Grades: THIRD

Twitch, the school yard squirrel, has really gotten himself into a bind this time. While trying to escape from a hungry owl, he roused the principal’s dog and got chased into the school. Now he’s locked in for a dangerous and disastrous night. Can Green Eggs and Hamster, Sweetie the Library rat, and the other school pets save Twitch from the crazed dog, Cuddles?

In this uproariously funny chapter book, a group of small animals manages to turn an elementary school into a real zoo.

Check out the Q&A with author Vivian Vande Velde here!

Read an excerpt!

Grades: FIRST

Humans have always been frightened of—and intrigued by—alligators and crocodiles. With her acclaimed style combining accessible text and detailed pictures, Gail Gibbons shares fascinating facts about these magnificent cold-blooded reptiles: how they live, how they hunt, and the differences between them.

THE REVIEWS ARE IN!

"This is a colorful introduction to a pair of reptiles . . . with some toothsome eye-candy on the cover."—School Library Journal

"[Gibbons] has chosen facts that will engage her readers, organized the information logically, and presented it in straightforward exposition."—Booklist

Grades: FIRST

This hilarious trickster tale, fifth in the popular Anansi series, once again combines the talents of Eric A. Kimmel and Janet Stevens.

Anansi and Turtle are good friends. But when Anansi invites Turtle to a party, he plays so many tricks on him that Turtle can't have any fun. So Turtle decides to get even—with an outrageous party of his own.

"Children will delight in hearing this tale. . . . Laughs abound."—School Library Journal

"Stevens's mixed-media artwork adds to the story's comic intensity."—Booklist

Check out the online Anansi Party Kit to plan the best party ever! It’s chock full of party decorations, puzzles, games, recipes, and more!

Grades: FIFTH

This inspiring and suspenseful account of Simon Wiesenthal's search for the Gestapo officer who arrested Anne Frank and her family testifies to the difference that one man's dedication can make.

In October 1958 renowned Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal received a disturbing phone call at his home in Linz, Austria. He rushed to the Landes Theater, where a group of teenagers were disrupting a performance of The Diary of Anne Frank. Wiesenthal, a Holocaust survivor, had made it his life work to ensure that Anne Frank and others who had died in the Holocaust were not forgotten. He was deeply concerned that many local teenagers seemed to agree with the neo-Nazi protesters that Anne's diary was a hoax. Determined to find definitive proof that the diary was authentic, Wiesenthal began a five-year-long search for the Gestapo officer who arrested the Frank family.

See the reviews for The Anne Frank Case.

Grades: FIFTH

Available in paperback!

This inspiring and suspenseful account of Simon Wiesenthal's search for the Gestapo officer who arrested Anne Frank and her family testifies to the difference that one man's dedication can make.

In October 1958 renowned Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal received a disturbing phone call at his home in Linz, Austria. He rushed to the Landes Theater, where a group of teenagers were disrupting a performance of The Diary of Anne Frank. Wiesenthal, a Holocaust survivor, had made it his life work to ensure that Anne Frank and others who had died in the Holocaust were not forgotten. He was deeply concerned that many local teenagers seemed to agree with the neo-Nazi protesters that Anne's diary was a hoax. Determined to find definitive proof that the diary was authentic, Wiesenthal began a five-year-long search for the Gestapo officer who arrested the Frank family.

"Anne Frank . . . is just the hook to draw readers into this picture-book biography of a famous Holocaust survivor. [Readers] will be thrilled by this account."—Booklist (starred review)

"This book is highly recommended."—School Library Journal

Grades: FIRST

Learning about homophones (words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings) and homonyms (words that sound alike and are spelled the same but have different meanings) is laugh-out-loud fun in this retelling of "The Little Red Hen."

Monkey is making a banana cream pie but needs help. Aunt Ant is busy going to visit her niece. Bee has too many things to do; the next shipment of honey is due. Monkey yells himself hoarse until Horse arrives, but Horse neighs and says nay. Lucky for Monkey, the friends in by cleaning up banana peels and get some pie after all.

Rendered in oil pastels on brown paper and executed with bold planes of color, pattern, and contrast, the illustrations in this book are bright and full of energy . . . just like Monkey himself!

This book is aligned with the Language Arts COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS for kindergartners in Vocabulary Acquisition and Use: (4.a) and first graders in Key Ideas and Details: (RL.1.1-2).

THE REVIEWS ARE IN!

"Fun on many levels, this has a sure spot in classrooms and storytimes as fable, grammar lesson and wordplay all rolled into one."—Kirkus Reviews

Grades: SECOND

This tongue-in-beak tale is sure to amuse and inspire poets and animal lovers alike.

The barnyard is going hog wild! Yo Mama Goose has her feathers full trying to host a poetry contest without raising the rafters. Writers are sensitive creatures; and all of the animals want to strut their stuff, including Yo Mama herself. With tempers flaring—and noise levels rising—Farmer and Son are sure to hear the commotion. None of the animals can afford to horse around, and it will take a genuine artist to bring peace back to the barn.

Check out the new Poetry Podcast with ways to use Barnyard Slam in the classroom.

PICTURE BOOK

Grades: FIFTH

The adventures of a champion Irish setter and a trapper's son who grow to maturity together.

Danny Pickett is too poor to own one of Mr. Haggin's Irish setters, but that doesn't stop him from losing his heart to a beautfiul dog he calls Big Red. The two are drawn to each other from the start and soon become inseparable. But their loyalty and courage are tested as they face grave danger in the harsh wilderness, including Old Majesty, a massive bear, and a fierce snowstorm.

*"Sure-fire combination of boy and dog. . . . It's love at first sight, and so it will be for all who read the story."—Library Journal, Starred Review

"A story of love and understanding. . . . Absorbing reading."—Booklist, Starred Review

Now available only from Holiday House! Read the official press release.

MIDDLE-GRADE FICTION

Grades: FIRST

The Big Test is coming. The older kids claim that The Big Test booklet is as huge as a telephone book! This humorous and assuring picture book for students facing their own Big Tests takes the terror out of test-taking.

Here's what the reviewers are saying:

"With the increased emphasis on testing, there is a real need for cooks like this one that spoof and reassure simultaneously."—School Library Journal

"Poydar works her magic here."—Kirkus Reviews

Grades: FIRST

David McPhail's poignant characters express intelligence, joy, and the affectionate bond of friendship in a world that is wondrous, safe, and happy. Boy and Bird can go up to the tree house, but Dog cannot. Boy has an idea. Using a rope and a pot, the boy is able to pull the dog up the tree to a vantage point where the three friends can observe all good things in the world—including Mom bearing a plate of cookies. Out come the rope and pot again, and up go the cookies, to be shared by three very happy friends.

Reviews This "read-aloud, child to adult, with lots of pictorial details to notice and talk about . . . [is] a sweet, gentle charmer."-Kirkus Reviews

About the Series Boy, Bird, and Dog is an I Like to Read® book, a picture book series written and illustrated so that even the newest reader can enjoy a satisfying, quality literary experience. The books in the series are written at kindergarten and early first grade reading levels. "These books deftly combine text and art to create a positive experience for new readers."-School Library Journal "Each one makes the hard world of learning to read enough fun to encourage children at this critical developmental moment to try another one."-Vicky Smith, Children's and YA Editor at Kirkus Reviews

Click on the highlights for a full-color brochure and a press kit about the series!

Boy, Bird, and Dog is a Guided Reading Level E book.

For the complete listing of I Like to Read™ books, click here.

Grades: THIRD

Bugs bite, drink blood, and rob food from gardens and fields. They can even kill plants, animals, and, occasionally, people. Is bugging a crime?

Author and photographer Alexandra Siy compiles "rap sheets" on several of the major categories of bugs and takes a very close look at some of the types of insects in an engaging text.

Dennis Kunkel's fascinating photo micrographs magnify insect parts from 10 to 300,000 times their actual sizes. This kid-friendly approach, coupled with meticulous research and lively writing, turns learning about insects into an intriguing experience.

Watch the book trailer.

NONFICTION PICTURE BOOK

Grades: FIRST

Splash! Splash! Car gets wet and soapy as he goes through the car wash. He's had a big adventure today. His shiny paint got dirtier and dirtier as he drove all over town—first with mud from the construction site, then from exhaust, and finally a flock of birds. At the end of his big day, a bath is just what this little car needs.

Michael Garland's bright and bold art features lots of different vehicles, from diggers to big trucks, making this book just right for young car enthusiasts learning how to read.

Grades: TENTH

Available in paperback!

Told in short diary entries filled with scrapbook clippings, this riveting ecothriller is one girl's attempt to stay grounded in a world where disaster has become the norm.

