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When a cat’s elderly mistress dies, he finds himself an outcast, soon forgotten. He begins a lonely journey, traveling across a lush country. When the tired cat comes to a stone cottage by the edge of the sea, he finds a new home with children who love him. Rich paintings combine with a lyrical text in this evocative saga.

Run, run, run just as fast as you can! You can’t catch me, I’m the Gingerbread Man! After escaping the kitchen, the Gingerbread Man taunts a number of animals until he is eaten by a wily fox. But don’t worry about this Gingerbread Man, he’ll come back when you make your own gingerbread cookies!

Gracie Rose is an obedient dog who likes her home just as it is: comfy and quiet. When Gracie barks to tell intruding house painters to leave, she is put outside and so begins the Great Gracie Chase, which eventually involves the entire town! The illustrations use flat colors and rounded forms to convey the circular chase that’s led by an appealing dog who finds her way back home.

Old Pat is on his way to a contest that will name the finest harpist in all of Ireland. On the way, his ill-spirited companion, Young Tom, begins to scheme for his own victory. But thanks to Old Pat’s willingness to come to the aid of a fellow traveler, a mischievous leprechaun intervenes, ensuring that both Pat and Tom are appropriately repaid for their actions.

The planetarium is closed for repairs, so the Magic School Bus blasts off on a real tour of the solar system. After their previous field trips, the children in Ms. Frizzle’s class are rather blasé about landing on the Moon, Venus, and Mars. A first-class introduction to the planets, fine for pleasure or purpose reading.

A cactus just isn’t much company, but it’s all Elizabeth has for a pet since her parents won’t budge on the issue; no dog, no cat, and a horse is just unthinkable. But then Elizabeth meets Doug, a bug found on the rug. Has she finally found the perfect pet?

Arthur’s little sister, D.W., hates to eat many things, but most of all she hates spinach. When she joins the family for a special birthday dinner, D.W. is surprised that her delicious pot pie actually is made with – dread – spinach! Humor and wisdom abound in this engaging tale.

Fiestas often involve puppets, masks, and piñatas. Meet Tío Rico, the elderly piñata maker in a Mexican town, whose artful creations are shown from start to finish in this handsomely photographed book. The text is presented in both Spanish and English.

This straightforward introduction to the summer Olympics and their origins provides basic information and history for capable readers.

A boy describes the trip he takes with his father to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Together, they look for the name of his grandfather, who died before he was born.

The “beautiful 200-year-old mansion on 18 acres of land right in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C.,” is better known as the White House. It’s where most, though not all, U.S. presidents have lived. Fun and fast, this lighthearted look at the residents of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is presented in sound bites and illustrations reminiscent of political cartoons.

Ole Scamp learns to like himself better once he’s changed by a peculiar witch. This wacky story uses comic illustrations to convey a positive message in a lighthearted, Seussian way.

Lighthearted illustrations provide just the right tone for brief looks at what happens when children lose their teeth in various places around the world. The title indicates what is done in Korea while an American child awaits the tooth fairy’s exchange. A map provides a quick glimpse of this intriguing, quick world tour just right for browsing.

Can the youngest chick solve the problem and help the family get to their tasty meal of potato bugs and beans? Of course, for only she can run tippy-toe around the fierce — but leashed — dog! Young children will appreciate the youngest chick’s success in this brightly illustrated tale.

Peter thinks his house is too noisy. The bed creaks, the floors squeak — it’s no wonder he’s having a hard time falling asleep! But when he follows the village wise man’s advice, he soon discovers that his house isn’t that noisy after all.

A young girl tells how her great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother perform an everyday activity, whether gathering flowers or making tortillas, and how every time it was the same but different. The vivid illustrations evoke Central American folk art and complement the graceful text presented in Spanish and English.

In the 1850s, “Orphan Trains” carried children from New York City orphanages to new homes in the West. Many, like Marianne, hoped to be reunited with their parents. Though not all of the children found happiness, Marianne’s story provides hope and an introduction to an intriguing period in American history.

Mr. and Mrs. Moose invite all their animal friends for Thanksgiving dinner. The only one missing is Turkey. They set out to find him, not realizing that Turkey is quaking with fear because he thinks his hosts want him on their table, not at it.

Enjoy Van Gogh, Picasso, primitive and contemporary art, sculpture, and more with a boy, a girl, and their family as they visit an art museum. Reproductions and original artwork combine in this attractive and engaging introduction to visiting a gallery or museum.

The history of voting in the United States is presented using a town’s mayoral election as the framework. Even the town dogs have their say in the whimsical, cartoon-like illustrations which provide additional information for the reader.