Picture Book

Crocodile! Crocodile! Stories Told Around the World

Engaging characters are brought to life in cheery cut-paper illustrations. This international collection of folk tales bring together six of Barbara Baumgartner’s most successful performances on one volume. For the first time ever, this well-loved storyteller has written down her stories for school-age children to enjoy at home. Engaging characters-from the clever monkey who outwits a hungry crocodile, to a magical dragon that brings secret gifts to a kind young boy-are brought to life in Judith Moffatt’s cheery cut-paper illustrations. Readers will also enjoy Bringing the Stories to Life with Stick Puppets, a special section at the end of the book. Following simple instructions for making their own puppets, children will learn how to act out the tales in the book. Through her animated stories, Barbara Baumgartner teaches young listeners the simple truths of folk tales and the wisdom that each imparts.

A House In The Woods

This Little Pig has made a lovely little den for herself in the woods, and that Little Pig has built a small hut right next door.  One morning they return from a walk to find that their big friend Bear has moved into the little den and their even larger friend Moose has moved into the little hut. It’s very nice to have friends live with you, but not so nice when both homes collapse!  But what if they find a way to build a house in the woods that all four of them can share? With atmospheric illustrations and a cast of endearing, industrious character, Inga Moore constructs an inviting story of friendship that kids will be happy to visit.

North

Come along on an extraordinary wildlife adventure!

Every spring, millions of animals, including gray whales, white cranes, wolves, and caribou, set off from around the world on a long journey north.  Follow them as they fly, swim, or walk hundreds, even thousands, of miles to the Arctic, where they’ll feed and breed all summer.

Combining powerful, poetic words and stunning illustrations, wildlife author Nick Dowson and sward-winning Illustrator Patrick Benson team up to celebrate the greatest journey on Earth.

Never Forgotten

This gorgeous picture book by Newbery Honor winner Patricia C. McKissack and two-time Caldecott Medal-winning husband-and-wife team Leo and Diane Dillon is sure to become a treasured keepsake for African American families. Set in West Africa, here is a lyrical story-in-verse about a young black boy who is kidnapped and sold into slavery, which will remind children that their slave ancestors should never be forgotten, and that family is more important than anything else.

A New Year’s Reunion

Little Maomao’s father works in faraway places and comes home just once a year, for Chinese New Year. At first Maomao barely recognizes him, but before long the family is happily making sticky rice balls, listening to firecrackers, and watching the dragon dance in the streets below. Papa gets a haircut, makes repairs to the house, and hides a lucky coin for Maomao to find. Which she does! But all too soon it is time for Papa to go away again.

See the review at WOW Review, Volume IV, Issue 4

Dancing on Grapes

It’s September, time for the annual grape harvest, one of the happiest times in Tuscany.

On the first day of the harvest, Claudia’s aunts, uncles, and cousins have come to her home to gather the grapes from the vineyard. Harvesting grapes is hard work, but Claudia knows it can be fun, too. At the end of the day, her family will celebrate with pizzas filled with ricotta cheese and sausages and olives.

But the most fun of all will be what Claudia has been dreaming about all year: crushing the grapes. Now she is old enough to join her cousins and stomp the grapes in the big tub. But the tub is on top of the cantina, and Claudia is afraid of heights. Will she muster the courage to climb the ladder to the top? Or will she wait until next year to join in the fun?

Mouse & Lion

On a ridge above the Kalihari, Lion naps, until Mouse bumbles into him, willy-nilly, startling him awake. After a show of teeth, Lion is softened by Mouse’s pledge of loyalty and sets him free. When a cold moon brings a humbling lesson, Lion comes to recognize Mouse’s keen skill, and deeper kindness.

The Scar

When his mother dies, a little boy is angry at his loss but does everything he can to hold onto the memory of her scent, her voice, and the special things she did for him, even as he tries to help his father and grandmother cope.