It's the year 2015, a time when global warming has begun to ravage the environment. In response, the United Kingdom becomes the first country to mandate carbon rationing—a well-intentioned plan that goes tragically awry. When her carbon debit card arrives in the mail, sixteen-year-old Laura is just trying to pass her exams, manage her ecopunk band, and catch the attention of her gorgeous classmate Ravi. But as multiple natural disasters strike and Laura's parents head toward divorce, her world spirals out of control. A severe drought sparks fires and deadly riots; then the highest-category hurricane in recent history strikes London. With the death toll in the thousands and climbing, Laura and her family face the unimaginable as her older sister clings to life.

"Deeply compulsive and urgently compulsory reading."—Booklist (starred review)

"This provocative debut is speculative fiction at its finest."—The Horn Book (starred review)

"It works so well because of all the normal craziness of life."—School Library Journal (starred review)

Download the Combo Readers' Guide featuring The Carbon Diaries 2015 and its sequel The Carbon Diaries 2017!

This book is printed on environmentally responsible paper, FSC Natures B19, 30% post-consumer waste. In addition, the printing process and ink reduce VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) emissions and use less energy. The paper meets the standards of the Forest Stewardship Council. FSC is widely regarded as the best practice in forest management, ensuring the highest protections for forests and indigenous peoples.

YOUNG ADULT PAPERBACK

Grades: TENTH

In this riveting sequel to the hit eco-thriller The Carbon Diaries 2015, Laura Brown, now a college student in London, chronicles the struggle England faces as the government tightens its grip on carbon rations. In this riveting sequel to the hit eco-thriller The Carbon Diaries 2015, Laura Brown, now a college student in London, chronicles the struggle England faces as the government tightens its grip on carbon rations.

Laura is juggling two love interests, and her eco-punk band, the dirty angels, keeps landing gigs, so life is good . . . until a crackdown on rioting students forces her to flee the city. Then, on the band's European tour, Laura finds herself at the center of a series of dangerous events. The angels have always sung about fighting corruption. Is it time for Laura to join the underground resistance movement and actually practice what the dirty angels preaches?

As perceptive and compulsively readable as its prequel, this book raises provacative moral questions for today's young adults.

"Laura's story features unexpected moral complexity. . . . Captivating."—Starred, Kirkus Reviews

See the Combination Readers' Guide for The Carbon Diaries 2017 and its companion, The Carbon Diaries 2015.

YOUNG ADULT FICTION

Grades: FIRST

The first day of school can be scary, especially when no one else speaks your language. Luckily Carmen has help from her new teacher and friends.

Carmen, who speaks only Spanish, knows she must be brave. Her teacher's Spanish is muy terrible; but with a little encouragement from la Señora, Carmen teaches the class Spanish words and numbers,and she in turn learns English from her new friends. Carmen helps her little sister learn English too!

Check out the activity sheet.

Grades: FIRST

The first day of school can be scary, especially when no one else speaks your language. Luckily Carmen has help from her new teacher and friends.

Carmen, who speaks only Spanish, knows she must be brave. Her teacher's Spanish is muy terrible; but with a little encouragement from la Señora, Carmen teaches the class Spanish words and numbers,and she in turn learns English from her new friends. Carmen helps her little sister learn English too!

Check out the activity sheet.

PICTURE BOOK

Grades: FOURTH

In this second book in the First Kids Mystery series, the president’s daughters tackle a puzzling new case that casts suspicions on members of the White House staff.

Would someone actually send real diamonds to a dog? Now that one of the gems is missing, first kids Cammie and Tessa Parks are no longer so sure that the big, fat diamonds on their dog Hooligan’s new collar are imitations. But how can they know for sure? Why would someone representing the president of a nearby country send a dog such a valuable gift?

Reviews

"This little gem will be just right for grade-school detectives and budding politicians alike."—Kirkus Reviews

ABOUT THE SERIES

"In the spirit of Harriet the Spy, Encylcopedia Brown, and Cam Jansen, Freeman has created two youthful, contemporary protagonists who will shine."—Library Media Connection

Read an excerpt!

Grades: FOURTH

In this new mystery series, Cammie and Tessa are the daughters of the first female president of the United States. Their favorite band, The Song Boys, is scheduled to perform at the White House, but when an important object disappears, the First Kids are on the case.

Most days Cammie is tired of being the daughter of the president and just wants her real life back. She's feeling the stress of having to be on display so often. Plus, her oversized and over enthusiastic dog Hooligan keeps getting into trouble. That's why she's thrilled when her very favorite group, the famous teenage sensation called Song Boys, is scheduled to perform at a literacy event at the White House. But when White House objects disappear, the event is in jeopardy. With some help from her younger sister Tessa and Hooligan, Cammie tackles the mystery—and helps save the concert.

Watch Martha Freeman talk about writing and her book, The Case of the Rock 'n' Roll Dog.

Read an excerpt!

Grades: FIRST

Qué felícidad! It's Cinco de Mayo, and Mouse follows his nose to the festival, where musicians play, dancers stomp, and delicious treats abound. Then Mouse spots a pinata and wants just one piece of candy . . . but he isn't the only one looking for a snack. Cat is planning his own fiesta with Mouse on the menu! This lively cat-and-mouse tale offers a humorous and easy introduction to the Cinco de Mayo holiday.

"Ebbeler's feisty full-page illustrations expand on Cox's ebullient text and enchanting story line . . . Adorable. . . . A refreshing approach to Mexican folk art and traditions."—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Visuals from unusual perspectives propel the action. . . . Combines Mexican tradition with adventure for young readers."—School Library Journal

Grades: PRESCHOOL

Rooster crows, Cock-a-doodle-doo. Wake up, girls, And little boys, too.

Breakfast ham pop-pops, cows moo as they're being milked, girls feed clucking hens, and boys split wood-whack! When chores are done, rockers squeak, and kids play games whiles Grandma's knitting needles click and the clock ticks.

Jim Aylesworth uses rhythms that are reminiscent of reals music, rhyme, and onomatopoeia to write about a day in the life of a farm family. To illustrate this joyful text, Brad Sneed draws inspiration from the American regionalism art movement and creates figures that are earthy, yet elegant and heroic. This book is a celebration of work, play, family, food, and farm life!

This book is aligned with the Language Arts COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS for kindergartners and first graders in Literature and Foundation Skills: (RF.K.1-2, RF.1.1, RL.K.1, 10, RL.1.1-3).

Check out the official press release.

THE REVIEWS ARE IN!

"Crisp,clear lines rich in onomatopoeia describe a day from morning to night in this nostalgic paean to life on a farm, while stylized, retro watercolors provide a humorous look at the farm's residents, both animal and human."—Kirkus Reviews

PICTURE BOOK

Grades: SECOND

This zany picture book will supply readers with plenty of laughs and a wealth of information about color theory.

Something quite strange is afoot at Colin's school. The new substitute principal, Mr. Greystone, has a million rules. He becomes so furious when students draw on his bulletin board that he bans colored art supplies, which has an eerie effect on the once-vibrant school. But Colin's crayons don't want to stay put in the trash can, so they plan an escape. Will kaleidoscopic hues return to Hughes Elementary?

Check out the Color Wheel activity sheet!

Grades: FIRST

This beautiful book presents a comprehensive look at life in a coral reef. Marine biologists believe coral reefs existed 400 million years ago, well before the age of dinosaurs. Today, this active environment is home to about 200,000 kinds of brilliantly colored coral, plants, and animals.

Grades: FIRST

What is the story behind corn?

Corn is used in many favorite foods, such as popcorn, corn on the cob, corn dogs, and cornflakes. This cornucopia of information in Gail Gibbons?s tried-and-true style presents the history and uses of corn as well as details concerning planting, cultivation, and harvesting.

"A simple, yet informative and engaging look at an important food source."—School Library Journal

"Well-organized, accessible narrative."—Booklist

Grades: FIRST

An hilarious story makes counting to ten in Spanish as easy as uno-dos-tres. A glossary of Spanish words and a child friendly recipe are included. A companion to Manana, Iguana and Fiesta Fiasco.

"The well-paced story exudes a charming silliness and invites participation."—Booklist

"This slapstick tale seamlessly incorporates Spanish counting words as well as animal names."—School Library Journal

Grades: SECOND

Similes set off an exciting chase scene in an adventure in language arts.

Rufus the fox has an important job to do. He runs across the meadow as fast as lightning, sneaks up to the sheep Babette like a thief in the night, and roars like a lion. Babette, mad as a hornet, chases Rufus all over town. But is Rufus being chased or actually leading Babette to a very nice birthday surprise? Rufus really is—crazy like a fox! Sure to make the reader as happy as a clam, this bright simile story also includes a clear explanation of similes and shows how to include similes in a story.

Grades: SECOND

This energetic simile story has a surprise ending that will leave the reader happy as a clam.

