkins sewn by Mom, glasses from Mom and Dad's wedding, silverware gifted to Dad by his grandma long ago. Not to mention the squash from the garden, the bread baked by Gran, and the pies made by the young narrator (with a little help). Serving up a diverse array of dishes and faces, this warm and welcoming story is poised to become a savored part of Thanksgiving traditions to come. -
Veterans Day
Introduces Veterans Day, explaining the historical events behind it, how it became a holiday, and how it is observed.
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Veterans Day
While Veterans Day began at the end of World War I, it is a holiday that commemorates and celebrates all men and women who have served in the military. From the starting ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to the colorful hometown parades celebrating war heroes, patriotic pride will be stirred in young readers.
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30,000 Stitches
An MASL Dogwood Reader's Award Title
Discover the inspiring story of the American flag that flew over Ground Zero, traveled across all fifty states as it was repaired, and returned to New York as a restored symbol of unity.
In the days following September 11th, a 30-foot American flag hung torn and tattered at 90 West Street, across from Ground Zero. A few weeks later, the flag was taken down by a construction crew and tucked away in storage, where it stayed for nearly seven years.
The flag was brought out of storage in 2008 when the New York Says Thank You Foundation headed to Greensburg, Kansas, a town nearly destroyed by a tornado. NYSTY brought the flag with them, sparking a grassroots restoration effort that traveled over 120,000 miles across all fifty states, bringing together thousands of people, and helping America heal and rebuild . . . hand by hand, thread by thread, one stitch at a time.
This book is the story of that journey, a journey that ended at the opening of the National September 11 Museum, where the flag remains today. Along the way, the flag was restored using pieces of retired flags from every state--including a piece of the flag that Abraham Lincoln was laid on after he was shot at Ford's Theater and threads from the original Star-Spangled Banner flag, which flew at Fort McHenry in the War of 1812 and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem. The pieces and threads were stitched in by military veterans, first responders, educators, students, community-service heroes, and family members of 9/11 victims, among others. At each stop, communities came together to remember, to heal, and to unite.
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This Very Tree
A deeply moving story about community and resilience, from the point-of-view of the Callery pear tree that survived the attacks on September 11, from Eisner Award-nominated author-illustrator Sean Rubin.
* "A resonant, beautifully rendered testament to life and renewal." —Kirkus, starred review
In the 1970s, nestled between the newly completed Twin Towers in New York City, a Callery pear tree was planted. Over the years, the tree provided shade for people looking for a place to rest and a home for birds, along with the first blooms of spring.
On September 11, 2001, everything changed. The tree’s home was destroyed, and it was buried under the rubble. But a month after tragedy struck, a shocking discovery was made at Ground Zero: the tree had survived.
Dubbed the “Survivor Tree,” it was moved to the Bronx to recover. And in the thoughtful care of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, the Callery pear was nursed back to health. Almost a decade later, the Survivor Tree returned home and was planted in the 9/11 Memorial to provide beauty and comfort...and also hope.
This is the story of that tree—and of a nation in recovery. Told from the tree’s perspective, This Very Tree is a touching tribute to first responders, the resilience of America, and the restorative power of community. -
The Red Bandanna
Winner of the Christopher Award
An ILA-CBC Children's Choices Book
A NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Book
Welles Crowther did not see himself as hero. He was just an ordinary kid who played sports, volunteered at his local fire department, and eventually headed off to college and then Wall Street to start a career. Throughout it all, he always kept a red bandanna in his pocket, a gift from his father. On September 11, 2001, Welles was working on the 104th floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center when the Twin Towers were attacked. That day, Welles made a fearless choice, and in doing so, saved many lives.The survivors didn't know his name, but one of them remembered a single detail clearly: the man was wearing a red bandanna. Welles Crowther was a hero.
