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The Mysteries of Harris Burdick
by Chris Van AllsburgAn inspired collection of short stories by an all-star cast of best-selling storytellers based on the thought-provoking illustrations in Chris Van Allsburg's The Mysteries of Harris Burdick. For more than twenty-five years, the illustrations in the extraordinary Mysteries of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg have intrigued and entertained readers of all ages. Thousands of children have been inspired to weave their own stories to go with these enigmatic pictures. Now we've asked some of our very best storytellers to spin the tales. Enter The Chronicles of Harris Burdick to gather this incredible compendium of stories: mysterious, funny, creepy, poignant, these are tales you won't soon forget. This inspired collection of short stories features many remarkable, best-selling authors in the worlds of both adult and children's literature: Sherman Alexie, M.T. Anderson, Kate DiCamillo, Cory Doctorow, Jules Feiffer, Stephen King, Tabitha King, Lois Lowry, Gregory Maguire, Walter Dean Myers, Linda Sue Park, Louis Sachar, Jon Scieszka, Lemony Snicket, and Chris Van Allsburg himself. Van Allsburg's Harris Burdick illustrations have evoked such wonderment and imagination since Harris Burdick's original publication in 1984; many have speculated or have woven their own stories to go with his images. More than ever, the illustrations send off their eerie call for text and continue to compel and pick at the reader's brain for a backstory--a threaded tale behind the image. In this book, we've collected some of the best storytellers to spin them. Images and image descriptions available.
The Polar Express
by Chris Van AllsburgThe Polar Express is a treasured holiday tradition. Awarded the prestigious Caldecott Medal in 1986, The Polar Express has sold more than 7 million copies, become a classic holiday movie, and been translated into stage productions that take place across the United States during the holiday season.
Miss Nelson is Missing!
by Harry Allard James MarshallThe kids in Room 207 were misbehaving again. Spitballs stuck to the ceiling. Paper planes whizzing through the air. <P><P>They were the worst-behaved class in the whole school. <P><P>So begins this quirky classic, first published in 1977 and still relevant today as a lighthearted reminder to show our appreciation to those we value. <P><P>The students don't proffer a shred of respect for their good-natured teacher Miss Nelson, but when the witchy substitute Miss Viola Swamp appears on the scene, they start to regret their own wicked ways. <P>James Marshall's scritchy, cartoonish full-color ink and wash illustrations are hilarious. A back-to-school perennial! <P><P> Images and image descriptions available.
Where's Al? (Fountas & Pinnell LLI Blue: Level D)
by Byron BartonColorful pictures show a boy and his lost puppy, Al, as their paths crisscross on the busy city streets.
The Wretched Stone
by Chris Van AllsburgIn a story recounted through the daily log of Captain Allan Hope, the sailors aboard the Rita Anne become mesmerized and transformed by a mysterious glowing rock, and only music and books can restore them to normal.
Tuesday
by David WiesnerThe unpredictable events of a particular Tuesday unroll before the reader with the precision and clarity of a silent movie. A Caldecott Medal book.
Tuesday
by David WiesnerThe unpredictable events of a particular Tuesday unroll before the reader with the precision and clarity of a silent movie. A Caldecott Medal book.
Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed (Fountas & Pinnell LLI Blue: Level E)
by Eileen ChristelowA counting book in which one by one the little monkeys jump on the bed only to fall off and bump their heads.
The Sweetest Fig
by Chris Van Allsburg"These figs are very special," the woman whispered. "They can make your dreams come true. " -- Thus Monsieur Bibot, the cold-hearted dentist, was given two ordinary-looking figs as payment for extracting a tooth from an old woman's mouth. Monsieur Bibot refused to believe such nonsense and proceeded to eat one of the figs for a bedtime snack. Although it was possibly the finest, sweetest fig he had ever tasted, it wasn't until the next morning that Monsieur Bibot realized it indeed had the power to make his dreams come true. While dragging his poor dog, Marcel, out for his walk, he discovered that his strange dream from the night before was becoming all too real. Determined to make good use of the second fig, Monsieur Bibot learns to control is dreams. But can he control Marcel? Once again Chris Van Allsburg explores the mysterious territory between fantasy and reality in an uncanny tale that will intrigue readers of all ages.