Rufus the fox runs across the meadow as fast as lightning, sneaks up on Babette like a thief in the night, and roars like a lion. Babette is as mad as a hornet! But is Rufus acting as pesky as a gnat for no reason, or does he have a plan—is he crazy like a fox?

The book includes an explanation of similes and shows how to use similes in your own writing.

THE REVIEWS ARE IN!

"The brilliantly colored digital illustrations cleverly depict the similes. . . . As welcome as springtime to teachers, aspiring writers and any who appreciate wordplay." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Grades: SIXTH

Based on actual historical figures and events, this is a gripping survival story filled with fast friendships and cruel betrayals, cowardice and greed, and courage and generosity. Pierre Talon's remarkable adventure will captivate young readers.

When eleven-year-old Pierre Talon sets out in 1684 on what became the last, ill-fated expedition of the great French explorer Rene-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, he hopes to find help for his family, who are struggling in a settlement being decimated by hunger, illness, and Indian attacks. But the expedition to relocate the Mississippi River unravels when La Salle and his closest aides are murdered. Pierre falls deathly ill, and into the hands of the Hasinai Indians. To his surprise, he finds that the Hasinai have a well-ordered, prosperous, and peaceful community. Soon Pierre must choose between embracing the Hasinai ways or risking his life to hold on to his European identity.

HISTORICAL FICTION

Grades: FIRST

Follow two children in this bilingual picture book as they celebrate their ancestors on this vibrant holiday.

The youngsters offer marigolds, sugar skulls, and special bread, and make delicious foods. By spreading marigold petals, they guide the dead home to join the festivities. Finally, after singing and dancing, it's time for bed. Bob Barner's luscious collages incorporate the traditional symbols of Day of the Dead. His poetic text is in both English and Spanish. An author's note provides additional information on the holiday.

PICTURE BOOK

Grades: FIRST

An easy-to-read text and engaging, funny dinosaurs introduce young children to good manners, the benefits of being considerate to others, and the secret to making friends.

"Dinosaurs don't just take, take, take; dinosaurs do share." When they are mad, they don't hit or bite; instead they use words to express their feelings. They shout and run outdoors; they don't shout at a wedding or run in the china shop.

Reviews "Straightforward behavior modeling for newly fledged independent readers. . . . Philosophically solid."—Kirkus Reviews

About the Series Dinosaurs Don't, Dinosaurs Do is an I Like to Read®book, a picture book series written and illustrated so that even the newest reader can enjoy a satisfying, quality literary experience. The books in the series are written at kindergarten and early first grade reading levels.

"These books deftly combine text and art to create a positive experience for new readers."-School Library Journal "Each one makes the hard world of learning to read enough fun to encourage children at this critical developmental moment to try another one."-Vicky Smith, Children's and YA Editor at Kirkus Reviews

Click on the highlights for a full-color brochure and a press kit about the series!

Dinosaurs Don't, Dinosaurs Do is a Guided Reading Level E book.

For the complete listing of I Like to Read® books, click here.

Grades:

Here is everything the youngest reader needs to know about dinosaurs!

Dinosaurs ruled Earth for millions of years. Some were small and could run very, very fast. Others were big and were covered in spikes and plates for protection. And some were huge, terrifying other dinosaurs with their long, sharp teeth. Today, paleontologists piece together fossilized dinosaur skeletons and study ancient dinosaur footprints to learn more about how these amazing creatures lived.

Perfect for very young paleontologists, Gibbons's simple yet informative text and vividly detailed illustrations depict the most up-to-date information available about these magnificent creatures.

Grades: FOURTH

Can a not-so-old dog learn a new trick—friendship? Other dogs are K-9s. But K-10 is a cut above other dogs—and he has the name to prove it. K-10 spends his days running away from owners and doing time in dog shelters. He doesn't need friends. But after K-10 escapes from a shelter with some other dogs, he discovers that it's not so bad to be part of a pack. Excerpt from A Dog on His Own. Copyright © 2008 by Mary Jane Auch. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher. "Humorous, action-packed. . . . Sure to please dog-loving kids."—School Library Journal "The characters stands out as real individuals. . . . Delightful."—Kirkus Reviews "The dog's experiences facing their fears and learning the true meaning of friendship and family will resonate with kids."—Booklist MIDDLE-GRADE FICTION—Now in paperback! See the reviews!

Grades: FOURTH

Someone is stealing things from Mrs. Blackwell’s classroom. First Slurpy is fishnapped, then other things from Mrs. Blackwell's room start to disappear. Odder still, whoever is committing these crimes leaves a note written in poetry.

Edgar has it all covered in his "crime investigation notebook"—but so does Patrick Chen, who has copied Edgar and is trying to solve the case first. Yet as Edgar keenly observes his surroundings, he notices many interesting things about his classmates. The more closely he watches the two "suspects," the more he begins to think they might make pretty good friends.

This warm and humorous story combines writing, friendship, and mystery in a short, accessible chapter book.

MORE EDGAR FUN!

Download stickers to start your own Official Crime Investigation Notebook.

Visit Mary's website for lots more Edgar activities and a special video!

Check out the Mary Amato Spotlight on . . . feature! And click here for another great interview with Mary!

MIDDLE-GRADE FICTION PAPERBACK

Grades: THIRD

Eggs may hold an insect or a spiderling, a fish, a baby reptile or bird, or even a mammal. As different as they are from one another, each egg is a wondrous world where a developing creature can breathe, grow, and be nourished.

Grades: FIRST

Best-selling nonfiction author and illustrator Gail Gibbons explores elephants, the world's largest land animal. Elephants are very intelligent and social, with a trunk that serves as nose, foot, hand, and tool. Using her signature combination of clear information and detailed illustrations, Gail Gibbons presents important facts about these mesmerizing animals, describing elephant behavior, habitats, diet, and more!

Grades: FIRST

Best-selling nonfiction author and illustrator Gail Gibbons explores elephants, the world's largest land animal.

Elephants are very intelligent and social, with a trunk that serves as nose, foot, hand, and tool. Using her signature combination of clear information and detailed illustrations, Gail Gibbons presents important facts about these mesmerizing animals, describing elephant behavior, habitats, diet, and more!

"A welcome addition to any library's wildlife section."—School Library Journal

"A good introduction to the topic."—Booklist

Grades: SECOND

Bird lovers of all ages will feel right at home with Irene Kelly's latest nature title.

How does a bird make its nest? Very carefully! Many birds build intricate nests out of twigs, leaves, feathers, mud—even dollar bills and clothespins. Some nests are gigantic, housing hundreds of birds or weighing as much as a car, while others are just large enough to keep one egg safe and warm. Whether simple or fancy, every species finds a unique way and clever place to raise its young.

Grades: FIRST

Award-winning author Eric A. Kimmel's whimsical retelling of this Rosh Hashanah tale, paired with Jill Weber's charming illustrations, will take readers to a higher place.

Every year, just before Rosh Hashanah, the rabbi of Nemirov disappears. The villagers are certain their rabbi flies up to heaven to speak with God. Where else would such a great and holy man go just before the fate of every soul is decided for the coming year? But a skeptical Litvak scoffs at the villagers, claiming miracles cannot happen. He vows to discover the rabbi's secret, but what he witnesses—an enormous act of human compassion—will make any doubter believe.

"Steeped in Yiddish idiom, the story sends an unforgettable message: the skeptic changes and sees that ordinary kindness is enough to save the world."—Booklist

Listen to Eric A. Kimmel read the book!

Grades: THIRD

Have you ever wondered how your favorite sports began?

Skiing got its start when our ancestors, tired of crashing through snowdrifts, strapped animal bones to their feet. The history of other sports is just as surprising—the original soccer ball was a skull; bowling was part of an early religious ritual; and lacrosse games initially stretched for miles and lasted for days.

Alice Low's witty and fascinating poems are vividly illustrated by John O'Brien's clever and hilarious cartoons—hitting a true home run for young readers. Includes a time line of sports history.

Check out the new Poetry Podcast with ways to use this book in the classroom.

PICTURE BOOK

Grades: SECOND

Here comes Fireboy to the rescue! Although fires can be dangerous and very scary, Fireboy will allay young readers' fears by showing what to do if one starts at home or in school, as well as how to prevent one from starting in the first place. Follow Fireboy inside a busy firehouse, watch him Stop, Drop, and Roll, and learn some fun facts about famous fires in this vibrant and practical guide to fire safety.

"The snazzy presentation is entertaining in its own right. . . . Wonderful."—Booklist

"Dramatic and impressive."—School Library Journal

"This stands out among other fire-safety texts."—Kirkus Reviews

Grades: FIRST

Ivy Green experiences the anticipation, apprehensions, and excitement of the first day of school.

Ivy is all ready with her new shoes and shiny lunch box, but as the big day approaches, she starts to get nervous. Will she get over the first-day jitters? Yes!

