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Mr. Putter’s neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, decides that they should join a band, but finding the right one isn’t as easy as it sounds — for them or their pets. Mr. Putter’s everyday adventures continue In other books in the series such as Mr. Putter and Tabby Paints the Porch (opens in a new window); here the help Mr. Putter gets from his animal friends makes painting his front porch a challenge.

The rascally child introduced in Chicken Butt returns. Here, he gets his poor mom to say all kinds of rhyming words as he plays with homophones (think: but, butt; bare, bear). Cartoon illustrations add to the humor of the mother-son conversation.

Unlikely friends, Cork (a short muskrat who enjoys the water) and Fuzz (a tall possum who doesn’t) find that practice can turn fear into an unexpected adventure. Expressive illustrations and understated humor present a memorable, exciting everyday escapade.

Listen in to these two classic tales — about princes and princesses — read with character and energy by Oscar-winning actors Williams and Thompson.

Join siblings Annie and Jack on their first eight magical adventures as read by the author.

Mercy, the delightful pig adopted by the Watson family, gets mixed up in all kinds of humorous adventures in this collection from Newbery winner Kate DiCamillo.

Freddy is back with his super shoes, his purple zapatos, to help solve a mystery and save a squirrel loose in school. Likeable characters in fast-paced, recognizable activities make these novels appealing and accessible to newly independent readers. Look for the 3^rd installment of Freddy’s adventures in Zapato Power: Freddie Ramos Zooms to the Rescue

J.J. Tully, a retired search and rescue dog, takes on the task of finding two lost chicks that their mother fears were kidnapped. Not only does J.J. solve the mystery, he finds unexpected friends. There’s plenty of adult humor in J.J.’s narration, but lots of laughs for newly independent readers, too.

Only one ‘unsatisfactory’ tarnishes Stink’s report card: physical education. Smaller children will empathize with Judy Moody’s little brother as he tries to find a sport that he likes and can excel in — which just might be thumb-wrestling! The series continues with verve and good humor.

Animal buddies at the boardinghouse for animals do their best to make the new guest comfortable while on a vacation. But what is this chicken up to? And can the other animals prevent an awful occurrence? Lively language and likeable critters create an engaging novel.

What will 2^nd grade Keena do to keep her best friend from finding out what she’s written in her private journal? Identifiable issues and emotions are plausibly resolved in this readable novel when the class meanie finds Keena’s diary and insists Keena do as she demands — or else!

Daisy Dawson, an imaginative child, is excited once school is out because she and her parents will spend the summer at the beach. There, she finds, enjoys, and helps new friends — human and animal. Sprightly illustrations bring Daisy’s character and her summer adventures to life.

Four siblings decide to make strawberry jam for Father’s Day — but the strawberries keep disappearing from the garden. In order to make the planned present for their dads, the kids must identify the fruit snatcher! The mild mystery is just right for newly independent readers.

A sly walrus evades the zookeeper, all the while hiding in plain sight: at a lunch counter, in a window display, and many equally obvious (and silly) places. After taking a swimming prize, the walrus returns to the zoo. Flat forms augment the understated comedy of this wordless tale.

Max, Ruby, and friends are back for a series of short everyday adventures. They cook and open a restaurant, learn to swim and save a special buddy, and more. Humorous, textured illustrations in a large format are just right for bedtime (or anytime) sharing.

A sudden summer shower sends animals from the forest and the farm — including Kitten — running for shelter. Textured collages and rhyming couplets present the creatures, their environment, and their actions in rich, rhythmic, and brief language.

An eye peering through a hole and a die-cut on the next page provides a twist on an old game to introduce a range of animals, a notable characteristic, and a specific color associated with each. The participatory format and handsome illustrations will engage children for many readings.

Baseball is America’s pastime — even for nocturnal animals like bats! As in the other books about these engaging creatures, the fun is seeing them wear baseball togs as they prepare for and play the game. Rhyming text and realistic illustrations highlight spectators and players.

“The selfless struggles of labor leader Chavez are given a tempered and lucid treatment in this educational overview… The characters are drawn in an intentionally stiff style that fits with the depth-challenged folk art backgrounds, most of which are dominated by the color of sand. The text, meanwhile, is peppered with quotes from Chavez, all of which are backed up with source notes. An elegant introduction to a man who inspired thousands.”
— Daniel Kraus, Booklist

When Moose’s family moves to Alcatraz so his father can work as a guard and his sister Natalie (who has autism) can attend a special school in San Francisco, Moose has to leave his friends and his winning baseball team behind. Moose just wants to protect Natalie, live up to his parent’s expectations, and stay out of trouble, but on Alcatraz, trouble is never very far away.

Oscar, a curious kitten, learns more about why sticks and twigs are used by birds and other materials are used differently. As with other books in the Start with Science series, Oscar’s science explorations are just right for younger children and may launch further exploration.

Activities suggested are easy and engaging for young children and an adult. This title from the Science Play series — intended for the youngest budding scientist — uses conversational language and uncluttered illustrations to encourage further observation and experimentation.

Stanley, a slightly lumpy but appealing dog, does not adjust well when his people bring home a cat. Eventually, however, Stanley and his “little sister” work it out much as children do with new additions to their families. Textured illustrations add verve to the lively language in this appealing book.

Peter did not want to give up his things from babyhood, especially his old blue chair. When he recognizes that he has outgrown his once favorite chair, he helps his father paint it for his new sister. This modern classic is illustrated in textured collage and unaffected text.