and... and... and...

A celebration of books and reading from Newbery medal winner Linda Sue Park and illustrated by two-time Caldecott medal winner, Chris Raschka.This is my book.My favorite book.I carry it with mewherever I go.Meet the child who loves books in this lyrical tribute to the joys of books and reading by Newbery medalist Linda Sue Park and featuring the jubilant illustrations of celebrated Caldecott artist Chris Raschka. My Book and Me invites us to reflect on beloved books which are friends we hold dear; books we read over and again; books that may take us to places afar to experience the world in different ways, and books that comfort and reassure us. This jubilant paean to literature is a celebration of our favorite authors, characters, and stories; those that we cherish the most and are friends for life . . . which books are your favorite?

Mama and Papa Bear are waiting for a special delivery, which finally arrives from the heavens above, but the bear cub they receive is not quite what they--and the rest of the forest animals--were expecting Inspired by parents who adopted a child with a debilitating genetic disease, A Surprise in the Wood exalts the love that makes a family strong despite the surprises that sometimes come its way. This powerful allegory will resonate with any parent who expected a bear cub and instead received a goldfish. It teaches to cherish the fish and immerse oneself in another's world, whether they breathe water or air. It also celebrates the value of community, especially when they learn to embrace difference. A Surprise in the Wood is a remarkable tale that delivers a moving and relatable story packed with emotional resonance and ultimately advocates for unconditional love and acceptance as a path through adversity. A donation from sales of the book will be made to the MCT8-AHDS Foundation, whic

A young boy celebrates a refreshing storm in this joyous picture book about experiencing with all your senses a cloudburst of rain on a hot summer day A boy looks up at the sky and smells the air as the first raindrops hit the ground. He listens as it begins to pour, observing all the symphony of sound this welcome downpour makes. He feels the water droplets on his skin and sees little rivulets of water on the sidewalk. "Badadada" he hears as the rain hits his yellow umbrella, "Ker-sploosh" as he jumps in a puddle. This boy uses all his senses to experience a refreshing summer storm. Koshiro Hata's illustrations revel in the joy of nature in Yuko Ohnari's new book featuring expressive onomatopoeia to sound out and enjoy. You'll definitely want to play outside the next time it rains. Perfect for units on weather and senses--but also just a sweet and happy picture book to enjoy together.

A new holiday classic in the making with a message for all that highlights the spirit of gifts and giving One morning Little Hare wakes up to a thud on her roof. When she goes outside to investigate, she finds a gift-wrapped package has landed on her house. So starts a search to find the owner. She drags the package all over the forest on the back of her sled, but no-one knows whose it is, until she bumps into a large figure dressed in red and white with a long white beard and glasses. This charming story follows the unfolding adventure as Little Hare helps to avoid a disaster and save Christmas for all her forest friends. Little Hare is rewarded for her generosity and selflessness with her own special gift. With delightful pastel art, Shatokhin has penned a tale that wonderfully embodies the spirit of the gifting season.

The third book in the Be Thankful . . . series for kids; this time, providing a gorgeous exploration of plant life and showing how essential they are to sustaining life on EarthWould animals be satisfied without plants? They would not!Leaves for gorillas, Food for antelopes,Grasses for zebras on African slopes.Plankton for small krill, Greens for manateesPlants provide food in big oceans and seas.The third book in the successful Be Thankful . . . series, Plants uses lilting, rhyming couplets to explore the many ways that plants are essential to our lives and the existence of life on earth. But it doesn’t stop there! Kids will also learn about the many uses of plants—and the environmental danger to plants posed by pollution and lack of respect for this precious resource. In this series, kids are encouraged to be kind, not only to one another but to the environment as well. Kids will view the many types of plants in our lives and will see them in a whole new light after going on a botani