Grades: THIRD

With a gust of wind a dandelion seed takes off soaring through the sky. Who knows where it will land? Seeds use ingenious methods to travel to new places, from bobbing along through waves to spinning like green helicopters. A glossary is included.

Grades: FIRST

Four classic fables are artfully woven together to make a single story in this lushly illustrated picture book.

The fables of "The Fox and the Grapes," "The Fox and the Crow," "The Fox and the Goat," and "The Fox and the Stork" all come together to make an unusually eventful day for a tricky fox who is not quite as clever as he imagines.

This book is aligned with the Language Arts COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS for kindergartners and first-third graders in Literature and Foundation Skills: (RF.K.1, RF.1.1, RL.K.1-3, RL.1-3. 1-3).

THE REVIEWS ARE IN!

"A creative premise, beautifully executed."—Booklist, Starred Review

PICTURE BOOK

Grades: FIRST

Step right up! Come take part in the county fair, where you'll see fractions, decimals, and percents everywhere. Gobble up a fraction of pie, boast your batting average in the arcade, and take a percent off the price of a toy. Learning about equivalent parts equals a whole lot of fun in this straightforward introduction to a challenging concept.

"Both straightforward and bouncy, a successful primer on parts."—Kirkus Reviews

"Offer[s] a more active approach to learning equivalents."—Booklist

Grades: FIRST

Do you know how a seed begins? What pollination is? How flowers, fruits, and vegetables get to be the way they are?

The mystery of how seeds are formed and grow into plants is revealed for young readers in this informative book, included on Appendix B of the Common Core State Standards.

Grades: SECOND

Fun with Roman Numerals is a straightforward and appealing introduction to a timely topic. Page IV. Super Bowl XLV. Built in MMVII. Roman numerals are everywhere: on clocks, in books, and on buildings. But what do Roman numerals mean? How do you use them? An accessible text and colorful illustrations add up to fun in this vibrant guide by the celebrated author and illustrator of Working with Fractions and You Can, Toucan, Math.

Here's what the reviewers are saying:

"This team once again hits a home run. . . . Comprehensive, readable and understandable, with a concrete activity, this is the resource for teachers."—Kirkus Reviews

Grades: FIRST

This addition to Gail Gibbons' nonfiction library has information about these elegant animals' feeding habits, how they raise their young, their habitat, and why so many live in zoos. Gibbons' trademark style features kid-friendly explanations and visually presented facts.

This important introduction to gorillas by best-selling author-illustrator Gail Gibbons explores these fascinating cousins of humans.

All wild gorillas live in Africa. They are peaceful and intelligent, and live in family groups called troops.

Here are descriptions of the physical characteristics of these primates as well as information about how they live, including how they eat, raise their young, and adapt to their environment.

NONFICTION PICTURE BOOK

Grades: FOURTH

Beautifully illustrated and thoroughly researched, this compelling book reveals the almost unknown story of how French Muslims' courage, faith, and devotion to justice saved the lives of so many Jews.

During the Nazi occupation of Paris, no Jew was safe from arrest and deportation to a concentration camp. Few Parisians were willing to risk their own lives to help. Yet many Jews found refuge in an unlikely place-the sprawling complex of the Grand Mosque of Paris. Not just a place of worship but also a community center, this hive of activity was an ideal temporary hiding place for escaped prisoners of war and Jews of all ages, including children.

The Grand Mosque of Paris is written and illustrated by both Karen Gray Ruelle and Deborah Durland DeSaix. The book includes a glossary, bibliography, and recommended books and films.

"This well-researched book belongs on the shelves of most libraries."—School Library Journal

"This is a fascinating, little-known piece of history."—Booklist

Grades: FIRST

Mouse's ravenous appetite has gotten him into trouble again! On a dark and spooky night, he hitches a ride in a trick-or-treat sack, hoping to get some Halloween candy for himself. But where is Mouse being taken? After taking a tumble and getting caught in the rain, Mouse finds shelter in a creaky old house. He hears a rattle. A skeleton? He sees a shape float by. A ghost? But brave Mouse is not afraid. "Boo!" he cries. The house is not so scary after all. Lucky for Mouse, a trail of candy guides him safely home to his hidey-hole.

Grades: FIRST

We have 8 little chicks.
add 1 more, and then . . .
we add 1 more.
Now we have _____(10).

Bright photographs of puppets, marbles, chicks, dogs, and other fun objects; rhyming text; and a fun game help children learn to add. This book teaches children how to connect numbers with a value and introduces them to mathematical equations. As the author explains, "This is a book about experiencing addition through hands-on play and exploration."

Be sure to visit Jean Marzollo’s blog for kindergarten teachers.

Check out the official math press release and companion book, Help Me Learn Numbers 0-20.

Grades: PRESCHOOL

Count the cars You'll take for a drive. I'll take 1, 2, 3, 4, 5! Colorful photographs of rabbits, chicks, cars, fish, dogs, cookies, monsters, and other fun objects, a rhyming text, and a fun game all help children learn numbers and number value.

This book is aligned with the COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS for kindergarten mathematics in counting and cardinality:
K: CC.3, CC.4, CC.4a, CC.4b, CC.4c, CC.5 , OA, OA.1

Be sure to visit Jean Marzollo’s blog for kindergarten teachers.

Check out the companion book, Help Me Learn Addition.

Grades: FIRST

10 monsters, looking fine, 1 folds down. Still up? 9!

Bright photographs of dinosaurs, monsters, piglets, penguins, and other fun objects; rhyming text; and a fun game help children learn to subtract. This book teaches children that subtraction is a take-away action! Rows of colorful rubber duckies show subtraction facts within ten. Hummingbirds and chickadees show the difference between addition and subtraction. And furry penguins illustrate number sentence rhymes in this entertaining introduction to an arithmetic basic.

This book is aligned with the Common Core State Standards for kindergarten and first-grade in mathematics in operations and algebraic thinking K.OA and 1.OA.

Check out the "Stamp Out Math Phobia" press release!

Grades: FIRST

In this Caldecott Honor Book, the ingenious Hershel rids a village synagogue of goblins by cleverly outwitting them.

It is the first night of Hanukkah. The traveler, Hershel of Ostropol, is tired and hungry and looking forward to reaching the next village. He is sure that bright candles, merry songs, and platters of potato latkes will be waiting for him. But Hershel discovers that the villagers aren't celebrating—they're too scared of the goblins that haunt the old snyagogue at the top of the hill. But Hershel wants to help and comes up with a wonderfully creative plan!

Check out the reproducible holiday activity sheets for Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins.

Grades: FIRST

Families will be moved by this endearing story of religious tolerance based on a real court case.

The old man from apartment 3D is building something very special. Every day he collects leaves, bottles, and other treasures; but every day the landlady yells at him. When she discovers a sukkah on her roof, she orders the old man to remove it, then takes him to court. But timing is everything, and the judge's decision may just appease all.

"[A] good choice for introducing children to consideration of intercultural cooperation." —Booklist

"Marilyn Hirsh has scored again with her detailed, humorous yet expressive renderings of the Sukkot Saga. Welcome to author David Adler." —Association of Jewish Libraries

"A moving little story about an old, old Jewish holiday." —America Magazine

Grades: FIRST

Learn how hurricanes are formed, how they are named and classified, and what to do if a dangerous storm is on the way.

Imagine a force that can toss boats around like toys, wash away bridges, and create waves as high as eighteen feet. With fierce winds and torrential rains, hurricanes can do all of these things. They can cause tremendous damage and even change the shape of a shoreline.

For centuries people did not know when a hurricane was coming. But now we have new methods to predict when and where these storms will occur.

NONFICTION PICTURE BOOK

Grades: FIRST

Learn how hurricanes are formed, how they are named and classified, and what to do if a dangerous storm is on the way.

Imagine a force that can toss boats around like toys, wash away bridges, and create waves as high as eighteen feet. With fierce winds and torrential rains, hurricanes can do all of these things. They can cause tremendous damage and even change the shape of a shoreline. For centuries people did not know when a hurricane was coming. But now we have new methods to predict when and where these storms will occur.

"Hurricanes are serious business, but Gibbons uses a picture-book format to detail their destructive powers without the information ever becoming too frightening . . . in this intriguing introduction."—Booklist

Grades: SECOND

Readers will unlock a treasure trove of poems in this exuberant celebration of reading.

A book is a wonderful, magical treat. The thirteen poems in this collection encourage young readers to snuggle up with a story and stretch their imaginations, to splash in a sea of tales by day and swashbuckle through chapters late at night. Playful illustrations by Yayo compliment thought-provoking poems by Jane Yolen, Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Naomi

Perfect for National Poetry Month and any time during the year!

REVIEWS!

