The Lantern of Whispering Leaves
Join Aria, a gentle listener whose heart responds to the softest whispers of the world, on an uplifting journey through Whispering Valley. Guided by the ancient wisdom of Elder Oak and carrying a lantern born of kindness, Aria discovers that true magic awakens when we pause to hear the quiet voices around us-whether in rustling leaves, distant clouds, or the caring hearts of her neighbors. Her soft glow leads young readers through cracked riverbeds to bustling squares and back again, revealing that patience, empathy, and shared respect can restore hope and bring new life.The Lantern of Whispering Leaves delights listeners (ages 3-5) and early readers (6-8), revealing deeper meaning as they grow.Read-Aloud Magic (3-5)From "Sometimes, magic needs silence to shine," preschoolers plunge into Aria's quest. Lush illustrations guide them through the forest, and simple phrasing plus built-in prompts (e.g., "What do you think the tree was saying?") spark imagination.Early Reader Discovery (6-8)Independent readers encounter vivid detail and words like "compassion" and "collective action" that stretch emerging skills. They can follow Aria's journey alone and, with parental guidance, discuss how small acts of kindness brighten the world. These guiding themes illuminate Aria's journey and invite young readers to grow alongside her: Deep Listening & EmpathyShow how tuning into nature's whispers-and each other's feelings-uncovers hidden needs.Patience & ReflectionEncourage children to wait calmly, understanding that answers often appear when we're still.Community & CooperationDemonstrate how collective care and respectful teamwork can heal both land and spirit.Environmental StewardshipIllustrate the importance of noticing when the world around us is in distress and responding with compassion.Inner Strength & HopeHighlight that a single attentive soul-armed with quiet belief-can spark a wave of change.The Lantern of Whispering Leaves is a perfect bedtime read or classroom story time selection, inspiring young readers to listen with open hearts, tend to the world around them, and discover the gentle magic that blooms when we truly care.
Meet Me at Wonderland
A girl with a summer job at her family's amusement park crushes on a coworker who'd rather be working anywhere else in this fun and flirty middle grade rom-com. Fourteen-year-old Coco is Morty the Moose for the summer--the official mascot for her family's business, Wonderland Adventure Park. Her first shift in the claustrophobic and stinky moose costume comes in the middle of a heatwave, and of course it's when she emerges a sweaty mess that her manager introduces her to the new hire, Henry...the cutest boy Coco has ever seen. Henry can't believe his parents are forcing him to work at this dorky theme park. He'd much rather be hanging with his friends and working on his soccer game, but recovery from a bad injury would have kept him sidelined anyway. Being deathly afraid of heights, Henry hopes he can at least do his job without going on any of the rides. After their first awkward meeting, Coco and Henry start to warm up to each other, and Coco confides in him about the park's financial struggles. Soon, she thinks she like likes Henry...a lot. As the weeks go on, Henry's dad starts asking oddly specific questions about his job, and Henry starts to suspect there's more to his parents insisting on him working at the park than he thought. When a malfunctioning new ride leaves Henry and Coco stranded at the top, Henry's worst nightmare comes true and secrets get revealed.
Jayden Noticed
"This picture book is a gem!" --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)With the help of a rock he's collected, a child moving to a new house learns to embrace change and make a like-minded friend in this story celebrating our most thoughtful little observers. Jayden notices everything. He notices the way the moon looks different every night as it peeks through the oak tree. He notices spiderweb wheels and egg freckles, mouse paws and rose petals. But most of all, Jayden notices rocks. Jayden collects a rock to go with everything: a homework rock, a Saturday rock, even enough wishing rocks to fill up a jar. But now that he and his family have moved to a different house, where the trees are too short, the color is off, and the mailbox is in the wrong place, will he find a rock to grant him courage--and help him make a new friend, maybe even a noticer like him? In a tender story for curious and observant little readers, Carolyn Crimi's text joins with Shamar Knight-Justice's expressive illustrations in a tale that offers comfort in the face of life's many changes.
