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.
Each of us has a unique and powerful voice, whether we speak loudly or softly, sing or sign, or without any words at all. What matters is how we use that voice--because voices are meant to be used. Some of us use it to express ourselves through art. And some use their voices to vote and make big changes. Others use their voice to inspire or lift up others, helping other voices to be heard. Your voice is yours alone--and the world needs a voice like yours.
When you go into nature, just look around you. You'll learn to move slowly and let go, to be flexible and soft while staying strong, and to revel in your uniqueness while working with those around you. This gentle introduction to mindfulness and meditation encourages children to take cues from the creatures and sights around them, giving readers tools to manage worry and big feelings.
Some days are easy! The sky is sunny, and it feels like the whole world is your oyster. Everything goes according to plan, and we know what to expect. Other days are tough! There might be raindrops or skinned knees. Things don't go our way and we feel overwhelmed. But that is the up-and-down rollercoaster ride we call life. And everyone experiences it. The most important thing to remember is "No matter your day, tomorrow's brand new!" What a difference a day can make! An important message to keep in mind.
What do you want to be when you grow up? Do you reach for the stars? Do you value teamwork and shoot for the moon? Are you out of this world? You want to be an astronaut! It's a tough job but learn from a real-life astronaut what it takes to achieve that goal--and what you can do right now to help prepare for blast off! Discover the values, qualities, and soft skills needed to be a space traveler--or succeed in any ambition.
Squirrel is busy running his tailoring shop, Fix and Stitch: Tailor for all Needs. He can thread a needle and mend a tear in the wink of an eye. But now that the leaves have fallen and the birds have flown south, it's time for Squirrel to close the shop. He must prepare his winter home before the snow comes. But just as Squirrel goes to collect materials for his winter home, neighbors arrive, needing his special talents and attention. And Squirrel just can't say no to someone asking for help, whether it's fixing a rip in a favorite coat to problem-solving a stinky situation. He is always there for his friends. But what happens if Squirrel doesn't take time to care of himself and what he needs to do? Who will be there to help him? This story offers a gentle reminder that while taking care of others is important, one still needs to make time for oneself.
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!
One child feels a hope and a wish growing in their heart--and wonders: How do you make your wishes come true? Wishes of the World learns the answer to that question from children from the United States to Japan, from Thailand to Guatemala, showing readers that hope and wishes are universal even as we make our wishes in unique ways.
One young warrior, Maria, prepares herself--again--to battle through a dangerous land in order to reach the bell on the mountain, ring it, and rid her kingdom of beasts. The brave girl faces Serpent Sea, Fear Forest, and Monster Mountain with courage--and help from a few friends. Will she reach the bell this time? At the end of the day's disappointing quest, Maria returns to her hospital bed feeling beat. But her team reminds her of exactly who she is, a warrior. An allegory telling the courageous story of the millions of children battling cancers and chronic diseases--battling their own monsters every day.
Everyone's hair is different and good, and one girl shares all the things that delight her about her nappy curls. It stretches! It's springy! It twirls and loops and hoops! But that's nothing compared to all the amazing things she can do with it to express her every mood and style. It is truly unique. Just like her! Part of the Own Voices, Own Stories collection.
When mother pigeon arrives in Paris she knows it's the perfect place to call home--for a while. She makes her nest and lays her eggs and, when her babies hatch, nurtures them until they're strong enough to take flight. But as little Petite watches her brother and sister take off, she determines she is too scared and simply will not fly. With her family's encouragement she finally tries--and falls--and tries again. And learns an important lesson about fear, failure, and inner strength that will carry her throughout her high-flying life.
Toby is having the best birthday party ever until an ill-timed and unintended toot draws unwelcome attention and teasing. Poor Toby--he is so embarrassed! And now everyone is calling him "Tootles." To get out from under his cloud of shame, Toby goes to visit his grandmother, hoping to get some sympathy and understanding. But as it turns out, Grandma is a bit of a gasbag herself with her own windy issues. She toots not once, not twice, but THREE times during Toby's visit. And she's not even embarrassed about it! But Toby is. He's embarrassed by her and for her. It's only when Toby is facing another digestive episode that he realizes maybe it's time to follow Grandma's lead and not let little things get in the way of enjoying life. After all, gas happens! A sweet and funny lesson on how to handle life's hiccups and other unexpected "eruptions."
