Celebrating Yule
The long-awaited Winter Break has finally arrived, but Ronan and Croia, 12-year-old twins, find themselves struggling instead of cheering. There is a new kid at school whose cruelty has left deep wounds.Ronan's protective instinct towards Croia clashes with his own confusion about what it means to stand up and defend, to fight, or to walk away. On the longest, darkest night of the year, Croia and Ronan's beloved Irish grandmother, with her gentle insight and patient heart, helps Ronan through the dark storm of his emotions and prepares a special evening for all.Surrounded by his family-Croia and their new sister, their mother and her new husband-Ronan's strength and inner peace is tested when an unanticipated guest arrives. Throughout the evening Grandmother continues to help and guide. She weaves stories with strands of folklore and threads of old beliefs, spinning them together, bringing the ancient to the present. While immersed in the traditions of the Celtic holiday of Yule, Ronan learns what it is to see past the darkness.Come feel the warmth of the hearth and the power of wisdom. Join the journey of the ages through the cold of winter, beyond the shadows of darkness to what comes after and celebrate Yule.Bonus Materials: Celebrating Yule includes recipes for the traditional Celtic Yule meal, blank recipe pages to record your family's favorite Yule recipes, and wish pages to your wishes for the coming year. May the magic of this season bring you love and light. Blessed Yule, Rionna
Cookies and Crescents
A touching picture book about moving neighborhoods in the midst of Eid preparations, Cookies and Crescents explores how traditions can evolve when we embrace the possibilities of new beginnings, perfect for fans of Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away and Amira's Picture Day Reem doesn't want to leave her home in the city, to move far away from her community and the bustling Eid celebrations she's used to. Eid is supposed to be a time to connect with family and friends--and this year was her turn to help make Mama's famous Eid cookies! What will Reem do alone in a quiet neighborhood so far away? But Mama is sure a place of their own is what's best. Besides, maybe under this new sky they'll finally be able to spot the moon. This sweet, authentic picture book explores how traditions (and recipes) can change and grow, and how holidays can be special no matter where they're celebrated.
The Friendly Dragon
When a new student, Madi, arrives feeling lost and alone, Dewey learns a valuable lesson from his parents about empathy, kindness, and friendship. Having no friends, Madi struggles on her first day at a new school. Encouraged by his parents to be kind and considerate, Dewey decides to extend a helping hand. From assisting Madi in picking up her dropped belongings to sharing cookies and inviting her to play, Dewey discovers the joy and importance of being a good friend. This story not only captures the nervousness of the first day at a new school but also emphasizes themes of kindness, empathy, inclusion and friendship.erfect for young students, the book also includes thoughtful discussion questions for parents and teachers to engage with their children.Sample Discussion Questions for Parents and Children: How was Dewey a good friend?How could you be a good friend to someone?Filled with colorful illustrations, "The Friendly Dragon" is a must read for any child, teaching them the importance of empathy and friendship in a fun way. Let Dewey inspire your children to be kind and thoughtful classmates! Be sure to check out Dewey's other adventures where he helps teach important values is fun and subtle ways.
Planted with Love
A heartfelt picture book about one child's experience in foster care that reminds all kids that--just like a garden--love from the right source will help them bloom. Lamar has lived in seven homes in three years and has never stayed anywhere long enough to put down roots. As he watches his new foster mom tend to her garden each day, he soon joins her with cautious curiosity. Together, they plant, they weed, they water . . . until one day Lamar's anger and feelings of uncertainty lead him to destroy the garden. But through his foster mother's love and care, Lamar discovers that just like her garden, he is wanted, he is loved, he has been planted, and he will bloom. Written by a licensed social worker, Planted with Love illustrates that a loving home and a loving adult can provide a safe place for any child to grow and thrive.
Stepping Up! (an All Are Welcome Early Reader)
It's a graduation celebration, featuring the beloved characters from the New York Times bestselling picture book All Are Welcome! This Step 2 early reader is perfect for emerging readers who are proud to show all they've learned during the year. We are stepping up!We are good to go.Watch us all shine.Watch us all glow! The kids from All Are Welcome are stepping up! They've learned so much. They learned how to be readers, writers, listeners, and leaders. Three things they'll always keep in mind: Always try. Have fun. Be kind. Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. They are ideal for children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help. Perfect for children who are ready to read on their own!