Award-winning ESPN reporter Tom Rinaldi brings Welles's inspirational story of selflessness and compassion to life in this accessible young readers' adaptation of his New York Times bestselling book. This powerful story of making a difference through our actions is perfect for helping the post-9/11 generation understand the meaning of this historic day through the eyes of one young man.
"Rinaldi's young reader edition of his award-winning adult story puts a face on that day (9/11), a hero's face, and brings to young people someone who stood brave in the toughest of times and who, in the end, was lost doing his best to help others survive."--VOYA
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I Survived: Ten Thrilling Books (Ten-Book Set)
History's most exciting and terrifying events come to life in these ten books in the New York Times bestselling I Survived series.
When disaster strikes, heroes are made. This collection of ten books in the bestselling I Survived series from author Lauren Tarshis includes:
- I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912;
- I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916
- I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001
- I Survived the Nazi Invasion, 1944
- I Survived the Bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941
- I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg, 1863I
- Survived the Destruction of Pompeii, AD 79
- I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005
- I Survived the San Francisco Earthquake, 1906
- I Survived the Japanese Tsunami, 2011
With relatable characters and riveting plotlines, the I Survived books are perfect for reluctant readers or any young reader who enjoys an action packed, page turning thriller. Each book also contains several pages of nonfiction content, encouraging readers to further explore the historical topic.
When disaster strikes, heroes are made. This collection of ten books in the bestselling I Survived series from author Lauren Tarshis includes:
- I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912;
- I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916
- I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001
- I Survived the Nazi Invasion, 1944
- I Survived the Bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941
- I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg, 1863I
- Survived the Destruction of Pompeii, AD 79
- I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005
- I Survived the San Francisco Earthquake, 1906
- I Survived the Japanese Tsunami, 2011
With relatable characters and riveting plotlines, the I Survived books are perfect for reluctant readers or any young reader who enjoys an action packed, page turning thriller. Each book also contains several pages of nonfiction content, encouraging readers to further explore the historical topic.
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Come Juneteenth
Sis Goose is a beloved member of Luli's family, despite the fact that she was born a slave. But the family is harboring a terrible secret. And when Union soldiers arrive on their Texas plantation to announce that slaves have been declared free for nearly two years, Sis Goose is horrified to learn that the people she called family have lied to her for so long. She runs away--but her newly found freedom has tragic consequences.
How could the state of Texas keep the news of the Emancipation Proclamation from reaching slaves? In this riveting Great Episodes historical drama, Ann Rinaldi sheds light on the events that led to the creation of Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom that continues today.
Includes an author's note. -
Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free
Booklist starred review
Black activist Opal Lee had a vision of Juneteenth as a holiday for everyone. This true story celebrates Black joy and inspires children to see their dreams blossom. Growing up in Texas, Opal knew the history of Juneteenth, but she soon discovered that many Americans had never heard of the holiday. Join Opal on her historic journey to recognize and celebrate freedom for all.
Every year, Opal looked forward to the Juneteenth picnic--a drumming, dancing, delicious party. She knew from Granddaddy Zak's stories that Juneteenth celebrated the day the freedom news of President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation finally sailed into Texas in 1865--over two years after the president had declared it! But Opal didn't always see freedom in her Texas town. Then one Juneteenth day when Opal was twelve years old, an angry crowd burned down her brand-new home. This wasn't freedom at all. She had to do something! But could one person's voice make a difference? Could Opal bring about national recognition of Juneteenth? Follow Opal Lee as she fights to improve the future by honoring the past.
Through the story of Opal Lee's determination and persistence, children ages 4 to 8 will learn:
- all people are created equal
- the power of bravery and using your voice for change
- the history of Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, and what it means today
- no one is free unless everyone is free
- fighting for a dream is worth the difficulty experienced along the way
Featuring the illustrations of New York Times bestselling illustrator Keturah A. Bobo (I am Enough), Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free by Alice Faye Duncan celebrates the life and legacy of a modern-day Black leader while sharing a message of hope, unity, joy, and strength.