Life in 1880 Tenmile, Colorado, isn't easy. But it's all that 12-year-old Sissy Carlson knows. She's lived here her whole life, watching her father, the local doctor, tend to the town's citizens. And while the mountain setting is gorgeous, Tenmile is a rough gold mining town. It often feels like there's just a thin line between life and death. Mining is a hard job; men are hurt or even killed. Sissy sees the same thin line between the haves and the have-nots as she assists her father in his practice, seeing firsthand the personal and not-always-private struggles of his patients. Now that she's older, Sissy is starting to think of the world beyond Tenmile and where she might fit in. What opportunities might she find if she could just get away? What kind of future does Tenmile offer, especially for a girl? A poignant coming-of-age middle grade novel by New York Times-bestselling author Sandra Dallas.
The three pigs are just finishing up a hockey practice session when the Big Bad Wolf drops by and declares them Canadian bacon--and lunch. When north country bad boys Bear and Moose join the fray, the pigs invite the gang to settle their disputes The Canadian Way--with a rousing game of hockey. Will the big guys overtake the pigs with brute force? Or will the pigs skate circles around the lumbering baddies? One thing is certain, the trial is likely to end with a meal (poutine, please!). But will the piggies be on the menu?
Mr. Thatcher has been working to build the perfect house. And working. And working . . . and so, quite by accident, the house grows and grows in size. But it never seems quite like home. When a crowd of characters from his storybook neighborhood show up looking for a place to stay, Mr. Thatcher cries "It's not perfect yet! You don't want to stay here!" But soon he finds that what makes a house a perfect home has nothing to do with the craftsmanship and everything to do with the friends and family inside it.
Jack longs to be a pirate. He loves everything about the job, from the peacefulness of the ocean to the opportunity to make new friends to the excitement of exotic travel. Jack also loves to dance, from the graceful glide of the glissade to the energetic leap of the grand jeté; to the controlled kick of the grand battement. In fact, Jack often dances as he does his pirate apprentice chores. Unfortunately, Captain Squinty Eye's number one pirate-ship rule is PIRATES DON'T DANCE. Dancing is too silly and not fitting for a rough, tough pirate. What will it take for Jack to convince Captain Squinty Eye that dancing is not a bad thing, and may even help Jack be a better pirate? Or will Jack and his dreams get tossed overboard? An empowering and relatable story about staying true to yourself and following your dreams. Back matter includes explanations of dance movements, as well as definitions of pirate speak.
On a cold winter's night under a starry sky, a dozen snowmen swoop down into a woodland glen. With a swing and a glide, they waltz in pairs, moving gracefully along a frozen river to a one-two-three tempo. Wearing top hats and colorful mittens, the snowmen bump, spin, and laugh as they make their way to dance on a frozen pond in a clearing. But wait, who is tramping down the hill and into the very same space? A dozen penguins, with their gleaming eyes and red bowties, march into the clearing, interrupting the dance. It's a collision on ice. What a disaster! How can both groups share the same space? What will it take to sort out this kerfuffle to the satisfaction of both parties? Told in lyrical text with contrasting rhythms, this fun read-aloud offers a subtle lesson in cooperation for readers of all ages. Back matter includes song and sheet music, as well as a finger dance activity.
Joey Moss first became known to many Canadians because of his work with the NHL Edmonton Oilers hockey team. Joey loved connecting with people. Whether he was singing "Oh Canada" on a jumbotron screen at a hockey game, welcoming a new friend with a playful wrestling match, or dancing on a runway for a charity fashion show, Joey loved making people feel good. But his impact and influence started long before he joined the Oilers. Joey was born with Down syndrome at a time when many children like him were institutionalized. Instead, Joey lived at home, surrounded by his supportive family who was determined that he should receive the same opportunities as others. From this loving environment grew a caring, energetic man who went on to show the world that people like him could do many things and contribute greatly to society. The inspiring true story of Joey Moss, a champion for all to have an opportunity to live a full, purposeful life, comes alive in this heartwarming picture book for young readers.
