Children & Parent Services

In this lyrical picture book illustrated by a two-time Caldecott Medalist, share in a blind child's joyful experience of the changing seasons.

A SCHNEIDER FAMILY BOOK AWARD HONOR

Where I live, seasons change. I know because my fingers and toes, my ears, my mouth and nose, all tell me so.

Neveah is blind, but that doesn't mean she can't enjoy each of the four wondrous seasons of the year.

She knows it's winter when her boots go scruuunch in the snow and cold flakes land softly on her tongue.

She knows spring has come by the smell of hyacinths, the bzzzz of a bee in her ear.

Summer is a trip to the beach, where she can hear the crash of ocean waves and the keowww of seagulls overhead. 

And when Neveah's rake goes scritch scratch over fallen leaves and the air turns brisk, she knows it's autumn. Soon the cycle of seasons will begin anew.

In this poetic story with art by a two-time Caldecott Medalist, join Neveah as she uses her senses of touch, taste, hearing, and smell to vividly describe the changing seasons and the unique delights they each have to offer.

The Terrible Trio is a fun illustrated series, best described as The Bad Guys meets Madagascar!

In a world where all animals have superpowers, Zeb the zebra, Margarine the penguin, and Barry the lemur have the WORST powers of all.

Zeb, Margarine, and Barry end up at the back of the line to have the Superpower Supermarket Manager grant them their superpowers and end up getting the short end of the stick. Margarine is granted the special ability to make macaroni and cheese. Barry the Lemur is gifted with the power to write neatly. And Zeb the Zebra can now blend in with a crosswalk...

Working at a café and watching everybody else save the world day in and day out, Zeb, Margarine, and Barry wonder if they will ever get to be superheroes for a day themselves.

Unearth the extraordinary contributions Mary Morland made to 19th-century paleontology by pursuing her passion in spite of society’s expectations in this “delightful” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) picture book biography with a question-and-answer structure perfect for reading aloud.

While other little girls were sipping tea perched on their chairs, Mary Morland was given the freedom to spend her time outside exploring. After her mother died, her father sent her to live with a professor who taught Mary how to examine plants, animals, rocks, and fossils. She soaked up all the knowledge she could and captured her discoveries in her journals. Mary continued studying and drawing fossils into adulthood, becoming a prominent fossil hunter whose finds impressed leading scientists of the day.

Eventually, Mary bonded with William Buckland, England’s best fossilist, over their love of paleontology, and the two got married. Together, they introduced the world to Megalosaurus, the first dinosaur that lived on land. At the time, William received credit for their accomplishments while Mary worked from the shadows. This book shines a spotlight on Mary, celebrating her irrepressible spirit, her unconventional life, and her endless enthusiastic pursuit of prehistoric knowledge.

A brilliant, colourful and funny counting book with one very opinionated ant at the centre...

Just how many animals can fit in this book? Ant will tell you loud and clear: the answer is ONE. But will Ant mind if other animals join the pages, too? 'How Many Animals Can Fit in this Book?' cleverly shows that there is enough room for everyone--while acknowledging that, sometimes, we may need our own space.

For fans of Odder and Skunk and Badger comes a heartwarming story of an unlikely friendship between a gull and a badger.



Septimus is not good at being a badger. He adores the sunset. He dreams of going to Venice. And he lives alone in a charming cottage by the sea. He's not unhappy with his tidy, solitary life, but there are times when being so bad at badgerdom makes him wonder if he's even a badger at all.



When a gull of very few words lands on the windowsill, Septimus leaps at the possibility of friendship. However, his new confidant soon goes missing and Septimus is bereft. Determined to find his best--and only--friend, he ventures into new territory and encounters a cast of surprising characters. Can Septimus be as brave and bighearted as he'll need to be to find Gully? Or is he really a bad badger after all?



Bad Badger is a young middle-grade novel about badgers, gulls, and learning that staying true to yourself means knowing who you are to begin with.

