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Howard the Average Gecko
by Wendy MeddourSome of the world's most amazing animals are camouflaged! Too bad Howard is too full of himself to notice.Howard thinks he's the most exceptional creature in the entire rainforest. That's because no other creature is as fantastically camouflaged as he is! But when Howard learns that other creatures can be camouflaged, too, he doesn&’t feel so special anymore. In fact, he might just be...GASP...average! Who could ever love a completely unexceptional gecko like Howard? Dip into this vibrantly illustrated and funny tale to find out!
About Habitats: Rivers and Streams
by Cathryn SillA perfect entry for first conversations about waterways and conservation.Author and illustrator team Cathryn and John Sill offer an accessible introduction to rivers and streams, touching on their major attributes, the animals and plants that live there, and their remarkable global diversity. Using simple, easy-to-understand language, the author teaches children what rivers and streams are and explains how various species of animals and plants have adapted to life in or along these waterways. Detailed, full-color art shows the characteristics of the world's different rivers and streams―from the mountain brooks of the Alps to the mighty Amazon River in South America. A glossary and afterword provide further details. Great for casual exploration and for early childhood and elementary education units on nature, environment, earth sciences, and ecosystems.
Spectacular Spots
by Susan StockdaleYou&’ll be amazed to discover all the different reasons why animals have spots! What kinds of animals have spots and why do they have them? With engaging rhymes and bright, bold images, award-winning author-illustrator Susan Stockdale introduces readers to a range of spotted animals, familiar and exotic, and some of the benefits of their patterns. In addition to providing beauty and inspiration, spots can help a creature masquerade as a different, more threatening species, provide camouflage for hunting or hiding, or scare off predators. From the ladybug to the blue poison dart frog, the green anaconda to the white-tailed deer fawn, these spectacularly spotted creatures will delight and fascinate budding naturalists. This entrancing companion to Stripes of All Types (130,000 copies sold in a variety of formats) features energetic rhyming text and beautifully detailed paintings that pop off the page. An afterword tells a little bit more about each animal and where it lives, and readers can test their knowledge of animal spots with a fun matching game at the end.
Stripes of All Types
by Susan StockdaleA patterned parade of animals comes to life! What kinds of animals have stripes and why do they have them? With engaging rhymes and bright, bold images, award-winning author-illustrator Susan Stockdale introduces readers to a range of striped animals, familiar and exotic, and some of the benefits of their patterns. In addition to providing beauty and inspiration, stripes can help a creature communicate with and recognize fellow members of its species, provide camouflage for hunting or hiding, or confuse or scare off predators. From the tiger to the Malaysia tapir, the ring-tailed lemur to the zebra, these stunning striped creatures will delight and fascinate budding naturalists. This entrancing companion to Spectacular Spots features energetic rhyming text and beautifully detailed paintings that pop off the page. An afterword tells a little bit more about each animal and where it lives, and readers can test their knowledge of animal stripes with a fun matching game at the end.
Wombat Said Come In
by Carmen Agra DeedyA kindhearted wombat offers refuge to a parade of animal friends during an Australian bushfire in a delightful new picture book from New York Times best-selling creators Carmen Agra Deedy and Brian Lies. Australian bushfires roar above Wombat&’s home. He is fortunate that his burrow is deep below ground and he is safe. He snuggles under his crazy quilt and drinks his tea. Then, one by one, five uniquely Australian animals – Wallaby, Kookaburra, Platypus, Koala, and Sugar Glider – seek refuge from the fires, and Wombat welcomes them all.When you have the heart of a wombat, there&’s always room for one more! Fellowship, empathy, and adorable Australian animals star in this delightfully heartwarming and funny story about help in the time of trouble from author Carmen Agra Deedy (14 Cows for America, The Library Dragon, The Rooster Who Would Not Stay Quiet) and Caldecott Honoree Brian Lies (The Rough Patch, Bats at the Beach). The book will delight children with Deedy&’s engaging story and Lies masterfully rendered animals. It is an ideal read-aloud for adults seeking a story with humor and heart. Generosity and kindness provide powerful SEL themes. Older readers will get a glimpse of the unique environmental challenges presented by the country&’s annual bushfire season.