"Lee Bennett Hopkins’ compilation of poetry about the love of reading and books would be a great addition to any elementary media center. . . . The illustrations have a whimsical and carefree feeling that all readers will enjoy."—Library Media Collection

AWARDS!

California Reading Association’s Eureka! Nonfiction Picture Book Award, Silver Honor Book

2012 Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books

POETRY

Grades: FIRST

"I have a garden," a frisky dog announces. In simple sentences the dog guides new readers through a bright and lush garden, which is home to a chipmunk, a bird, a bug, and all sorts of other creatures.

"This garden is for me," the dog continues.

"No. This garden is for all of us. We have a garden," answer his animal neighbors. Illustrated in vibrant collage, this deceptively simple I Like to Read® book is a celebration of nature and community, plus readers can play spot the dog on nearly every spread.

THE REVIEWS ARE IN

"Barner's amusing artwork done in paper collage, gouache, pastel, and pencil radiates off the pages as a playful pup shares the wonders of his garden and all of the living things that reside in it. The clear vocabulary and engaging drawings provide the earliest readers with a delightful story. . . . Simple sentences, repetition, and a large font assure success for children just learing to read. This leveled series supports core standards, helping beginning readers understand characters, setting, and plot while building reading fluency. Super choices for the very earliest readers."—School Library Journal

Grades: ALL

This is a heartwarming picture book about the ups and downs of being best friends.

Dolly the pig and Jack Rabbit are the best friends in all the world. Together they sit in their Best Place and watch clouds, or play so hard that all they can do is laugh. One afternoon while painting portraits, they hurt each other's feelings. They are mad and sad. Can this dynamic duo ever best buds again?

PICTURE BOOK

Grades: THIRD

Irena Sendler was a diminutive Polish social worker who helped spirit more than four hundred children out of the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II.

Using toolboxes, ambulances, and other ingenious measures, Irena Sendler defied the Nazis and risked her own life by saving and then hiding Jewish children. Her secret list of the children's real identities was kept safe, buried in two jars under a tree in war-torn Warsaw. An inspiring story of courage and compassion, this biography includes a list of resources, source notes, and an index.

Grades: FIRST

Rhythmic text combines with delightfully entertaining illustrations in this humorous story for construction-loving kids about getting what you work for.

Someone has done a lot of work. Someone has been driving a bulldozer, operating a cement mixer, and using a forklift to build a big, strong home for Jack. But is this the house that Jack built? One tired puppy dog disagrees.

"Delivers in spades." —Kirkus Reviews

"A wonderful twist on an age-old rhyme. . . . . This beguiling book will be a hit both at storytimes and in circulating collections, for those who really want to know how Jack's house got built." —School Library Journal

Grades: FIRST

Most kids are familiar with the bright red, spotted ladybugs. But different kinds of ladybugs are all different colors, such as orange, yellow, or black.

In her clear and kid-friendly style, nonfiction master Gail Gibbons introduces young scientists to these beautiful beetles: their life cycles, what they eat, how they protect themselves, and lots more.

THE REVIEWS FOR LADYBUGS ARE STELLAR!

"This well-conceived introduction is one of Gibbons's most attractive and informative presentations to date. Her colorful, realistically painted watercolors, enhanced with black ink outline and detail and some crayon highlighting, fill every page with larger-than-life images, and they're as much a source of information as the fact-filled text. . . . This simply written, clearly organized, thoroughly researched and exceptionally illustrated volume should be a first purchase for most libraries."—School Library Journal

"Surprising facts (ladybugs play dead to discourage potential predators) underscore Gibbons's educational but nondidactic approach."—Publishers Weekly

"The book presents [this beetle's] body parts, food, development, predators, defenses, and protection from cold weather. . . . Bright and informative."—Booklist

Grades: FIRST

Arresting combinations of color and shape, along with spare and dramatic text, distinguish this easy-to-read picture book by Rebecca Emberley and her Caldecott Award-winning collaborator and father, Ed Emberley. In this interpretation of Aesop's fable, a mouse, in colorful attire suitable for a night on the town, finds herself trapped by a caged lion in a city zoo. The mouse begs to be released and promises to help the lion one day. The lion is skeptical but releases her nonetheless. Later that night, the mouse returns with mouse friends—as spiffily attired as she herself—and together they unlock the lion's cage and prove that "little mice can be big friends."

Reviews “Fantastic visual fun. . . . Aesop’s lion and mouse (or mice, as this case has it) have never looked more stylish. . . . As an added bonus after the moral is delivered, the lion says ‘thank you.’ Two lessons in one!"—Kirkus Reviews

About the Series The Lion and the Mice is an I Like to Read® book, a picture book series written and illustrated so that even the newest reader can enjoy a satisfying, quality literary experience. The books in the series are written at kindergarten and early first grade reading levels.

Click on the highlights for a full-color brochure and a press kit about the series!

The Lion and the Mice is a Guided Reading Level E book.

For the complete listing of I Like to Read® books, click here.

Grades: FIRST

Oy gevalt! It's almost time for Passover. The Little Red Hen must make matzah. She asks her friends for help planting grains. "Sorry, bub," neighs Horse. "Think again," barks Dog. Of course, the Little Red Hen does it all herself. A favorite classic tale gets a Jewish twist in this hilarious story.

"Such a clever idea! Watch a familiar tale become exponentially funnier and, yes, more meaningful."—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"The droll ink, watercolor, and pastel cartoon illustrations have a friendly charm that makes a nice contrast with the story's wry humor."—School Library Journal (starred review)

Grades: FIRST

Animal students learn about addition from the world around them.

Here's what the reviewers are saying:

"Leedy guides readers through the learning-addition maze by using examples from the everyday world. . . . Leedy's explanations are clear and concise, and her colorful pictures feature a bevy of amusing animals. The math projects presented can spawn ideas for teachers and parents."—Booklist

Grades: ALL

This beginning guide to economics will have readers thinking about the purpose, and not just the value, of money.

What's all this madness about money? Long ago, people traded rocks or sheep for the items they wanted, but rocks were heavy and sheep ran away. Today there are many different kinds of money, including money you can't even see! Each still has value; you can use it to buy things you want and need. Check out this site for activities and lesson plans.

Grades: THIRD

This fun and fact-filled introduction to nutrition and fitness gives kids the lowdown on the new food pyramid and the tools they need to feel terrific.

Beginning with a concise discussion of each food group and the newly redesigned food pyramid, and including sections on exercise, drugs, and self-esteem, this informative and lively book will help kids pick up nourishing foods and get into wholesome habits.

"Cheerful. . . . Useful to start discussions about healthy habits."—Booklist

"Impressive. . . . This lively, visually appealing book about a critical but potentially dry subject belongs in children's hands."—School Library Journal

Grades: THIRD

Real American similes are brought to life in this laugh-out-loud language arts picture book. This collection of similes from A to Z is as zany as a chigger chased around a stump. It includes rib-tickling folk expressions from Americans of all walks of life and all parts of the country in a bodacious tribute to both our country's diversity and pioneer heritage. There is a funny simile and uproarious illustration for each letter of the alphabet. Readers who are as curious as cats will enjoy the fascinating author's note that explores the origins of the expressions. A bibliography is included.

Grades: THIRD

Real American similes are brought to life in this laugh-out-loud language arts picture book.

This collection of similes from A to Z is as zany as a chigger chased around a stump. It includes rib-tickling folk expressions from Americans of all walks of life and all parts of the country in a bodacious tribute to both our country's diversity and pioneer heritage. There is a funny simile and uproarious illustration for each letter of the alphabet.

Readers who are as curious as cats will enjoy the fascinating author's note that explores the origins of the expressions. A bibliography is included.

Check out the classroom activity sheet.

PICTURE BOOK

Grades: SECOND

Algebra can be a mystery to many readers. But in this accessible first book of algebra set in a creepy haunted house, readers will learn to find the unknown number of skeletons, ravens, and bats by using simple addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to solve equations. A hands-on activity further illustrates the topic by showing students how to make and use a balance scale. Vetted for accuracy by an expert in Common Core State Standards.

This book is aligned with the COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS:
1: OA, OA.3, OA.7, OA.8
2: OA, OA.1, NBT.9
3: OA.3, OA.4, OA.5, OA.6

Check out the ways in which math can be fun for this group of home-schoolers!

Grades: KINDERGART

This delightfully simple picture book offers a clever take on sharing.

Up and down! Round and round! Tom is having a blast zooming all over the neighborhood on his new red bike. But when Tom stops by Sam's house to show off his wheels, he's in for an unhappy surprise. The new bike is suddenly . . . gone. Could his best friend Sam be the culprit?

THE REVIEWS ARE IN!