The Tale of Willie Monroe
by Alan SchroederWillie Monroe is sure he's the strongest critter in all of Tennessee--after all, his arms are big as stovepipes and his chest is broad as a barn door. He decides to enter a contest in Carolina just to prove it. Along the way, he meets an exceptionally strong li'l slip of a girl named Delilah and her ninety-nine-year-old granny, who can carry a full-grown horse on her shoulders. Compared to them, Willie is weak as water! It's only with their rigorous training that Willie is able to arm-wrestle, stack logs, milk cows, plow fields, and raise barns faster and better than anyone else, winning the contest as well as Delilah's hand in marriage. Humorous illustrations and an Appalachian spin on an ancient Japanese folktale make for a hilarious story about a young man put in his place by two strong women.
Look Once, Look Twice
by Janet MarshallIn this unique and playful picture book, the striking patterns found on animals, plants, and other natural forms are used to create each letter of the alphabet. Readers must guess what each pattern comes from. On the right-hand page is the clue: the letter. On the left-hand page is the answer. The clues can be as obvious as a zebra-striped z and a rainbow r, or as subtle and surprising as an m-shaped close-up of a macaw's wing. With vibrant, graphic cut-paper illustrations, Janet Marshall has created a vivid reminder that even the simplest things around us are worth a second look.
Me First
by Helen Lester Lynn MunsingerPinkerton Pig always has to be first -- first to eat, first off the bus -- until, running to be first for a sandwich, he finds himself in trouble with the Sand Witch.
If I Only Had A Horn: Young Louis Armstrong
by Roxane OrgillFrom the book: There was a poor boy in New Orleans who was in love with music. And music was everywhere in his city -- dancing out of doorways, singing on street corners, best of all there was the great Joe Oliver's cornet crying wah-wah for all to hear. If I only had a horn, that boy thought, I too could sing, bring home pennies, and most of all tap happy feet blues till the sun rose. It wasn't going to be easy. Many things, not all of them good, had to happen before that boy got his horn. But when at last he did, his cornet would send music spiraling up into the New Orleans night sky like a spinning top gone crazy.
Sundiata: Lion King of Mali
by David WisniewskiIn the thirteenth century, Sundiata overcame physical handicaps, social disgrace, and strong opposition to rule the West African trading empire of Mali.
The Chalk Doll
by Charlotte PomerantzRosy's mother remembers the pleasures of her childhood in Jamaica and the very special dolls she used to play with.
Little Tree
by Loren Long<p>In the middle of a little forest, there lives a Little Tree who loves his life and the splendid leaves that keep him cool in the heat of long summer days. Life is perfect just the way it is. <p>Autumn arrives, and with it the cool winds that ruffle Little Tree's leaves. One by one the other trees drop their leaves, facing the cold of winter head on. But not Little Tree—he hugs his leaves as tightly as he can. Year after year Little Tree remains unchanged, despite words of encouragement from a squirrel, a fawn, and a fox, his leaves having long since turned brown and withered. As Little Tree sits in the shadow of the other trees, now grown sturdy and tall as though to touch the sun, he remembers when they were all the same size. And he knows he has an important decision to make. <p>From #1 New York Times bestselling author Loren Long comes a gorgeously-illustrated story that challenges each of us to have the courage to let go and to reach for the sun.
Firebird
by Misty Copeland Christopher Myers<p>In her debut picture book, Misty Copeland tells the story of a young girl--an every girl--whose confidence is fragile and who is questioning her own ability to reach the heights that Misty has reached. Misty encourages this young girl's faith in herself and shows her exactly how, through hard work and dedication, she too can become Firebird. <p>Lyrical and affecting text paired with bold, striking illustrations that are some of Caldecott Honoree Christopher Myers's best work, makes Firebird perfect for aspiring ballerinas everywhere.</p>
An A from Miss Keller
by Patricia PolaccoTrisha wants to write something that will please her demanding writing teacher, who is rumored to have never given a student an A.
The Day The Crayons Came Home
by Drew DaywaltA bunch of postcards are received by Duncan from different colored crayons.