The Baby Who Stayed Awake Forever
Big brothers or sisters who have a noisy new baby in the house will feel seen in this hilarious new book about the uncanny ability of babies to stay awake FOREVER--written by a mom who's been there. They tried lullabies, they tried cuddles, they tried soothing words. But now it's 3 a.m. and the baby has achieved a new level of consciousness. Throwing binkies, climbing the crib . . . Is this baby going to stay awake forever?!? (Even the neighbor would like to know.) Parents and siblings of new babies will share some BIG laughs together as they follow a VERY tired family trying to get just a few minutes of rest while their precious one jumps, pounds, yells, and even throws a 1 a.m. dance party. It's the perfect baby shower gift for soon-to-be-big-siblings and their parents as they prepare for the new arrival.
Be a Hero with Skipper the Seal
In this inspiring children's adaptation of the New York Times bestseller The Hero Code: Lessons Learned from Lives Well Lived, Admiral William H. McRaven and daughter Kelly Marie McRaven show young readers what it means to be truly heroic. When the president of the United States tasks Skipper the SEAL with assembling a team of heroes, Skipper isn't sure where to start. But as he meets other animals who give of their time and talents every day--from the Courageous Cat who stands up for others, to the Dutiful Duck who never leaves a student behind, to the Funny Fox who creates joy wherever he goes--Skipper realizes that heroes don't have to be big and strong. There are heroes all around us! Skipper says: Be a hero in all that you do! For more adventures with Skipper, don't miss Make Your Bed with Skipper the Seal.
A Bird in the Air Means We Can Still Breathe
LONGLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD - A powerful, genre-bending mosaic of fiction and poetry that celebrates the humanity, grace, and resilience of teenage New Yorkers riding out the pandemic--from the award-winning author of Chlorine Sky "A gorgeous, tender testament to the generation of young people who shouldered the pandemic."--New York Times bestselling author Brendan Kiely ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: Publishers Weekly, The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, School Library Journal We found out what true longing looked like. Longing for crushes to crush back the week after next. Longing for hugs. Longing for connection. As New York goes into lockdown and neighborhoods begin to feel the brunt of the pandemic, the city's teens persevere with love and hope amidst all the fear and loss: Malachi writes an Armageddon short story inspired by his new reality. Tariq helps their ailing grandmother survive quarantine. Zamira struggles with depression and loneliness after losing her parents. Mohamed tries to help keep his community spirit alive. Mahogany L. Browne's unforgettable, interconnected short stories and poems remind us to breathe as these New York City teens discover their will to survive, their determination to dream, and their joy.
S'More Is Enough
Can a gooey little treat help kids feel good about who they are? In this sweet and silly story--it absolutely can! Meet S'More--a lovable snack who's feeling a little unsure. Is he too squishy? Too sticky? Not fancy enough? As he reflects on what makes him special, S'More learns a powerful truth: he doesn't need to be perfect to be enough. He's already amazing just being himself. S'More Is Enough is a heartwarming picture book that helps children build confidence and embrace their uniqueness. With playful humor, cozy camping vibes, and a gentle message of self-worth, this story is a delicious reminder that being yourself is more than enough. Whether your child struggles with self-doubt or just needs a warm hug in book form, S'More Is Enough delivers a sweet dose of encouragement. Key Features: Builds self-esteem and confidence in a fun, relatable way Encourages emotional awareness, positive self-talk, and self-acceptance Perfect for ages 4-8--great for family reading, classrooms, and therapy settings Created by Magination Press, the children's imprint of the American Psychological Association--trusted experts in children's emotional development
Catching Kindness
Can one small act of kindness change someone's day? In this grocery store, it just might. Catching Kindness is a heartwarming picture book that shows how compassion can ripple through everyday moments. When a young shopper feels disappointed and grumpy, an unexpected gesture of kindness sparks a chain reaction--from the bread aisle to the checkout line. And just when kindness is needed most, it circles back in a beautiful and surprising way. Key Features: Helps children recognize how kindness can show up in small, everyday ways Encourages empathy, emotional awareness, and social connection Perfect for ages 4-8--great for family reading, classrooms, and therapy settings Created by Magination Press, the children's imprint of the American Psychological Association--trusted experts in children's emotional development
Something Happened to Our Mom