Bioblitz!
by Susan Edwards RichmondA young boy and his cousin compete to identify the most different species on a biodiversity count day at a local parkYou might be amazed at the large number of insects, birds, and small mammals that inhabit even a very small plot of land. In this story Gabriel's dad, a ranger for the local municipal park, is helping with a Biodiversity Day (or Bioblitz), and he invites Gabriel and his cousin Ava to participate. With Gabriel's expertise in bugs and Ava's eye for birds, the two cousins are eager to start the hunt in the park. They are placed on different teams, competing to see which group finds the most species of animal life in the time allotted.Readers follow the two teams through a variety of habitats, where they spot dozens of different species over the course of the day. Kids will enjoy finding all the species (some are hidden in the illustration) that appear on the lists compiled in each habitat. Several different techniques for viewing species—rolling logs to discover critters living underneath and shining lights on white sheets at night to attract moths, for example—are highlighted.Plot action in this community science adventure revolves around the competition between the cousins, who check in with each other at intervals to compare lists. In the end, Ava's team spots one more species than Gabriel's, but Gabriel earns a special award for discovering a species of special concern in their area, a blue-spotted salamander. Because of all they have learned from the Bioblitz, the cousins realize that the real winner is the park and all its visitors. After reading Bioblitz!, students—as well as their parents and teachers—will be eager to participate in a biodiversity day in their own community!
Logan's Greenhouse (Where In the Garden? #3)
by JaNay Brown-WoodLogan searches for carrots in his wheelchair-accessible greenhouse in this vibrant exploration of gardening and healthy eating, from the Where in the Garden? picture book series.Logan is organizing a pet playdate at his greenhouse for all of his friends, and his treats won&’t be the same without his carrots. He&’s searched and searched, but his greenhouse is filled with plenty of plants and Logan needs our help to identify them. What do we know about carrots? They&’re long, orange, and have bushy leaves at the top—and, wait a moment, is that a carrot? No, that&’s a turnip. Where, oh, where could those carrots be? Can you help Logan find them in time for his playdate? The third title in JaNay Brown-Wood and Samara Hardy&’s Where in the Garden? picture book series stars Logan, a young boy who uses a wheelchair and accessible tools while gardening in his greenhouse. Playful text guides young readers to hunt for visual clues and compare and contrast the unique characteristics of carrots against sweet potatoes, leeks, turnips, and other produce that grows in Logan&’s greenhouse. Artist Samara Hardy brings this multi-layered story to life with vivid, cheerful illustrations created from layers of hand painted ink and watercolor texture. Back matter includes a delicious winter carrot soup recipe for little chefs and their adult helpers to try together.
About Habitats: Seashores (About Habitats Ser. #8)
by Cathryn SillStudying nature? Going to the beach? Dig into this classroom favorite and beginner's guide to seashores from the creators of the award-winning About Habitats series.In this accessible introduction to a familiar locale, author and educator Cathryn Sill uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children about seashores and their diversity, the types of animals and plants that live there, and why they're important. The stunning paintings by noted wildlife illustrator John Sill depict the wide variety of seashore topography. A glossary and afterword provide more details about each seashore featured in the book. Perfect for early childhood and elementary units on nature, environment, and ecosystems.
Three Hens, a Peacock, and the Enormous Egg
by Lester L. LaminackFarm animals rescue an enormous egg from the road and then must figure out how to care for the mysterious creature. What could possibly be inside this egg and why is it taking so long to hatch? Lester Laminack returns with a delightfully funny sequel to his barnyard story of three hens and a peacock. This time the animals decide to work together to rescue an enormous egg that falls from a truck in the road in front of their farm. Working together is, however, not without challenges when three bossy hens are involved. The animals have no idea what is in the egg and have never seen one so big. But over the course of trying to protect it and hatch it, they find themselves quite smitten with it, each imagining that what&’s in the egg is a version of themselves. An unexpectedly heartwarming ending leaves the animals speechless when they meet their new ward and learn who among them is the greatest nurturer of all. This bestselling creative team delivers another amusing picture book about life on a sleepy farm. This one with a lot of heart, too.
