This is the first longer-format, middle-grade collection from #1 New York Times-bestselling author-illustrator Calef Brown. Moving away from the picture book format offers Calef the opportunity to tackle a variety of themes and poetry styles as well as reach a slightly older audience along the lines of Doug Florian and Shel Silverstein. The book is chock-full of Calef’s zany black-and-white artwork and features his wonderfully inventive characters and worlds–from the “completely nonviolent and silent” Lou Gnome to Percival, the impetuous (and none-too-sensible) lad who believes he is invincible, to Hugh Jarm (who has a huge arm, natch!). It’s a whimsical world: creative, fun, and inspiring!
Age
Catalog sorted by age group
Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince
Sixth-year Hogwarts student Harry Potter gains valuable insights into the boy Voldemort once was, even as his own world is transformed by maturing friendships, schoolwork assistance from an unexpected source, and devastating losses.
Ah!
Two bunnies fall in love, but are separated by two spiders who laugh at the bunnies and start a romance of their own.
Monty’s Magnificent Mane
Monty the lion loves his long, golden mane, so he’s not happy when his meerkat friends mess it up. Stomping off to the waterhole, he’s cheered up by the flattery of a new friend, a big green friend. With a SNAP Monty realizes that his flattering pal is actually a giant crocodile looking for dinner.
Winnie
When Harry Colebourn saw a baby bear at a train station, he knew he could care for it. Harry was a veterinarian. But he was also a soldier in training during World War I. Harry named the bear Winnie, short for Winnipeg, his company’s home town, and he brought her along to the military camp in England. Winnie followed Harry everywhere and slept under his cot every night. Before long, she became the regiment’s much-loved mascot. But who could care for the bear when Harry went to battle? Harry found just the right place for Winnie, the London Zoo. There a boy named Christopher Robin played with Winnie–he could care for this bear too!
Jessica’s Box
Will Jessica find a friend at school? It’s not easy when you’re shy, so every day she brings her cardboard box filled with something different to share. Until, finally, she discovers that all she truly needs to share is herself. Jessica’s Box will capture the heart of every child, parent, teacher, and friend.
Chooky-Doodle-Doo
When one big-eyed chick fails to yank its prize worm from the ground, it’s time to bring in a friend—and then another, and another. But if adding a rooster to the crew still doesn’t do the trick, could it be that a worm isn’t always what it seems?
There’s This Thing
There is a Thing that a little girl would like to know better, but she is not very brave and does not know how to ask, so she tries sending an invitation, trapping the Thing, and more with no luck.
Hoot Owl, Master of Disguise
Hoot Owl is no ordinary owl. He is a master of disguise! In the blackness of night, he’s preparing to swoop on his prey before it can realize his dastardly tricks. Look there—a tasty rabbit for him to eat! Hoot Owl readies his costume, disguising himself as a carrot! Then he waits.
Here In The Garden
A tender picture book about loss, love and friendship. As the seasons change, a young boy shares the magic of his garden with a special friend. Here in the Garden is a personal tale from Briony’s life and shows that you can always find your way back to a loved one through your heart and memories.