Can a family heal after addiction touches their lives? In this heartfelt story, two siblings begin to understand what happened to their mom--and how love and support can help them move forward. Something Happened to Our Mom is a compassionate picture book that gently introduces children to the topic of parental addiction. When Claire and Emmett notice changes in their mom after a car accident, they feel confused and scared. But with honesty, support, and time, they begin to understand what addiction means--and that they are not alone. Key Features: Helps children understand addiction in age-appropriate, emotionally safe ways Encourages empathy, emotional awareness, and open family conversations Perfect for ages 5-9--ideal for family reading, classrooms, therapy, and support groups Created by Magination Press, the children's imprint of the American Psychological Association--trusted experts in children's emotional development
The Flock We Found
Can winning field day fix everything at home? Baby Bird hopes so--but learns something even more powerful. In The Flock We Found, Baby Bird lives with Mama Bird, Papa Bird, and a lot of worry. Sometimes Papa Bird comes home too loud, too quiet, or just. . . different. Baby Bird believes that if he wins the tree's field day games, Papa will come home happy. But when things don't go as planned, Baby Bird feels crushed--until his neighbors and Mama help him see that love and support can come from unexpected places. Key Features: Helps kids understand anxiety and emotional unpredictability in family life Offers a comforting message about belonging, resilience, and found family Includes a reader's note by psychologist Ellen Braaten, PhD, with guidance for caregivers with addiction; alcoholism; drug abuse in their family Perfect for ages 5-9--great for classrooms, therapists, and family reading Created by Magination Press, the children's imprint of the American Psychological Association--trusted experts in children's emotional well-being
Isabel's Birthday Surprise
Can a birthday surprise come from something unexpected? Isabel's big day doesn't go as planned--but love, creativity, and family make it unforgettable. Isabel's Birthday Surprise is a touching picture book about managing disappointment and discovering joy in unexpected places. Isabel dreams of a big fiesta with a pi簽ata, candy, and all her friends. But when plans change, she feels let down--until her family's love and a surprise twist help her see the beauty in what she has. Key Features: Helps children navigate big feelings like disappointment and hope Encourages empathy, emotional resilience, and appreciation for family traditions Perfect for ages 4-8--ideal for family reading, classrooms, and therapy settings Created by Magination Press, the children's imprint of the American Psychological Association--trusted experts in children's emotional development
Shivi's Big Leap
In this bold and colorful picture book about tapping into your courage, a young boy has to channel the Hindu monkey god Hanuman to reach the top of a climbing wall. Shivi can't wait to return to the activity center with his mom and dad. Today is the day - he's finally going to reach the top of the climbing wall. But when he arrives, the climbing wall is much higher than he remembered. How will he ever reach the top? When Shivi realizes he can channel his favorite Hindu god, Hanuman, to summon the courage to scale the wall, he starts to imagine exactly how Hanuman would reach his goal. Hanuman is brave - bold - fearless. Shivi can be all of those things too - right? With bold and colorful illustrations and an Indian-American protagonist at its helm, Shivi's Big Leap is the perfect read for kids who have found themselves wondering, "Am I brave enough?"
Brush, Brush, Brush Your Teeth Board Book
It's time to brush his teeth, but little Capy doesn't want to!Mom has an idea: ''Let's make a song like 'Row, Row, Row Your Boat.' All about brushing . . . we'll sing every note!''''Brush, brush, brush your teeth in circles round and round. Don't forget the ones in back, you want them white, not brown!''Fun board book will help parents engage little ones in learning those important toothbrushing basics!Includes dental hygiene tips from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.Get your little one started on the right track with this helpful book!Features cute and colorful illustrations and rhyming text to read together!Sturdy board book has soft, padded covers.Easy for little hands to grip and hold.Ages 0 +.Board book measures 6-1/2'' square.
A Day on Fluffyville Farm
Spend an entire day with a charming farm family--and discover all the things that happen there from morning to night. This visit to Britta Teckentrup's Fluffyville community takes young readers through the day in the life of an active farm. From the early morning barn chores, working in the garden, and a hearty midday lunch to an afternoon in the pool and a late-night party, each of the 7 beautifully illustrated double-page spreads is overflowing with activity, familiar characters, and interesting aspects of farm life. Simple texts encourage young readers to explore each spread, looking for recurring themes and discovering hidden clues. Cows go to pasture, apples are harvested from the tree, pigs are fed, and there's even a late-night visit from the vet. Fans of Teckentrup's other Fluffyville volume will also delight in the return of a certain mischievous badger. Utterly absorbing and perfect for paired or individual reading, this book is a rewarding treasure trove of clever details that will provide hours of entertainment and opportunities for language enrichment and learning about the world of a working farm.