Emily Dickinson is one of America’s greatest and most original poets of all time. When you hear her name, you may imagine the famous recluse whose withdrawal from society became legendary. But it’s time to meet a new side of Emily, one that is powerful, adventurous, and joyful. 

Follow along as we delve into Emily Dickinson’s childhood, revealing a young girl desperate to go out exploring—to meet the flowers in their own homes. Wade through tall grasses to gather butterfly weed and goldenrod, the air alive with the “buccaneers of buzz.” And, don’t forget to keep a hot potato in your pocket to keep your fingers warm.

This is Emily Dickinson as you’ve never seen her before, embarking on an unforgettable journey in her hometown of Amherst, Massachusetts, with her trusty four-legged companion, Carlo.

"[A] standout board book series starter. . . .Minimalism motors toward an expansive experience in this smart work that puts youngest readers in the driver's seat." --Publishers Weekly (starred review)

From Caldecott Medalist Jon Klassen comes the first board book in the Your Things series for the youngest of children.

Your truck is red, but it could be other colors too. It can carry things around, like a chair and table, a dog, or a horse. It will wait for you until you tell it to go, then it will go wherever you want, as far as you want, whenever you want. At the end of the day it will sleep, and you can sleep, too. Jon Klassen brings his minimalist's touch to a soothing story of a simple object that a child can command and befriend, one that is there whenever the child chooses to visit it. Building on the quiet but evocative world he created in Your Farm, Your Forest, and Your Island, Jon Klassen invites young children to consider more things that are theirs and theirs alone, reinforcing that they have a right to things like solitude, exploration, and companionship.

A funny sci fi comic that's just right for second and third graders!

Tate Tuber has always known he was destined for greatness. A couch potato? Not Tate--he's going to be an astronaut! So when
Tate sees his chance to join space training, he literally jumps at the chance.

But on his first mission, Tate learns that his role doesn't include finding aliens or stopping asteroids. The human astronauts want to use Tate in a space farming experiment. How disappointing! But when the space station loses power and begins hurtling back towards earth, it's up to Tate to save the day with his ability to conduct electricity! Potato power!

In the back of the book are science facts about how potatoes really do conduct electricity, growing veggies in space, and more!

I Like to Read Comics® are perfect for kids who are challenged by or unengaged in reading, kids who love art, and the growing number of young comics fans. Filled with eye-catching art, humor, and terrific stories, these comics provide unique reading experiences for growing minds. I Like to Read Comics®, like their award-winning I Like to Read® counterpart, are created by celebrated artists and support reading comprehension to transform children into lifelong readers. 

We hope that all new readers will say, "I like to read comics!"

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

It’s time for spring in this companion to the beloved and bestselling classic Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, and the letters peep something hidden up in the tree…

A asked B
and B asked C,
“What’s up there
in the pretty pink tree?”

Everyone’s favorite alphabet crew is ready to hop to the occasion and sniff out the surprise, with the help of some fuzzy new friends. Celebrate springtime in this colorful romp that will have everyone chanting—and hopping!—along.

A little fish has a big surprise in this “excellent…wholly gratifying” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) Level 1 Ready-to-Read story about an underdog under the sea!

The little fish says it is really a big fish. The other fish and sea creatures do not believe the little fish! Then, when they are in danger, the little fish shows just how big it really can be!

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection



Kids can perfect their cake-decorating skills and develop their creativity​ with these adorable and delicious cupcake designs. 



With step-by-step photos for every stage of the process, bakers ages 8 and up will learn how to create stunning cupcake masterpieces from scratch. This unique format is as simple as 1, 2, 3:



1. Start with the easy-to-follow recipes for the Best-Ever Vanilla or Chocolate Cupcake base and simple buttercream frosting.

2. Learn impressive decorating techniques, like using a piping bag, working with fondant, and creating 3D designs with candy. 

3. Put your new skills into practice with detailed instructions for fun designs, including sloths, mermaids, funny faces, and more!



Bestselling children's baking authors Deanna Cook and Joy Howard share tips, tricks, and creative designs that are perfect for birthday parties, holidays, bake sales, and every day! Stickers and punch-out cardstock decorations for making cupcake toppers are also included in this kid-friendly cookbook.