Luna longs for a pet but the apartment building where she and her family live has a very strict NO PETS! policy. Not even goldfish are allowed. While her friends try to help with alternate pet suggestions, none interest Luna. Almost ready to give up, Luna spies in the trash something small, something green, something someone has discarded--a wilted plant. Perfect! Luna names her new pet Stephanie, confident she can nurse the plant back to health. When others question Stephanie's suitability as a pet, Luna's devotion is unwavering. She knows Stephanie is perfect just as she is. But will Luna's love and care be enough to bring Stephanie to full health? And what are those strange bumps growing on her? Brought to life with warm, expressive artwork, this charming story of one young girl's belief, determination, and out-of-the-box thinking is perfect for anyone who has ever wished for a pet, only to be told no. Back matter includes tips on how to grow your own "Stephanie."
Miss Mary is beloved by her students. She makes learning enjoyable and easy, and her brightly colored knitwear brings a smile to everyone's face. Walking to school on the last day before the Christmas break, Miss Mary envisions all the fun students will have at recess. They'll make snow angels, build snowmen, and play other winter games. But recess isn't fun. No one wants to play. The snow is cold and the children don't have any mittens. Not to worry, thinks Miss Mary. She will knit mittens for her students as a Christmas surprise. But the store has run out of yarn, with no more deliveries before Christmas. Oh dear, where can Miss Mary find the yarn to knit mittens for her students? The clock is ticking on this holiday surprise. Brought to life in charming colorful artwork, this uplifting and gratifying story of generosity and love reminds readers of all ages that the best gifts come straight from the heart.
Lily has a hole. It eats her joy, makes her angry, and--no matter what Daddy does to try to help--it just keeps growing. So Lily retreats. But a friend lets her in on a secret (he has a hole too!) and shows her the best way to repair holes: spend time on friends, family, the things you love, yourself, and kindness. Those patches don't make the hole go away, but they help. A lyrical and age-appropriate story for learning to cope with grief and loss.
Otis P. Oliver is taking a stand. He is NOT taking another bath--ever. But when your opinions matter to the rest of the family about as much as the opinions of the family dog (who, it's worth mentioning, only has to bathe once a month), you have to get serious. So Otis borrows a spiffy suit from his dad and rouses a rabble of neighbor kids to stand up for what the know is right: a bathtub ban. This hilarious story about standing up for what you believe in, compromise, and family will have readers of all ages ready to hit the pavement for their cause--whatever it may be.
On the eve of singing at a community festival, a bout of stage fright threatens a little girl's confidence. As Indigo Blume drifts off to sleep, she isn't sure she's brave enough to take the stage. But once she falls asleep, Indigo finds herself in a dream world with the characters of her favorite book, Acoustic Rooster and his Barnyard Band. The band's members, including Miss Dairy Parton and Chickee Minaj, are rehearsing, and they invite Indigo to join the group. But when a storm destroys their barn, the animals are left with almost nothing. Can Indigo rally the band to work together and save their home? And will she find her voice in time for the festival?
Natalie and her devoted tooth fairy exchange letters, asking and answering questions about some of childhood's most important moments. From the loss of her first tooth as a first grader to losing her last two baby teeth as a confident eleven-year-old, Natalie's early milestones, including bad school pictures and best friend troubles, are lovingly told through this epistolary relationship. Readers of all ages--those with baby teeth and those years beyond--will cheer for Natalie as she experiences the highs and lows of this time of life. Energetic, colorful artwork perfectly captures the magic of this toothsome tale, making us all wish for our very own tooth fairy.
Meet Tip and Tucker! These hamsters are best friends and like to stick together. But while little Tip is sometimes nervous about new situations, Tucker likes to explore and see new things. Everything changes when Mr. Lopez purchases them from the pet store and takes them to his classroom. In Hide and Squeak, Tip gets loose from their cage and lost in the school. Will Tucker be able to find him? In playful, simple stories written especially for the K-1 audience, Tip and Tucker will help beginning readers explore new feelings and learn to navigate classroom dynamics and relationships.