Vom This, der doch etwas wird
In "Vom This, der doch etwas wird" entf羹hrt Johanna Spyri die Leser in eine Welt, in der die Themen Identit瓣t und Selbstverwirklichung im Mittelpunkt stehen. Durch ihre lebendige und einf羹hlsame Prosa schafft sie es, komplexe emotionale Landschaften zu erkunden und den inneren Konflikten ihrer Charaktere Ausdruck zu verleihen. Der literarische Stil ist gepr瓣gt von Spyris charakteristischen Beschreibungen der Schweizer Natur, die als Spiegel der inneren Gef羹hlswelt der Protagonisten dient, ebenso wie der Kontext der gesellschaftlichen Umbr羹che des sp瓣ten 19. Jahrhunderts, in dem Fragen der pers繹nlichen Identit瓣t und des sozialen Wandels besonders relevant sind. Johanna Spyri, geboren in Z羹rich, ist vor allem durch ihren Welterfolg "Heidi" bekannt geworden. Ihre eigene Kindheit in der malerischen Schweiz und ihr Engagement f羹r soziale Themen beeinflussten ihre Erz瓣hlweise und die Thematisierung von Menschlichkeit. Spyris tiefes Verst瓣ndnis f羹r die Bed羹rfnisse und Herausforderungen junger Menschen spiegelt sich klar in ihrem Werk wider und macht sie zu einer bedeutenden Stimme der Kinder- und Jugendliteratur dieser Zeit. Ihr Anliegen war es stets, durch Geschichten Werte und Lebensweisheiten zu vermitteln, was in diesem Buch in exemplarischer Weise gelingt. "Vom This, der doch etwas wird" ist ein unerl瓣ssliches Werk f羹r alle, die sich mit der Thematik der Selbstfindung auseinandersetzen m繹chten. Die ansprechende, emotionale Erz瓣hlweise sowie die tiefgr羹ndigen Charaktere laden den Leser dazu ein, sich selbst in den Konflikten der Protagonisten zu spiegeln. Ein Buch, das Mut macht, authentisch zu sein und den eigenen Weg zu finden - ein zeitloses Fl羹stern an die Seele.
Adorable
Adorable is the heartwarming tale of a new baby sister and her big brother who worries there isn't enough love to go around.Prince Antrew, an ant living under Baker's Patio, returns from his daily flight to find everyone in the ant colony celebrating. He finds his mother, the queen, and discovers that he has a new baby sister called Adorable. Furious, Antrew flies off, only to run into a wise creature that reminds him that moms have enough love for everyone.Adorable highlights how losing your temper never solves anything. This beautifully illustrated picture book helps families prepare older siblings for a new addition to the family and reassures them that there is enough love in a family for everyone.
Bunny Loves Beans
"A lip-smacking exploration of foods and colors."--Kirkus ReviewsPreschoolers will explore bright colors, healthy foods, and a variety of adorable animals in this multilayered Big, Little Concepts book. Just like the endearing animals around the world, we eat greens, reds, and blues too! Bunny Loves Beans explores the wonderfully similar and different food that preschoolers and animals both eat.This fun book serves as a great introduction to fruits and vegetables, and the upbeat language paired with the adorable photographs are sure to encourage your little one to eat their fruits and vegetables! By the end of this book, preschoolers' will love to eat their greens, yellows, blues, and even pinks with this adorable photographic book!The rhythmic text is perfect for an energetic read-aloud, and the repetitive language will boost your preschoolers' word recognition.Jane Whittingham, author of the 2023 Texas 2?2 Reading List Selection, Bear has a Belly, once again channels her expertise into a new celebration of active preschooler fun. The chant-along text supports pattern recognition for language learning and reading readiness, and a closing spread of enriching age-appropriate activities invite further exploration and learning.
Will You Catch Me?