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Juneteenth: Our Day of Freedom
Some call it Freedom Day; some call it Emancipation Day; some call it Juneteenth. Learn more about this important holiday that celebrates the end of chattel slavery in the United States in this Step 3 History Reader.
On June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, a group of enslaved men, women, and children in Texas gathered. Order Number 3 was read, proclaiming that they were no longer enslaved--they were free. People danced, wept tears of joy, and began to plan their new lives. Juneteenth became an annual celebration that is observed by more and more Americans with parades, picnics, family gatherings, and reflection on the words of historical figures, to mark the day when freedom truly rang for all.
Step 3 Readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots and popular topics--for children who are ready to read on their own. -
The Berenstain Bears Mother's Day Blessings
Mama Bear is the best mama in all of Bear Country and Brother, Sister, and Honey Bear know just what to do for her on Mother's Day. In this newest title in the Berenstain Bears Living Lights, The Berenstain Bears Mother's Day Blessings, join the Bear family and all of Bear Country as they spend Mother's Day together remembering just why our mothers are so special to all of us!
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Love, Mama
With a heartwarming story and tender illustrations, Jeanette Bradley's debut picture book Love, Mama is perfect for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and any day when a child needs a reminder of the strength of a mother's love.
When Mama leaves her young penguin Kipling, he knows she'll return home soon—yet he still can't help but miss her. After all, Pillow Mama won't read, Picture Mama won't laugh, and Snow Mama is too cold to cuddle.
But then Kipling receives a special delivery from Mama, including a note that reads:
My love for you stretches across the wide ocean,
through day and night,
from earth to sky
and back again.
And Kipling knows that no matter where Mama is, he is loved. Soon, Mama comes home, and Kipling ends the day where he belongs—right in her arms. -
My Mommy Medicine
My Mommy Medicine is a picture book about the comfort and love a mama offers when her child isn't feeling well, from renowned author Edwidge Danticat.
Whenever I am sick,
Or just feel kind of gloomy or sad,
I can always count on my Mommy Medicine.
When a child wakes up not feeling well, it’s mommy to the rescue! Her remedy includes a yummy cup of hot chocolate, a cozy bubble bath, unlimited snuggles and cuddles, fun sing-alongs, and all the extra special love and attention a kid could ask for.
Mommy Medicine can heal all woes and make any day the best day!
Award-winning memoirist Edwidge Danticat's rich and lyrical text envelops the reader in the security of a mother's love, and debut artist Shannon Wright's vibrant art infuses the story with even more warmth.
A Parent's Choice Recommended Award Winner 2019
2020 Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year List -
Mommy, Carry Me Please!
From tiny 'roos to penguin chicks - and humans too! - babies love to be picked up.
Animal mothers of all kinds carry their babies in different ways. Mommy Hippo's baby is on her back. Mommy Lemur's baby is on her tummy. Mommy Monkey's baby is on her tail. And Human Mommy's baby is in her arms. With vibrantly-colored illustrations, this simple tale is a warm celebration of motherhood in its many forms.
Jane Cabrera's picture books have received worldwide attention and two Oppenheim Toy Portfolio awards. Her unique style has made her books a must-have for parents, teachers, and librarians for over a decade.
A Bank Street Best Childrens Book of the Year! -
Llama Llama Mother's Day Present
It's Mother's Day in this 8x8 based on an episode of the animated LLama LLama Netflix series.
Look out, world--Llama Llama is a TV star! The beloved character, made famous by Anna Dewdney's best-selling picture books, is the star of his own original series, now airing on Netflix. In this episode-based 8x8, Llama Llama is determined to make Mother's Day as special as possible for his mama. Your little llamas will love relating to their favorite picture book character as he faces new and challenging situations.
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Love, Sophia on the Moon
Life on Earth isn't always fair, so Sophia runs off to the moon, where there are no bedtimes, no time-outs, and no Mom.