Explore the Milky Way in the sixth book in this nonfiction Level 1 Ready-to-Read series about the universe that’s perfect for kids who love science and space!

Earth lies within the solar system that is part of a spiral galaxy: the Milky Way. Readers can learn all about the galaxy we live in with this out-of-this-world Level 1 Ready-to-Read.

An instant New York Times bestseller!

A USA Today bestseller!

Read with Jenna Jr. Summer Reading List Pick!

"Genuinely moving." --The New York Times Book Review

"Explores the healing power of hiking." --NPR's All Things Considered

Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year | School Library Journal Best Book of the Year | Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year: Middle Grade | The Week Jr. Best Book of the Year | Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year | An NCTE Charlotte Huck Award Honor Book | The Week Jr.'s Book Club Pick

Bestselling and award-winning author Kate Messner takes readers on a heart-filling journey as a boy finds his path to healing.

One summer.
46 mountain peaks.
A second chance to make things right.

Finn Connelly is nothing like his dad, a star athlete and firefighter hero who always ran toward danger until he died two years ago. Finn is about to fail seventh grade and has never made headlines . . . until now.

Caught on camera vandalizing a cemetery, he's in big trouble for knocking down some dead old lady's headstone. Turns out that grave belongs to a legendary local mountain climber, and her daughter makes Finn an unusual offer: she'll drop all the charges if he agrees to climb all forty-six Adirondack High Peaks in a single summer. And there's just one more thing--he has to bring along the dead woman's dog.

In a wild three months of misadventures, mountain mud, and unexpected mentors, Finn begins to find his way on the trails. At the top of each peak, he can see for miles and slowly begins to understand more about himself and his dad. But the mountains don't care about any of that, and as the clock ticks down to September, they have more surprises in store. Finn's final summit challenge may be more than even a hero can face.

You love your big brother so much! He's the best. So why doesn't he want you around? Ben Mantle draws from experience in a quintessential sibling story full of warmth and wit. 

Nano and his older brother, Felix, are best friends who read each other's minds and have super-secret phrases, like "totally grape." They do everything together! Like playing dino smash monster truckers ("Hey! That's MY car!") or being a pair of totally amazing artistes--until somebody's squiggly line crosses straight through Felix's perfect picture ("Moooom! Look what Nano has done!"). Nano can't wait to join Felix, the bestest big brother ever, inside his incredible tree house . . . but hang on, what's that sign that says "No Nanos Allowed"? Fine! He'll just build his own tree house . . . or rain house . . . wind or no wind . . . In Ben Mantle's classic story of squabbling siblings--the younger one adoring, the older in need of space--the comedic illustrator brings a fresh touch and signature visual humor, building up to a heartwarming denouement sure to resonate with brothers and sisters everywhere.

A sweet and engaging seek-and-find story that follows the ups and downs of a lost balloon.



What's better than holding onto a brand-new bright orange balloon?



Oh no! What's worse than accidentally letting go of a bright orange balloon and watching it float up . . . up . . . up into the sky?



In this nearly wordless book, sharp-eyed readers will spot something orange and round in every scene as they join an endearing journey from disappointment to hope to a surprise ending better than they could have imagined. A balloon, seek-and-find play, and a (literally) warm-and-fuzzy ending--who could ask for more?



GENTLE STORY: The world is a noisy and busy place. This warm and welcoming picture book is just right for when children (and parents) just want to relax with a sweet story in a familiar setting with relatable characters. Its gentle message of resilience and optimism shines.



INTERACTIVE READING EXPERIENCE: Within its quiet framework, there is ample room for active engagement--searching each scene for the lost balloon, finding the humorous moments and small side stories. and guessing what might happen next.



WORDLESS BOOKS: For early learners and emerging readers, wordless picture books are wonderful for expanding their imaginations, and becoming more active readers.







