Ally isn't able to live with her mother. Instead she lives far, far away, on the other side of the country, with her gram and great-aunt. But one summer Ally goes to stay with her aunt and uncle in the "big city by the ocean" and gets to spend time with her mom. While exploring the shore, watching whales from the boat dipping into the salty water, Ally finds out something important: her mother loves to swim as much as she does.
I WANT TO BE THE BOSS! For once in their life, this small beast wants to get everything it wants, right here, RIGHT NOW! While the grown-up monster can’t give them a plane they can fly or a cake with lots of candy on top, they can give them a really big hug when they feel upset.
The drum represents the heartbeat of Mother Earth. We all belong to the earth and we all belong to the drum. Nikosis grew up going to powwows with his family, happily immersed in music, dance and the sounds of the drum. But when he starts going to daycare, he doesn’t feel like he belongs. Nikosis cries every time his mother leaves him in the unfamiliar environment until, one day, she and the teachers use drums to help Nikosis find connection and comfort.
The drum represents the heartbeat of Mother Earth. We all belong to the earth and we all belong to the drum. Nikosis grew up going to powwows with his family, happily immersed in music, dance and the sounds of the drum. But when he starts going to daycare, he doesn’t feel like he belongs. Nikosis cries every time his mother leaves him in the unfamiliar environment until, one day, she and the teachers use drums to help Nikosis find connection and comfort.
When Peter was little, he asked his grandmother to knit him a VERY big sweater. So, she made him a sweater with love knit into every stitch. Young Peter wore the sweater, with its drooping sleeves and oversized body, everywhere he went. Eventually, Peter outgrew his small seaside village and decided to see the world with his sweater providing comfort and a reminder of home on every adventure. After traveling for many years, he returns home to find a new family next door. They too have traveled from far away, and Peter finds a connection with the young son, who also needs a comforting reminder of home.
Tiny fingers, teeny toes—but baby won't stay little for long! Children grow from newborns bundled tight to toddlers taking their first steps in no time. Parents and caregivers know the heart tug of wishing they could hold their babies close forever while also feeling the joy and pride of each new milestone that accompanies children's growing independence. In sweet, rhyming verse, Stay My Baby expresses the feelings of wonder and love for a new baby, with a promise that, no matter how big they get, they will always have a special place in their family's hearts.
Bruno's home is a bit different, but he wouldn't trade it for the world. Bruno's friend Sanjay is lucky: he doesn’t have to share his room (well, except with a pet iguana), and he can leave his toy soldiers all over the house. And Bruno’s brother, Mateo, who is visually impaired, is pretty lucky too: He has a dog named Rocco who helps him get around. Plus, Mateo can keep reading after dark by using just his fingers (while Bruno has to use a flashlight). Still, Bruno has it pretty good. He can leave his bed a total mess. He can play dinosaurs with Sanjay and his iguana. And he can listen to Mateo’s made-up adventure stories (Mateo is a great storyteller). If he had to compare, he’d say he was the luckiest of all to have such a great friend and great brother.
This heartfelt imagining of what happens when a beloved pet dies offers children a caring introduction to the emotions of grief and loss, from a perspective of love and healing. Shay and their dog Fluffy are best friends. Through the years they are each other’s source of comfort and companionship in times of both sadness and joy. When Shay learns that Fluffy is sick and they must say goodbye, they feel angry and scared. But Fluffy offers a gentle reassurance—as she always has—and Shay reflects on the meaningful bond they have shared with their friend and the love for her that they will hold in their heart forever.
Lou spends every Saturday with Grandad and Pops. They walk to the library hand in hand, like a chain of paper dolls. Grandad reads books about science and design, Pops listens to rock and roll, and Lou bounces from lap to lap. But everything changes one Saturday. Pops has a fall. That night there is terrible news: Pops will need to use a wheelchair, not just for now, but for always. Unable to cope with his new circumstances, he becomes withdrawn and shuts himself in his room. Hearing Grandad trying to cheer up Pops inspires Lou to make a plan. Using skills learned from Grandad, and with a little help from their neighbors, Lou comes up with a plan for Pops.
Tomorrow is moving day and one little girl worries about moving so far, far away from her Aaji and Ajoba. But Aaji gifts her with a handmade kurta. A kurta with two big pockets for holding all the small things that will remind the girl of her grandparents--from the mogra flowers in Aaji's hair to Ajoba's diya. Then the girl has an even better idea and helps Aaji make two more kurtas with pockets she can fill to remind her grandparents of her too. When finally they are on other sides of a big ocean, they put on their kurtas--and do not feel so far, far away from one another. This touching story about worry and loving reassurance is part of our Own Voices, Own Stories collection.
After a long and unsuccessful search, Polka-dot Puppy finally finds a home.
