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Three short stories present three adventures shared by Rafi and Rosi, young tree frogs who live in Puerto Rico. Rosi knows that her older brother is magic; not only can he find things in the sand, he can also make the sea shine! But it is Rosi’s magic that finds Rafi’s lost pet hermit crab. Cheery, colorful illustrations enhance the humor of this engaging duo.

A family expresses the universal joy in the arrival of a new baby. Luminous language and illustrations introduce baby to the many small pleasures all around us, from sand between toes to sticky peanut butter. Parents and grandparents can share this story with children to recall their arrival into the family.

From one shopping cart to ten helping hands, the family shops, cooks, and then together shares a festive meal. Rhyming text and crisp illustrations show a warm extended family that brings joy to everyday activities.

Nancy loves being fancy and shares her enthusiasm with her family who all dress up and go out for pizza — fancy, of course! Nancy’s bubbly narration is matched by expressive illustrations that convey the affectionate and unique family, and their support for each other.

Ella Sarah is a young child with a mind of her own, especially when she’s dressing for her own tea party. Despite gentle prods from her family, Ella Sarah selects her favorite, slightly outrageous outfit. Illustrated in bold form, expressive line, and opaque colors with minimal text, this story is sure to delight headstrong heroines everywhere.

Cynthia’s old dollhouse is relegated to a dismal corner of the nursery once she receives her new Tidy Castle as a birthday present. Could a little help from a fairy queen save Racketty-Packetty House and its inhabitants from the fate of most old dolls and their out-of-date houses? Burnett’s classic has been newly illustrated in sepia-toned illustrations that capture the tale’s old world charm and timeless quality.

Owen’s singing, banjo-playing Granny goes out “to cross one river, one mountain, and a desert” just to see her bluegrass-loving grandbaby. Lilting, rhythmic language and evocative illustrations carry the reader all the way to the musical reunion of Granny and Owen.

When Tanya’s much loved grandmother becomes ill, Tanya inspires the entire family to help her finish the quilt — and the family history it reveals. This warm story is lovingly told with sensitive, beautiful watercolor illustrations.

Koko was an extraordinary real-life great ape who learned hand signs to communicate with her teacher (and the author of this book). For her birthday, Koko wanted a cat. Full-color photographs emphasize not only the size difference between Koko and her kitten, but the affection and trust they shared. This sensitive and revealing glimpse at animal communication is sure to win over animal lovers of all ages.

Warm illustrations of babies in action are paired with rhyming text in this small, sturdy book. Babies may see themselves in the pages, and the simple language may encourage them to act out the rhymes too!

Bidemmi is a budding artist and a careful observer of the world around her. As she weaves together stories and drawings of the people in her neighborhood, she ties the tales together through cherries — buying them, sharing them, and enjoying them. Learn how Bidemmi uses cherries to create her vision for the future in this brightly colored and softly crafted book that understands and speaks to young children.

Ruby Lu is an exuberant second grader who takes her responsibility to help her cousin transition from China to his new school in America. Unfortunately, it lands both children in summer school where Ruby remains daunted by a long book. The humor lies in the ordinary of a likeable, effusive child who just happens to be Chinese American.

In rhymes that are meant to be shared aloud, Annie and her brother, Alfie, share the everyday pleasures of childhood presented in playful language and true-to-life illustrations. The siblings joyfully make a huge difference to each other and their family in everyday activities.

It’s time for Carnival! Three short stories in this Easy Reader present the adventures shared by Rafi and Rosi, charming and mischievous young tree frogs who are brother and sister, and live in Puerto Rico. The stories include young Rosi dressing up in “Queen for a Day,” as well as Rafi’s “magical” periscope, used to watch the Carnival parade. Children and adults alike will enjoy the amusing experiences of these two siblings, as well as the cheerful and colorful illustrations. Spanish version also available.

To escape the coming conflict, young Soo leaves North Korea without her mother. Though her mother plans to join Soo and her father, the Korean War begins and Soo has only memories of her mother’s bravery. Darkly hued illustrations combine with the lyrical narrative in this story based on the authors’ own family.

Henry and Mudge visit Henry’s Great Grandpa Bill in his home with all the other old grandpas, bringing slobbery kisses, great joy, and lots of energy. Together, the Great Grandpas along with Henry and his dad go swimming and lean on Mudge — literally — when they get tired proving that even a big, wet dog can make a difference!

Quirky but appealing, crass but informative, Dr. Dog is the Gumboyle family’s pet beagle who provides health advice when they most need it, such as “don’t scratch your bum and suck your thumb.” Dr. Dog also gives competent counsel regarding certain culinary treats and their potential impact. Gross but funny, Dr. Dog provides digestible information.

Hally is the much loved pet of the Tosis family. They love everything about her except for her bad breath which may bring their happy days as a family to an end — that is until Hally saves the day by bungling burglars! This pun-filled text teams with laughs that come in a variety of smells.

Three pairs of siblings, sent to a summer camp that helps brothers and sisters get along, must unite to overcome an adversary at Camp Happy Harmony. The mystery unfolds through letters, memos, Post-It notes, and delightful illustrations in this offbeat story with puzzle-like appeal.

This popular series has been trimmed and translated into a new format. With middle school girls as protagonists, the visual storytelling amplifies characters and clarifies difficult concepts to make it appropriate for younger readers. Tough topics like stepfamilies and medical problems are discussed with sensitivity (and sometimes humor) through the context of the girls’ friendship.

Four orphaned children, Jessie, Henry, Violet and Benny, make a home for themselves in an abandoned red boxcar — that is, until they find they need a caring adult. This is the first in the gentle, ever-popular, now classic mystery series. Now more than 60 years since it was published, the story of four orphans who make their home in an old railroad car comes to life again.

Daisy narrates, in short, poetic language, how her older sister prepares for her marriage to Jamal. The emotional tale conveys both the joy of the marriage and the sadness of a sister leaving home. But ultimately, as Daisy and her family look at the wedding pictures, they remember the day fondly. Realistic illustrations enhance the story and add detail.

Jenny’s favorite uncle, Uncle Peter, is getting married. Now Jenny won’t be his only “special girl” any longer; she’ll have to share him with Stella! But Peter’s bride is as happy to have a new niece as she is beautiful and wins Jenny over. Child-like illustrations reflect the traditions and warmth of this Chinese American family.

This story prepares a child for what to expect at a traditional American wedding, from the point of view of the ring bearer. The simple rhyming text concludes with the bride and groom driving off, the ring bearer and other children throwing seeds for good luck – for “This is the way/The wedding will go.”