Together on Eid
A beautifully illustrated picture book that showcases the warm family memories and cultural traditions of celebrating Eid. Eid is a gathering, a party, a feast ... and so much more. Together on Eid celebrates the many gifts of the holiday--from excitedly awaiting the arrival of guests to enjoying steaming hot rotis to sharing treasured family stories. It is a loving ode to cultural traditions, warm memories, and a special day that brings people together. Eid is a gift that continues to shine brightly with each passing year. FAMILY STORY: This warm and charming picture book is perfect for families who celebrate Eid and those who want to introduce their children to its traditions. The heart of the story is the memories made each year as a family gathers--a universal experience for all who celebrate cultural and religious holidays. GREAT FOR HOME, CLASSROOMS AND LIBRARIES: Together on Eid offers an accessible introduction to an important Islamic holiday. It shares the specifics of the celebration and shows readers that families across their community and across the world are more alike than they are different. Perfect for: Eidi gift-giving to families and children Parents and grandparents looking for books that reflect their faith and identity Teachers and librarians seeking multicultural books for kids Families who want to introduce children to traditions outside their own Anyone looking for diverse children's books
Making Plans for Nigel Binty
A heartwarming middle grade novel about figuring out who you are when it seems like everyone else has already decided for you, for fans of Erin Entrada Kelly and Gary D. Schmidt. Nigel Binty has spent sixth grade trying to stick to a plan. His problem is the plan keeps changing in unexpected ways. His only friend has dropped him. His dad moved out two months ago. His anxiety isn't getting any better. None of that is part of the plan. When Glory Bea Medford (yes, that's her real name) turns up at school in March, she plans to keep the reason for her mid-year transfer a secret. Glory Bea prizes being truthful but having everyone find out her father embezzled money from his church was bad enough the first time around. She doesn't plan to go through that again. Told in two perspectives, with Glory Bea's chapters presented as unmailed letters to her incarcerated father, Shawn K. Stout uses warmth and humor to explore what happens when two sixth graders overwhelmed by major life changes cross paths.
Brady Mason's Perfect Fit
What happens when a sporty foster kid from the suburbs meets her glamorous birth mom in the big city? This slice-of-life novel is perfect for fans of Judy Blume and Wendy Mass. Brady Mason couldn't care less about fashion. She likes what she knows: baseball, comfortable clothes, and pork roll with egg and cheese. When Brady's friends notice that she looks strangely like fashion editor Elena Lavigne, they start the rumor that Brady is Elena's long-lost daughter. They'll make a few TikTok videos, get some fun buzz online about their similarities, and that will be the end of it. But when a DNA test confirms that Brady is Elena's long-lost daughter, she's summoned to Manhattan to live with her. The only problem: Elena's high-fashion life clashes with Brady's tomboy antics, and Elena doesn't know how to be a mother any more than Brady knows how to be a daughter. But the more time passes, the more Brady sees what they have in common, and she starts wondering...if she and Elena are both searching for a family, could the two of them be the right fit? Balancing humor and heart, here is a winning story of hard-fought growth and found family.
Fireworks
*SEVEN STARRED REVIEWS * A NEW YORK TIMES/NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BEST ILLUSTRATED CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR * THE SOCIETY OF IULLUSTRATORS GOLD MEDAL WINNER * KIRKUS' BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR * BOOKLIST'S EDITOR'S CHOICE PICKS OF THE YEAR * SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL'S BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR * PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR * A HORN BOOK FANFARE PICK * THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY'S BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR * CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY BEST OF THE YEAR * NPR'S BEST OF THE YEAR ROUNDUP*Fireworks is a sparkling picture book from the award-winning team of Matthew Burgess and C獺tia Chien, highlighting the simple delights of a steamy July day in the city as two siblings eagerly anticipate a spectacular fireworks display.POP!As a hot day sizzles into evening, everyone on stoops and sidewalks looks skyward on this special summer night--the Fourth of July! Words and art blossom into flowers of fire across the sky, making this a perfect read for firework enthusiasts in cities and suburbs everywhere.