"Told in only a few words, this likable story of multicultural friends will tap into children's emotions as they identify with Tom's excitement over owning something new and his dismay when it is taken away. Ransome's watercolor and pencil artwork is surrounded by plenty of white space and extends the story. . . . A fine choice for storytimes, this picture book would be a good discussion starter on the topics of friendship and sharing."-School Library Journal

"Ransome, winner of a Coretta Scott King award for illustration, writes here about the joys of cycling and the perils of a lost bicycle, and ultimately about the rewards of sharing and riding bikes among friends. With sweet illustrations and simple text, the message will work especially well with the training-wheel set."-The New York Times Book Review

Grades: FIFTH

"Fans of Redwall and the Warriors series will love this heroic tale of good versus evil in a subterranean society of rats. . . . Expect great adventures in Nightshade City." --Rick Riordan, author of Percy Jackson and the Olympians series

Lose yourself in NIGHTSHADE CITY, a fantasy adventure by a talented new novelist featuring a memorable cast of rats—both heroic and villainous—in an exciting tale of intrigue and adventure.

Deep beneath Trillium City, a modern metropolis, lies the Catacombs, a kingdom of rats of extraordinary intelligence and ability. The once peaceful and democratic colony has become a harsh dictatorship ruled by the High Minister Kildeer and his henchman, Billycan, who runs the Kill Army and collects weekly Stipend from the terrified subjects. The two of them rule with iron fists. With most of the adult rats wiped out in Killdeer's Bloody Coup and the subsequent great flood, orphaned young male rats are forced into the army and the females into servitude—or worse. But change is coming. . . .

Two orphan brothers, Vincent and Victor Nightshade, sons of a hero killed in the Bloody Coup, manage to escape from the Kill Army and meet up with Juniper Belancourt, leader of a rebel group seeking to overthrow their oppressors and restore peace and democracy in a new city. The brothers are quickly caught up in Juniper's cause: "We survive by cover of night. We live in the shadows, waiting for our redemption! Our name must symbolize our burning spirit. . . . Tonight and forever, we are Nightshade City!"

Juniper's plans are complicated by many factors. His lovely young niece Clover has been picked by Killdeer to be his next Chosen One, so the rebels and their allies—the Earthworms—must work fast to save her. Can the rebels locate their enemies' War Room? Can Juniper's former love, now holding a position in Killdeer's Ministry, be trusted? Will the rebels be able to execute their plans without the aid of a young Topsider (human)? And how will Vincent and Victor fare in battle—will they honor their father's legacy of courage?

NIGHTSHADE CITY is rich with memorable characters: Vincent, who comes of age in this time of change; his worshipful younger brother, Victor; beautiful, intelligent Clover; Mother Gallo, a canny survivor who discovers her lost love only to risk losing him again; the charismatic Juniper, a kind and courageous leader whose vision carries the rebels into great danger; Killdeer, a decadent narcissist with surprising depth; and Billycan, a truly demented former lab rat, brilliant, vicious, and Juniper's sworn enemy.

This enthralling animal fantasy, in the classic tradition of Redwall and Watership Down, encompasses timeless themes of honor and loyalty, family ties and lost love, alliances and betrayals. Readers will respond enthusiastically to this surefire page-turner, set in a brilliantly imagined world filled with easy-to-root-for heroes and villains they'll love to hate.

AWESOME LINKS!

Check out the official Nightshade City website.

Watch the book trailer.

Read an excerpt.

Read the official press release.

FANTASY

Grades: SECOND

Nouns and verbs have fun inventing their own games in the classroom during Field Day in this companion to Punctuation Takes a Vacation.

Get ready, get set, GO! It's Field Day in Mr. Wright's class and not just for the students. Nouns and verbs are inventing their own games, such as tug-of-words, and putting on three-legged races. But before the real fun can begin someone is going to have to teach nouns and verbs about the kind of teamwork needed to make a sentence. Young readers will be having so much fun with nouns and verbs that they won't even realize that they are learning all about the two most basic parts of speech.

Grades: FIRST

This warm and humorous picture book gently reminds us to give thanks for the little things.

Thanksgiving leftovers litter the table. Mouse peeps out of his hidey-hole and spots the perfect feast for one mouse—one green pea, one red cranberry, one scoop of mashed potatoes, and one portion of roasted turkey. But can Mouse get this mountainous meal back to his own small table?

"Plenty of action and humor as well as a thoroughly satisfying ending make this a wonderful holiday read-aloud." —School Library Journal

"A slapstick climax children will relish." —Kirkus Reviews

Check out the classroom activities sheet and book trailer!

Grades: EIGHTH

Now available in paperback!

In this dramatic novel set during the French Revolution, a teen aristocrat must question the justice of her own wealth while facing the cataclysmic divisions of her society.

Secrets are revealed, sympathies shift, and every choice change—or end—a life. Spoiled, beautiful fourteen-year-old Eugenie de Boncoeur is accustomed to outrageous privilege. The French Revolution may rage around her, but Eugenie's luxurious lifestyle is only improved by visits from her brother, Armand, especially doting since the two were orphaned. What Eugenie doesn't know is that their guardian has promised her in marriage to the wealthy, vengeful Le Fantome, a revolutionary nursing a secret grudge against her family. As the Revolution becomes increasingly violent, Eugenie is shipped off to convent school. Finally, there is no place in France that is safe for her. Eugenie dusts off her lightly used brains and rises to the challenge of survival; and soon she is in the thick of turmoil and romance, confronting spies, secret agents, and double-crossing suitors in her quest to get out of France alive.

"Excellent. . . . A highly suspenseful survival tale."—Booklist (starred review)

"Masterfully conveys the Revolution's political complexities. . . . Thrilling."—Kirkus Reviews

YOUNG ADULT PAPERBACK

Grades: EIGHTH

In this dramatic novel set during the French Revolution, a teen aristocrat must question the justice of her own wealth while facing the cataclysmic divisions of her society. Secrets are revealed, sympathies shift, and every choice can change—or end—a life.

Spoiled, beautiful fourteen-year-old Eugenie de Boncoeur is accustomed to outrageous privilege. The French Revolution may rage around her, but Eugenie's luxurious lifestyle is only improved by visits from her brother, Armand, especially doting since the two were orphaned. What Eugenie doesn't know is that their guardian has promised her in marriage to the wealthy, vengeful Le Fantome, a revolutionary nursing a secret grudge against her family. As the Revolution becomes increasingly violent, Eugenie is shipped off to convent school. Finally, there is no place in France that is safe for her. Eugenie dusts off her lightly used brains and rises to the challenge of survival; and soon she is in the thick of turmoil and romance, confronting spies, secret agents, and double-crossing suitors in her quest to get out of France alive.

YA HISTORICAL FICTION

Grades: THIRD

Grab your jumbo popcorn and 3-D glasses, because you're invited to the premiere of a 3-D movie! The star-studded cast of monsters will help you calculate the perimeter of the set, the area of the movie screen, and the volume of your popcorn box. Learning about dimensions has never been so entertaining.

This book is aligned with the COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS for third-grade, fourth-grade, and fifth-grade mathematics in measurement and data: (3.MD.5-8), (4.MD.2-3), and (5.MD.3-5).

Check out the official press release.

Grades: SECOND

Young readers will be inspired by the fascinating life story of this champion of social justice.

Cesar Chavez dedicated his life to helping American farmworkers. As a child growing up in California during the Great Depression, he picked produce with his family. Cesar saw firsthand how unfairly workers were treated. As an adult, he organized farmworkers into unions and argued for better pay and fair working conditions. He was jailed for his efforts, but never stopped urging people to stand up for their rights.

PICTURE BOOK

Grades: FIRST

Young readers will be inspired by the fascinating life story of this champion of social justice.

Cesar Chavez dedicated his life to helping American farmworkers. As a child growing up in California during the Great Depression, he picked produce with his family. Cesar saw firsthand how unfairly workers were treated. As an adult, he organized farmworkers into unions and argued for better pay and fair working conditions. He was jailed for his efforts, but never stopped urging people to stand up for their rights.

PICTURE BOOK

Grades: FIRST

After reading his favorite book about a pirate boy, Danny wonders what would happen if he sailed away on a pirate ship. Luckily, his mother reassures him that she would find him, even if she had to ride on a dolphin, battle sea monsters, and wield a bottle of magical pirate-shrinking spray to do it!

Young readers will love this adventurous and ultimately reassuring tale of a mother’s love.

Check out the reproducible door hanger.

PICTURE BOOK

REVIEWS

"A sweet Runaway Bunny book for the pirate set."-Kirkus Reviews

Grades: SECOND

Since The Planets was first published in 1993 and revised in 2005, space exploration has resulted in additional new discoveries that are included in this edition, along with the fact that Pluto was designated a dwarf planet in 2006.

Grades: FOURTH

When a teacher leaves a blank book in the Writer's Corner for her students to find, with the instructions "Please Write in this Book," she hopes it will encourage her students to talk to one another in its pages. They do, and the result is an epic classroom battle.

