Ice Cream Con

Jake and his buddies are over being bullied by the thugs at the housing projects he calls home. That’s why Jake decides to play the goons at their own game by creating a fake gangster, the Big Baresi. But before long, the imaginary mobster seems to have taken on a life of his own! The stakes are raised when a stash of stolen diamonds goes missing. From behind the wheel of an ice cream van, Jake’s got to pull off the ultimate con–while managing to keep the mint chocolate chip from a meltdown. Because, as the Big Baresi knows, revenge is a dish best served cold.

Out of Reach

Pressured by his aggressively competitive father to play soccer, teenaged Pip McLeod secretly pursues a sport that he truly enjoys–indoor rock climbing.

The Little Toy Shop

Come and explore Mr. Kringle’s special little toy shop, where he spends his days helping every customer find just the right toy. When a box arrives at the shop with a small stuffed bunny inside, Mr. Kringle determines to find him a loving home in time for Christmas. Could the little girl who peers through the toy-shop window be the one who provides just the home he seeks?Meet Teddy, the stuffed bear who befriends Bunny, and watch their friendship deepen as, one by one, the other toys leave the shop. Will the little girl who stared at Bunny through the window ever come back to claim him?Frances Wolfe’s vibrant paintings complement her poignant prose in this heartwarming tale of love lost and found for the young and the young at heart.

The Indian Subcontinent (Global Hotspots)

Global Hot Spots fills in the facts behind the headlines, building students’ understanding of the historical context of the events they see on TV. It provides accounts of real-life experiences and explores ‘how history was made’ in these conflict zones.

The Princess Who Had Almost Everything

Princess Alicia has everything she needs and more. A splendid castle, mountains of desserts, and loving parents who do everything possible to ensure she is happy. But even with all of that, Alicia is bored. Terribly bored. So what will it take to finally make her happy?The Princess Who Had Almost Everything is an enchanting tale that reminds readers of all ages that happiness is not always where you seek it, but instead can be found in the most unlikeliest places.

Through Time: Beijing (Through Time)

Through Time: Beijing traces the rise and fall of great dynasties and the everyday lives of the citizens who prospered or suffered under their rule. Beginning in prehistoric times, an agricultural community slowly evolves. Farming villages then come under the control of a local lord, and by the medieval period an imperial palace is taking shape. This new capital is then overthrown by invading Mongols, who destroy it and build their own city. Later, the Mongols are replaced by the Ming, who create the legendary Forbidden City and rule China for the next five hundred years. The book’s fluent narrative text and beautiful illustrations tell the enthralling story of BeijingÑits triumphs, conflicts, and people–right up to the present day. 

The Cat’s Tale: Why the Years Are Named for Animals

Willow’s pet cat Mao relates how the Jade Emperor chose twelve animals to represent the years in the Chinese calendar.