But as Sophia and her mom send letters to each other, Mom has a clever comeback for all of Sophia's angry notes. Home starts to sound not-quite-so-bad, especially when Mom reports that someone from the moon has moved in to Sophia's old room, they're having spaghetti for dinner, and they're reading Sophia's favorite story at bedtime.
A through line of unconditional love underscored with lots of humor and imagination makes this picture book a stellar pick for storytime. -
My Love for You Is Always
Warm like tea? Sweeter than red dates? A mother shares her love for her child as the two prepare a delicious meal together--perfect for fans of Guess How Much I Love You, Wherever You Are My Love Will Find You, and Mama, Do You Love Me?
What is love? a child wonders. What does it feel like, smell like, taste like? How does it move? How long does it last?
And as she prepares a traditional Chinese meal for her family, the child's mother replies: her love for him is rosy as wolfberries, warm like tea, sweeter than the red dates she puts in his soup. It shines through the water like its own brilliant sun. It goes round and round with no beginning and no end. Because a mother's love for a child is always there, warm and soft, broad and tender.
In this tender story that pairs beautifully poetic words with brilliantly stunning art, a mother's love comes alive on the page and wraps readers in its warm embrace.
Praise for My Love for You Is Always
* This perfect marriage of illustrations and lyrical writing celebrates the affection that's expressed through a lovingly cooked meal. . . . This lovefest is a feast for all the senses. --Kirkus Reviews, *STARRED REVIEW*
* Warm, wonderful . . . From start to finish, it's a charming and delicious tale. --BookPage, *STARRED REVIEW*In the vein of such familiar titles as Guess How Much I Love You and Mama, Do You Love Me? Sze creates a warm, tender look at love [and] a timeless tale of a mother's infinite love . . . Asian culture and food references add a layer of depth to this story, providing a fresh version of a time-honored conversation. --School Library Journal
As satisfying as a gentle hug--or a tasty dumpling. --Booklist
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That's My Mommy!
A celebration of the many things that mothers can do notes such examples as helping little ones feel brave, tucking their youngsters in at night and loving their children just the way they are, in a sturdy board book that features a soft padded cover and rounded corners.
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Petook
Petook the rooster is very happyhe and Martha the hen have just become the proud parents of 12 of the yellowest, fluffiest, brightest-eyed chicks ever born. When he learns that a boy is walking through the garden toward Martha and the chicks, Petook frantically runs to protect his family. He need not have worried; the boy is kind and entranced by the chicks. Many years later, Petook spends a restless night and wakes at dawn to see three crosses high on the distant hill of Calvary. He doesn't know, of course, that one of the men being crucified is the same boy who visited Petook's family so long ago. On Easter morning, three days later, a new brood of chicks hatches, and once again Petook crows for joy. This tale is one of the most evocative Easter stories ever written; it conveys not only the joy of new life but also the simplicity and gentleness of a boy who grew up to be a great leader. As in his earlier illustrations for religious stories, dePaola proves himself to be a master at blending religious reverence with familiar details. The sun-drenched colors, accented with vibrant reds and yellows, reflect the serenity of the story and subtly draw the reader's attention to the beauty and inner message of Easter. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. -
Easter
A joyful, fun, and delicious holiday has a very interesting history!
Is a toddler in your life celebrating Easter for the first time? Guide them through the basics of the sweet holiday with this simple board book. Colorful, detailed illustrations accompany an easy-to-read description of Easter’s history and traditions. Maybe the Easter Bunny will even make an appearance!
Award-winning science author Gail Gibbons shows that it is never too early to learn with a book that is perfect for any Easter basket. Pairs perfectly with Bunnies, another board book by Gail Gibbons. -
The Story of Passover
On Passover, Jewish people all over the world celebrate their freedom from slavery and their beginnings as a great nation.
This simple introduction to the Passover story pairs an engaging retelling with bold illustrations, perfect for young readers.