Perfect for:

• Young readers who enjoy seek-and-find books
• Parents, grandparents, and caregivers
• Teachers and librarians seeking wordless picture books to share
• Gift-giving for birthday, baby shower, or holiday
• Fans of picture books like Hot Dog, Every Little Kindness, and Bruce Handy's What If One Day...

When Mona the Mouse stumbles across the wondrous world of the Heartwood Hotel in the middle of a storm, she desperately hopes they'll let her stay. As it turns out, Mona is precisely the maid they need at the grandest hotel in Fernwood Forest, where animals come from far and wide for safety, luxury, and comfort. But the Heartwood Hotel is not all acorn soufflé and soft moss-lined beds. Danger lurks, and as it approaches, Mona finds that this hotel is more than a warm place to spend the night. It might also be a home.

This delightfully enticing start of a new chapter book series tells a tale of friendship, courage, and community, with exquisite black-and-white illustrations throughout.. Praise for the Magical Animal Adoption Agency series "[This] gentle tale of magic and self-reliance will entertain confident new independent readers. Clover's sweet story is a good next step for lovers of the Magic Tree House."
-Kirkus Reviews

"Readers will be envious of the world of magic that Clover becomes ensconced in and eager to read future installments."
-Publishers Weekly

"[A] charming story, delicately written, with a winning heroine. . . [and] a conclusion that will satisfy young readers."
-Booklist Online

"Graduates of sparkly chapter-book series will be right at home and looking for the next installment posthaste." -Kirkus Reviews "[T]he gentle but intrepid Clover continues to charm." -Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

NATIONAL BESTSELLER!



Two-time Caldecott Medalist Sophie Blackall's follow-up to her bestselling If I Was a Horse explores the challenges of first friendships through imaginative play. 



If we were dogs, what kind would we be?

I'd be a big dog! And you'd be little dog.

Woof!



Join two friends as they bark and growl, woof and howl - and maybe even quack - in a romp that makes room for everybody's ideas. 



Sophie Blackall unleashes a marvelous game of pretend that explores navigating friendship and celebrates boundless imagination in this wonderful companion for her national bestseller If I Was a Horse.

WALL-E meets THE RABBIT LISTENED in this tender picture book about a little wagon who learns to set his own boundaries, by Caldecott Honor-winning creator Cindy Derby.

Wheetle just wants to help. He's a wagon after all, and that's what he's meant to do. So when his friends ask him to carry slimy things, fragile things, heavy things, even squiggly-wiggly things, he always says yes.

But one morning he wakes up with a wobbly wheel. Oh no! he thinks, but decides he can still help his friends. When he hears a loud POP, he suddenly finds he is the one who needs help. Will his friends come through for him, this time?

Cindy Derby introduces us to a lovable character, Wheetle, in this new evergreen classic by the Caldecott Honor-winning creator of Outside In.

This riveting, “visually stunning” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) picture book biography tells the true story of Rose Valland’s valiant efforts to save thousands of works of art during World War II by becoming a spy in her own museum.

Rose Valland loved art. When the Nazis invaded Paris during World War II and took over her beloved museum, Rose could have fled. But who would save the artwork?

So, Rose remained and saw how she was underestimated by the soldiers for being a quiet, unassuming woman. She knew it was the time to act. And Rose had a secret weapon: she could speak German. She listened, kept track of all the stolen art, and saved what she could. Rose became a spy. And in the end, she saved thousands of works of art.

A thoughtful and whimsical picture book about Arnold Lobel, award-winning creator of Frog and Toad.

Arnold Lobel was many things: a quiet observer, an avid reader, and the kind of man who kept a gorilla suit in his closet, just in case. Above all else, Arnold was an artist and a storyteller. And he infused pieces of himself in the characters he created. This made sharing his books with the world scary sometimes—but his stories would go on to inspire and delight readers and live on in their hearts for generations.

A rare window into the life and work of Arnold Lobel, creator of the Frog and Toad series, Outside In and the Inside Out captures the iconic creator of some of the most beloved children's books of all time.