Linh's Rooftop Garden (Where In the Garden? #4)
by JaNay Brown-WoodLinh searches for blueberries in her rooftop garden in this vibrant exploration of gardening and healthy eating, from the Where in the Garden? series.Linh is having a picnic in her rooftop garden for all of her friends, and she needs help searching for blueberries to finish preparing her dishes. What do we know about blueberries? They&’re small, blue, and grow on bushes—and, just a second, is that a blueberry? No, that&’s a gooseberry. Where, oh, where could those blueberries be? Can you help Linh find them in time for her picnic?The fourth title in the Where in the Garden? picture book series stars a young Asian girl who tours her rooftop garden with her mom to explore the fruits and vegetables growing there. Playful text guides young readers to hunt for visual clues and compare and contrast the unique characteristics of blueberries against peaches, strawberries, tomatoes and other produce that grows in Linh's rooftop garden.Artist Samara Hardy brings this multi-layered story to life with vivid, cheerful illustrations created from layers of hand painted ink and watercolor texture. Back matter includes a tasty blueberry and banana pancake recipe for little chefs and their adult helpers to try together.
Behold the Octopus!
by Suzanne SladeLyrical text and gorgeous illustrations plunge readers into an undersea exploration of the mysterious, accomplished octopus and its astonishing abilities.Behold the octopus! This remarkable animal hides beneath the seas, so you may not realize that it is one of the most incredible, talented creatures on our planet.Fortunately, this nonfiction picture book from an award-winning team reveals the fascinating features of the glorious octopus, such as lights that attract prey, legs that walk on land, and the ability to change color and shape to match their surroundings and even masquerade as other animals.Sparse, lyrical text is perfect for curious picture book readers, while sidebars and back matter share additional interesting details.
Lali's Flip-Flops
by Farhana ZiaLali has worked hard to earn money for a special treat—but should she spend her earnings on herself or her friends?Lali works hard to earn some money while her animal friends watch. She stirs. She stokes. She pounds. She pours. Then off she goes to the market on the twisty-curvy, dusty, stony, prickly, sizzly-wizzly path. What shall she buy with the jingle in her pocket? Lentils for Hen? Berries for Goat? Ribbons for Bird? Or perhaps a lovely pair of flip-flops for her poor tired feet.But when Lali returns home and sees her friends&’ disappointed faces, sherealizes that while hard work pays off, generosity also has rewards.
Spreckle's Snack Surprise
by Sandra SalsburyA celebration of found family, experimentation, disappointment, and delightful surprises, plus what&’s truly important in life—delicious snacks.Spreckle the dragon lives on a farm with her loving family of chickens. It is a fine home, but she is fed up with their diet of dried corn and slugs, Spreckle explores the bounty of snacks the farm has to offer, from hay to pig slop. Tragically, nothing hits the spot.Life without a decent snack is hardly a life at all, as far as Spreckle is concerned. Will this hungry dragon with a burning need for the perfect snack ever find satisfaction?
Hooked on Books
by Margaret Chiu GreaniasPearl just wants to read her book in peace, but the other fish won&’t leave her alone!Pearl can&’t wait to dive into her new book, but the other sea creatures keep interrupting and nothing she does will keep them away—not hanging signs, not hiding under the seaweed, nor swimming away to a shipwreck. So Pearl plucks up her book and swishes down, down, down for a distraction-free place to think and to read. But just as she settles back in, here comes a light show from the comb jellies! GAH! What&’s a poor fish got to do for some quiet alone time? Little ones who struggle to focus in busy environments will relate to Pearl, a grumpy anglerfish, as she searches for quiet in this funny and gentle reminder about establishing healthy boundaries and respecting personal space.
First Dog Fala
by Elizabeth Van SteenwykMeet the Scottish terrier who won the hearts of a United States president and the American people.In 1940, Fala came to live with President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the White House. The little dog played in the grass outside the Oval Office, attended important meetings with the president's advisors, and even dined with the president. But as America was drawn into the conflict of a world war, life at the White House changed. Fala accompanied the president across the country and around the world, waiting with him for the return of American servicemen and an end to a terrible war.Author Elizabeth Van Steenwyk offers young readers a glimpse into American history and the life of an American president through the story of a loyal dog. Michael G. Montgomery's full-color illustrations capture the indomitable spirit of Fala and the nation and president who loved him.