One of the most significant holidays in Jewish tradition, Passover commemorates Moses leading his people out of slavery in Egypt. The Story of Passover recounts the major events of the story in dramatic but accessible language, from Jacob settling in Egypt to the miraculous parting of the Red Sea.
The text and images have been vetted for accuracy by a rabbinical authority, and the book includes an author's note about the modern Passover celebration, the seder, and how the different parts of the meal symbolize elements of the story. -
A Party in Ramadan
Here is a perfect story to introduce young readers to the holy month of Ramadan, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.
Ramadan is coming, and Leena is excited. Although she is too young to fast every day during the Muslim religious festival, Leena decides to fast each Friday instead. When Leena receives an invitation to a party which happens to fall on Friday, she has a dilemma. She doesn't want to miss the party, but she doesn't want to miss fasting either. So Leena decides to go to the party, but not eat or drink anything at all. Later, she will join her family for the meal known as iftar, when the daily fast is broken. But when Leena, the only Muslim at the party, sees her friends enjoying fresh lemonade and chocolate cake, her stomach starts to growl and her head begins to hurt. Will she keep her Ramadan fast? -
Easter
A joyful, fun, and delicious holiday has a very interesting history!
Is a toddler in your life celebrating Easter for the first time? Guide them through the basics of the sweet holiday with this simple board book. Colorful, detailed illustrations accompany an easy-to-read description of Easter’s history and traditions. Maybe the Easter Bunny will even make an appearance!
Award-winning science author Gail Gibbons shows that it is never too early to learn with a book that is perfect for any Easter basket. Pairs perfectly with Bunnies, another board book by Gail Gibbons. -
Under the Ramadan Moon
"We wait for the moon. We watch for the moon. We watch for the Ramadan moon. We give to the poor, and read Qur'an, under the moon. We live our faith, until next year under the moon, under the moon, under the Ramadan moon."
Ramadan is one of the most special months of the Islamic year, when Muslims pray, fast, and help those in need. The lyrical story, with luminous illustrations, serves as an introduction to Ramadan—a time for reflection and ritual with family and friends. A detailed note about Ramadan is included.
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The Gift of Ramadan
Sophia wants to fast for Ramadan this year. Her grandma tells her that fasting helps make a person sparkly—and Sophia loves sparkles. But when her attempt at fasting fails, Sophia must find another way to participate. This lovely multigenerational family story explores the many ways to take part in the Ramadan holiday.
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Sadiq and the Ramadan Gift
As Ramadan nears, Sadiq and his friends form the Money Makers Club to plan a community fundraiser, an iftar, but when Zaza stops participating Sadiq gets upset with him.
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Zahra's Blessing
Zahra wishes for a sister, never dreaming that volunteering with her mother at a refugee shelter might make her wish come true.
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The Great Eggscape!
A New York Times Bestseller!
Based on the #1 New York Times bestselling picture book sensation The Good Egg, Jory John and Pete Oswald present: The Great Eggscape! Includes two sticker sheets, perfect for decorating your own eggs.
The Great Eggscape is when the Good Egg and his pals escape their carton and drop into the store for a morning of fun, enjoyed by everybody.
Well, almost everybody.
Shel (an egg) isn’t a huge fan of group activities, especially when he’s made to be “It” for a game of hide-and-seek. Nevertheless, Shel doesn’t want to let his friends down, so he reluctantly plays. But after a morning of hiding and seeking, somebody’s still missing. Will the dozen eggs friends ever be reunited?
Find out in this hilarious egg hunt adventure that reminds us to break out of our shells and help our friends in need! A funny book to share anytime, and the two sticker sheets make it especially egg-cellent for Easter. -
Who's there, Little Hoo? / ¿Quién está ahí, Pequeño Hoo?
Time for an Easter Egg hunt, Little Hoo! Help Little Hoo find all of the Easter Eggs in this sweet little book. Little Hoo looks up and down, over and under to find all of the colorful eggs.