This latest book by the Caldecott Honor-winning team of Steve Jenkins and Robin Page highlights the numerous strange and fascinating features and appendages from teeth to toes to tongues of all kinds of animals.



Did you know...

a praying mantis only has one ear?

a squid has three hearts?

a giant African land snail can have up to eighteen thousand teeth?



Toes, Teeth, and Tentacles celebrates and highlights the numerous unusual and strangely fascinating features and appendages of all kinds of animals, from horns to toes and stomachs to hearts. From the two-tongued loris to a scallop's 200 eyes, readers will find joy in numbers with this latest book by these two masters of nonfiction. While not a counting book in the traditional sense, readers will enjoy learning all kinds of fun facts from the animal world as they look for fingers and fins!

Beautiful, non-fiction storytelling pairs with stunning illustrations in this nonfiction book about habitats, perfect for animal lovers everywhere.

From polar bear dens deep beneath the Arctic snow to eagle's treetop nests as big as cars, marvel at twenty amazing animal homes of all shapes and sizes from all over the world.

Finding Home features breathtaking full-color illustrations alongside an engaging entry into the science of habitats. This second book by internationally bestselling pair Mike Unwin and Jenni Desmond is a celebration of animals and their drive to survive no matter the odds--finding shelter in every nook and cranny on Earth, from the obvious to the unusual.

"Extraordinary...An unforgettable encounter that will spark a lifelong fascination." -- Kirkus Reviews (STARRED REVIEW)

The amazing migration of humpback whales, explored through lyrical language, fascinating infographics, and colorful art.

Come meet the humpback whales: we'll travel with them from the Antarctic to the Colombian Pacific, back where they were born. Let's learn about how their fins help them swim, how long they can live, why and how they sing, how their calves grow up, and how they fit into the baleen whale family. As we migrate with these marine mammals, we'll discover the joy of sharing our planet with these incredible creatures. 

Created in collaboration with humpback whale researchers, this browsable book welcomes readers to follow the animals for their full adventure or enjoy a few intriguing facts along the way. Journey of the Humpbacks is the perfect read for aspiring marine biologists, avid whale-watchers, and anyone who's ever dreamed of diving beneath the waves.

If you loved the Real Friends books, check out Shannon Hale's latest graphic novel series, the bestselling Dream On (Good Housekeeping's Best Book of the Year). It's a wholesome and sensitive story of hope, friendship, and heartfelt wishes, perfect for fans of Allergic and Click.

Something is missing from Cassie's life.

Her parents don't have much money, she has to share her bedroom (and bed!) with her sisters, and her family never seem to have time for her. To make matters worse, her best friend Vali is always busy with a new friend.

When Cassie gets a letter from a magazine sweepstakes with the words “YOU’RE THE WINNER” stamped on the front, she thinks it’s the answer to all her problems.

She could buy new furniture to replace their shabby old sofa. Or maybe a car so her family doesn’t have to take two trips to go places. Or maybe she can make Vali her best friend forever by taking her on a fabulous vacation. The possibilities are endless, like an all-you-can-eat buffet!

But will prizes really solve Cassie’s problems?

And what will she lose if she doesn’t win anything at all?

With bright and charming illustrations by Marcela Cespedes and Lark Pien, Dream On is a joyful story filled with imagination, big dreams, and wonder. This book is perfect for readers who want to enjoy a gentle and accessible friendship story, as well as anyone looking for SEL themes about empathy, kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.

This story also features children experiencing high sensitivity, big emotions, and feelings of sadness, making it a helpful tool to spark conversations and connections with young readers.

Two best friends follow their flights of fancy in this first book in a graphic novel series for early readers. Best friends Willa and Wade really want to fly. Sure, Willa’s an ostrich and Wade’s a penguin. But there must be some way they can get off the ground! The two thorough thinkers try different ways — from pirouettes to pogo sticks — to catch some air. But while they do a lot of trying, it doesn’t lead to any flying! Will the friends ever reach their lofty goal? Kids will be charmed. Who doesn’t want to fly? Especially with your best friend beside you!