Grades: FIRST

This hilarious picture book, which offers an egg-cellent overview of the creative writing process for anyone who's ever wanted to peck out a story, brings back the beloved protagonist of Souperchicken.

Henrietta loves to read so much she decides to write a book of her own. With the help of her three old aunties, she hatches a plot, gives her character lots of problems, and writes what she knows. But when Henrietta publishes her story, the critics say she's laid an egg! Is this the end of Henrietta's career as an author?

"Henrietta decides that 'writing books must be eggshilarating'. . . . It's a funny picture book that could be used as a manual on writing."—School Library Journal

Grades: THIRD

The importance of punctuation marks and how difficult life can be without them.

Grades: SECOND

Thousands of different kinds of animals and plants live in each of the two types of rain forests (tropical and temperate). Fascinating facts teach beginning readers about rain forests from all over the world.

Grades: PRESCHOOL

Arf-arf-arf-a-ROOOOO! That's Scooter saying that this book has it all: humor, adventure, unconditional love, and a memorable dog named Scooter!

Scooter LOVES the outside! He loves it so much that one day when Lucy accidentally leaves the door ajar, Scooter goes out all by himself. But without Lucy, the outside is a scary place, with trucks that go WEEEEE-OOOOOO-WEEEEE-OOOOO and BEEP-BEEP-BEEP! Luckily, Lucy finds Scooter and sings the special song she wrote for her favorite pal.

Children will relate to Scooter's curiosity as well as his fears, and will enjoy the endearing pictures and the fun read-aloud sounds.

This book is aligned with the Language Arts COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS for kindergartners and first-second graders in Literature, Foundation Skills, and Fluency: (RF.K.1, RF.1.1-3, RF.2.4).

THE REVIEWS ARE IN!

"The watercolor illustrations show an expressive, lovable canine and a friendly neighborhood with an assortment of people engaged in typical activities. Altogether, this is a winning package."—School Library Journal

Read this aloud with panache, or turn it into a full-fledged performance by assigning participants to Foley up as needed."—The Bulletin

Grades: FIRST

The energetic dogs from Paul Meisel's Geisel Award Honor Book See Me Run are back in another adventure.

A crew of happy dogs digs merrily in the dirt. But the groundhogs, mice, and moles don't like it. The animals chase the dogs away to another digging spot. This time the dogs dig up a box�a treasure chest�from which ghostly pirates emerge. The dogs are on the run again!

New readers will delight in this joyful story with its surprise climax.

Grades: FIRST

AWARD NEWS!

See Me Run is a 2012 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award Honor Book.

Happiness is a day in the park for this pack of running, joyful canines. They run, chase one another, jump in mud, go for a swim, and dig, dig, dig! Their doggy day becomes even more wonderful when they discover a mother lode of bones! But when some bones magically arrange themselves as a T-Rex, the dogs find themselves running away from the giant skeleton!

The Reviews Are In!

"Formatted in a larger trim than the usual early reader, this imaginary rumpus is just right for beginners to successfully read and reread."—Kirkus Reviews

About the Author/Artist

For more about Paul Meisel, click here.

About the Series

See Me Run is an I Like to Read® book, a picture book series written and illustrated so that even the newest reader can enjoy a satisfying, quality literary experience. The books in the series are written at kindergarten and early first grade reading levels.

Click on the highlights for a full-color brochure and a press kit about the series!

See Me Run is a Guided Reading Level D book.

For the complete listing of I Like to Read® books, click here.

Grades: THIRD

Once you start looking, you can find symmetry all around you. It's in words and even letters. It's in both nature and man-made things. In fact, art, decoration, and buildings are full of it. This clear and concise book explains different types of symmetry and shows you how to spot them make your own symmetrical masterpieces. Notes and a glossary are included, as well as activities that show kids how to make their own symmetrical masterpieces.

THE REVIEWS ARE IN

★ "This picture book is a great one to use to discuss the concept of symmetry with a wide range of elementary children. . . . It has several activities included for young readers to make and view symmetrical things, an explanation of why it is an important math concept, and a list of symmetry words. The illustrations are colorful . . . [and] this title meets the Common Core State Standards for fourth-grade mathemataics in geometry. . . . Leedy has added another worthwhile title to her already long list of quality nonfiction books."—Library Media Collection, Starred Review

Check out the official press release.

Grades: ALL

Cocoa, tan, rose, and almond—people come in lots of shades.

Even in the same family there are differences. This thoughtful exploration of one of our most noticeable physical traits uses vibrant photographs of children and a short but astute text to inspire young children both to take notice and to look beyond the obvious.

"Filled with wonderful photographs. . . . A good introduction to racial and ethnic diversity."—School Library Journal

"Beautiful. . . . Message-driven but charming, this will enrich and spark discussions of diversity."—Booklist

Grades: SECOND

This high-voltage introduction to energy combines physical science and environmental science with fun.

Comical characters explain the basics, including the many forms energy can take. Readers can learn how energy changes from one form to another so that the Sun's energy can end up in a lunch box and eventually in people's muscles. Easy-to-follow diagrams show different ways energy can be harnessed. For a green look at the topic, the pros and cons of each form of energy are outlined, and tips on how to use energy sensibly are included.

Check out the activity sheet!

NONFICTION PICTURE BOOK

Grades: SECOND

From the creators of Punctuation Takes a Vacation and Nouns and Verbs Have a Field Day comes another dynamic grammar book!

Wretched . . . dumb . . . a pain! Mr. Wright's class is through with silent letters. The students can't hear them. They make spelling too tricky. Should silent letters be banned forever?

Grades: SECOND

From the creators of Punctuation Takes a Vacation and Nouns and Verbs Have a Field Day comes another dynamic grammar book!

Wretched . . . dumb . . . a pain! Mr. Wright's class is through with silent letters. The students can't hear them. They make spelling too tricky. Should silent letters be banned forever?

"Pulver and Reed have once again managed to craft a book so clever and fun that both teachers and students alike will be enthralled."—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Pulver and Reed tackle another grammar lesson with humorous examples and whimsical illustrations."—School Library Journal

New in paperback!

Grades: FIRST

There are about 3,000 kinds of snakes. Here is information about the different functions of these cold-blooded animals' characteristics. One also learns how they live, how they give birth, and how they eat.

Grades: FIRST

There are about 3,000 kinds of snakes. Here is information about the different functions of these cold-blooded animals' characteristics. One also learns how they live, how they give birth, and how they eat.

"It merits a place in most libraries, and will slither quickly off the shelves."—Booklist

"Gibbons's offering will be enjoyed by young readers and budding herpetologists."—School Library Journal

Grades: FIFTH

Artfully designed, filled with fascinating photographs, The Snow Baby recalls the adventurous, unorthodox childhood of Admiral Robert E. Peary's spirited daughter. Marie Ahnighito Peary was born in 1893 in a tiny, tar paper-covered house in northern Greenland to the famous explorer Robert E. Peary and Josephine Peary. Even the local Inuit were amazed by the blonde, blue-eyed infant they called "Snow Baby." Marie spent her remarkable childhood moving between two very different worlds-the gentile society of her mother's home in the United States and the rugged Arctic, where she dressed in caribou skins, explored the frozen tundra with her Inuit friends, and spent a winter on a rickety ship trapped by ice. Excerpt from The Snow Baby: The Arctic Childhood of Admiral Robert E. Peary's Daring Daughter. Text copyright © 2007 by Katherine Kirkpatrick. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

A Booklist Editors' Choice Book

A Booklist Top 10 Biography for Youth

An Orbis Pictus Award Recommended Title

A Cooperative Children's Book Center Choice Book

A James Madison Book Award Honor Book "This has everything—adventure, longing for a parent, the juxtaposition of cultures—all wrapped up in an attractive package, studded with fabulous photographs." —Booklist (starred review)

Grades: PRESCHOOL

Spring fever is catching in this vibrant story of friendship.

Sniff. Sniff. Sniff. Spring is in the air. Mole can smell it. But Bear is still asleep after his long winter nap. How will Mole wake up Bear so they can celebrate together? When a knock, knock, knock and a toot, toot, toot can't get Bear out of bed, Mole cooks up a special treat.

PICTURE BOOK

Grades: FIRST

No celebration of Hanukkah would be complete without recounting the events of more than two thousand years ago that the holiday commemorates. In a simple yet dramatic text and vibrant paintings, the story of the courageous Maccabees and the miracle that took place in the Temple in Jerusalem is retold.

For readers who want to continue the festivities, a recipe for latkes and directions for playing dreidel are included.

Grades: FOURTH

Orville and Wilbur Riot are back in this hilarious fourth book of the Riot Brothers series.