Emily and the Crib Crew
When 10-year-old Emily moves to the quiet village of Upperfold, she feels like an outsider-until a forgotten treasure in the church storeroom changes everything. Beneath layers of dust, Emily discovers a neglected nativity set that hasn't been used since the pandemic. Determined to restore it, she teams up with her new friends, Zuri and George, to bring the crib back to life in time for Christmas Eve.As the trio works together, they uncover more than just statues. They reveal a connection to a local sculptor, a history of village traditions, and the importance of teamwork and friendship. But with Christmas fast approaching, will they be able to finish in time?Emily and the Crib Crew: A Christmas Tale is a heartwarming story of hope, community, and the true meaning of Christmas. This enchanting tale will delight families and children who cherish the Christmas festival.Join Emily and her friends in this unforgettable Christmas adventure, filled with joy, friendship, and the spirit of giving.
My Little Brother is so Annoying
Meet my little brother-he is so annoying. Whether he's playing with my toys, distracting me during homework, or waking me up way too early, he's always there. If I'm trying to enjoy my videos or go for a bike ride, guess who wants to join in on the fun?But as I start to think about it, maybe my little brother isn't so bad after all! With his silly antics that make me laugh and the best cuddles ever, I realise that he just wants to spend time with me. Sometimes he can be annoying, but deep down, he's my biggest fan and my best mate. Follow the heartwarming journey of a big brother navigating life alongside his annoying little brother. Along the way, he discovers that even the most annoying moments can become the best memories-maybe his little brother isn't so annoying after all!
The Christmas Collectors
Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Hope abounds this time of year, but what happens if a girl doesn't feel worthy of her boyfriend? What happens if a family fails to see what their daughter needs in trying to get each other what they want? What happens if a mother dies at Christmas time? What happens if a nutcracker comes to life? The Christmas Collectors is a collection of short stories that show the hope that this season brings, the hope that there is light in the darkness.
Summer Is Here
Swish. Swish. Swish... Thwack! Bear and Mole are stepping up to the plate for summer baseball season--but what happens when Mole struggles to hit the ball? Finally, summer is here! Baseball-loving Mole suits up and hustles to the baseball diamond for a game with his best friend Bear. Mole is ready to play, and he's swinging for the fences! Swish. Swish. Swish. It's a swing and... a miss? Mole measures, wishes, grits his teeth, and swings--still, it's like he can't even see the plate! But with the gentle support of his friend Bear, lots of patience, and a new pair of glasses, Mole is ready to play all summer long. Will Hillenbrand's Bear and Mole series is the perfect choice for storytime sharing or reading aloud. Strong verbs, repetitive phrases, and fun-to-read sounds keep young listeners and readers engaged with the story, while the gentle illustrations add detail and quiet humor. This tender yet joyful homage to the endless excitement of summer and meaningful time with friends from an award winning author-illustrator is sure to be a home run with readers. Don't miss the other Bear and Mole titles, including Spring is Here, Off We Go!, All for a Dime, Kite Day, and First Star!
Colette: The Solitary Bee
A heartwarming introduction to reading for kids ages three and up about how even solitary beings need people too, from Jean-Fran癟ois S矇n矇chal and Pascale Bonenfant Anyone can make it on their own--just ask Colette! She's a solitary bee who enjoys her own company more than anyone else's and thrives on her independence. Colette can do just about anything by herself: day-to-day tasks, cleverly navigating the elements, and even setting out on solo adventures. But sometimes, even the most solitary bees need other insects around--like when things don't go as planned, or when they've simply got a good story to tell. Colette: The Solitary Bee is an adorable, heartwarming tale that shows us we can be proud to do things by ourselves, but it's also pretty great to share our lived experiences with those around us.
Spelling It Out
A rising seventh grader visits his grandmother in 1980s San Francisco for a whirlwind summer of spelling bee training, only to begin suspecting she has Alzheimer's, in this witty and compassionate middle grade novel for fans of Al Capone Does My Shirts. Ben Bellini didn't mean to become a champion speller--after all, he's not a nerd--but he sure does like spelling bee glory now that it's found him. He might even be good enough for the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC! And what better way to prepare than to train with a professional spelling coach in San Francisco, where his nan lives? Through his adventures, Ben gets to know the city--and competitor Asha Krishnakumar, who's equally determined to spell her way to victory. But Ben also starts having odd interactions with his nan that leave him feeling like he's missing something. Where is Nan's forgetfulness coming from? And will anyone even believe him if he tries to get help? Between showing up for his loved ones and pursuing his own dreams, Ben will need to spend this summer figuring out what he owes others...and what he owes himself.