From the author of A Room Full of Chocolate comes a heartwarming story about identity and courage, and a tremendous young girl who cares for her alcoholic mother. For fans of Jacqueline Wilson and Sarah Lean. Nell Hobs lives with a tortoise called Bob Marley, guinea pigs Asbo and Chaos, goldfish Beyonc矇 and Destiny, gerbils Fizz and Tyrone, Aunty Lou the Hamster ... and her mum, who drinks too much. Nell does everything she can to be a good daughter so that her mum will stop. But when things get really hard, Nell stands on her head. Everything looks better upside down, don't you know? Nell wishes she knew who her dad was. When new teacher Mr Samuels makes history come alive and tells the class the story of Nell Gwynn, the Orange Girl who became one of the first actresses on the London stage, Nell is captivated and is determined to dress up as an Orange Girl for the Costume Parade. She hatches a plan with her best friend Michael: a way to make her dad step forward and claim her. Will she succeed? A charming middle grade story with a strong, positive message that celebrates community and friendship. 'a heartwarming story about identity and courage, and a tremendous young girl ... For fans of Jacqueline Wilson and Sarah Lean.' Lovereading4kids
The List of Real Things
A poignant and big-hearted story about love, loss and believing in the magic of the imagination. The fourth novel from bestselling Waterstones Children's Book Prize shortlisted author Sarah Moore Fitzgerald, following BACK TO BLACKBRICK, THE APPLE TART OF HOPE and A VERY GOOD CHANCE. Grace knows the difference between what's real and the strange ideas that float around in her little sister's mind. Their parents died - that's real. A secret hotel on the cliff-top where their parents are waiting - definitely NOT real. So when grief strikes again, Grace is determined not to let her sister's outlandish imagination spiral out of control. But the line between truth and fantasy is more complicated than it seems... 'Completely beguiling, and funny and tender and wise, with a heart as big and deep as the sea' - Piers Torday 'Poignant' - The Sunday Times 'A sparkling tale ... about loss, family and believing in magic' - Sarah Webb writing for the Irish Independent 'A book full of warmth, hope, and wonderfully unforgettable characters' - Zana Fraillon, author of The Bone Sparrow
A Room Full of Chocolate
AS SEEN ON BBC's THE GREAT BRITISH MENU. ***Winner of Peters Book of the Year 2015 and the Leeds Book Award.*** Grace's fun-loving Mum has found a lump. Her north London world of sleepovers, tap dancing and playing the clarinet fall apart when she is sent to live with her grumpy old granddad on his farm in Yorkshire while her mother goes into hospital to get better. Grace misses her mother so much it hurts, and doesn't quite understand what is happening to her. And things go from bad to worse when she starts school and becomes the bullies' latest target. But Grace is no longer alone when she meets Rainbow Girl Megan and her pig, Claude - when she's with them she feels as if she can confront anything. At Easter time when Grace misses her mum the most, she knows she must find a way to get to London. With Megan's help, she hatches a plan to run away that involves Claude, chocolate Easter eggs and a risky ID swap. But it's all worth it if it means that she finally gets to see her mum ... A gorgeous story of courage and friendship that will tug at your heart strings. 'A touching, beautifully imagined debut about a young girl coping with her mother's cancer and her grandfather's stubbornness. It's atmosphere reminds me of the central relationship in Goodnight Mr Tom.' Amanda Craig 'At times, desperately moving, and others riotously fun, this is a special book that is destined to charm readers old and young.' We Love This Book 'This is a lovely tale of friendship, tenacity and family secrets.' The Bookseller
Swimming to the Moon
'Just call me Bee. Please, please call me that. If you call me Beatrix Daffodil Tulip Chrysanthemum Rose Edwards I shan't answer you. I am not being rude or unfriendly, or insolent as Mrs Dixon my teacher calls me. I just don't like my name. Well, would you?' Bee stumbles through life in her stripy socks with her head in the clouds, doing her very best to keep out of the way of her bickering parents and avoid bendy tap dancing Crystal Kelly - who makes her life a misery. But when Crystal double-dares her to volunteer for a sponsored swim in honour of her great grandmother Beatrix's memory, Bee can't back down. Even though she is terrified of water and cannot swim! Then new boy Moon-Star gallops to Bee's rescue on his horse and takes her to meet Old Alice, a Traveller who lives in a beautiful painted wagon. As Bee enters this new world, her life is changed for ever. Finally she has an ally. Down by the promise tree the new friends make a pact - Moon Star will teach Bee to swim if Bee will teach him to read. They spit on their hands and shake on their vow and a beautiful friendship begins. 'Fans of Jacqueline Wilson and Elen Caldecott will like this real-world drama ... Warm and dreamy with just the right amount of quirk for young readers to identify with if they feel like outsiders.' Booktrust
Delphine Denise and the Mardi Gras Prize
Delphine Denise likes things BIG. And what's bigger than a Mardi Gras prize? "Kids will connect with Delphine's holiday excitement, even when it causes trouble, and learn from the mistakes she makes."--Booklist Every year, Delphine Denise Debreaux and her friends ride their bikes together in the New Orleans Mardi Gras parade. But this year, there's a shiny prize for best float--and Delphine Denise just has to win it. How can her friends remind Delphine Denise what the parade is really all about?This joyful picture book, inspired by the author's own experience celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans as a child, explores the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the holiday. Full of vibrant and festive illustrations, this story reminds readers that winning isn't everything, and the best way to let the good times roll is in the company of friends.