Plastic snakes, lost mummies, and water parks? Hip hip hooroonie! Summer has just begun, and the Riot Brothers are ready for adventures. But their cousin Amelia E. Hart is coming for a weekend visit. Will she be boring? Not a chance! Whether solving mysteries or playing Holey Cheese-n-Peas, this zany trio is always up for an adventure.

THE REVIEWS ARE IN!

"Kids are sure to enjoy the warm family dynamics between the imaginative and exuberant brothers—and their like-minded cousin—and the breakneck pace of this uproariously funny book."—School Library Journal

CHAPTER BOOK

Grades: SECOND

Miss Doover is teaching Jack's class how to write thank-you notes in this companion to Punctuation Takes a Vacation, Nouns and Verbs Have a Field Day, and Silent Letters Loud and Clear.

Jack knows the perfect recipient for his thank-you note: Great-Aunt Gertie, who gave him boring stationery. But the stationery has other uses: it's come in very handy when housebreaking Puddly, Jack's new puppy! Miss Doover sure has a lot of rules for writing a letter. Jack revises over and over, adding details until Great-Aunt Gertie knows exactly how he's used her special gift. But for some reason his teacher doesn't look too happy. Will his do-over impress Miss Doover?

Need to write a thank you note? Download some stationary here!

Grades: FOURTH

What happens when an uppity calf who thinks he has a royal pedigree tries to take over the job of a no-nonsense guard dog? Dust flies and so do some pretty hilarious antics.

Cookie, a black-and-white belted Galloway calf, thinks that he has come to the farm to be in charge of the herd of cows. Hoss, the German shepherd, figures that Cookie can barely keep track of his own tail. The only thing the two stubborn animals have in common is their loyalty to a young farm girl named Ann. So when Ann is in danger, the two rivals must figure out how to go from butting heads to putting their two heads together to save her.

"Purchase where their [the authors'] other books are popular."—Kirkus Reviews

Grades: FOURTH

440 Animal Sayings A Little Bird Told Me. An amusing and informative collection of animal sayings.

Grades: THIRD

What are time zones and why do they exist?

When it's noon where you live, why is it midnight halfway around the world? This entertaining book explains why time zones exist and includes little-known facts and historical lore, an explanation of Daylight Savings Time, and a hands-on activity that can be performed at home or in the classroom.

Grades: FIRST

Every child will identify with the longing for a pet and the tender parent-child realtionship that this book projects and at the same time, revel in rollicking dinosaur fun!

When a boy asks his mother for a pet, she says no, but then the boy finds a giant dinosaur egg at his neighbor's yard sale. Mr. Jerry, the neighbor, claims the dinosaur egg is real and that night, the egg hatches into a triceratops!

The triceratops gets into mischief, leads the boy on a chase, and into a whole dinosaur herd. "Do something," Mom says, and he does by making the dinosaurs disappear. After order is restored, Mom gets the boy a pet puppy, which is what he wanted all along.

PICTURE BOOK

Grades: FIRST

Chaos ensues when Farmer Fred's wife fertilizes her beautiful garden with a secret ingredient that attracts turkeys from miles around.

After a little lost turkey wanders onto Belle and Fred's farm, Belle's garden becomes the most beautiful one in the neighborhood. Everyone wants to know her secret, but Belle won't tell. Then, while she is out of town, another turkey comes to roost on the farm . . . and then another . . . until the whole farm is overrun! Fred is at his wit's end when his neighbors offer to help—if he'll share Belle's secret. Will Fred tell, or will Belle's garden be ruined? By the author and illustrator of Too Many Pumpkins.

Download the activity sheet and make a turkey handprint!

PICTURE BOOK

Grades: FIRST

Chaos ensues when Farmer Fred's wife fertilizes her beautiful garden with a secret ingredient that attracts turkeys from miles around.

After a little lost turkey wanders onto Belle and Fred's farm, Belle's garden becomes the most beautiful one in the neighborhood. Everyone wants to know her secret, but Belle won't tell. Then, while she is out of town, another turkey comes to roost on the farm . . . and then another . . . until the whole farm is overrun! Fred is at his wit's end when his neighbors offer to help—if he'll share Belle's secret. Will Fred tell, or will Belle's garden be ruined? By the author and illustrator of Too Many Pumpkins.

Download the activity sheet and make a turkey handprint!

PICTURE BOOK

Grades: SECOND

Filled with lively art and tasty bits of history and lore, this accessible guidebook makes learning how to care for teeth fun.

Crunch! Munch! Most kids take their teeth for granted. However, without their pearly whites it would be much harder for them to eat, smile, and talk. Edward Miller provides lots of good advice on dental hygiene in the delightful picture book.

"This is one that kids can really sink their teeth into."—Kirkus Reviews

"This book's dynamic presentation will appeal to many children, especially visual learners."—Booklist

Grades: FIRST

Tornadoes are funnel-shaped clouds the can cause massive distraction on the ground. The winds can swirl faster than 261 miles per hour! Using her acclaimed combination of clear text and detailed illustrations, Gail Gibbons explains how tornadoes form, the scale used for classifying them, and what to do in case one should be near you.

Grades: FIFTH

Eleven-year-old Aidan and her friends aren't the only ones hot on the trail of gold stashed in a mysterious old building.

Aidan hates moving to the city with her mother after her father dies unexpectedly. She mourns her father, misses the farm, and doesn't fit in at her snooty private school. But then she hears about the stash of valuable coins called gold falcons hidden in the Ingle Building. Her hunt unleashes a remarkable chain of events and brings her in touch with unforgettable characters, including smart-aleck elevator operators, an eccentric millionaire, and a mouse that appears to appreciate opera. This novel is filled with danger, rip-roaring fun, and countless surprises.

Read the excerpt!

Grades: SECOND

Who knew there were so many different kinds of vegetables?

Glossy red peppers; lush, leafy greens; plump, orange pumpkins; and delectable little peas: Vegetables come in many shapes, colors, and forms. Using her signature combination of a clear, informative text and plenty of illustrations, diagrams, and cross sections, this book provides a wealth of information about produce.

"A clear, informative introduction to eight groups of vegetables. . . . A simple, effective approach to the topic."—School Library Journal

Grades: FIRST

Readers of all ages will marvel at the intricately detailed artwork in this masterful retelling of a beloved Irish tale by distinguished folklorist Margaret Hodges.

All of her life Oona dreams of having a cabin of her own. Left on a doorstep as a baby, she grows to be the prettiest, gentlest lass in the county; but no lad will marry the daughter of traveling tinkers. So Oona moves from cabin to cabin, helping wherever there is trouble or need.

When the Great Famine comes and the last of the potatoes is eaten, Oona knows she must leave. She sets out on a snowy Christmas Eve, bidding a silent farewell to the village, and finally drifts off to sleep under a thornbush. But the magic of a white Christmas awaits her, as do hundreds of fairies, all wanting to make her dream come true.

Grades: FIRST

Wilber, Wendell, Willy, Walter, and Woody really know how to put on a show. Five hilarious ducks juggle pies—splat, spin plates—crash, and show off their magic box—Wowee! Their slapstick routine is also a math lesson. They introduce the concepts greater than, less than, and equal to as well as addition and subtraction. All the while, students will be laughing so much, they won't even realize that they are learning.

A page for teachers and parents explains exactly how the book meets the Common Core State Standards.

Check out the companion book, The Wing Wing Brothers Carnival de Math.

Grades: THIRD

Fractions are everywhere you look—on the playground, at school, even at birthday parties! When it comes to counting money, playing games, or making sure you get your fair share of the pizza, fractions are there to help you.

Here's what the reviewers are saying:

Working with Fractions "will be greeted with cheers by teachers everywhere. In clear, concise language . . . Adler introduces readers to fractions and makes them easy to understand through his use of repetition of vocabulary, examples and explanations, as well as hands-on activities. . . . Miller's computer artwork crisply and cleanly illustrates each concept, using a clown and magician birthday motif. An excellent resource for elementary classrooms, this should find a home in any library."—Kirkus Reviews

Grades: FIRST

With a little motivation from his friend, a crocodile realizes he can indeed triumph in the big race in this delightful young reader by a Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator.

Can I do it? wonders the little crocodile when he sees a sign for Sunday's big swimming race. A mean, bigger crocodile tells him he cannot win, but the little crocodile's friend helps him train and tells him more than once that he can indeed succeed. On the day of the big race, the little crocodile is ready to prove himself. Beguiling characters are brought to life in buoyant pen-and-ink drawings with watercolor washes in this tribute to determination.

Grades: FIRST

Ziiip! Riiip! Cliick! Violet's new backpack is perfect. It has pockets that zip, snap, and strap. It's just what Violet needs to hold her very first homework assignment - or is it? An anxious student discovers that it's more important to tell the truth than to keep it zipped up in this timely tale. Beloved author Nancy Poydar takes a sympathetic look at learning to get organized in this buoyant picture book about homework.