Madeline Finn and the Blessing of the Animals
by Lisa PappWhen Madeline Finn attends the Blessing of the Animals with Bonnie and Star, she learns that everyone has a gift inside, which they can share with the world. And one way that Madeline Finn can share her blessing is with the animals at her local shelter.It&’s a special day! Madeline Finn is taking Bonnie and Star to the Blessing of the Animals. When they arrive, they see dogs and cats. There&’s even a goat!Madeline Finn watches closely as the Reverend Mary Alice spends time with every animal, giving each one their very own blessing.&“How do you know what to say?&” Madeline Finn wants to know.&“Everyone has a blessing inside,&” Miss Mary explains. &“A special gift to share with the world.&”When Madeline Finn receives a blessing all her own, she has a new mission: finding the blessings in others. Surely, the furry and feathery residents at her local animal shelter have lots of special gifts to share. They just need someone to believe in them—someone to set those blessings free.
The Twist-a-Roo
by Kathleen DohertyA modern spin on &“The Ant and the Grasshopper,&” this warm-spirited, woodland tale celebrates the power of community and coming together to share in times of need.Winter is fast approaching the forest and everyone is storing food for a long hibernation, except Badger who is determined to find something fun to play with during the cold months ahead. After poking around in people town, Badger finds a Twist-a-Roo. It makes flashy shapes, splashy shapes, and shapes that slide and slip! It&’s perfect for brightening Badger&’s den with lots of color. But when the snow starts piling on deeper and deeper, Badger&’s cupboards go bare! All that razzle dazzle can&’t fill her belly. Then…knockity-knock. Someone&’s at the door!From the creators of The Thingity-Jig, this cozy, cuddle-up tale from Kathy Doherty is lovingly illustrated by Kristyna Litten with enchanting details for little ones to discover.
Behold the Hummingbird
by Suzanne SladeLyrical text and gorgeous illustrations take flight in this exploration of the tiny, gorgeous hummingbirds and its astonishing abilities.Hummingbirds are tiny and pretty, so you might find yourself taking them for granted. But these little birds are remarkable, fierce, and talented. In Behold the Hummingbird, readers will learn about species that can hover like a helicopter, fly backwards and upside down, and consume half their body weight in a single day.
The King of Bees
by Lester L. LaminackA gentle intergenerational tale for young readers about the importance of patience and the fascinating work of beekeeping, from award-winning author Lester L. Laminack and celebrated illustrator Jim Lamarche.Henry wants nothing more than to be like his Aunt Lilla and work with the beehives on their Lowcountry farm. He watches her every day, working hard outside in her bee suit, but what amazes him the most is her ability to communicate with the bees. Henry feels certain he can, too. Then one day, Aunt Lilla tells him the bees are preparing to leave the hive and may leave the farm entirely. Henry believes it is up to him to communicate with the bees and convince them to stay, before it's too late.An author's note includes additional information about bees and bee conservation.
Erno Rubik and His Magic Cube
by Kerry AradhyaThis first picture book biography of Rubik&’s Cube creator Erno Rubik reveals the obsession, imagination, and engineering process behind creating an iconic puzzle.Celebrating 50 years of the most popular puzzle in history!In the hills of Budapest, near the banks of the Danube River, lived a quiet boy named Ernő Rubik. He loved books, art, nature, and—most of all—puzzles. And he grew up to create the most popular puzzle in history. This picture book biography explores the experience and interests that inspired the inventor of the Rubik&’s Cube.From the time he was a child, Ernő was curious about the objects around him. What did they look like on the inside? What about geometric shapes? How many ways could he fit them together? Could he combine them so they somehow became something that was greater than its components?Ernő grew up and became a professor of architecture and design. Still fascinated with how shapes worked together, he fashioned an object, a cube made up of smaller cubes that twisted and turned without breaking. This object eventually became known as the most popular puzzle in history, the Rubik&’s Cube.Kerry Aradhya&’s accessible text takes us behind the scenes of the creative process and into the mind and imagination of a remarkable inventor. Kara Kramer&’s cheerful, multi-media illustrations encourage readers to think about inspiration, reflection, and the joy of puzzles—and solutions.