Ripley Kool and the Investigators
This edition features vibrant, full-color illustrations.Three best friends. One laugh-out-loud detective agency. Countless mysteries to solve!Get ready for a hilarious and action-packed crime-solving adventure with Ripley Kool and the Investigators! Perfect for ages 8-12, this chapter book series is packed with thrilling mysteries, quirky characters, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments-all brought to life with fun illustrations throughout.In The Parrot Squawks at Midnight, Ripley, Gilly, and Alexis take on their first case when Mrs. Cornthumper's beloved parrot, Thaddeus, goes missing. But this isn't just any lost pet-Thaddeus holds the key to unlocking a secret treasure, and the trio must crack the code before it's too late!In The Vanishing Raptor, the museum's prized Utahraptor skeleton disappears into thin air-right in front of a live audience! With the museum on lockdown and a dinosaur thief on the loose, Ripley, Gilly, and Alexis must piece together the clues before the culprit escapes.And in A Rudolph Christmas Mystery, the detectives find themselves snowed in at a millionaire's exclusive Christmas party-just as a priceless ruby ornament vanishes. With the guests trapped and tensions rising, the trio must interrogate the suspects, uncover hidden secrets, and solve the case before the storm clears and the thief slips away!Can Ripley, Gilly, and Alexis outsmart thieves, decode hidden messages, and crack the trickiest cases-without getting caught in the chaos themselves?Fans of A to Z Mysteries and The Hardy Boys Clue Book series will love the laugh-out-loud antics and fast-paced detective work in Ripley Kool and the Investigators!Join Ripley, Gilly, and Alexis in their hilarious, crime-solving adventures-grab Ripley Kool and the Investigators: Books 1-3 today and crack the case alongside them!
Ripley Kool and the Investigators
This edition features vibrant, full-color illustrations.Three best friends. One laugh-out-loud detective agency. Countless mysteries to solve!Get ready for a hilarious and action-packed crime-solving adventure with Ripley Kool and the Investigators! Perfect for ages 8-12, this chapter book series is packed with thrilling mysteries, quirky characters, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments-all brought to life with fun illustrations throughout.In The Parrot Squawks at Midnight, Ripley, Gilly, and Alexis take on their first case when Mrs. Cornthumper's beloved parrot, Thaddeus, goes missing. But this isn't just any lost pet-Thaddeus holds the key to unlocking a secret treasure, and the trio must crack the code before it's too late!In The Vanishing Raptor, the museum's prized Utahraptor skeleton disappears into thin air-right in front of a live audience! With the museum on lockdown and a dinosaur thief on the loose, Ripley, Gilly, and Alexis must piece together the clues before the culprit escapes.And in A Rudolph Christmas Mystery, the detectives find themselves snowed in at a millionaire's exclusive Christmas party-just as a priceless ruby ornament vanishes. With the guests trapped and tensions rising, the trio must interrogate the suspects, uncover hidden secrets, and solve the case before the storm clears and the thief slips away!Can Ripley, Gilly, and Alexis outsmart thieves, decode hidden messages, and crack the trickiest cases-without getting caught in the chaos themselves?Fans of A to Z Mysteries and The Hardy Boys Clue Book series will love the laugh-out-loud antics and fast-paced detective work in Ripley Kool and the Investigators!Join Ripley, Gilly, and Alexis in their hilarious, crime-solving adventures-grab Ripley Kool and the Investigators: Books 1-3 today and crack the case alongside them!
I’ve Always Had A Voice
I've Always Had a Voice is a gentle, rhyming picture book for ages 2-5 that celebrates all the ways children communicate - spoken and unspoken. Whether through AAC, sign language, gestures, or facial expressions, this story validates non-speaking communication in a joyful, affirming way. Repeated lines create comfort and predictability, supporting children with developing language skills or communication differences. A beautiful resource for families, educators, and therapists who believe every child deserves to feel heard.
