What should a pink pig don for Halloween? A pink princess costume, of course. Mercy is reluctant until the mention of treats is made. This is as lively and funny as the other books about this porcine prima donna.
Mercy Watson: Princess in Disguise
Mercy loves buttered toast, so she assumes someone is making it when she hears the noise in the kitchen. What she finds, however, is a thief trying to steal the toaster! What follows is funny, fast, and very much in keeping for Mercy Watson.
Mercy Watson Fights Crime
When Frances sees an organ grinder and his monkey sleeping outside of their apartment, she can think of little else — even during the Christmas pageant. It is then she finds just the right words. Soft, evocative illustrations enhance this touching story about concern and caring.
Great Joy
Edward Tulane is a vain and selfish china rabbit whose memorable journey teaches him what love is as well as the pain it can cause. This sparsely told tale is evocative and comes full circle bringing Edward and his story to a satisfying resolution.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
When Opal meets (and rescues) a dog in a Winn Dixie grocery store, the shaggy hound gains a name, a friend and a home. He also becomes the catalyst to bring a community together. Humor and goodwill are the hallmarks of this imaginative tale.
Because of Winn-Dixie
The long, cold nights of winter are the time when bear, frog, and a host of animals hunker down for sleep. Soft watercolors illustrate the drowsy text as the animals await spring and hibernate. Humorous touches augment the tone of the lullaby as everyone — including the listener — settles down.
Sleep Black Bear Sleep
Rabbit’s generosity sets off a chain of events that brings his kindness full circle. The lush and accessible acrylic paintings suggest the Chinese folktale upon which the retelling is based. A note at the end supports the notion of universal truth in folktales.
Rabbit’s Gift
Even a day that starts out on a sour note can become a good day after all, as four forest animals learn. A little girl who lives nearby finds the bird’s lost feather and declares for all to hear that it really is a good day! Uncluttered illustrations use strong line and gentle colors to convey the wondrous turnaround.
A Good Day
Hondo and Fabian, dog and cat friends, are back. Here, their days take very different looks as Fabian the cat goes outside to play with “friends” while Hondo stays in with the baby. Softly lined and hued illustrations create humor to show what really goes on with an escaped cat and a dog-chasing toddler!
Fabian Escapes
Bunny and mouse are friends who discover fun and mischief when the weather won’t allow them to play outdoors. But when the rain stops, “slippery drippy everything” makes mud — oh, so much fun in which to play! Simple language and expressive illustrations convey the child-like joy of play.
Bunny Fun
With the cadence, format, and appeal of the creators’ Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, animals found in North America are introduced. From a rattlesnake to a mountain goat, children will delight in the rhythm and predictability of the text and the cadence of the illustrations.
Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See?
Caroline doesn’t see much of the name of their new street, Meadowview, as she and her family move to their new suburban neighborhood. When she saves a single flower from the lawn mower, she starts to change not only her backyard but ultimately the entire neighborhood. Soft illustrations and understated text convey story and an important concept.
On Meadowview Street
A giant squid of bright blue likes to think of himself as the “biggest thing in the ocean” – until he is forced to realize that he’s not! Cartoon-like illustrations and understated text allow the humor of the underwater tale to shine.
I’m the Biggest Thing in the Ocean
When Hedgehog finds Mouse covered in leaves he learns that Mouse is now afraid of their friend Snake. When Snake saves Mouse, the rumor is unwound and Mouse realizes that Snake has always been his friend. Textured illustrations and relaxed text engagingly reveal a gentle message.
Help! A Story of Friendship
Fancy Nancy (still decked out in her amazingly fancy outfits) and her family decide to get a dog. Of course, Nancy wants a posh papillon, a small and delicate canine. However, they find the perfect pup at the pound — to everyone’s delight. Fans of Fancy Nancy will delight in her newest and quite fancy adventure.
Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy
Look! What is the large black spot on the red background? As the perspective moves farther away, it becomes clear that it is the spot on a ladybug. Several progressions start up close and move away to reveal the “hidden” subjects. A simple text accompanies each page. An endnote provides additional information about each.
A Closer Look
Residents of the New York City apartment were divided when a red-tail hawk took up residence atop their building and started a family. Based on real events, the illustrated story of the hawk nicknamed Pale Male will inform and perhaps inspire urban dwellers to look up – and share space.
The Tale of Pale Male: A True Story
When a bird builds its nest on Elephant’s head, his buddy Piggie suggests that Elephant simply ask the bird to move to another location. The bird honors Elephant’s polite request and takes up residence on Piggie’s head! Humor abounds in the understated text and simple illustrations of this easy-to-read book.
There Is a Bird on Your Head!
Little Rat wants to be musical and play an instrument just as do the other members of her family. But playing the violin well takes a great deal of practice, as Little Rat learns. Illustrations are richly hued and subtly add humor in addition to a gentle reminder.
Little Rat Makes Music
Three short stories about two friends, a small dachshund, and a teddy bear, are funny, touching, and recognizable. The illustrations have a naïve quality to capture the simplicity and warmth of the friendship and complement the story as told in both narration and the characters’ dialog.
Dog and Bear
Though Big Mama repeatedly asks her not to chase the birds, the young African American girl is determined to become the “chicken chasing queen.” She often focuses on Miss Hen, a particularly adept escapee – although a surprise find helps the girl reform. Humor and personality shine through in story and image.
Chicken Chasing Queen of Lamar County
Annie and her pet rabbit live next door to a boy named Henry and his oversized dog Mudge. Though Annie loves her neighbors and her home, she still wishes her house was prettier. Uncluttered illustrations and straightforward text reveal childhood concerns.
Annie and Snowball and the Prettiest House
Read about dogs with cat icons, and then turn the book over to learn about cats – with dog icons. Informative, informal text combines with textured collage illustrations for an intriguing and edifying look at these familiar animals.
Dogs & Cats
When first born, this small offspring of a circus bear was small enough to fit in one hand. Brought to the Berlin Zoo, Knut the baby polar bear went on to capture the hearts and imaginations of many people around the world. His story is told through full color photographs and gentle text.