Americas

Materials from the Americas

Ten Birds

Ten birds are trying to figure out how to get to the other side of the river. The bird they call “Brilliant” devises a pair of stilts. The bird they call “Highly Satisfactory” engineers a raft. One by one, nine resourceful birds make the crossing until a single bird is left behind–the one they call “Needs Improvement.” This bird’s solution proves surprising and absurdly simple. More than a counting book, Ten Birds is a witty story that highlights ingenuity, common sense and the inadequacies of labels.

Watch Me Grow!

A charming introduction in words and photographs to growing food in the city. The focus is on raising food in cities, where it can be grown anywhere on windowsills, balconies, yards, boulevards and even rooftops. Children follow the food, from planting and tending to harvesting and eating. Kids also read about sharing in community gardens and community kitchens and about the friendships and sense of caring that grow as people tend their city gardens.

My Cat Isis

Isis was one of 1500 gods and goddesses worshipped by the Ancient Egyptians. My Isis is the one and only cat in our family. Isis wore a beautiful horned headdress to show that cattle were important in Egyptian life. We make my Isis wear a harness and leash because squirrels are important in nature. Through a series of lighthearted comparisons between his beloved pet cat and the Egyptian goddess, a young boy reveals surprising and playful parallels – and differences that are often funnier between their two worlds. The most obvious similarity? Isis that cat might not be a goddess, but her people couldn’t adore her more!

You’re Finally Here

“Hooray! You’re finally here!” Bunny exclaims from the first page of this young picture book. Then his mood changes: “Where have you been?” Bunny goes on to demonstrate the many reasons why it is rude to keep someone waiting. Just when it looks as though he has convinced the reader to stay, he takes a cell phone call! This silly book captures the way kids feel about being at the mercy of other people’s busy schedules.  

Without You

After a falling out, two very different friends explore all the things they can do without each other…and discover that life is much sweeter when it’s shared with one another. An endearing look at the ups and downs of friendship, this is a book you’ll want to share with someone special.

Totally Human

This playful science book introduces the biology of human evolution and behavior with an accessible, interactive text packed with information and wry, bright computer graphics on each spread.

The Trouble With Tilly Trumble

A sweet, read-aloud story of friendship for dog lovers everywhere in a tale about the relationship between a lonely person and a homeless pet that offers laughs and sincere emotion. Tilly Trumble collects chairs, but she’s still looking for the perfect four-legged, scruffy old thing to fill the space by the fire. When a scruffy dog arrives and doesn’t want to leave, Tilly finds the perfect companion for her chair collecting, sausage eating, and star gazing. Dog owners especially will find warm satisfaction in this story of a pooch who teaches his human friend a lesson in love, loyalty, and furniture arranging.

Moonsnail Song

April daydreams about the seashore and her search for the moonsnail. Gradually her daydreams become a bedtime lullaby as she drifts in and out of sleep. Reading this book is like holding a seashell to your ear; you can almost hear the pounding of the ocean and smell the sea fresh air.