Often mistaken for a rat . . . or, worse yet, a meal, Valentino is a guinea pig trying to find a home where he can live happily ever after. He runs away from his native home in Bolivia as a stowaway and he has many adventures until good fortune lands him in a pet shop. Soon after, he finally meets Maddie--a little girl with a lot of love to share who is hoping for the perfect pet. Who says dreams never do come true or there's no such thing as a happy ending? Just ask Valentino and Maddie!
A retelling of the Grimm Brother's beloved tale about five animals who travel together to Bremen, and encounter an unexpected result along the way.
Anna is never on any team at school. But she is determined to be part of the annual wreath-laying team at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington. Not until the end of the story do readers discover that Anna is blind.
The kids at school want to know why Becca is wearing glasses and a patch. Instead of telling them she has amblyopia, Becca leads her friends imaginative adventures to explain her new fashion accessory. Mitch Vane's illustrations capture the spunky exuberance of this resourceful heroine.
Acclaimed author Kathryn Lasky explores the nature of friendship in three delightful stories for beginning readers. Creative, impulsive Poodle and loyal, dependable Hound are an unexpected pair. Together they star gaze, plant a garden and prove that two very different individuals can not only be compatible, they can complement and help one another. This book is good for your brain because: Friendship, Helpfulness, Language Arts
After a long night of foraging, a tired raccoons returns home to sleep in Old Tree's branches. Oblivious to the rain and wind of a raging storm, the raccoon is protected and sheltered by the tree.
Books make everything better. Being a bookstore tiger is hard work. There's much patrolling, and a lot of sitting in laps at story hour, and then there's sleeping in the window display. But Raj is up to the task. He is fierce and proud, until Snowball comes along. The new cat in the bookstore informs Raj that he's just a marmalade kitty-cat. Times get tough then for the bookstore tiger. But bookstore and Raj owner Felicity, with the help of poet William Blake, knows how to fix things. In turn, with a very special book, Raj is able to fix things with Snowball. Paige Keiser's quirky, intimate illustrations invite readers to curl up and share a story, with their own tigers or a friend.
A trip to the vet requires bravery. They met and became best friends in Aggie and Ben. They learned to behave in Good Dog, Aggie. Now Aggie and Ben must conquer their fears in their third book for beginning readers. Aggie has to go to the vet, but it's Ben who needs to be brave as he deals with a night without his best friend. When Aggie returns home, she is unable to play. Ben must do his best to take care of her and make her feel better. Frank W. Dormer's expressive illustrations tell the story of the special bond between a boy and his loyal dog. Young readers will love the continuing adventures of Aggie and Ben.
Daddy takes Ben on a surprise trip to the pet store. Ben doesn't want a mouse, a snake, or even a cat. But when a certain puppy makes Ben laugh, a lasting friendship is formed. Three short chapters trace a day in the life of Ben and his new puppy, Aggie.
Aggie and Ben are back with another adventure in three short chapters just right for beginning readers. Ben and Aggie are playing fetch in the park. When Ben throws too far, Aggie doesn't come back! Ben looks and looks, but he cannot find her. It is the worst day ever. Ben's sadness turns into determination as he retraces his steps, makes posters, and enlists other people to help turn Aggie from a lost pup a found one.
The friends find a treasure that doesn't belong to them. Should they keep it? Or should they try to find the owner? Character concepts: being responsible, being honest, working together
Pig is having fun in the mud. But when his barnyard friends what to play in the mud too, will he learn it's more fun to share or will he hog all the mud to himself? This adorably illustrated story teaches young readers the value of taking turns and sharing.
Old Scruff is having it rough with the fleas until two sly cats teach him new tricks. Young readers will learn, through this humorous and beautifully illustrated story, the key to earning respect: always saying please and thank you.
When Dog is down on Cat's plans, will Cat give up or keep after her dream? Character concept: Responsibility: Never give up.
Ocho the Octopus is best at helping others. And he enjoys it. But how will the others react when Ocho can use help? Children will learn that being kind is easy with this beautifully illustrated story.
Duck Girl is planning a stick-up when the Bunny Troop comes by. But will Turbo Turtle be able to help the troop in time? Young readers will learn that anyone can be a super-hero just by helping others!
Garbage is everywhere! And Nick spots the culprit littering the city. Will Neat Nick have to clean up the streets all by himself or will Sloppy Joe learn to change his ways? This fun and lively rhyming story shows young readers that protecting the environment can be cool!
The yard may not be big enough for Bulldog and all his friends if he keeps up the snarling and snapping! They’re scared and upset. But one friend decides he might make a stink.
The friends are happy it is Field Day! But then they learn there is no race for turtles. How can the friends help the turtles have fun too?
It's Ted's birthday and everyone's forgotten the important date! How do the friends save the day and come up with the perfect gift? It's a surprise you'll have to discover. Character concepts: being responsible, empathy, being a good friend, working together.
Pip has a problem. Tab promised to make lunch for the big picnic. But when Pip arrives, nothing is ready. How do Pip and Tab work together to make the picnic a success? Character concepts: being a good friend, working together, being responsible.
When things begin to disappear, the friends want to know who is responsible. Can they forgive the thief and turn a fiend into a friend? Character concepts: self-esteem, being honest, being a good friend, working together.
Bun loves to wear hats. She's very creative. But when she hears her friends make fun of her hats, Bun is sad. How will the friends cheer her up? Character concepts: self-esteem, empathy, being honest, being a good friend, working together
Sox can't wait for the big race. But Tab decides to run in the race and asks Sox to help him train. Sox knows Tab is slow. Will Tab slow Sox down or will Sox run to win? Character concepts: perseverance, self-esteem, empathy, being a good friend, working together
Every day the blue jays find a way to bother Ted. Will these bully birds keep Ted inside or will his friends find a way to help? Character concepts: Self-esteem, perseverance, being a good friend