Mama's Nightingale: A Story of Immigration and Separation
by Edwidge DanticatA touching tale of parent-child separation and immigration, from a National Book Award finalistAfter Saya's mother is sent to an immigration detention center, Saya finds comfort in listening to her mother's warm greeting on their answering machine. To ease the distance between them while she&’s in jail, Mama begins sending Saya bedtime stories inspired by Haitian folklore on cassette tape. Moved by her mother's tales and her father's attempts to reunite their family, Saya writes a story of her own—one that just might bring her mother home for good.With stirring illustrations, this tender tale shows the human side of immigration and imprisonment—and shows how every child has the power to make a difference.
Dewey Bob
by Judy SchachnerA sweet raccoon character stars in this endearing tale of unexpected friendship from the creator of the bestselling Skippyjon JonesDewey Bob Crockett is a durn cute raccoon who lives by himself in a house filled to the brim with the wonderful objects he collects. Buttons, wheels, furniture and bricabrac adorn his cozy quarters and keep him busy as he finds and fixes, turning trash into treasures. But there’s something missing from Dewey’s collections—a friend! He tries gathering up some critters and bringing them home in his shopping cart, but that doesn’t work out so well. In the end, a friend does come Dewey’s way, and, with a little DIY help from this clever raccoon, returns again and again.Combining art and heart with storytelling genius and a lilting twang, Judy Schachner's tale of unexpected friendship will delight readers young and old.
I am Helen Keller (Ordinary People Change the World)
by Brad MeltzerThe seventh addition to this New York Times bestselling series spotlights Helen Keller and shows kids that obstacles can create heroes (Cover may vary) When Helen Keller was very young, she got a rare disease that made her deaf and blind. Suddenly, she couldn't see or hear at all, and it was hard for her to communicate with anyone. But when she was six years old, she met someone who change her life forever: her teacher, Annie Sullivan. With Miss Sullivan's help, Helen learned how to speak sign language and read Braille. Armed with the ability to express herself, Helen grew up to become a social activist, leading the fight for disabled people and so many other causes.This friendly, fun biography series inspired the PBS Kids TV show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. One great role model at a time, these books encourage kids to dream big. Included in each book are: • A timeline of key events in the hero&’s history • Photos that bring the story more fully to life • Comic-book-style illustrations that are irresistibly adorable • Childhood moments that influenced the hero • Facts that make great conversation-starters • A virtue this person embodies: Helen Keller's resourcefulness was key to her success. You&’ll want to collect each book in this dynamic, informative series!
A Passion for Elephants: The Real Life Adventure of Field Scientist Cynthia Moss
by Toni BuzzeoA science and nature biography of Cynthia Moss, the elephant expert, by the author of Caldecott Honor book One Cool FriendCynthia Moss was never afraid of BIG things. As a kid, she loved to ride through the countryside on her tall horse. She loved to visit faraway places. And she especially loved to learn about nature and the world around her. So when Cynthia traveled to Africa and met the world’s most ENORMOUS land animal, the African elephant, at Amboseli National Park in Kenya, she knew she had found her life’s work.Cynthia has spent years learning everything she can about elephants and sharing these fascinating creatures with the world. She is a scientist, nature photographer, and animal-rights activist, fighting against the ivory poachers who kill so many elephants for their tusks.This lyrical and accessible picture book gives kids a glimpse of what scientists do in the real world and inspires them to dream of accomplishing BIG things.
Robo-Sauce
by Adam RubinFans of the best-selling Dragons Love Tacos will devour Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri&’s newest story, a hilarious picture book about robots that magically transforms into a super shiny metal ROBO-BOOK. FACT: Robots are awesome. They have lasers for eyes, rockets for feet, and supercomputers for brains! Plus, robots never have to eat steamed beans or take baths, or go to bed. If only there were some sort of magical &“Robo-Sauce&” that turned squishy little humans into giant awesome robots… Well, now there is. Giggle at the irreverent humor, gasp at the ingenious fold-out surprise ending, and gather the whole family to enjoy a unique story about the power of imagination. It&’s picture book technology the likes of which humanity has never seen!