Primary (ages 6-9)

Material appropriate for primary age groups

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. 

Wish: Wishing Traditions Around the World

This lively compilation of wishing traditions from around the world is sure to educate and inspire young readers. Each charming tradition provides insight into the cultures of lands far and near while reminding us of the similarities we all share. Includes Japan, China, Thailand, Russia, Iran, Israel, India, Australia, South Africa, Italy, Ireland, Brazil, Guatemala, Mexico, and the USA!

The Day I Became A Canadian: A Citizenship Scrapbook

On a snowy morning, little Xiao Ling Li and her parents are about to take part in a ceremony — one that will make them Canadian citizens. To record the day for her new brother or sister, she decides to keep a scrapbook to treasure the day. The Day I Became a Canadian is not only the story of one special girl and her family, it is a tribute to Canada. Xiao Ling Li’s scrapbook is a useful resource that is full of information for anyone embarking on the road to becoming a citizen.

Love, Splat

It’s Valentine’s Day and Splat has a special valentine for a certain someone in his class. Her name is Kitten, and Splat likes her even more than fish sticks and ice cream. But Kitten doesn’t seem to like him at all—she always ties his tail and pokes his belly when she sees him. And then there’s Splat’s rival, Spike, who also likes Kitten. Will Splat’s heartfelt valentine win Kitten’s paw in the end? In this funny follow-up to Splat the Cat, Rob Scotton captures the highs and lows of a first crush with humor and understanding.

The Peace Bell

Yuko’s grandmother remembers that when she was a little girl many years ago in Japan, her town’s beautiful temple bell was taken away to be used as scrap metal for the war effort. She thought she’d never see it again. After the war the bell was brought to America by a U. S. Navy crew who found it abandoned in a Japanese shipyard. Most amazing of all, the bell was later returned to Japan as a gesture of friendship between the former warring countries.

Tyrannosaurus Drip

The duckbill dinosaurs live across the river from the T-Rex’s. The duckbills are peaceful plant-eaters. The T’s are scary meat-eaters. When a duckbill egg hatches in the T’s nest, both the new baby and the T-Rex family must try very hard to get along. But the little dinosaur, nicknamed Drip by his new family, soon proves he’s not such a drip after all—in fact, he’s a real hero! Dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages will cheer for Drip in this timeless story about little versus big, by the author of the beloved and bestselling picture book, The Gruffalo.

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.