Mousekin's mother reminds her it is a special day, but the little mouse cannot seem to figure out why.
Introduces readers to Ruth's day at a family reunion. Discusses the concept of family by showing Ruth with many family members, including her grandparents, her aunt, and her sisters. Additional features to aid comprehension include vivid photographs, Extended Learning activities, a phonetic glossary, and sources for further research.
When Joy is disrespectful to her mother, Leo the paintbrush teaches her about the importance of respecting your parents. Together, Joy and Leo learn about all the good things parents do for their children, as well as the value of speaking with kindness and helping out. Additional features to aid comprehension include a table of contents, a section on using respectful words, a S.T.E.A.M. activity, a phonetic glossary, sources for further research including web sites, an index, and an introduction to the author.
In this Little Blossom Stories book, Tulip the kitten goes missing, and her family searches high and low to find her. Uses decodable text, a repetition of sight words, and vowel sounds to increase readability. Focuses on the phonics skill of decoding open and closed syllables. Original illustrations help guide readers through the story.
In this Little Blossom Stories book, Mason and his sister Jolene run into some trouble with rabbits in their garden. Uses decodable text, a repetition of sight words, and vowel sounds to increase readability. Focuses on the phonics skill of decoding open and closed syllables. Original illustrations help guide readers through the story.
In this Little Blossom Stories book, Gram and Gramps search for the perfect gifts for their upcoming visit with their grandchildren. Uses decodable text, a repetition of sight words, and vowel sounds to increase readability. Focuses on the phonics skill of decoding consonant blends. Original illustrations help guide readers through the story.
In this Little Blossom Stories book, Bandit the dog escapes to chase a car and David needs to find him. Uses decodable text, a repetition of sight words, and vowel sounds to increase readability. Focuses on the phonics skill of decoding open and closed syllables. Original illustrations help guide readers through the story.
Zoey loves poutine with its French fries, gravy, and squeaky squeaky cheese curds. It's her favourite dish to make with her father. And it's their annual tradition to make it for their shared July 1 birthday. Zoey is excited. Tomorrow is her fifth birthday! It's also a holiday in Canada. This year, family members--grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins--from across Canada are coming to celebrate Zoey's birthday. But as a surprise to Zoey, everyone is bringing their own special poutine dish. Back matter includes information about the history of this classic dish, as well as a recipe.
Amaya was born on a winter night—and every experience and memory helps to build her identity. She is a little bit of Mama, whose family is far away in India, and a little bit of Papa, whose mother immigrated from China for a new life. She is a little bit of the salty ocean and a little bit of the rolling storm. A little bit of the stars in the sky, and a little bit of so many other things. When Amaya’s new sibling arrives, she knows just what to say about who she is, and what her sister will become. With stunning, whimsical art, this lyrical book asks readers to celebrate their own uniqueness—and that of others.
Tuchi longs to join in and play with the school's mariachi band, but it's the 1970s and in her community, mariachi is only for the boys. Still she hopes--and wishes on Señora Luna. When Tuchi stumbles across her nana's guitarrón, Nana teaches her to play in secret. The music rumbles inside Tuchi like desert thunder. Will Tuchi be ready for the big audition? And will Señora Luna help Tuchi make her wish come true?
"Who am I?" a young girl asks her mom as she snuggles close. "You are the fire that burns and the eagle that soars. You are the oak tree and the wild rose," says momma. Written from an Indigenous perspective, Who Am I? tells the story of how we are all connected to our ancestors, our past and future, and the Earth--and how it is everyone's duty to fend off darkness, connect to the past, offer safety and shelter, and color the world with beauty. An Own Voices, Own Stories Grand Prize winner.
Everyone's family is unique--and good! From sprawling extended families and close-knit units to adopted and chosen families, A Family Like Ours celebrates all those important connections we build over the years. Regardless of what yours looks like, family is a place for support, safety, growth, and inspiration. What is special, surprising, or sensational about your family?
Nana and her little bunny finish up a day of fun and get snuggled in for bedtime. With a book, a cuddle, and a sprinkle of sleepy dust, Nana's sleepyhead is off to dreamland. A tender celebration of the loving bond between nanas and their snoozy little bunnies sure to become a family keepsake.
Superheroes come in all shapes and sizes and sometimes they wear a very familiar face. In one household, Mom is late to work, Dad is sick with the flu, and the rest of the family is dealing with chaos. Who are you going to call? It's Supergran to the rescue! Supergran tackles all the challenges thrown her way, from finding missing pets to cooking a flu-busting stew to even chasing out a stinky skunk. There's nothing she can't handle as she supercharges her way to getting this household back on track. And at the end of the day, all is now right in this family's world. But her greatest superpower? Her love for her family. Now that's a superhero!