Prak Fills the House
by Donna L. WashingtonThis hilarious retelling of &“The Three Little Pigs&” stars a spirited pig as she outsmarts her older siblings in a friendly competition.Prak is a practical pig who is often overlooked by her two older brothers: Mo the muscly one, and Bo the beautiful one. So when Poppa Pig offers his house to whichever of his children can fill it to the brim, everyone assumes Mo or Bo will be up for the task. No one expects Prak to have the strength or charisma to fill a house. But with a lot of creativity and a bit of luck, Prak might just surprise them all!Charming and lighthearted illustrations by debut illustrator Lauren Emmons joyously accentuate this lively read-aloud from the acclaimed author of Boo Stew, Donna L. Washington. A warm and endearing choice to share with family.
Albert's ABCs: A Sibling Story
by Henry ColeOver the course of a day, big brother Albert manages his interactions with his little brother Baxter and the feelings that result, in this relatable romp through the alphabet.Big brother Albert gets increasingly frustrated with little brother Baxter. Crying! Diaper! Hungry! Irritated! A normal day and a familiar sibling interaction escalate alphabetically until Grandma resolves all the problems, with an X for a kiss goodnight, followed by Yawn, and, of course, ZZZZ.
We Light Up the Sky with Music!
by Nick MalandThis tender tale of showing care to a loved one will resonate with anyone who has ever found joy and purpose in music.Old Bear sits inside, staring at gray skies. He hasn't gone outside in quite a while. So Little Bear decides it's time for a walk! The weather is windy and Old Bear isn't thrilled to be outdoors, but Little Bear coaxes him, &“Let&’s walk a little further.&” Then, suddenly, a curious noise catches both of their ears—an old saxophone lying in the alleyway! Can it be restored? Perhaps a bit of good company and teamwork is just what Old Bear could use to find his groove again.
Leo and the Pink Marker
by Mariyka FosterIt's fun to color outside the lines in this playful celebration of family, creativity, and the color pink!Leo LOVES doodling away with his pink marker! So when Mom and Mama aren&’t looking, he finds an opportunity to liven up the dusty, gray scrapyard. A splash of pink would look great on that crunched-up convertible, and that magnet crane...and the family cat. Uh-oh! Leo got carried away. Will his moms be upset?This playful ode to Harold and the Purple Crayon casually explores a LGTBQ+ family and is filled with vibrant illustrations that pop from the page. Pick this one up for any child that loves the color pink!
The Quilts of Gee's Bend
by Susan Goldman RubinSince the early nineteenth century, the women of Gee’s Bend in southern Alabama have created stunning, vibrant quilts. In the only photo-essay book about the quilts of Gee’s Bend for children, award-winning author Susan Goldman Rubin explores the history and culture of this fascinating group of women and their unique quilting traditions. Rubin uses meticulous research to offer an exclusive look at an important facet of African American art and culture. In the rural community of Gee’s Bend, African American women have been making quilts for generations. They use scraps of old overalls, aprons, and bleached cornmeal sacks—anything they can find. Their traditions have been passed down through the decades. Much to the women’s surprise, a selection of the quilts was featured in an exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, in 2002. The exhibition then traveled to the Whitney Museum in New York City. “Eye-poppingly gorgeous,” wrote a critic for the New York Times about the exhibition. He continued, “Some of the most miraculous works of modern art America has produced.” The Metropolitan Museum of Art will exhibit its newly acquired collection of Gee’s Bend quilts in 2017. Rubin is known for producing well-researched, highly praised, and sophisticated biographies of artists and other important figures. Through similar research, The Quilts of Gee’s Bend shares specifics about this rare community and its rich traditions, allowing children to pause to consider history through the eyes of the people who lived it and through a legacy that is passed on to the next generation.