When a notice for a community potluck is posted, Victoria and her neighbor Mrs. Kosta decide to bring a beet salad as their contribution. But first they need to grow this special vegetable for their dish. They plant the seeds in their garden plot, and throughout the summer they water, fertilize, weed, and mulch. And they watch their beet grow and grow and grow. On potluck day, it's time to harvest so they can make their salad. Victoria grabs the garlic and the grater and Mrs. Kosta steps up to remove the beautiful red veg from its underground home. But their care and attention has grown the biggest beet ever, and it stubbornly refuses to come loose. This beet won't budge! Will Victoria and Mrs. Kosta be able to make their special salad? Not to worry--help comes in all shapes and sizes. This clever, humorous take on an old folktale is a celebration of community and the ways we all come together. Back matter includes a beet salad recipe.
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.
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.
A young bear is sure his favorite blue bike is the fastest around. But can he win in a race against his friend? Additional features to aid comprehension include a letter to educators and caregivers, an introduction to the authors and illustrator, a word list, and an activity.
A young bear and his siblings and friends decide to build a fort, but must learn to cooperate and share their items to get the job done. Additional features to aid comprehension include a letter to educators and caregivers, an introduction to the authors and illustrator, a word list, and an activity.
Mary’s new in town. She’s worried about starting classes at her new school. That’s why her mom called the Helper Hounds – and why Sparkplug, the wildly handsome, wickedly smart, card-carrying, world famous Helper Hound is on the scene. Sparky knows a thing or two about moving. He moved four times as a puppy, and learned to make new friends along the way. Sparky knows he can teach Mary all his best tricks and help her meet new friends, too. At least Sparky thought he could until he met Custard, Mary’s persnickety cat. Will Sparky’s best tricks be enough to win over Custard and show Mary making friends is nothing to fear?
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.
Leah and her friend play at the beach. This B-level story uses decodable text to raise confidence in early readers. The book features long "e" sounds and uses a combination of sight words and long-vowel words in repetition to build recognition. Original illustrations help guide readers through the text. Includes author biography, phonetics, and teaching guides.
Joe goes to the movies with a friend. This B-level story uses decodable text to raise confidence in early readers. The book features long "o" sounds and uses a combination of sight words and long-vowel words in repetition to build recognition. Original illustrations help guide readers through the text. Includes author biography, phonetics, and teaching guides.
It is Klara’s first soccer practice. She meets her teammates. They become friends! This title introduces readers to the importance of being social. Leveled text includes examples of being social, while special features summarize the main text and provide tools for success. Get ready to learn why being social is a key to living a healthy life!
When a monkey learns his friends can’t reach an apple tree, his clever idea leads to apples for all.
Brewster has a sore throat, and his crow won't go. Can his friends help him wake Farmer Dell up?
Miss Flutter enjoys a busy day of exploring her new home and meeting new friends. When she encounters a stranger, will she remember the advice of her friends and stay safe? This whimsical story weaves engaging characters with interesting facts about insects.
Everyone is busy except for Alex. Who will play with him?
Lizzie has a big problem. Who can help her solve it?
Little ones will relate to a little pup who just wants to explore. When Teacup jumps away from her owner, she's faced with a great big world that's a little bit scary. New friends are not far away and Teacup discovers that even a little dog can have a big adventure. Bright and bold illustrations are sure to captivate both kids and parents alike. For lovers of tiny dogs, big dreams, and fun stories, Teacup is a treat.
When Squirrel watches the birds, he sees something he desperately wants: the ability to fly. Even though his family tells him to give up his dreams, Squirrel refuses to stay on the ground. With the help of his friend Bear, Squirrel is able to soar, but will the birds share their skies? Squirrel and Bear Take to the Air is a story about overcoming adversity and leaping for your dreams.
Entry Level Reader It is good to have good friends! Mole and Hedgehog have lots of fun together. Beginning readers will meet Mole and his friend Hedgehog in this very simple 8-page reader. In this book, short sentences are paired with fun illustrations to get kids reading about Mole and how he is a good friend.
Tristan makes a snowman with his friend. This B-level story uses decodable text to raise confidence in early readers. The book uses a combination of sight words and short-vowel words in repetition to build recognition. Original illustrations help guide readers through the text.
Tristan must come up with a way to help a lost frog. This B-level story uses decodable text to raise confidence in early readers. The book uses a combination of sight words and short-vowel words in repetition to build recognition. Original illustrations help guide readers through the text.
Tudley, a pond-living painted turtle, adopts other animals' behaviors--simply because he doesn't know he can't! He flies like a bird, sings like a katydid, hops like a frog, and glows like a firefly. All the while, he uses his special behaviors to help other animals. But will Tudley's new friends help him when he needs help? The "For Creative Minds" education section includes fun facts about painted turtles, rubythroated hummingbirds, fireflies, leopard frogs, and true katydids. It also contains a "Make a Hopping Tudley" craft, a recipe for hummingbird sugar water, a "Creative Sparks" section, and a "Food for Thought" section.
Modeled after The Wizard of Oz, this enchanting story describes a young giraffe who suffers from a fear of heights. On his way to the doctor, he befriends a monkey who is afraid of climbing and a hippo who is a afraid of water. What causes the three new friends to face and overcome their fears? The "For Creative Minds" section includes fun facts and animal adaptation information, as well as a "Match the Feet" game and a mix-and-match activity. Encourages children to overcome their fears and to help friends in trouble.
In this tender story about the virtues of finding, keeping, and letting go, a young grouse is waylaid on her seasonal migration and carries her precious cargo to a new land. As the bird’s favorite Forever Flowers grow from planted seeds to blooming flowers, she discovers how unexpectedly one can stumble upon happiness and breathe into the contentment of life’s quiet moments, even amidst the winter’s dark. When spring arrives again, though, the grouse must make a decision: should she stay or fly away?
A crocodile named Snout assists his animal neighbors by ferrying them across a swollen river, then is repaid for his good deeds when he is in need of help.