Happy Easter, Little Hoo is part of the Little Hoo series featuring cute and reassuring texts for toddlers and preschoolers. -
Pete the Cat: Old MacDonald Had a Farm Sound Book
A New York Times bestseller!
Bestselling creators Kimberly and James Dean turn it up in Pete the Cat’s groovy adaptation of the classic children’s song “Five Little Monkeys”—with a hippity hoppity twist!
One night, Pete the Cat was bunnysitting five little bunnies when all of the sudden…
Five little bunnies hopping on the bed....!
Sing along with Pete the Cat in his fun adaptation of "Five Little Monkeys" Fans of Pete the cat will love rocking out to this classic tune with a groovy Easter twist in this hardcover picture book.
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No Rest for the Easter Beagle
Get ready for Easter with Snoopy and the Peanuts gang in this special Level 2 Ready-to-Read!
It’s almost Easter and Snoopy is exhausted! He still has lots of eggs to color and hide. When Lucy recommends that the Easter Beagle take a break, it’s up to the Peanuts Gang to color and hide all the eggs. Everyone wants to help, but are they up to the task?
This paperback edition comes with two pages of stickers!
© 2020 Peanuts Worldwide LLC -
Spot's Easter Basket
Spot and his friends are going on an Easter egg hunt at the farm. Can you help them find all the hidden eggs?
Toddlers will love this basket-shaped board book for little hands that can be played with or read for twice the fun!
With lots of eggs to discover throughout, as well as a special patterned egg to find on each spread, this fun Easter story encourages early learning through counting, pattern and colour recognition.
If you loved this, why not try:
Where's Spot?
Spot's First Easter
Where are the Yellow Chicks, Spot?
Spot Goes to the Farm
Spot Goes to the Beach
Spot Goes to School -
Peter Easter Frog
In this hilarious picture book, a group of basket-bearing, egg-delivering animal friends give the Easter Bunny a run for his money—led by Peter Easter Frog!
Here comes Peter Easter Frog, hopping down his favorite log. Hippity, hoppity, Easter’s on its—wait. Easter FROG?
Peter Easter Frog loves, loves, LOVES Easter, and sharing is caring, AND he’s just as good a hopper as any ol’ rabbit, so he decides to pass out some of his own Easter eggs. Why should Bunny have all the fun, anyway? Turtle, Cow, Dog, and Chipmunk all agree. But what happens when the Easter Bunny finds out? -
Construction Site: Spring Delight
Celebrate the coming of spring with the construction crew from the bestselling Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site series!
It's Easter at the construction site! As sunshine melts the snow away, the trucks discover all around them the signs of spring. Lift the flaps on each sturdy page to reveal blooming flowers, baby ducks, and gentle lambs--and a special Easter egg hunt surprise! With bestselling author Sherri Duskey Rinker's lovable rhyming text and heartwarming illustrations by AG Ford, this interactive Easter tale will bring smiles to truck lovers and their families while celebrating the beauty of spring.
LIFT THE FLAPS: Seven sturdy flaps throughout encourage interactive reading and help little ones develop fine motor skills. Kids will love guessing what springtime surprise hides behind every flap!
FAMILIAR FRIENDS: This book features the same beloved trucks and construction site from the original Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site
BESTSELLING TEAM: This heartwarming holiday story comes from the bestselling team behind Construction Site on Christmas Night and Three Cheers for Kid McGear!
A GREAT READ-ALOUD: Sherri Duskey Rinker's energetic rhymes make for a satisfying read-aloud experience, keeping construction-loving kids engaged all the way through.
INTRODUCTION TO EASTER: Newborns celebrating their first Easter will love this interactive introduction to the spring season and the fun of Easter traditions.
Perfect for:
- Fans of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site
- Truck and construction fans
- Parents looking for an interactive read-aloud experience
- Easter shoppers and gift-givers
- Fans of lift-the-flap books